What to Do in Mission Hills, San Diego
There is no shortage of activities for visitors to Mission Hills. Unlike some other parts of the city, the neighborhood has a very local feel. Most of the people out and about on the high streets of the area are local residents. These are some of the top activities to do in Mission Hills:
Restaurants
The eateries in Mission Hills are mostly local, independent places. They provide a unique flavor to the neighborhood. You can enjoy a great meal and explore different favorites of the local residents.
Mexican and American are the most popular cuisines in the area. Many of the restaurants are small with a strong San Diego vibe. They are mostly clustered together in areas such as Washington Street. So, it is very easy to walk along until finding something that catches your eye.
Date Night?
Restaurant row in Mission Hills on Goldfinch Street is the spot for dates. There are numerous restaurants where you and your date can have the perfect rendezvous.
One of the stand out restaurants is the Lefty’s Chicago Pizzeria on Goldfinch Street. This pizzeria specializes in Chicago Style pizza and is decorated with anything and everything from Chicago. You can even enjoy some local craft beers while you wait for your Chicago Style pizza to cook, they typically take 45 minutes or so to cook so plan accordingly.
Nightlife
There are a few amazing bars and clubs in the Mission Hills neighborhood. Much like the restaurants, many of these watering holes have a small, local feel. No matter whether you want a luxurious cocktail bar or a fun, neighborhood hangout, you’ll find something to love.
Boutique Shops
Another staple of life in Mission Hills is the collection of boutique shops and salons. There are some incredible stores to check out and they are almost all within walking distance of each other.
You can find clothing, jewelry, fragrances and more in the Mission Hills boutique shops. Whether you are looking for a gift for someone, a treat for yourself or just want to take a look around, you’ll be pleased with the selection of shops.
One of the most famous of these shops is M-Theory Music. This storied store is one of the last independent music shops in the city. The store has been around since 2001 and has been repeatedly voted the best vinyl shop in the city. It attracts locals and tourists alike from all over San Diego.
Beautiful Parks
For something a little more natural, head to Pioneer Park. It is a moderately sized neighborhood park with a unique history. It was previously a cemetery that was the final resting place of over 4,000 of the city’s first residents. Some old headstones can still be seen in the area, but the park has not been an active cemetery for a long time.
Visiting the old Calvary Cemetery in Pioneer Park is featured in our Most Haunted Places in San Diego!
Hiking
Alternatively, take a stroll along Mission Hills Canyon, the Robyn’s Egg Trail or the Allen Road Canyon Trail. As the name implies, Mission Hills has a number of hills that characterize the area. These create some beautiful canyons and trails to explore. Not only are you treated to all the natural beauty of the area, but you can also enjoy views of this unique neighborhood in many places.
Beyond the parks and hiking in the neighborhood, there are other parks nearby as well. These include Presidio Park in Old Town and the Riverwalk along the San Diego River in Mission Valley. Both of these hiking destinations are within easy reach of Mission Hills.
Architectural Tour
The custom homes around Mission Hills are probably the most defining characteristic of the neighborhood. The area is relatively historic with many homes dating back to 1908 to 1930. There are some even older buildings close to Old Town on the western side of the neighborhood.
Taking a walk around Mission Hills is like an accelerated class in architecture. More than 300 of the homes in the area have been designated as historic buildings. Some of the styles on display include the following:
American Craftsman
– This broad style often includes low-pitched roof lines, deep eaves, symmetry and square, tapered support columns.
Prairie School
– This style, developed in the Midwest, is marked by horizontal lines, windows grouped in bands and hipped roofs.
Spanish Colonial Revival
– This style features red, curved riles, white or light exterior walls and archways. It is very characteristic of Southern California.
Vernacular
– This is not a style but a conceptual approach to architecture using local materials and techniques. In San Diego, it often follows Spanish Colonial Revival and features indoor/outdoor connective spaces.