San Diego's most openly gay neighborhood is Hillcrest. You'll find an article on it from our local newspaper, the SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/citysearch/feature/neighborguides/hillcrest/index.html

Most of the restaurants and shops that it recommends are of equal appeal to gay and straight; however, it does list some gay oriented clubs in the latter part of the article.

As your "Resident GFT" who lives in the heart of Hillcrest (okay when I am in town, that is), may I say that there is more to discover San Diego than Hillcrest alone. Most of the nicer bars, and restaurants are located on the peripheral of Hillcrest, notably University Heights, North Park and Kensington Heights.

While not being the bar-bunny that many FTers believe that I am, I can say that the clubs and bars in San Diego offer a very relaxed and casual attitude. Jackets are way over-dressed!

I visted the Hillcrest area when I was in San Diego back in December, where I experienced some wonderful San Diego hospitality!

What exactly is there to do in SAN? I never visualize it as a place to visit, despite direct flights for me PHL-SAN.

Well, there's always the Big 5 http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

(OK, now I've I've dated myself with Menendez Brother humor).

Well the zoo is nice, the weather is always nice, and so is walking along the beach (or "sightseeing" along the beach) http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

Any true connoisseur of sin and sleaze could only respond with one word: Tijuana.

(also not a bad mileage run with frequent $188 RT east coast fares)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by catwood:
What exactly is there to do in SAN? I never visualize it as a place to visit, despite direct flights for me PHL-SAN.</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Guy Betsy:
As your "Resident GFT" who lives in the heart of Hillcrest </font>

Lives in San Diego? Ha! Couldn't prove it by me - I'd have a far easier time seeing you if I were willing to meet you for dinner in Paris or Singapore. GuyBetsy, my friends, is a man who LIVES on airplanes - and thus is one of my FT experts on Cathay and all things OneWorld. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

I visited SAN once with a then boyfriend.

We stayed with his Aunt who seemed to be about 127 but she made sure we had a big bed together and really spoiled us when we were there.

I have lovely memories of the stay. I often wonder if she is still with us.

It's a shame that when a boyfriend becomes history you lose touch with those you knew through them - I am sure that's a straight thing too.

Stephen

Yes, there's quite a bit to do here.

Hillcrest is the heart of it all, as was noted here. The other communities where you'll still find gay oriented clubs/bars/restaurants are virtually adjacent to Hillcrest.

For the few places "way" outside Hillcrest, such as Pacific Beach and La Jolla, there were a couple places that have since "converted" unfortunately. There's still a few though outside Hillcrest.

Thank you, SanDiego1K for such kind words of encouragement!

So what's there to do in San Diego, some may say?

Visit ME and SanDiego1K! http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Okay, okay... when I'm in town that is!
Lunch perhaps?

I live right in the heart of Hillcrest. Because of the close proximity to Downtown San Diego, Hillcrest is becoming more and more "mixed" (as in straight/gay).

Many people would love to live in downtown but it has become "out of reach" real estate wise (condos for 500k-1million) due to the San Diego Padres ballpark being built, real estate development, and the general desire to live in an urban environment on our beautiful San Diego Bay. Hillcrest is slightly more economical (but not much more!).

That being said, Hillcrest has become a "bargain" so to speak when it comes to real estate. You can be a couple of miles away from downtown and own a nice place for less.

Also, Hillcrest is great because it is a place where ALL types of people come together and mix and respect each other. It has a real neighborhood feel and is also one of the few "walking" communities in San Diego (or Southern California). Balboa Park is right on the edge of Hillcrest and is one of the great urban parks.

Our weather is mild and beautiful, warm sunshine, with gentle sea breezes off of the bay. The topography is my favorite, the canyons and mesas.

The added bonus is that it's a $7.00 cab ride to the airport and when you travel a lot, that makes it real easy!

