Discover Easy Ways to Explore Hillcrest

Discover easy ways to Explore Hillcrest

In the heart of Hillcrest, we’re committed to simplifying your journey. Our mission is to elevate the accessibility of parking, enhance transportation options, and foster greater mobility within our Hillcrest community.

Discover easy ways to Explore Hillcrest

Getting Around Hillcrest

Hillcrest is the perfect neighborhood to explore not only on foot but also by bike, bus, or car, with a plethora of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and galleries awaiting your discovery.

Exploring by Bike

Hillcrest has miles of new bikes lanes that have been added over the last few years. Biking is a fun, healthy, (sexy) and environmentally friendly way to get around the neighborhood.

Check out this resource for how to get around by bike:

Explore by bike Explore by bike

Walking Around Hillcrest

Hillcrest is known as one of San Diego’s most walkable neighborhoods and that’s one of the best ways to get around the neighborhood. Walking is the OG form of transportation.

Hillcrest is known for its walkability. Hillcrest has a Walk Score of 87 meaning that it’s very Walkable with most errands able to be accomplished on foot.

Many people don’t understand the rules of the “road” relating to pedestrians. Here’s a helpful link to the California DMV regarding pedestrians.

The Seven Bridges hike is a terrific way to explore Hillcrest by foot.

Walking Around Hillcrest Walking Around Hillcrest

Getting Around by Rideshare

Uber, Lyft, and other ride share services are very popular options for Hillcrest. I met three of my last BFs in a lyft! Let’s make sure that you’re ready to rideshare in Hillcrest with these tips:

  • White curbs are a great place for passenger pickup. Before you call your ride, find one of the many white curbs in Hillcrest (double hint: Fifth and Robinson). Three minute loading zones are the way to go!
  • Let’s be safe with rideshare. Check out these safety tips from Uber and Lyft.
Getting Around by Rideshare
Getting Around by Rideshare

Getting Around by Car

Getting to and around Hillcrest by car is still the most popular and convenient. I vote to bring back cruising. Depending on the time of day, you may have to circle for a while, but mostly there’s ample parking on the street and in private lots.

Need a place to park after hours? Access Hillcrest reserves the Hillcrest DMV for FREE public parking from 6:30pm – 3:00am on most nights. Visit the lot during free parking hours and claim one of the 153 available spots when you need it at Cleveland and Normal Street.

DMV Free Parking Hours

  • Mon-Tues: 6:30pm-3:00am
  • Wed: Closed
  • Thurs-Fri: 6:30pm-3:00am
  • Sat: 7:00am-3:00am
  • Sun: 7:00am-7:00pm
  • State Holidays: 7:00am-3:00am
Getting Around by Car Getting Around by Car

Riding the Number 11 Bus

The Number 11 bus might just be the coolest bus in town.

What bus has its own Instagram page? Check out their Instagram page!

Riding the Number 11 Bus Riding the Number 11 Bus

Looking for Parking?

There are many private parking lots throughout Hillcrest. Click on the map to discover all the options for parking in the neighborhood.

Lots are all public parking pay lots, subject to their own public parking hours and pay rates. Please pay careful attention to each individual lots hours and rates.

Parking Tips from Locals

star Tip #1

“Did you know that Hillcrest parking spaces are free before 10am and after 8pm?”

Roy Dahl
Parking Nerd

star Tip #2

“Did you know that commercial zones are available for parking for free after 6pm?”

Gerrie Trussell
Dr of Parking

star Tip #3

“Yellow and green curbed spaces are free on Sunday”

Byron Ross
Voted most likely to find parking

Street party in Hillcrest

Neighbors coming together to make Hillcrest accessible

Access Hillcrest is made possible by a collaboration of neighborhood groups in Uptown lead by the Uptown Community Parking District. We’re volunteer led and funded by parking meter money.

We partner with transportation planners and activist groups. We’d love to have you get involved. The best way to do this is to connect with existing neighborhood groups. Find your group and help us to improve our wonderful neighborhood.

Stay updated on our social!

It’s Free Ride day!! All San Diego MTS busses and trolleys are free. No parking, no gas… Have the happiest happy hour 😉 
#freerideday #sandiego #sandiegomts #ridethebus
Parking tip Tuesday: HELLO, YELLOW! 
Yellow curbs are reserved for commercial loading BUT they’re free game after 6pm & all day Sunday! 😘 🚖 
#parking #sandiego #hillcrest
Looking for somewhere to stroll, wander, browse, or just let off steam? Hillcrest is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in San Diego. 👣 It’s filled with restaurants, bars, shops, galleries, and plenty to see. ​
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We suggest walking in when you can or taking a stroll after you park for free at the DMV. Visit AccessHillcrest.com to find out free parking hours at the DMV on Cleveland and Normal Street.​
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#HillcrestSD #SanDiegoWalks #SanDiegoNeighborhoods #ExploreHillcrest #WalkableCity #HillcrestLife #VisitSanDiego #ShopLocalSD #DineHillcrest #DiscoverHillcrest #StrollSanDiego #ShopTillYouDrop #ExploreMore #WalkAndTalk #SupportLocalBusinesses #SanDiegoEats #ArtGalleries #SundayStrolls #DMVParking #FreeParkingSD #HillcrestAdventure #WalkWithAFriend #ParkAndExplore #Hillcrest2024

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