Bankers Hill

Bankers Hill borders Balboa Park & the San Diego Zoo. Visit the local attractions, including numerous museums, and walk to the local shops, cafés, and parks.
Todd Sarouhan
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Bankers Hill
Overview
Things to Do
Go Pass & Save
Popular Activities
Where to Eat
Best Places to Stay
Featured Hotel
Know Before You Go
Stay
Similar Neighborhoods

Highlights

Bankers Hill
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Balboa Park
Tips
Overview
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Local Attractions & Beautiful Parks In Bankers Hill

Beautiful Grassy Areas and Open Fields on the Edge of Bankers Hill in Balboa ParkSkyrise Apartment Building in Bankers Hill

Previously known as Florence Heights or Park West, Bankers Hill is an affluent San Diego neighborhood perched on a hill that overlooks both the San Diego International Airport and the San Diego Bay.

As it did to architects in the past and the wealthy today, the views the homes on the hill afford attract visitors year-round. Though the neighborhood itself is mostly residential, Bankers Hill is close enough to many of San Diego’s favorite hotspots and attractions.

Banker’s Hill is characterized by a myriad of architectural design styles, all of which draw in visitors who appreciate a charming landscape as much as they do modern conveniences and amenities. In the neighborhood, you will find Queen Anne, Victorian, Georgian Revival, Craftsman and Early Modern homes and mansions, many of which boast heirloom landscaping.

Outside Patio at the  Corner Drafthouse in Bankers Hill
Outside Patio at the Corner Drafthouse in Bankers Hill

The recent additions to Bankers Hill, which include high-rises, chic restaurants and small boutiques, make up the heart of the area’s flourishing business district. The combination of traditional architecture and new business serves as the perfect example of how businesses, property owners and residents can work together in such a way as to preserve the area’s charm while bringing in revenue.

It is the fairly recent and growing business district that has served to make Banker’s Hill a vacation destination for visitors. Not long ago, individuals had to travel outside of the neighborhood to eat out or even grab a cup of coffee. Today, however, the area has some of the best restaurants in San Diego, which include an eclectic mix of coffeehouses, tasting rooms, casual eateries and upscale dining options.

Bankers Hill is also walking distance from other major neighborhoods, including Little Italy, Hillcrest and Balboa Park.

Once home to Italian immigrants, Little Italy is now home to a high concentration of Italian eateries, bakeries and souvenir shops.

Hillcrest is San Diego’s LGBQT district and comes alive each night with young people hopping from bar to lively bar. The neighborhood also has an eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, thrift stores, brunch spots and markets that also make it a popular destination.

Balboa Park is the pride and glory of San Diego. The park encompasses 1,200 acres and contains a balanced mix of natural vegetation zones, manmade and tended gardens, greenbelts, walking paths and open spaces. Amidst all that, you will also find 17 museums, theaters and, of course, the San Diego Zoo.

Bankers Hill
Why you'll love Bankers Hill
Bankers Hill borders Balboa Park & the San Diego Zoo. Visit the local attractions, including numerous museums, and walk to the local shops, cafés, and parks.

Things to Do

Balboa Park
Balboa Park
Biking
Biking
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo

Things to See

Many people book a home or room in Bankers Hill because the architecture itself is a sight worth seeing. However, if you’re lucky, the home or room you rent will afford you views of the streets and city outside. Some of the other sights in Bankers Hill will require you to get out and move:

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

This hidden suspension bridge was built in 1912 and hovers 70 feet above Sessions Canyon. The bridge is 375 feet long, so if you’re afraid of heights, it may not be the attraction for you. However, if you can overlook the fact that it is literally suspended over the canyon, the bridge can be a serene or even romantic spot for visitors.

Quince Street Pedestrian Bridge

Built in 1905, the Quince Street Pedestrian Bridge initially served as a way for residents who lived on the western side of the canyon to access the Fourth Avenue trolley. The wooden bridge is 236 feet long and 60 feet tall and is one of the few remaining wood trestle bridges in San Diego.

After being declared a historic landmark and undergoing a two-year renovation, it reopened in 1990 and also recently been renovated to meet current safety standards. In short, the bridge is worth seeing for its history and its architecture.

Local Tips
Did you Know?
Bankers Hill is just east of Balboa Park. Go for a nice walk and walk up El Prado Road into Balboa Park for a fantastic view of the skyline of downtown San Diego over the bridge.

The Marston House

Built by celebrated architects Irving Gill and William Hebbard, the 1905 Marston House is a perfect example of California’s Craftsman architecture. The home is situated on five acres of manicured gardens and is the start of multiple walking tours of the neighborhood. The home was built for George W. Marston, otherwise known as the “Father of Balboa Park.”

Bankers Hill Meets Balboa Park
Bankers Hill Meets Balboa Park

Balboa Park

Bankers Hill, often called Park West is located just west of Balboa Park. Balboa Park is well known for its beauty and multitude of things to do. With over 17 museums, countless gardens, historic theaters and even the San Diego Zoo; Balboa Park is not to be missed.