I've been to San Diego many times, and I like to think of it as a kinder, gentler version of Los Angeles. On the one hand, it's actually a rather conservative kind of place, and seems a bit "sterile" in some places, at least in comparison to Los Angeles. On the other hand, it's a very scenically beautiful place, with lots o' palm trees and such. The beaches are also much nicer than those in Los Angeles. There's even a nude beach for those of you who are so inclined (not that I would know anything about those...)

But yes, the ultimate thing to do is take the day trip to Tijuana!

Perhaps it's time for a San Diego gay Flyertalk meeting...

Maybe I biased due to having grown-up in San Diego, but I would encourage anyone to visit. The city has something for everyone and the weather is great.

Hillcrest is a quick 10 minute taxi ride from the airport. There are some great restuarants and a few casual bars with large outdoor patios that are used year-round. It's centrally located, so even if you're staying downtown it's never more than 10 minutes away.

I guess my true feelings are expressed in my decision to keep working in San Diego every weekend while working on my Masters at NYU. This way I get the best of both worlds, the energy and culture of NYC and the sun and laid-back attitudes of sunny So. Cal.

If anyone wants any specific info, feel free to contact me anytime.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by robb:
Well, there's always the Big 5 http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

(OK, now I've I've dated myself with Menendez Brother humor).</font>

Robb--I remember the Menendez brothers, but don't get the reference...you going to explain it?

Glad this forum is here....

I used to live between Hillcrest and Harbour Drive (if memory serves correctly) on a hill that was directly in the approach to SAN.. after I got enough rank to move off the base at MCRD that is.. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

SAN is one of my top ten favorite cities. If I could afford it, I'd move back there in a heartbeat..

Things I owe to SAN:

My tattoo
My ex-husband
My fondness for tequila
My fondness for sailors http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif
My aversion to Tijuana (it must have REALLY changed!)
My fondness for mexican food
My fondness for zoos - ESPECIALLY the one at SAN
My technology beginnings (well, if fixing radios is technology http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif )

My tattoo http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/eek.gif
My ex-husband http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/eek.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/eek.gif
My fondness for tequila http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/biggrin.gif

Lived three years in San Diego, from 1964-67. I can barely remember it, other than the beach, the zoo, my parents' red VW convertible bug named Vera and the big, hairy tarantulas that often found their way into our yard.

My mother insists to this day that it was a great place to raise kids.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by la2clt:
Robb--I remember the Menendez brothers, but don't get the reference...you going to explain it?

Glad this forum is here....</font>

Isn't that where they bought their shotgun?

Yes, in their heat of passion defense, somehow they worked in that they had to drive 100 miles to San Diego to the Big 5 to buy a gun and then drive 100 miles back. But we swear it was the heat of passion!

I've never been to SAN, but isn't it very conservative? Now, growing up in Dallas, I can undersatnd the dichotomy, but how big and active is the gay community in SAN? Would we be accepted anywhere outside of Hillcrest?

Robb, It never struck me as ultra conservative - now Orange County just to the north was the John Birch Society Mecca - but I don't remember SAN as far to the right.. but hey - I was 20 years old http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Having grown-up in San Diego, I would rate it as moderately conservative. This is due mainly to the fact that it is a large military population (though much smaller than it used to be). Orange County to the north is far more conservative than San Diego. We have even manage to elect a lesbian city councilwoman, so I'm inclined to believe things are improving in this respect.

I have never had any problems anywhere in the city and don't expect that you would encounter them unless you were asking for trouble (that's trouble due to being stupid, not being gay).

Actually, we have elected our second lesbian city councilwoman, Toni Atkins. She follows our first, Christine Kehoe, who has gone on to being elected in the State Assembly. Both of them represent(ed) the third district which Hillcrest is a part of.

I agree, the military presence adds a conservative slant to our town. Our newspaper, The San Diego Union-Tribune is conservative (I prefer the Los Angeles Times).

Overall though, I think the political climate is moderate and accepting to gay people most anywhere in the city and environs.

Things I owe to SAN:

My first tattoo
My ex-husband
My fondness for tequila
My fondness for sailors and marines http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif
My fondness for mexican food there is no comparison to Carne Asada from San Diego

and most recently my fondness for Brazilian BBQ..thanks to SD1k

Wow Missy - we have to meet!

