San Diego has several different neighborhoods, each of which provides a different experience. As California's second largest city it has a population of nearly 1.3 million residents and more than 2.8 million residents countywide. Within its borders of 4,200 sq. miles, there are several unique neighborhoods.                    

 

Hillcrest, an extremely popular San Diego neighborhood, is often compared to New York's Greenwich Village and San Fransisco's Castro. The gay-friendly neighborhood has some of the best restaurants and pastry shops in San Diego. The homes in this pedestrian friendly neighborhood have an old world charm.                               

 

Kensington, which is an upscale San Diego neighborhood on the southeast rim, is popular for its Spanish style homes. It also has the most vibrant art scene in the city. The most single screen theatres that screen art and independent movies are found in this area.               

University Heights, which is located between Hillcrest and North Park, is a San Diego neighborhood known for its mix of Craftsman bungalows and apartments. Craftsman style bungalows lend to the classical charm of this neighborhood.                        

 

North Park also has s a fascinating hodgepodge of businesses, apartments, and wonderful Craftsman homes. It is largest and oldest of the San Diego neighborhoods. Like Pacific Beach area, the local community has started a movement to revive the neighborhood. A lot of trees are being planted in the neighborhood. The sidewalks are also being redone in several of the areas.              

 

Probably the best known and most historic of San Diego's neighborhood is Old Town. This was the place of the first European settlement and is therefore called California's birthplace.                                                                                                                                       

This San Diego neighborhood has a lot to offer tourists, including a state historic park and related historic sights outside the park. The area is also popular for its curio shops and Mexican food. Every Saturday, artists of this community hold a fair.                                   

 

A relatively new neighborhood of San Diego is Little Italy. This ethnic enclave within downtown has grown in popularity only over the last year thanks to the new restaurants and high rises. Plus, the business district has been refurbished.                                        

 

La Jolla is commonly referred to as Jewel of San Diego. This extremely popular San Diego neighborhood is popular for its beach and restaurants. La Jolla cove is an extremely scenic, upscale location. The beach here is perfect for surfing and swimming. It is also a great location to spot sea gulls.