Del Cerro, San Diego, is a hilly residential community popular with those who want a more of a quiet neighborhood. And it boasts easy access to the best of San Diego. Let’s look at Del Cerro, San Diego. It’s become so popular with families and young professionals who want a strong sense of community where they live.
Living in Del Cerro San Diego
Those single-story homes remain today and are some of the best homes for sale in Del Cerro. Those same community vibes make this neighborhood so desirable for families or anyone looking for that kind of spirit in their new home. Today, Del Cerro San Diego remains a close-knit community, but it also works jointly with the neighboring communities of Grantville, San Carlos, and Allied Gardens under the Navajo Community Plan.
Things to Do in Del Cerro
Del Cerro is conveniently located around some of the best hiking in and around the city. It’s also big on green spaces and parks for children and families to make use of the outdoors. Explore more of what makes Del Cerro such a desirable place to live with the top things to do while you’re there.
Hike at Mission Trails.
Mission Trails Regional Park is one of the most accessible hiking destinations in and around the city. Its western edge sits right against the Del Cerro border, making it a popular destination for residents in the neighborhood.
Summit the epic Cowles Mountain, one of the most popular hikes in San Diego County, or get to know one of the other peaks in the park. Kwaay Paay Peak, Fortuna Mountain, and Pyles Peak are all accessed from Mission Trails. For a more family-friendly hike, trek the Oak Canyon Trail. Just arrive early if you’re here in the summer months. This one gets quite hot and crowded!
Bring the kids to Princess Del Cerro Community Park.
If you’re looking for the best Del Cerro park, most residents will send you to Princess Del Cerro Community Park, a recently renovated space with big shady trees and lots of room for kids to play. The park also hosts free movie nights in the summer months, so it’s become a gathering place for everyone in the neighborhood to enjoy.
Take in the scenic views.
Del Cerro means “of the hill,” and that name checks out when you see its hillside placement. That also makes Del Cerro a great neighborhood for a scenic drive, with views all around of the mountains on one side and the coastline on the other. Many of the homes here come with impressive views, offering you an upgrade for that first cup of coffee in the morning. Try to find the best spots to see Cowles Mountain and Navajo Canyon.
Spend the afternoon at Lake Murray.
Del Cerro’s proximity to the Lake Murray reservoir only adds to its desirability factor for anyone looking for a home with lots of options for outdoor excursions. Fish from the shore for largemouth bass, trout, and other fish species. Take your small boat or kayak out on the water, or rent one if you’re not a regular boater.
The path around Lake Murray is also popular with walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, and bikers who want to get some exercise on the 3.2-mile loop. Perfect for a picnic or snag one of the barbecue spots for a meal with a view.
Best Restaurants in Del Cerro San Diego
Del Cerro isn’t a restaurant hub, but the options you will find here are loved by locals. If you’d like to cook at home, Windmill Farms is the best grocery option for fresh food and locally sourced ingredients in the neighborhood. Let’s take a look at a few Del Cerro restaurants:
- KnB Bistro: This bottle shop, brewery, and bistro serve up elevated pub fare like short rib sandwiches, flatbreads, and ahi tuna starters to go along with their extensive drink list. If you’re there for wine, they offer tasting flights of their favorite pours.
- Del’s Hideout: Indulge in Texas-style barbecue and juicy burgers at this offering from the Cohn Restaurant Group. Their beef brisket and hot links are popular if you’re here for the meats. Otherwise, don’t miss their smoked gouda mac ‘n cheese.
- Test Kitchen Eatery & Workspace: This inventive lunch spot is over the border in Grantville, but the buzz around it is well worth a mention here. This is where the folks behind the Queenstown Public House restaurant group test out potential flavor combinations. The result is a menu that’s constantly changing and always delicious.
Del Cerro & Beyond
Del Cerro offers easy access to Lake Murray and San Diego State University. It’s also close to several other family-friendly communities:
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- San Carlos: Nearby San Carlos is popular for similarly easy access to Lake Murray. This suburban community is named after Carlos Tavares, the developer who led the subdivision project here. He named his other project, Clairemont, after his wife, Claire.
- Grantville: You may have already visited Grantville, one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, on tours of San Diego. Grantville is home to the
Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, one of San Diego’s first California missions.
- La Mesa: A lower cost of living with that gentler suburban vibe awaits residents of La Mesa. The housing here is a mix of historic and modern. The downtown area is great for boutique shopping and locally-owned eateries.
Del Cerro, San Diego, may fit the bill for you if you’re looking for a neighborhood with a strong community spirit and neighbors who are proud to live where they do. Interested in a closer look or already know you want to check out Del Cerro homes for sale? The McT Real Estate Group can help you find your own perfect slice of Del Cerro.
