Parks & Landmarks
1. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
- Connects the west end of Spruce St. to W. Spruce St. over Kate Sessions Canyon in Bankers Hill.
- Built in 1912 by San Diego mayor Edwin Capps, this 375-foot bridge is San Diego's only pedestrian suspension bridge. Supported by steel cables anchored into concrete blocks, it sways with wind and foot traffic, earning the nickname "The Wiggly Bridge." You can also explore short dirt paths along the canyon floor underneath, or connect to larger urban routes like the Seven Bridges Hike or Maple Canyon Trail.
2. Vermont Street Pedestrian Bridge
- This uniquely artful bridge connects Vermont St. in Hillcrest to Connecticut St. in University Heights.
- Built in 1994 to replace a historic 1917 wooden footbridge, this 420-foot steel span lets you cross safely over the Washington Street canyon traffic. Custom railings hold 28 laser-cut metal panels featuring iconic quotes from Dr. Seuss, Martin Luther King Jr., and local architect Irving Gill. Even the concrete deck underfoot is sandblasted with seven different dictionary definitions of the word "bridge".
3. Marston House Gardens & Grounds
- Sits at 3525 7th Ave on the northwest edge of Balboa Park, right where Hillcrest meets the park boundary.
- Built in 1905 for department store owner George Marston, the five-acre grounds feature formal English rose gardens, brick walkways, and native landscaping designed by Kate Sessions. You don't need a museum ticket to walk the beautiful outdoor property. Visitors can freely stroll the manicured lawns, sit under century-old pine trees, or pick up the dirt trail along the canyon edge that links into Balboa Park's larger trail network.
4. Hillcrest Pride Flag & Pride Plaza
- Located at the median of Normal Street and University Avenue.
- Raised in July 2012, this 65-foot flagpole flies a Progress Pride flag year-round and serves as the kickoff site for the annual San Diego Pride Parade. The surrounding space is now transforming into the Pride Promenade, a multi-block pedestrian park featuring shade trees, a rainbow bike lane, and a restored vintage streetcar concession stand.
Dining & Nightlife
1. Creme Brulee French Toast at Crest Cafe
- Located on 425 Washington St between 4th and 5th Avenues in Hillcrest.
- Open since 1982, this neighborhood diner is famous for its bright pink neon sign, retro booths, and comfort food served late into the night. It gained national attention after being featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, where Guy Fieri savored its Creme Brulee French Toast. One of the few spots in Hillcrest that has full-menu dining until midnight or later daily.
