Gaslamp Quarter Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Gaslamp Quarter featuring a bar, street scenes and a city
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter

The historic heart of San Diego has a fascinating history, and today is a thriving hub for food, retail and entertainment.

When this part of town was being built in the 1860s, it was illuminated by an array of gas lamps–it is from those that this district takes its name today. The area has a complex history, once famous as a notorious red-light district. However it was cleaned up and modernised in the 1980s, and now the quarter’s 16 blocks in downtown San Diego are listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.

Nowadays the Gaslamp Quarter is home to the thriving cultural and commercial heart of San Diego. Some of the city’s finest restaurants, shops and galleries are all to be found here, housed in the restored Victorian buildings of this district.

If you have a day to spend here, check out the lovely up-market boutiques alongside famous chain stores. Art lovers can visit the Chuck Jones Gallery to find early cartoon sketches of legendary characters such as Bugs Bunny, Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote. The Gaslamp Museum, located in William Heath Davis House (the oldest surviving building in the Gaslamp Quarter) provides a fascinating insight into the history of the area.

Come nightfall there is just as much fun to be had. Head for a traditional Irish pub for live music, enjoy a cocktail in one of the local bars or go dancing at a Latin-style nightclub.

Festivals are held throughout the year here–celebrate Mardi Gras in February, whilst St. Patrick’s Day in March is always great fun. The Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade in December is also a treat, as owners and their pets take to the streets in matching costumes!


Popular places to visit

Activities


Our pick of the best Gaslamp Quarter Hotel Deals

Pendry San Diego

Pendry San Diego

5 out of 5
550 J Street, San Diego, CA
The price is AU$554 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
AU$554
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,019 reviews)
"The room was perfect, the shower soap, and lotions smelled so good I bought some to take home. Beautiful hotel and easy to walk around gaslamp without need for uber. Walkable to train and trolly also! The hotel bar was very classy and staff went above and beyond!"

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Pendry San Diego
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

4 out of 5
207 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
The price is AU$383 per night from 19 Nov to 20 Nov
AU$383
19 Nov - 20 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,034 reviews)
"Clean rooms, great staf, convenient to restaurant's, ferry to coronado island and train system"

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

4 out of 5
830 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA
The price is AU$217 per night from 3 Nov to 4 Nov
AU$217
3 Nov - 4 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,927 reviews)
"While the staff was very nice & helpful, the rooms are very small-smaller than I expected after choosing a room online. The bathroom showed signs of wear. We heard every door on the floor slam shut each night. Bed was comfy and room clean."

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

3 out of 5
356 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA
The price is AU$231 per night from 22 Oct to 23 Oct
AU$231
22 Oct - 23 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,172 reviews)
"Great location. Close to everything downtown. Friendly staff. Accommodated my request for late checkout with no additional charge."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Residence Inn by Marriott San Diego Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

4 out of 5
435 6th Ave, San Diego, CA
The price is AU$414 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$414
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,083 reviews)
"Lovely hotel in a great location would definitely stay there again when visiting San Diego"

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark

Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark

4 out of 5
675 L St, San Diego, CA
The price is AU$478 per night from 20 Oct to 21 Oct
AU$478
20 Oct - 21 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,039 reviews)
"If was nice and easy to travel around. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2025

Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Gaslamp Quarter

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Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(100 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Diego. Top attractions like Petco Park and Port of San Diego are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
Petco Park which includes a statue or sculpture

East Village

Travellers choose East Village for its great bars. Hop aboard the metro at City College Trolley Station or Park and Market Trolley Station and check out top sights like Petco Park.

East Village
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Little Italy

Visitors to Little Italy love its captivating waterfront views, and you can check out Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Bay. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at County Center - Little Italy Station.

Little Italy
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Hillcrest

Visitors to Hillcrest enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Marston House is worth a stop.

Hillcrest
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North Park

North Park is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like San Diego Zoo and San Diego Natural History Museum if you have time to explore the area.

North Park
Old Town San Diego State Park which includes signage

Old Town San Diego

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Old Town San Diego. A stop by Old Town San Diego State Park or Whaley House Museum might round out your trip.

Old Town San Diego


Gaslamp Quarter Travel Guide

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