Hillcrest: LGBTQ+ Pub Crawl with Local Drag Queen

If you’re heading to San Diego and want an authentic taste of Hillcrest’s lively LGBTQ+ community, this pub crawl offers a fun, guided way to explore some of the neighborhood’s most popular bars. Led by a local drag queen, this tour promises a lively atmosphere, VIP perks, and a chance to meet new people—all for a reasonable price of $35 per person.

While we haven’t personally done the tour, the detailed itinerary and guest feedback provide a clear picture of what to expect. What stands out are the inclusive vibe, the variety of venues, and the chance to enjoy a full night of entertainment without the hassle of planning each stop. One thing to keep in mind is that the experience is designed for those with moderate physical fitness, as you’ll be on your feet for several hours. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a lively, social night out with a LGBTQ+ focus, especially if they enjoy bar hopping and a bit of drag entertainment.

Good To Know

• Inclusive LGBTQ+ Focus: Celebrates San Diego’s largest LGBTQ community with vibrant venues.
• Guided by a Local Drag Queen: Adds entertainment, humor, and insider tips to the experience.
• VIP Perks & Discounts: Free entrance, shots, and VIP access at multiple venues enhance value.
• Multiple Venues: Covers five popular bars, each with its own unique vibe.
• Cost-Effective Night Out: For $35, you get a full evening of fun, drinks, and socializing.
• Limited Group Size: As a private tour, it offers a personalized experience with your group only.

Exploring the Experience

Starting Point and Pre-Party Vibe

The tour begins at 1020 University Ave, a central spot in Hillcrest, where you’re welcomed with a pre-party at a local bar. This initial meet-and-greet is a great way to loosen up, meet your guide, and get a sense of the night ahead. The pre-party includes a ticket for a pre-drink, setting a celebratory mood for what’s to come. Guests have noted that the atmosphere is lively, and meeting the drag queen guide early on adds a fun, personal touch.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Flicks Bar
Flicks is known for its casual vibe and welcoming atmosphere. With a 20-minute stop included in the tour, you’ll get to enjoy the fun and friendly ambiance that makes it a local favorite. Reviewers mention the “great crowd and friendly bartenders,” making it a perfect start to the night. The admission ticket included means no worries about cover charges.

Stop 2: Rich’s Bar
Rich’s is one of San Diego’s most iconic LGBTQ+ venues. The 20-minute visit allows you to soak in its lively atmosphere, with many noting its “energetic dance floor and friendly staff.” The bar’s reputation for fun makes it a highlight, and the VIP entry ensures you skip lines and jump right into the action.

Stop 3: Urban MO’s Bar & Grill
This spot is popular for its casual, fun vibe and outdoor patio. The review mentions enjoying the “laid-back atmosphere and delicious drinks,” perfect for socializing and people-watching. With included admission, you won’t miss out on the night’s festivities due to cover charges.

Stop 4: Number One Fifth Avenue
A classic gay bar with a welcoming environment, this stop offers another 20-minute window to enjoy drinks and conversations. Guests appreciate the “diverse crowd and friendly atmosphere,” making it a good place to unwind briefly while still keeping the pace lively.

Stop 5: Baja Betty’s
Known for its lively, eclectic vibe, Baja Betty’s is a great finale for the evening. It’s described as “a fun, unpretentious spot where everyone is welcome,” and the VIP entry means you won’t spend time waiting in line. The friendly crowd and upbeat music make this a memorable closing point.

The End and Group Dynamic

The tour wraps back at the starting point, making it easy to continue exploring or head to a nearby restaurant or club. Guests highlight that this private tour’s small group size fosters a more intimate, personalized experience, making it easier to chat and connect.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Duration and Timing
The tour lasts approximately three hours, which is ample time to visit five venues, enjoy shots, and experience the nightlife without feeling rushed. Starting in the early evening allows for a relaxed pace, and the VIP access means you skip lines, maximizing your fun.

Price and Value
At $35 per person, this tour offers considerable value—covering five venues plus VIP entry, shots, and a pre-party. Compared to paying individual cover charges or organizing a night out solo, it’s a cost-effective way to enjoy Hillcrest’s vibrant scene. Guests have mentioned that the included perks, like free entrance all night and shots, make the price feel reasonable.

Physical & Group Experience
The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness, as you’ll be walking between venues and standing for periods. The group size, being private, is smaller, fostering a more relaxed, personalized environment. Guests appreciate the local drag queen guide, who adds humor, insight, and a welcoming vibe to the night.

Accessibility & Transportation
The meeting point is near public transportation, which is convenient for most travelers. Since the tour is walkable, you’ll want comfortable shoes and an appetite for a night of socializing.

Authentic Guest Insights

Guests have described the tour as “a truly fun night with a welcoming atmosphere,” praising the guide’s sense of humor and local knowledge. One reviewer specifically mentioned, “The venues were all different but equally fun, and the VIP access meant we skipped long lines and got right into the party.” The inclusion of shots and VIP entry at each venue means that the night flows smoothly, without the typical waiting times or cover worries.

Another review noted that the experience felt safe and inclusive, highlighting the friendly staff and diverse crowd. The pre-party at the beginning sets the tone for a relaxed night, and many guests found it a great way to meet new people and get to know the LGBTQ+ scene in Hillcrest.

Final Thoughts

This LGBTQ+ pub crawl in Hillcrest offers a lively, social experience led by a knowledgeable local drag queen. It combines the fun of bar hopping with VIP perks, making it a great value for an evening out in San Diego. The carefully curated stops—each with its own unique vibe—ensure you get a broad taste of the neighborhood’s vibrant scene.

While it’s perfect for those who enjoy a lively, inclusive atmosphere with some entertainment, it’s also well-suited for travelers new to the LGBTQ+ nightlife scene or those wanting a guided, hassle-free night out. The small-group setting and VIP access mean it’s both intimate and convenient.

This tour is a fantastic way to celebrate diversity, enjoy some local nightlife, and make new friends in a fun and safe environment. Whether you want to dance, chat, or just enjoy a memorable night, this pub crawl delivers a spirited introduction to Hillcrest’s best bars.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Yes, it’s designed for adults with a moderate physical fitness level who want to enjoy a vibrant, social night out in Hillcrest.

What’s included in the $35 price?
The fee covers five bar stops with free entrance, shots, and VIP access, plus a pre-party at the start.

How long does the tour last?
It runs for about three hours, giving you plenty of time to visit all five venues without feeling rushed.

Are there any age restrictions?
While not explicitly stated, such tours typically require participants to be of legal drinking age.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is transportation provided between venues?
No, the tour is walkable, starting at a central meeting point near public transportation.

Who is the guide?
You’ll be guided by a local drag queen, adding entertainment and insider tips to the experience.

This guided pub crawl offers a fantastic way to discover Hillcrest’s LGBTQ+ scene in a fun, inclusive, and affordable way. It’s perfect for travelers who want a lively night out with a touch of entertainment and VIP perks.