Hillcrest, University Heights, Mission Hills, North Park: Neighborhoods full of culture, character and charm.

Uptown encompasses some of S.D.’s most diverse and eclectic neighborhoods.

Hillcrest, which borders Balboa Park’s northwest corner, is one of the county’s most vibrant areas. Adjacent University Heights and Mission Hills are filled with Craftsman-style homes, cafés and quaint boutiques. And just east of Hillcrest, a renovated theater, galleries and cafés are helping North Park become San Diego’s next arts district.

Hillcrest, Mission Hills & University Heights
The hub of Hillcrest, at the intersection of University and Fifth avenues, is a buzzing, heavily trafficked scene throughout the day, with cars lined up in both directions, and joggers, dog-walkers and coffee-sippers crowding the sidewalks. Fabulous shopping begins at University and First avenues and runs 12 blocks to Park Boulevard. Special finds include the pet boutique Tag for Dogs & Cats (142-D University Ave.), Vespa Boutique (416 University Ave.), an homage to the sleek Italian scooter; and Mint (525 University Ave.), which sells retro, urban footwear.

Farther up University, you can browse home accessory shops like Pomegranate Home (1037 University Ave.) and Cohabitat (1433 University Ave.), while just off the main drag you’ll find casual wear at American Apparel (3867 Fourth Ave.) and baubles at Amonite Jewelry and Beads (3934 Fifth Ave.). Don’t miss The Lily Pad (3746 Sixth Ave.), a classic children’s store. Leave time to peruse 5th Avenue Books (3838 Fifth Ave.) and Bluestocking Books (3817 Fifth Ave.), whose shelves are lined with out-of-print and rare tomes. Begin your new novel over tea at Extraordinary Desserts (2929 Fifth Ave.).

Northeast of Hillcrest on Park Boulevard lies quaint University Heights, home to several ethnic eateries and cafés like Twiggs Bakery (4659 Park Blvd.). After a long day of shopping on nearby Antique Row, which stretches east on Adams Avenue, relax at Trolley Barn Park (Adams Ave. between Alabama St. and Park Blvd.), built on the site that once housed S.D.’s first trolley cars.

The streets of gorgeous Mission Hills, northwest of Hillcrest, are lined with stately homes, quaint cafés and boutiques. French Garden Shoppe (3951 Goldfinch St.), the oldest store in this district, carries Italian pottery; California Fleurish (4011 Goldfinch St.) offers a plethora of fragrances and scented candles; Maison en Provence (820 Fort Stockton Drive) carries French Country home accessories; and Taboo Studio (1615 1/2 W. Lewis St.) features jewelry created by local artists. Presidio Park, at the western edge of this neighborhood, is historically significant as the site of the first European settlement in California. Scenic trails lead to the neighboring Junípero Serra Museum. The museum, built in 1929, is a replica of the mission originally erected there in 1769.

great find
TINY DANCER
Stumbling upon Maeve Riley in charming South Park is like opening up a music box. A vintage ballerina gown hangs gingerly on the wall, while petite archways and a glass chandelier lend the shop a dollhouse-like charm. Owner Michelle Smith similarly emphasizes delicate detail and style in choosing which items to stock. Though the space is small, it’s smartly arranged and doesn’t feel cluttered: menswear on the right, women’s apparel on the left and a small display of candles, lotions and décor items in between. Among the shop’s hot items for fall: corduroy peacoats and thin silk tops from Mon Petit Oiseau; pair these with a funky pendant and you’ve got one seriously cute ensemble. The shop also carries supersoft cotton tops from C&C California, sunglasses by Paul Frank and more. 2328 1/2 30th St., South Park, 619.501.3500. Closed Monday.

North Park
Quickly becoming San Diego’s newest art district, this neighborhood—in the midst of several city-led redevelopment projects—recently celebrated the opening of the Stephen and Mary Birch North Park Theatre (2891 University Ave.). The fully restored 736-seat auditorium was originally built as a vaudeville and movie house in 1928. Today, several local groups perform there. Ray Street, two blocks east of the theater, has become the hub for artists and art galleries. Visitors are invited to experience Ray at Night, a gallery-hopping event held monthly on the second Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m., featuring paintings, ceramics and glass.

Click HERE for a detailed map of Uptown.