University Heights

There are many other live entertainment options to choose from including comedy nights at Twiggs, plays and musicals at Diversionary Theatre, and free concerts at Trolley Barn Park. Annual events such as The Taste of University Heights, Party on Park, and Lights in the Heights continue to draw large crowds.

As one of the first “streetcar suburbs”, University Heights enjoyed prosperity and commercial development due to its connection to downtown San Diego. In the early 1900s, the neighborhood was home to the original site of San Diego State University, Mission Cliff Gardens, Bentley’s Ostrich Farm, and the San Diego Silk Mill. Other notable local landmarks include the University Heights Street Sign, several historic churches, Panorama Drive, and the Valle Vista Terrace Historic District.

Despite its name, the community currently does not house any institution of higher learning. Founded in the late 1880s, University Heights was originally designated as the location for a branch of the University of Southern California. After the deal fell through, the neighborhood instead became home to the San Diego Normal School specifically designated for the education of teachers. This school later went on to become the San Diego State College (today known as San Diego State University) after moving to its current location on Montezuma Mesa.