Are you a renter in search of a neighborhood where you can ditch the car and embrace a more pedestrian lifestyle? Look no further than San Diego, a city that boasts a variety of walkable neighborhoods. Rentals will set you back quite a bit, though, with the average one-bedroom apartment costing $2,810.
In this ApartmentGuide article, we’ll be taking you on a virtual tour of the most walkable neighborhoods in San Diego. From the charming streets of Little Italy to the historic corners of Normal Heights, get ready to discover the city’s most foot-friendly locales.
All data sourced March 2024.
1. Little Italy
Walk Score: 98
Little Italy is the most walkable neighborhood in San Diego, with a Walk Score of 98. Known for its Italian heritage and cultural festivals, residents and visitors alike can explore the area and take advantage of its walkable layout. Notable attractions include the Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market, Waterfront Park, and Amici Park.
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2. Harborview
Walk Score: 97
Harborview has a Walk Score of 97, making it the second most walkable neighborhood in San Diego. There’s a lot to love about the area, from its waterfront views to its proximity to downtown. While you’re walking around the neighborhood, check out the Maritime Museum of San Diego.
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3. Core-Columbia
Walk Score: 97
Core-Columbia is the third most walkable neighborhood in the city. There are numerous walkable areas and attractions throughout Core-Columbia, like the San Diego Public Library and the Museum of Contemporary Art. And if you’re in the mood for an adventure, you’re not far from the renowned Balboa Park, which includes museums, trails, and the San Diego Zoo. The Silver Strand State Beach is also nearby.
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4. Horton Plaza
Walk Score: 97
Horton Plaza has plenty of amenities a resident might need within walking distance. From the Westfield Horton Plaza shopping center to the Lyceum Theatre, you’re sure to find something to love. A notable amenity is The New Children’s Museum, which is a great spot for locals and visitors alike.
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5. Gaslamp
Walk Score: 97
As the fifth most walkable neighborhood in the city, Gaslamp is known for its historic architecture and lively nightlife. Consider exploring the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District or grabbing a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants in the area. There are plenty of other amenities in this bustling community as well, like the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum and The Shout! House.
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6. East Village
Walk Score: 95
East Village has a Walk Score of 95, making it the sixth most walkable neighborhood in San Diego. Known for its art scene, residents and visitors can choose from walkable amenities such as the San Diego Central Library and Petco Park. While you’re out, check out the Quartyard, an outdoor event space.
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7. Cortez
Walk Score: 95
Cortez is the seventh most walkable neighborhood in San Diego. This hillside community has quite a few hotspots for residents to visit on foot, including the Cortez Hill Dog Park and the Tweet Street Park. While you’re walking, take a moment to enjoy the San Diego Air & Space Museum.
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8. Marina
Walk Score: 94
Marina has a Walk Score of 94, making it the eighth most walkable neighborhood in the city. There’s a lot to love about the area, from grabbing a bite to eat at nearby Seaport Village, to taking a walk at Embarcadero Marina Park. If you’re up for a longer outing, nearby USS Midway Museum is popular among locals.
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9. Sherman Heights
Walk Score: 91
The ninth most walkable neighborhood in San Diego is Sherman Heights. Pedestrians can enjoy the variety of restaurants, cafes, and shops, like Adalberto’s, Antojitos, and the historic Villa Montezuma Museum. It’s also easy to walk over to Grant Hill Park for a great day out.
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10. Normal Heights
Walk Score: 89
Normal Heights is the tenth most walkable neighborhood in the city. Local attractions here include Ward Canyon Park, The Rabbit Hole, and the Pancho Villa Farmer’s Market, providing residents a spot to get together and enjoy their community.
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Check out more walkable cities in California.
Methodology: Walk Score, a Redfin company, helps people find walkable, bikeable, and transit-friendly places to live, rating areas on a scale from 0-100. To calculate a Walk Score for a given point, Walk Score analyzes thousands of walking routes to nearby amenities, population density, and metrics such as block length and intersection density. Points are awarded based on the distance to amenities in each category.