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About the Neighborhood

San Diego's most Vibrant Two Miles

Adams Avenue runs through the craftsman communities of Normal Heights, Kensington, Antique Row, and University Heights.
Overlooking Mission Valley and accessible from the I-805 and I-15 Adams Avenue exits, this business district combines the best of San Diego’s past with a thriving modern scene spread along a two-and-a-half-mile corridor.
The Kensington sign
Neighborhood Characteristics
San Diego’s first trolleys serviced the neighborhood until the 1950s. Now, it’s a walking area where residents and visitors can take in historic landmarks, parks, and nature trails. The canyon-rimmed district is known for its vintage character and neighborhood celebrations.
A historic image of crowds waiting along a trolley line outside the Carteri Theater A historic image of a trolley car outside a trolley barn
People shop inside Rose Reggae
Independently-owned businesses
Adams Avenue is a one-stop destination for everything.

* Food and Drink. Scores of restaurants, bars, breweries, bakeries, coffee houses, and specialty food, liquor, wine, and beer shops line the Avenue offering culinary favorites from around the world. The dining and drinking establishments provide intimate settings and friendly service for visitors and residents.

* Retail. Shopkeepers focus on customer service and distinctive shopping alternatives where you can find one-of-a-kind treasures.

* Beauty. Many businesses offer nails, hair, spa treatments, waxing, tattoos, piercings, and specialty skincare. The variety of services and the number of establishments allow you to choose what works best for you.

* Other Services. Adams Avenue also has auto, childcare and education, health and fitness, pet services, property management, real estate, sports and hobbies, grocery, liquor, craft beer, wine, and sundries, and other professional services.
Events
Adams Avenue Street Fair and Adams Avenue Unplugged are San Diego’s largest free music festivals. Taste of Adams Avenue and Adams Avenue Spirit Stroll are events that allow visitors to sample the Avenue’s unique culinary treats and cocktails.
The Adams Avenue Street Fair
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