Hip and Historic: South Park Neighborhood Guide

by Erin Chambers - Citysearch Editor - 9,287 Reviews - 164 Lists

Updated: December 09, 2008

Historic and hip aren't exactly a match made in heaven when it comes to San Diego neighborhoods. But at just a stone's throw from downtown and a bike ride away from Hillcrest, South Park proves that hip and historic can happily coexist. It offers all the local live music, edgy boutiques and intimate eateries that lure the urban hipsters, but it's all set against a backdrop of original craftsman homes and the historic landmark of Balboa Park. Now let's get to the details: Here are nine reasons why we love this part of town.

10 Places We Love in South Park

  1. 1 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Daily Scoop
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    3004 Juniper St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    Sure the ice cream is great, but this South Park shop is perhaps better known for the owner's homemade cupcakes. Check out the mini-boutique of baby items in the back as well.

  2. 2 Alchemy Restaurant and Bar
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    30th at Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

    A farm-to-table meal for two with wine for less than $50? We found it and, no, it's not just in your dreams. It's in South Park.

  3. 3 4 Star Rating: Recommended Hamltons Tavern
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    1521 30th St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

    More than 130 bottled beers and 25 on tap make this our favorite South Park spot for a burger and a brew.

  4. 4 4 Star Rating: Recommended El Camino
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    3023 Juniper St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    South Park cocina features bright, graphic Mexican murals and art mixed with candle-lit moodiness after dark and a simple menu of tacos and quesadillas.

  5. 5 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Vagabond Restaurant
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    2310 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    The packed house (often with lines out the front) prove that it's not exactly a neighborhood secret anymore, but this South Park eatery still feels like a hidden gem. The eclectic menu (we love the calamari and the crispy salmon) and friendly, warm ambiance make it a date-night destination for many.

  6. 6 Rebecca's
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    3015 Juniper St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    This South Park coffee house anchors the neighborhood's eclectic scene with free WiFi, local music performances and gourmet coffee and pastries. Dogs welcome at the tables out front, too.

  7. 7 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Ginseng Yoga & Body Work
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    2985 Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

    It's a traditional yoga and pilates studio with a few extras: Monthly wellness seminars, a boutique up front, and treatment rooms for post-workout deep tissue massages. Maybe that's why folks travel in droves from downtown and Mission Hills to get their workouts here.

  8. 8 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Grant's Marketplace
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    2953 Beech St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

    With cute wrought iron tables outside (and water bowls for the puppies), South Park's neighborhood market stocks all the basics, plus gourmet cheeses, international wines and a deli case of cold cuts and sandwiches.

  9. 9 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended South Park Bar & Grill
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    1946 Fern St, San Diego, CA 92102 (map)

    Wednesday burger nights, live music on the weekends, and a host of regulars who hang at the bar: What's not to love about this neighborhood eatery?

  10. 10 4 Star Rating: Recommended Lulu's By Travis Parker
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    2348 30th Street, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)

    Perfectly shabby-chic, this SP nail salon does fancy pedicures in old-fashioned copper wash basins. In the evenings, the sweet team of ladies often offers patrons a steaming cup of tea or glass of wine.