Welcome to South Park
Relaxed and very walkable neighborhood next to Balboa Park.
South Park is a relaxed San Diego neighborhood located at the southeast corner of sprawling 1,200-acre Balboa Park. The neighborhood features gorgeous tree-lined streets and walkable commercial areas with a diverse selection of restaurants and other local businesses.
South Park came into existence in 1870, but most development followed its emergence as San Diego’s first streetcar suburb in the early 20th century. Much of the neighborhood falls within the South Park Historic District, which features elegant Craftsman and Spanish Colonial Revival properties built between the 1900s and 1930s. Other housing options include condominiums, bungalows, and single-family homes in a range of styles.
What to Love
- Walkable tree-lined streets
- Community events
- Local businesses
- Next to Balboa Park
People & Lifestyle
South Park is an incredibly walkable and pet-friendly neighborhood where locals can often be seen out walking their dogs. With Balboa Park right at your doorstep, there is no shortage of interesting places nearby to explore on foot. South Park also offers a great selection of local businesses as well as convenient access to other areas of San Diego.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Tree-lined 30th Street and Fern Street run north to south in parallel through South Park—most commercial development is concentrated along these streets. At the north end of the neighborhood,
Café Madeline has a refined Parisian feel and a menu of crêpes, pastries, paninis, and espresso beverages. Nearby
Whistle Stop Bar is a funky nightlife spot that hosts live music, DJs, and game nights. Fern Street’s
Station Tavern is a family-friendly gathering place offering comfort food and craft beer in an airy beer garden.
Kindred is a truly unique bar and eatery serving vegan cuisine and drinks to a death metal soundtrack. Cozy Italian spot
Buona Forchetta pairs wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta with an international wine list.
Grants Market and
Food Bowl are your go-to neighborhood grocery stores. Both also offer delicious deli eats.
Thread + Seed is a trendy boutique selling stylish clothing, home goods, beauty and wellness products, and gifts. Other local businesses include florist
South Park Flowers, full-service dog salon
South Bark Dog Wash, and gourmet chocolatier and bistro
Eclipse.
Things to Do
The Old House Fair takes place in South Park every summer. This popular home tour invites visitors to explore some of the South Park Historic District’s most interesting homes. Other neighborhood events include quarterly
Walkabouts usually held on Saturday evenings in March, July, October, and December. These Walkabouts bring live music to South Park’s streets and see many local stores offer giveaways and other special deals. There’s also plenty of fun activities for children.
Balboa Park extends along South Park’s western edge. This enormous public park features a huge variety of attractions and amenities. With thousands of animals spanning hundreds of species, the
San Diego Zoo is one of Balboa Park’s most popular destinations. Balboa Park’s
Fleet Science Center is a science museum and planetarium packed with hands-on exhibits and was one of the world’s first child-friendly interactive science museums. It also contains the world’s very first IMAX Dome theater.
Juniper Canyon in the northeast corner of the neighborhood is a rare untouched slice of nature within urban San Diego. Trails run through the canyon and offer a chance of seeing the many native animal species that live there.
Schools
South Park is served by the San Diego Unified School District.
- Albert Einstein Academy Charter School, Public, K-8
