arrow-down arrow-left arrow-right arrow-up play-button plus tab-indicator dots close menu search facebook google-plus instagram pinterest rss twitter tiktok youtube rss-two heart Check FeaturedBadge linkedin minus apps placeholder linkedin
Welcome to

Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

The hottest nightlife scene on the West Coast

Discover San Diego's Urban Side

The heartbeat of every city lives in its downtown, and San Diego is no exception. Located only minutes from the airport, San Diego's thriving urban center offers an abundance of options for accommodations, activities, dining and cultural attractions, all easily accessible by foot, bike, car or public transportation.

Gaslamp Quarter

In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where modern architecture and Victorian Age buildings stand side by side, you'll discover eclectic galleries, chic boutiques, trendy nightclubs, rooftop bars, gastropubs, craft beer haunts and fine dining restaurants lining the streets.

> Learn More about the Gaslamp Quarter

Things to Do Downtown

During the day, families can enjoy compelling cultural attractions in San Diego's downtown such as The New Children's Museum; take in a baseball game at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres; or catch the San Diego Trolley to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. With plenty of places to eat, shop and explore, families can enjoy a true California urban safari.

> Find More Things to Do in San Diego

Epic Nightlife

After dark, the city transforms into a sophisticated playground for adults. With an endless variety of posh nightclubs, sizzling music venues and sky-high rooftop bars, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a memorable night on the town.

> Learn More about San Diego's Nightlife Scene

Embarcadero

The waterfront Embarcadero (or “landing place” in Spanish) lines the western edge of downtown. Its boardwalk hugs the San Diego Bay, home to the cruise terminal, the Navy Pier, Seaport Village and The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the permanent outdoor home of the San Diego Symphony. Climb aboard to explore the ships at the USS Midway Museum, the Star of India at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. If a moving sea vessel is more your style, hop on a harbor cruise and explore the bay, while taking in the skyline views. For fun on land, head to the The Headquarters at Seaport to grab a gourmet bite or browse for one-of-a-kind take-home treasures.

> Learn More about the Embarcadero

Little Italy

If you're looking for some authentic local flavor, immerse yourself in San Diego's Little Italy district, just north of downtown, where you can grab a slice of pizza or an espresso and biscotti from a local café, or dine at one of the celebrity-chef restaurants located on bustling Kettner Boulevard, known as "Top Chef Alley".

> Learn More about Little Italy

East Village

Just south of downtown sits the vibrant East Village, a revitalized warehouse district with a hip social scene, plus trendy cafes, craft beer bars and a high-energy vibe.

> Learn More about East Village

Barrio Logan

East of downtown you'll find Barrio Logan, the epicenter of San Diego's Hispanic community, where art and food converge in a symphony of sights, sounds and tastes. The colorful murals and outstanding, flavorful fare are worth the trip.

> Learn More about Barrio Logan

Play San Diego: Downtown & Gaslamp

Find a place to stay

Book online or call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local expert

Getting to Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown is the heart of San Diego and there's not shortage of ways to get into the action. All major freeways go through the city including Interstate 5 and 805, and State Highway 163. Unlike many cities, traffic during rush hour flows away from the city in the morning, and into the city at night - so for tourists, the trip is quick! San Diego's public transportation system is efficient and cost-effective. The Red Trolley crosses the city in several key areas with major connections at downtown's Santa Fe Station. Amtrak and the Coaster rail service connects North County and its quintessential beach towns to downtown action. And once you are in the city, ride share and scooter programs including Circuit, Uber and Lyft provide great alternatives to move around town.

Discover Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

What's Hot|
What's On|

Barrio Logan

For years, the Barrio Logan neighborhood has been one of San Diego's best kept secrets. An epicenter of the city's Mexican-American culture, this neighborhood is quickly becoming a hotspot for cutting-edge art and authentic local culture.

