Hillcrest is the "gay ghetto". Uptown is a small section of Hillcrest centered around the Uptown condominiums and the adjacent Ralphs/Trader Joes/Starbucks shopping center (the Starbucks patio is usually full of gays). University Heights near Adams and Park is another "gayborhood" with several gay bars and similar businesses gay and mixed/gay-friendly. North Park near University and 30th isn't as gay as it used to be, now that several bars have closed, but it still has a few as well as many homo-friendly alternatives. Bankers Hill near 5th Avenue and Spruce has a concentrated section of gay-ness where the Park Manor Suites and other bars/restaurants/coffeeshops with gay followings are located. The section of Balboa Park along 6th Avenue is often gayer than straight, especially near Quince where "boy beach" sunbathers gather within the grassy knoll, and in the volleyball/football areas north of Laurel. Blacks Beach near Torrey Pines is the only gay beach, and it's better known for nudity, but a large gay (clothed and unclothed) section usually exists on weekends - take I-5 to Genessee and follow signs to the gliderport parking lot, then take the trails down (and save energy for the hike back up). Best of all, America's Finest City has so many other wonderful neighborhoods and attractions that aren't at all gay-centric, but are extremely enjoyable for all, from Coronado to Normal Heights to Encinitas and on and on...

San Diego has long been home to LGBT community and for most of the last forty some years that has been anchored by the city's historic Hillcrest. Don't let that dissuade you from exploring the phenomenal scenic beauty that San Diego County holds. From sunny beaches to high vistas, you'll feel like you're living in a "Greetings from California!" postcard.