I didn't need to develop a fondness for Marines - I was one!

My first tattoo was my last one http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Somewhere during the 11 years after my first one..i forgot how much it freakin hurt and got another one in Bali a couple years ago.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">I didn't need to develop a fondness for Marines - I was one!</font>

What about sailors, then? http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

Anyone been to SAN lately?

Its one of the favorite cities for FT'ers to get together in?

What is it you are looking to know other than

Tattoo's
ex-husbands
and


SAILORS :D

As a resident of San Diego in the heart of Hillcrest for the last 7+ years, I can assure you that there is life outside of Hillcrest. Although i live in Hillcrest doesn't mean i go out to the bars every night considering i live right across from Flicks(SAN first video bar) and Rich's(dance club). I only go out when i have guests in town and that is very rare because i myself am out of town quite a bit too.

Here in San Diego, you have the mountain, desert, beach, Mexico(Rosarito, Puerto Nuevo) is better than Tijuana, L.A. is a 2 hour drive, Indian casinos, snow skiing is also a 2 hour drive. The list can go on and on.

San Diego is a big city with a "small beach town" feel. So don't surprise if you see people in shorts and t-shirts in clubs or churches. Although i must say that it is getting more and more crowded in the past few years.


When i decided to move, it was a toss up between San Diego Hillcrest or Miami Beach. I am glad i made the right choice on moving to beautiful San Diego.

I see a couple places recommended in a "places to stay" thread for San Diego, but can you priceline hotel that are near the "gayborhood"?

I visited SAN in 2002 and loved it.

One of the main gay hotels advertised is the Hillcrest Inn - this is perfectly located next to all the facilities of the "gayborhood" BUT I would only recommend it for a one night stay.

The staff were very friendly, and I was given a room on the front of the hotel, one of the better roms I think. It was a smoking room, and boy did it reek. Went out to buy a can of Lysol - and used the lot!

That aside, the rooms were VERY tired, with old carpet and bedding and not more than 2 star facility IMHO. All rooms open out onto a central, open courtyard.

Not so bad that you would check out instantly, but there are nicer properties in the vicinity esp on Priceline. And the helpful staff make all the difference.

Parking was also a nightmare in this area of town.

Which areas do you "Bid" near Hillcrest?

I was in SAN this past May and had a great time. No trip to Tijuana, but we ended up going to Tecate instead, which I thought was very pleasant and manageable.

I was in SAN this past May and had a great time. No trip to Tijuana, but we ended up going to Tecate instead, which I thought was very pleasant and manageable.

Where did you stay?

Where did you stay?

We stayed at the Doubletree Mission Valley, which is in this huge mall complex. Hotel was pleasant enough (free on HH points), and it is right across the street from the trolley so we were able to take it into downtown/Gaslamp with no problems. It also had good freeway access. Mission Valley is just a short drive north of Hillcrest.

I thought some of the bars in Hillcrest were fun. The scene is a lot more low key than LA. People were casually dressed and there was very little attitude - crowd was fun. However, there really isn't that much to it and an afternoon of walking around the neighborhood and maybe a night of barhopping was more than sufficient. I can't recall exactly which bars I went to (not from blacking out, just walked around and popped into any place that looked interesting).

We had some really good food:

SUSHI OTA (4529 Mission Bay Dr.), hidden in a mini-mall is reasonable (for sushi) and amazingly good.

Rubio's Baja Grill, a local fast food taco chain, has really good fish tacos.

Extraordinary Desserts (in Hillcrest/Uptown). Lines snake well beyond it's doors and it's not cheap, but it is really good.

A drive into eastern SD county to the mountains provided a nice side trip to Julian and short hikes on trails (where we saw the damage from the forest fires). We ended up driving down to the border, parking, and walked across the border to Tecate which was surprisingly interesting. Tecate is home to the brewery of said name and provides free tours and a coupon for a can of beer, which you can sip in the beer garden. The town is great for walking around and it wasn't crowded with tourists. The food was pretty good and cervezas were cheap. However, it is a small town, so there really isn't much to do after dark.

