'''Mid-City''' is the eastern part of the city of San Diego, bordered by I-8 and Mission Valley to the north, National City to the south, Downtown, Balboa Park and Hillcrest to the west, and La Mesa to the east. Mid-City has both trendy urban neighborhoods, like North Park, Normal Heights, and University Heights, and quieter neighborhoods, such as Golden Hill. Mid-City consists of a number of interesting neighborhoods, divided loosely as follows:
'''City Heights''', a historic and ethnically diverse community.
'''College Area''', home to San Diego State University (SDSU).
'''Golden Hill''', a small neighborhood just east of Downtown and south of Balboa Park.
'''Kensington''', a small trendy neighborhood with many shops and restaurants.
'''Logan Heights''', east of Downtown and south of SR-94.
'''Normal Heights''', a dense urban community that's home to plenty of unique stores and festivals.
'''North Park''', an urban neighborhood located north of Balboa Park.
'''South Park''', a small neighborhood just southeast of Balboa Park.
'''Talmadge''', one of the first planned developments of San Diego, located near SDSU.
'''University Heights''', a scenic urban neighborhood just northwest of North Park.
Get in
By car
Given the size of the Mid-City, traveling by car is the most reliable way to get around. SR-94 passes east-west through the area, providing quick access to Downtown to the west, and the suburbs to the east. SR-15 and I-805 pass north-south through the area, crossing each other in Mid-City. Major east-west streets include El Cajon Boulevard, University Avenue, and (in the northeastern part of the region) Montezuma Road. Major north-south streets include Fairmount Avenue, Euclid Avenue, 54th Street, and College Avenue.
By public transit
The '''Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)''' [http://www.sdmts.com/home1.asp] operates transit service in the city. There are a number of routes which serve Mid-City, but given the size and often sprawling nature of the region traveling by bus can be difficult. Plan your route carefully. Many routes that go through Mid-City terminate at the transit center at SDSU, which is also a stop along the '''San Diego Trolley''' [http://www.sdmts.com/Trolley/Trolley.asp] Green Line service from Old Town to Santee. The San Diego Trolley Orange Line passes through the southern part of the area, traveling between Downtown to the west and Lemon Grove, La Mesa, El Cajon and Santee to the east.
See
'''Ken Landmark Theater''' [http://www.landmarktheater.com/]. Watch an independent or classic film in this old style theater here. They play one movie per week, with the occasional one-time screenings and premiers. The only single screen movie theater in San Diego County. This also the home to the LGBT FilmOut festival, which runs in mid April.
Do
'''San Diego State University Aztecs''', SDSU campus (''located on College Avenue just off of I-8''), [http://goaztecs.cstv.com/]. College basketball enthusiasts will recognize a familiar face coaching this team, National Champion Steve Fisher. They play their home games at the '''Cox Arena''' in the SDSU campus. The Aztecs college baseball team plays at '''Tony Gwynn Stadium''' (also on the SDSU campus) and the college football team plays at Qualcomm Stadium in Mission Valley.
'''The Adams Avenue Street Fair''', Adams Ave. between 32nd and 35th Streets, '' +1 619'' 282-7329 (''adamsavenue@sbcglobal.net''), [http://www.adamsaveonline.com/StreetFair/default.htm], Held over the last weekend in late September, showcases local business and organizations, various food and tchotchke vendors, and six stages of live music across the three blocks of this main drag in '''Normal Heights'''. Entrance is free, but the food and beer gardens can be a bit pricey.
'''Kensington''' is a small community with much charm. Instead of going here for excitement, you should go to '''Kensington''' to relax. Take some time to walk around the neighborhood and see all of the old houses and their well kept gardens. Get a cup of coffee at '''Kensington Coffee''' and then enjoy it at the park that surrounds the local library. Around dinner take the time to eat at the local restaurants and then either have a few drinks at the '''Club Kensington''' or see an indie or foreign film at the theater or rent one from '''Kensington Video'''.
Buy
'''Kensington Video''', 4067 Adams Ave, ''+1 619'' 584-7725, [http://members.cox.net/kenvideo/]. If you want to rent or need a rare video that the chain stores do not carry this is the place to go. If they do not have it they will find it for you. A definite stop for the movie buff.
Eat
'''The Big Kitchen''' is at Grape and Fern in the neighborhood of South Park (''located southeast of Balboa Park''), [http://www.bigkitchencafe.com/]. This restaurant is so named because the kitchen is bigger than the rest of the restaurant. "Judy The Beauty (on Duty)" is usually there serving up great food (mainly breakfast, but also lunch), with a cheerful attitude. Take time to appreciate the bumper stickers and celebrity posters on the walls - Whoopi Goldberg once worked here. To get there, start in North Park and travel south on 30th Street (which will become Fern Street) until you get to Grape Street.
'''Green Tomato''', 4090 Adams Ave, ''+1 619'' 283-7546, [http://www.greentomato.net/].
'''Just Fabulous''', 4116 Adams Ave, ''+1 619'' 584-2929, [http://www.justfab.com/]. For some really good desserts come here. They also serve a very good breakfast and lunch.
'''Kensington Grill''', 4055 Adams Ave, ''+1 619'' 281-4014. Call and make reservations because this place can fill up fast. It has a full bar and both indoor/outdoor seating. Make sure you have plenty of cash because even though it is really good it is also pricey.
'''Ponces Mexican Restaurant''', 4050 Adams Ave, ''+1 619'' 282-4413. Ponces has been recently renovated, offering a new bar and better seating but it still offers some of the best American Mexican food in San Diego. Not authentic Mexican food, but good American Mexican food. Get there with enough time to wait and if you don't want dine in call for take out.
Drink
'''Club Kensington''', 4079 Adams Ave, ''+1 619'' 284-2848. A quaint Hipster bar that offers music on the weekends.
'''Kensington Coffee''', 4141 Adams Ave, ''+1 619'' 280-9114. This coffee shop, loved by the locals, serves coffee, tea, food and even spumoni. This is a definite stop in '''Kensington'''.
Sleep
'''Best Western Lamplighter Inn & Suites''', 6474 El Cajon Blvd, ''+1 619'' 582-3088, [http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do].
'''Inn Suites Lafayette Hotel''', 2223 El Cajon Blvd, ''+1 619'' 296-2101, [http://www.lafayettehotelsd.com/].
Contact