Kensington: A Brief Neighborhood Profile

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The famous Kensington sign on Adams Ave between Kensington Drive and Marlborough Ave.

The famous Kensington sign on Adams Ave between Kensington Drive and Marlborough Ave.

Kensington is a picturesque upscale enclave on the southeast rim of Mission Valley with attractive and sought-after Craftsman and Spanish-styled homes. It’s a peaceful pocket amid the hubbub of the inner city with a small-town vibe. There’s a small business district along the single main artery Adams Avenue featuring restaurants, ice cream shops, boutiques, a library and even a single screen movie theatre.

KENSINGTON’S HISTORY:

Known for its distinct California Spanish-style single family homes, Kensington was developed by real estate developers in 1926. The subdivision consists of 115 acres overlooking Mission Valley. The Davis Baker Company of Pasadena developed much of the original homes. Famous local architect Richard Requa, who was associated with Davis Baker, brought his distinctive California architectural theme, which had Mediterranean influences.

WHAT MAKES IT SO SPECIAL: 

The original homes and the quiet, winding streets are a perfect compliment to the small village in the heart of the neighborhood. The Spanish tiled cottage style homes down treelined streets exude small town charm, however it is very accessible and central within San Diego County.

WHAT DEFINES KENSINGTON?:

Kensington is one of the three mid-city urban neighborhoods that whose main thoroughfare is Adams Ave. It is at the eastern end of the strip that begins with University Heights at the western end, with Normal Heights in-between. Of the older urban neighborhoods in San Diego, it is one of the most desirable to live. Like its fellow metro neighborhoods, it is distinguished by the classic neon “Kensington” sign that spans Adams Ave.

THINGS TO DO:

Like the other appealing neighborhoods in town, Kensington is a great, compact walking neighborhood with plenty to see and enjoy. Just stroll through the winding roads north of Adams and admire the homes that exude character. Take in the small business district along Adams of local businesses and eateries. A recent addition, Stehly Farms Market, features organic produce and other local goodies.

BEST BETS FOR EATS:

Well, you need to go to Ponce’s for Mexican food. It’s been around forever (actually since 1969) at the corner of Terrace Dr. and Adams, serving up no-frills Mexican food at good prices.

The Haven Pizzeria opened in 2013 and currently holds a 4-star Yelp rating with over 200 reviews. Featuring unique and locally inspired menu items, craft beer selection, and vegan options... this one is great for satisfying a Sunday afternoon pizza craving on the patio.

Bleu Boheme is a popular French bistro on the corner of Adams Ave & Kensington Drive. Come for the oysters, stay for everything else.

BEST BETS FOR DRINKS AND ENTERTAINMENT:

The Ken Club is the place for drinks in Kensington. This venerable, old school neighborhood haunt is one of San Diego’s favorite dive bars. By day, it’s a dark and mellow place to chill. At night, it livens up the quiet ‘hood with live bands and DJs spinning music. And, of course, there’s the art house Ken Cinema, one of the last single screen movie venues in the county. It’s a classic place to see classic and foreign flicks.

SHOPPING?:

Really not much except for your neighborhood storefront essentials: banks, dry cleaners, coffee house, liquor store, real estate office, travel agency. And the classic (and recently re-opened) Kensington Video store, where you can find everything that's not on Netflix.

HOW TO GET TO KENSINGTON:

From I-8, take SR-15 south and take the Adams Avenue exit. Go east on Adams – Kensington begins just after the SR-15 overpass. Oh, and you can’t miss the big Kensington sign.

The neighborhood’s eastern boundary is generally considered Van Dyke Avenue. Meade Avenue is considered the south boundary, where there is more of a mixture of bungalow homes and apartment complexes. The core Kensington, though, is acknowledged as from Adams Avenue north.

Pubic transportation serving Kensington is bus route 11.