Discover

San Diego's Embarcadero

A great place for a stroll along the water

Discover

San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter

Not only is this area the epicenter of San Diego’s nightlife scene, it is also rich with cultural offerings

Discover

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024

A highly-anticipated 7+ stage, 80+ bands, 3-day music, culinary and arts festival will descend upon the stunning waterfront of downtown San Diego all along the Embarcadero. The festival offers diverse attractions including yacht parties, water sports, art installations, after-parties, a craft beer village and plenty of local flavors. Wonderfront festival’s re-entry policy encourages festival-goers to customize their weekend experience and truly integrates the city into the fabric of the festival.

Discover

Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles

Apr 27, 2024

"Hotel California: A Salute to The Eagles" will take the stage on Saturday, April 27 to perform the Eagles’ chart-toppers & fan favorites. This SoCal-based group has touched the hearts of fans across the world by expertly capturing the spirit of classic hits like "Hotel California" and "Take It Easy." Join us for a fun night of rock and roll nostalgia! 
   
Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles is proudly presented by San Diego Theatres at Balboa Theatre in the Gaslamp District on April 27, 2024. Tickets are available via San Diego Theatres and Ticketmaster.

Discover

Easter at barleymash

Mar 31, 2024

Join us on March 31st for an unforgettable Easter Sunday experience! We are adding Raspberry & Almond French Toast as well as a Baked Ham Plate to our arsenal. 

Discover

Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime

May 19, 2024

Concerts at Maritime Museum of San Diego Offer a Unique Mix of Music on the Water


The Hausmann Quartet and Maritime Museum of San Diego are excited to partner to present the ninth season of Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime, a quarterly concert series performed aboard one of the Museum’s historic world-class vessels, the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley that operated for 60 years on San Francisco Bay. More information about the series and waterfront venue can be found here

https://sdmaritime.org/visit/public-events/concert-series/

 

Discover

What's Hot

View More

Barrio Logan

Discover

San Diego's Embarcadero

Discover

San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter

Discover

What's On

View More Events

Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 10 - May 12, 2024
Discover

Hotel California: A Salute to the Eagles

Apr 27, 2024
Discover

Easter at barleymash

Mar 31, 2024
Discover

Haydn Voyages: Music at the Maritime

May 19, 2024
Discover

Downtown on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Dana Brew Hop Package

The Dana on Mission Bay
Valid: Nov 13, 2023 - ongoing

Our Dana Brew Hop package rewards you for touring the local beer scene. Wrap up your day at Firefly Eatery & Bar and enjoy some amazing sips at sunset!   Dana Brew Hop Package...

Party Rental Supplies

Unlimited Print OFFER | San Diego Photo Booth

Luxe Booth|Photo Booth Rental San Diego
Valid: Jul 11, 2023 - ongoing

The Offer | UNLIMITED PRINTING (on all rentals)  Make every memory count with the Unlimited Printing offer from Luxe Booth, the #1 Photo Booth Company in San Diego. Designed to make your event...

Accommodation

Day Meeting Package

Kimpton Alma
Valid: Aug 10, 2023 - ongoing

Book your meeting in the soul of downtown: Alma San Diego! Our Day Meeting Package includes:  - Room Rental - All Day Snacks - All Day Beverage (coffee, tea, water, soda) - 55” TV...

Related Articles and Features

Explore theNeighborhood

Areas of Interest

Where to Stay

Stay in touch

Sign up to receive the latest news, events, and updates about San Diego. Our monthly and weekly newsletters will keep you informed about the latest and greatest happenings in the destination.

Sign Up

Explore

Plan

Stay

Follow Us

Language:

English | Change Language

Select your country or region

China
Germany
Great Britain
Japan
Mexico
Korea
Switzerland
Brazil
France
Australia
Canada
USA

Or use Google Translate

Afrikaans
Albanian
Arabic
Belarusian
Bulgarian
Croatian
Danish
Deutsch
Español
Estonian
Filipino
Finnish
Francais
Georgian
Greek
Haitian-Creole
Hebrew
Hindi
Hungarian
Icelandic
Indonesian
Irish
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Latvian
Lithuanian
Macedonian
Malay
Maltese
Nederlands
Norwegian
Persian
Polish
Portuguese
Romanian
Russian
Serbian
Slovak
Slovenian
Swahili
Swedish
Telugu
Thai
Turkish
Ukranian
Vietnamese
Yiddish