Ultimate Guide to the Gaslamp Quarter
The heart of downtown San Diego is the historic Gaslamp Quarter. From past to present, business deals continue to be brokered, food consumed, photos taken and stores shopped while culture winds through the streets. From port city to today’s designation of “America’s Finest City,” San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter thrives. Architecture delights passersby as they wander the blocks and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the region.
Pulsing with people from morning to night, visitors and locals walk side by side in the 16.5 blocks of the Gaslamp Quarter. All 12 months of the year visitors flock to this city by the sea to take in shops, galleries, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, theaters, sporting arenas, conferences, concerts, Comic-Con and more. Over 150 years old, from gambling halls and brothels to boomtown tourism mecca, this area has seen an incredible transformation.
A Little Bit of History
Years ago, San Diego’s center was Old Town. In the late 19th century, optimistic visionaries such as Alonzo Horton and William Heath suggested a move to the Gaslamp District. Turning a port city that acted as a “red light district” into a friendly neighborhood took time, effort, energy and almost 100 years. The charm of the brick sidewalks, the antique likes of the buildings’ Victorian architecture and the brilliant glow of the artificial gas lamps continue to contribute to the historical feel of the new city center.
Find Your Convention
Yearly conventions take place at the San Diego Convention Center. Travel shows, conferences and other events fill the city with visitors and locals daily. In July, Comic-Con envelops the city with the likes of Hollywood royalty, animators and avid fans. The long weekend of shows, signings, surreal performances and speaking engagements unleashes incredible creativity and costumes in the city.
Seaside Living
A few blocks from the Gaslamp Quarter lies the seaport. Wander along the esplanade for a bit of exercise or enjoy taking in sights of the super yachts and Dole boats. If you like, hop on the ferry to Coronado for a visit to the famed Hotel Del Coronado. Check out the shops and eateries at Seaport Village and the Headquarters or spend an afternoon going back in time at the Maritime Museum or the USS Midway. On July 4th, head to the area to watch a stunning spectacle as the city lights up the sky with a festive fireworks presentation.
The Gaslamp Quarter provides a cozy spot for retail therapy. Here, candy shops and vintage toy stores mix with local boutiques and national chains. If nothing strikes your fancy, head towards Horton Plaza’s outdoor shopping mall to find the likes of Macy’s, Victoria Secret and Claire’s along with Jimbo’s Natural Food Grocer and 24 Hour Fitness.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry
Whatever you crave, you’ll find it in the Gaslamp Quarter. From casual to fancy, eclectic to traditional and everything in between, the restaurants in the district take your taste buds on a culinary journey. Fast food, healthy food, diners and street-side cafes mix with fine dining establishments causing delicious aromas to waft through the streets. Be it steakhouses like Lou & Mickey’s, the Persian flavors of Bandar, Mexican cuisine of La Fiesta or the exotic essence of Asia at Royal India, visitors won’t be disappointed.
Let them Entertain You
All year long, the Quarter provides something to see. Try taking in the musical talents of the San Diego Symphony and be delighted by the waterfront musings of the Symphony’s Summer Pops concert concluding with its signature fireworks. Broadway San Diego astounds guests nightly in productions at the Civic Center and Balboa Theatre.
Sleep in the Heart of America’s Finest City
Accommodations range from boutique hotels to world-renown brands. Find an elegant inn, a long-term stay or a water view room just for you. There’s Marriott, Hilton, Omni and Hard Rock (to name a few) next to the local favorite, The Horton Grand. Whether you’re looking for a place to lay your head, a multi-generational family gathering or a waterside wedding venue, the Gaslamp Quarter has it all.
Play Ball
Smack in the middle of downtown sits San Diego’s Major League Baseball stadium, Petco Park. Blocks from the Gaslamp Quarter, nightly entertainment takes place all season. With food vendors from craft beer to fish tacos, Petco Park has something for everyone. In 2015, Taylor Swift and The Rolling Stones graced the grounds as well as baseball stars from across the nation. In December, spend an evening wandering through the Holiday Wonderland complete with lights, festive cheer and their very own reindeer.
Out on the Town
From Shout’s dueling pianos to the dynamic sounds of The House of Blues, San Diego’s nightlife doesn’t disappoint. There’s a bar or club for all seasons. Evening entertainment at Dublin Square Irish Pub, live music at Tin Roof as well as events at The Hard Rock bring music center stage. Holidays find bars and clubs open late with energetic party-goers. Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day bring some of the biggest crowds and best people-watching spots to the Gaslamp Quarter.
Choose Your Own Adventure
From 4th to 6th Avenues and Broadway to Harbor Drive, the Gaslamp Quarter flourishes. Come for a conference or stay for a SEAL Tour. Whether on foot, bus, train, trolley, bike or Segway, it’s easy to get a feel for this city. Merging a bit of history and sights with sunshine, ease and the laid back attitude of San Diego, there are many ways to visit the city.
Tickets - Select Your Journey
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Splash into San Diego and Sea It All with our Ultimate SEAL Tour! Journey through both the city streets and the sparkling bay in our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles, which are Coast Guard-approved for safety and fun. This unique, one-of-a-kind tour allows you to truly see it all—from San Diego’s hidden gems on land to a spectacular splash into the water for a different perspective.
Book your ticket now and embark on an unforgettable adventure where the city’s vibrant life meets the tranquility of the sea.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Embarcadero
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
- Splash down for a cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)
- 4.5-star review rating
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Old Town Trolley Tours: As you explore the scenic coastal landscape, you’ll learn why San Diego is called “America’s Finest City.” Since 1989, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best of San Diego.
SEAL Tour: Splash into San Diego’s most unique sightseeing adventure! Both tour bus and boat, the San Diego SEAL Tour journeys through San Diego by land AND sea. Our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles are Coast Guard approved, ensuring you a safe, one of a kind experience.
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
- Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value)
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE map brochure with day planner
- SEAL Tour:
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- SEAL Tour departs from Seaport Village
- State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard certified Hydra-Terra vehicles
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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SEE THE WHALEY HOUSE BY DAY & NIGHT
Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.
Evening Guided Tour*: Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.
- Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
- Evening Guided Tour:
- As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel.
- Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
- Approximately 30-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
- Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
- Tour tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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Ghosts & Gravestones
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Dying to Take a Ride on the Dark Side? Travel back in time with us and learn of the spirits of the notorious wild characters like Gunslingers, Gamblers and Ladies of the Night who lived and died in San Diego. It is possible that their spirits live on in the dark recesses of our historic buildings and neighborhoods.
- Hop aboard the Trolley of the Doomed
- Join our spirited & entertaining tour built on stories, history, mystery and legends
- Travel back and hear about the spirits of characters who lived & died in San Diego
- Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down
- Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery
- Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO AT NIGHT
San Diego sparkles at night, and what better way to see it than with Old Town Trolley Tours! Hop aboard our trolley for a picturesque evening you won’t forget.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Old Town Market
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Approximately 1 hour and 40 minute tour
- See San Diego’s famous sights illuminated at night
- Take in romantic views of the city and cruise past notable landmarks
- Highlights include The Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado’s Ferry Landing, USS Midway and more
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