🌈 Navigating Hillcrest During San Diego Pride Week (July 11–19)
Expect heavy traffic congestion, strict no-parking zones, and major street closures throughout Hillcrest as our community celebrates San Diego Pride!
Street closures roll out heavily starting Friday, July 18, through the massive parade on Saturday, July 19. Because Bluestocking Books is located at 3817 Fifth Avenue—just blocks from the main parade path—driving and parking nearby will be nearly impossible.
We highly encourage you to utilize alternative transit to pick up your book orders and summer reads.
🚌 Smart Transit Options to Visit the Shop
- Free Pride Shuttle
Park your vehicle for free at the Old Naval Hospital parking lots (Park Blvd. & Presidents Way). Hop on the free San Diego Pride Shuttle, which drops off at Essex and Vermont Street—just a short walk to our shop. - Public Transit (MTS)
Ride the MTS Trolley to a nearby station and catch a bus into Hillcrest. Please note that bus routes 1, 3, 10, 11, and 120 will utilize detours on Saturday, July 19. Check the MTS Pride Parade Alerts Page for updated stop locations. - Bikes & Scooters
Beat the traffic entirely by using two wheels! A dedicated bike and scooter corral will be hosted nearby at Balboa Drive and El Prado. - Ride Share
Avoid parking hassles by booking a rideshare service. Expect surge pricing and plan for drop-offs a few blocks away from the main street closures.
📚 Pride Weekend Store Hours
Despite the street chaos, Bluestocking Books will remain open for our regular business hours to make sure you can get your books:
- Saturday, July 18: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Sunday, July 19: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📚 Plan Ahead and Stay Safe
Plan ahead, expect delays, and give yourself extra time to grab your summer reads! We highly encourage you to utilize alternative transit, our curbside service, or our direct digital storefronts:
- 🚗 Easy Curbside Pickup: Skip the parking hassle! Order ahead on the Bluestocking Books website or phone in your order. Pay when you place your order and specify curbside pickup. When you pull up outside the front of the store, just call us to let us know you're there, and we will bring your books straight out to your car!
- 📦 Mail Delivery (New Books): Prefer to stay home entirely? You can order brand-new books through our affiliate portal at Bookshop.org/shop/bluestockingbooks. Your books will ship directly to your door while still supporting our local shop!
- 🎧 Audiobooks: Get immediate access to your next listen by purchasing audiobooks through our affiliate page at Libro.fm/bluestockingbooks. You can listen instantly while supporting us!
💥 Open 10–3 on July 4th
Planning to stock up on summer reads for the long holiday weekend? Please note that Bluestocking Books will have shortened hours on the Fourth of July so our team can celebrate the holiday with family and friends.
Be sure to drop by early to grab your books before we close!
📅 July 4th Store Hours
- Friday, July 4th: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Shortened Hours)
📦 Beat the Holiday Rush
Avoid the last-minute rush by placing your orders ahead of time:
- Online Store: Order directly on the Bluestocking Books Website and specify curbside pickup in the order notes. Call us when you are nearing the shop and we will bring your books out to your vehicle.
- Call Ahead: Phone in your book choices, prepay, and we will bring them straight to your car when you pull up outside!
Stay safe and hydrated, plan your route ahead of time, and pop in to show us your festive Pride style when you pick up your reads. Thank you for supporting our independent shop during this busy time! Don't forget to call us when you pull up if you are using our curbside pickup option.