Have fun in San Diego!

Don't forget Hamburger Mary's on University between Third and Forth Ave. It's a great place to hang on for drinks, chats and anything with cheese served with their meals.

How about Saffron? Its a thai restaurant that I've heard several good things about, and am thinking about trying. For some reason I crave good thai/malay food when its not as readily available as I'm used to.

On another epicurean field, does any one know of any good Italian places in SAN?

Thanks!

To Catwood, when bidding on priceline hotels, you can choose "Mission Valley" area. Those hotels are all strung out on the I-8 corridor, and are located about 10 minutes from University Avenue, where the bars are. Just take the Cabrillo Freeway south to the University Avenue exit, which is only maybe 2 miles south of the 8. Just watch out for the Hanelei, never stayed there, but I hear its more tired than a 70 y/o drag queen's fake eyelashes.
And reading about people's food choices, I know it's seen better days, but I always like to make a trip over to Quiig's in Ocean Beach for seafood. They have a great sunset view of the Pacific, and OB is a really funky "only in San Diego" kinda neighborhood.

I had no idea there were so many GLBT FTers in SAN.

My BF and I have been living in SAN for a few years now, but out in the 'burbs. We do go into Hillcrest from time to time to see films, hang out at the Living Room, eat dinner, and so on.

Anyone interested in getting together with us to see a film or have dinner, let me know.

How about a gaydo here in sunny SAN? (I must admit I've not yet been to any FT do, but a gaydo sounds like fun.)

I've stayed a few times at the Park Manor Inn. Great location right across the street from Balboa Park.
Rooms are huge with kitchens. Hotel is old (landmark) so don't expect a lot of frills (i.e. no air conditioning, slow small evevator) ceiling fan and breeze from window was fine. Parking is limited, but free.
Staff is warm and friendly, and restaurant was quite good (and reasonably priced). They even gave hotel guests a discount on food. Free cont breakfast in Penthouse restaurant.
Friday night happy hour on the roof is a blast- not to be missed :)

For those of you who visit San Diego in Jan-Mar, 2005, drop by my little photo exhibition at Adams Avenue Studio for the Arts. The artist's reception is on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005. Email me if you need more info.

For B&B in the Hillcrest area, don't forget Kasa Korbett ...
http://www.kasakorbett.com/

I see a couple places recommended in a "places to stay" thread for San Diego, but can you priceline hotel that are near the "gayborhood"?

Looks like I will be in San Diego for a Weds/Thurs night second week of Feb in between trips to Vegas and Palm Springs.

Have already stayed at the Hillcrest Inn a few years ago and it was a smelly dive IMHO, though brilliantly located and friendly staff were helpful, but there are not many other hotels in the area of any standing/quality.

Therefore I think I would prefer to priceline my stay, but the SAN map (http://www.priceline.com/hotels/Lang/en-us/region.asp?session_key=400011AC410011AC20050103234 714eb5c40934097&plf=pcln) is not great, as it lacks detail.

I assume I need to stay in downtown San Diego and Harbor Island, but it's such a big zone it looks risky to use priceline, as I may be distant from Hillcrest.

The Omni looks a likely candidate on PL at around $100 is it a long and expensive cab ride to Hillcrest and to Old Town? Anyone know it?

Might be looking for someone to have dinner with too! ;)

Thanks for your assistance.

I was in San Diego last year at this time, and pricelined the Radisson downtown. I believe it's close in location to the other potential 4* hotels in the downtown zone - you would need a cab or car to get to Hillcrest, and last year my friend who lived there told me the cab ride cost around $8, but I never made the trip by cab.