A great way to save money while seeing the museums and the San Diego Zoo is by purchasing the San Diego Go Pass. This discount pass lets you save up to 55% off of regular admission costs and gets you into dozens of different attractions including many museums, the San Diego Zoo, the USS Midway and even SeaWorld San Diego to mention a few. We are offering our audience an extra discount if you purchase it through our website.

Whale Watchers Save BIG!

Whale Watching by Hornblower Cruises
Whale Watching Cruise
Bring your binoculars because your All-Inclusive Go City Pass includes a cruise for whale watching! Look out for sea lions, dolphins and a variety of sea birds too. You'll love this four hour cruise out in the stunning Pacific Ocean!
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Local Tips
What is a Go City San Diego pass?

The Go City San Diego pass allows visitors to experience more attractions while simultaneously saving money.

With the pass, you can visit San Diego’s top attractions like the San Diego Zoo or LEGOLAND, all while saving up to 55% off on admissions. Plus, the pass gives you the ability to skip the line when visiting select attractions.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra

Where to Eat

Hob Nob Hill

If you’re just craving a bit of comfort food and good conversation, hop on over to Hob Nob Hill, a casual and comfy diner that has been serving up large portions since 1944.

The Bar at Barrio Star in Bankers Hill
The Bar at Barrio Star in Bankers Hill

Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant

Bankers Hill is known for its “craft cooking” and is just as perfect for Sunday brunch as it is for a romantic dinner. The industrial décor is warm and cozy, and the award-winning cuisine pares perfectly with the creative cocktails and carefully curated collection of craft brews and local wines.

The above restaurants are Bankers Hill icons and must-visits. However, both Bankers Hill and surrounding neighborhoods boast dozens of delightful eateries in which you can find foods that range from Italian to traditional American to Asian to French.

Regardless of where you stay, you will also likely be within walking distance from a cozy coffee shop. The area also boasts several noteworthy wine bars and breweries, as well as one popular dessert bar.

Bankers Hill is actually featured in our Best Romantic Things to do in San Diego article!

Featured Activity

Interact with Dolphins at SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
The world-famous SeaWorld San Diego is home to animal shows, roller coasters and other rides for the entire family. Enjoy encounters featuring the famed Orcas, dolphins and sea lions, or take a tour through the habitats.
Learn More

Where to Stay

Bankers Hill has very few hotels, which is why many visitors book rental homes or B&Bs. However, in nearby Little Italy the Porto Vista Hotel is a charming boutique hotel that is worth a look.

Porto Vista Hotel

The Porto Vista Hotel in neighboring Little Italy is a boutique hotel that has a mid-century feel. There is a rooftop pool as well as the well known The GlassDoor Restaurant, on the hotel's fourth floor. It features seasonal menus based on locally-sourced ingredients and the craft cocktails are not to be missed.

Featured Hotel
Porto Vista Hotel
Porto Vista Hotel
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
Families
Families
Near Bay
Near Bay
3 Stars3 Stars3 Stars
Porto Vista Hotel, located in Little Italy near the Gaslamp Quarter, has a mid-century feel that appeals to guests who appreciate atmosphere & amenities.
Prices Starting at $119
Check Availability

Know Before You Go & Tips

Cafes
Cafes
Parks
Parks
Shopping
Shopping
Walkable
Walkable

Know Before You Go

Bankers Hill is a quaint neighborhood, but it’s not exactly a touristy area. If you plan to stay in Bankers Hill, there are a few things you should know before you go to make the most of your vacation:

Accessibility

Many people book an Airbnb in Bankers Hill with the hopes of scoring a room with a view. Unfortunately, views aren’t guaranteed. Fortunately, easy access to nearby attractions such as Balboa Park, SeaWorld San Diego, Coronado and La Jolla more than make up for this.

Airport Proximity

Bankers Hill overlooks the airport, which is something to bear in mind if you’re a light sleeper or sensitive to noise. Airplanes will be descending over your rental or hotel, so bring earplugs just in case.

5th Ave in Bankers Hill
5th Ave in Bankers Hill

Walkability

Bankers Hill is within walking distance to most popular destinations, including Balboa Park, the Gaslamp Quarter, Hillcrest and Little Italy.

When to Drive

You will want your own vehicle to get to larger attractions such as SeaWorld San Diego, Coronado Island, Legoland California, the USS Midway and Mission Bay. However, thanks to the nearby I-5, your drive should take no more than 10 to 15 minutes (except for Legoland, which is about 30 minutes north).

It’s Quiet

If you’re looking for a happening San Diego neighborhood in which to stay, Bankers Hill is not the ideal destination. Though the business district is growing, it’s still quaint and consists mostly of the necessities. However, for many travelers, this kind of quiet appeals to them, as it offers the perfect reprieve after a day of sightseeing.

Bankers Hill
is Famous For:
Sidewalk Cafés
Sidewalk Cafés
Walkable
Walkable
Known For:
Parks
Parks
This Month's Forecast
53°F / 75°F
Sunny in November
Dec
48°F / 69°F
Sunny in December
Jan
48°F / 68°F
Sunny in January
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49°F / 69°F
Sunny in February

Stay

Inn at the Park
Near Balboa Park
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Inn at the Park
from $178 / night
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