All You Need to Know About Mission Hills

Mission Hills is a cute and residential neighborhood located north of downtown San Diego. It is famous for its stunning architecture, upmarket vibe, boutique shops, and incredible eateries. Although the majority of this upscale neighborhood is residential homes, there are many enclaves of happy city activity such as West Washington Street.

This neighborhood features an incredible location that is easily accessible to Old Town, downtown, Hillcrest, San Diego Bay, and many of the prime neighborhoods in the city. There is a lot to do within Mission Hills. However, it is also so easily placed that guests can quickly hop out to see other attractions.

Better still, the area has a 70 percent walkability score. It means that you can walk to the eateries, bars, boutique shops, and other attractions not minding where you are staying. Mission Hills is a complete and affluent neighborhood with wonderful parks to match its many entertainments in the business districts.

Things to do

For guests to the town of Mission Hills, there is no shortage of activities and outdoor events. Comparatively, the neighborhood has a very local vibe unlike some other parts of the city. Most of the people out there on the high streets of the area are residents.

Here are some of the best activities to indulge in Mission Hills:

Eateries

The restaurants in Mission Hills are mostly local and private places. They offer a special taste to the neighborhood. You can enjoy a good meal and find different favorites of the residents.

Mexican and American cuisines are the most famous in the area. Many of the eateries are small with a powerful San Diego feel. They are mostly grouped in areas like Washington Street. So, it is very easy to stroll along until finding something that captures your attention.

One of the outstanding eateries is Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria on Goldfinch Street. This pizzeria deals in Chicago Style pizza and is beautified with anything and everything from Chicago. You can even sip some local craft beers while waiting for your Chicago Style pizza to get done. So, consider that and plan accordingly.

Nightlife

There are not too many amazing bars and clubs in the Mission Hills neighborhood much as seen in Gaslamp Quarter. Just like the eateries, many of these pubs have a small, local feel. No matter whether you want an expensive cocktail bar or a chilling, neighborhood hangout, you will find something that elevates your interest.

Boutique Shops

Another basic of life in Mission Hills is the group of boutique shops and salons there. There are some great stores to explore and they are almost all very close to each other.

You can find clothing, jewelry, fragrances, and more in the Mission Hills boutique shops. Whether you are looking for a gift for a friend, a treat for yourself, a feel of the cozy environment, or you just want to take a look around, you will be excited by the selection of shops.

One of the most popular of these shopping centers is M-Theory Music. This famous store is one of the last private music shops in the city. The store has been functioning since 2001 and has received accolades repeatedly as the best vinyl shop in the city. It attracts residents, visitors, and tourists alike from all over San Diego.

Beautiful Parks

For something a little down to earth and more natural, move to Pioneer Park. It is a not-too-elaborate neighborhood park with a stand-out history. Previously, it was a cemetery that was the final resting place of over 4,000 of the city’s first residents. Some old headstones can still be found in the area, but the park has been a passive cemetery for a long time.

Hiking

As the name implies, Mission Hills has some hills that are typical of the area. These create some fine canyons and trails to explore. You will be treated to all the natural beauty of the area and you can also take in views of this outstanding neighborhood in many places. Alternatively, take a walk along Mission Hills Canyon, the Robyn’s Egg Trail, or the Allen Road Canyon Trail.

Aside from going to the parks and hiking in the neighborhood, there are other nearby parks, too. They include Presidio Park in Old Town and the Riverwalk by the San Diego River in Mission Valley. These hiking parks are within easy reach of Mission Hills.

Architectural Tour

The specially designed homes around Mission Hills are likely the most defining feature of the neighborhood. Besides, the area is comparatively historic with many houses dating back to 1908 to 1930. There are some even old school buildings close to Old Town on the western side of the neighborhood.

Taking a walk around Mission Hills is cool. There are over 300 homes in the area which have been marked as historic buildings.

Places to stay

Mission Hills is a residential area and has no hotels directly in that area. However, there are many hotels in Old Town to the west and Hotel Circle to the north. One of the awesome hotels is the Courtyard by Marriott Old Town. This hotel is in the best location where you are very close to locations such as the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Old Town, Point Loma, the San Diego International Airport, and of course Mission Hills.

If you want to stay directly in the neighborhood, then vacation rentals should be one of your priorities. Some of the specially-made homes built around the area are beautiful and have some truly outstanding living experiences.

Mission Hills is storied for its Craftsman, Prairie School, Spanish Colonial Revival, and vernacular architecture. Whether staying in a rental or simply strolling around the neighborhood, seeing these stunning edifices is a treat for anyone who loves architecture and can appreciate a beautiful home.

A visit to Mission Hills is about taking an afternoon walk in the neighborhood. It entails walking to local shops, cafés, and surrounding picturesque parks or visiting nearby Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.