Off-topic recommendation: There's a nice Mexican restaurant on the main drag in Hillcrest called Chilango's - my friend and I were looking for non-fast-food Mexican and this place was just right (and we happened on it serendipitously, making it all the more pleasant.)

quote-
Therefore I think I would prefer to priceline my stay, but the SAN map (http://www.priceline.com/hotels/Lang/en-us/region.asp?session_key=400011AC410011AC20050103234 714eb5c40934097&plf=pcln) is not great, as it lacks detail.

If I may suggest a possibility that is on Priceline and very close to Hillcrest....

Holiday Inn Select Hotel Circle
595 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, California 92108

Take a look at the map on the property's listing Priceline property details (http://www.priceline.com/vacations/Lang/en-us/hotelDetails.asp?session_key=5C0011AC5D0011AC20050 1041516163fee40507594&plf=pcln&zoom=7&panh=0.1&panv=-0.25#map)--you will find a street running south from Hotel Circle South which doesn't look like it, but is next to the hotel called Bachman Pl This is a little known "shortcut" the locals use to go between Hillcrest (up the hill from the hotel) and Mission Valley which is where Hotel Circle South is. Doesn't take even 5 mins to do in a cab if you won't have a car. The Holiday Inn is....well a Holiday Inn. Clean and comfortable rooms with a resturaunt on the premises--an outdoor pool but I think it will be too cool to be of much use---that's what PSP is for. ;)
Good luck---just an idea to consider -- YMMV

Hamburger Mary's cannot be missed, what a great place!


Don't forget Hamburger Mary's on University between Third and Forth Ave. It's a great place to hang on for drinks, chats and anything with cheese served with their meals.

quote-
Therefore I think I would prefer to priceline my stay, but the SAN map (http://www.priceline.com/hotels/Lang/en-us/region.asp?session_key=400011AC410011AC20050103234 714eb5c40934097&plf=pcln) is not great, as it lacks detail.

If I may suggest a possibility that is on Priceline and very close to Hillcrest....

Holiday Inn Select Hotel Circle
595 Hotel Circle South
San Diego, California 92108

Take a look at the map on the property's listing Priceline property details (http://www.priceline.com/vacations/Lang/en-us/hotelDetails.asp?session_key=5C0011AC5D0011AC20050 1041516163fee40507594&plf=pcln&zoom=7&panh=0.1&panv=-0.25#map)--you will find a street running south from Hotel Circle South which doesn't look like it, but is next to the hotel called Bachman Pl This is a little known "shortcut" the locals use to go between Hillcrest (up the hill from the hotel) and Mission Valley which is where Hotel Circle South is. Doesn't take even 5 mins to do in a cab if you won't have a car. The Holiday Inn is....well a Holiday Inn. Clean and comfortable rooms with a resturaunt on the premises--an outdoor pool but I think it will be too cool to be of much use---that's what PSP is for. ;)
Good luck---just an idea to consider -- YMMV

That's great, just what i was looking for - and thanks for the other suggestions! hamburger Mary's was great last time I visited. Off to PSP after SAN! :D

Looks like I will be in San Diego for a Weds/Thurs night second week of Feb in between trips to Vegas and Palm Springs.

Thanks to all of you for your help. I checked out the Holiday Inn recommendation, but managed a $75/night room at the Westin Horton Plaza on Priceline, and I do like those Heavenly Beds! With Starwood Gold I should get a good room, so looking forward to my stay!

Thanks to all of you for your help. I checked out the Holiday Inn recommendation, but managed a $75/night room at the Westin Horton Plaza on Priceline, and I do like those Heavenly Beds! With Starwood Gold I should get a good room, so looking forward to my stay!

Unless you get a generous check-in clerk, I wouldn't count on an upgraded room based on that priceline rate.

SPG Terms and Conditions:

Effective January 1, 2004, Gold level members are not eligible for any in-hotel benefits when booking through pre-paid channels, such as, but not limited to, priceline.com, expedia.com, hotels.com, hrn.com, hotwire.com, lastminute.com, site59.com, orbitz.com, travelocity.com, cheaptickets.com, quickbook.com, travelweb.com, lodging.com, yahootravel.com, AOL Travel.com, msntravel.com, etc.