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Visit San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter | Hotels | Dining | Activities | Events

Welcome to the iconic Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego's downtown district. Rising from the 16 square-blocks are Victorian-era buildings and modern skyscrapers that stand side by side, housing more than 100 of the city's finest restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and retails shops, as well as offices and residential/work lofts. The Gaslamp Quarter is a veritable playground, rich with cultural offerings that include theaters, art galleries, symphony halls, concert venues and museums.

You can spend an entire day in the Gaslamp Quarter, shopping at one of the many trendy boutiques or in the multi-level outdoor mall, Horton Plaza. Dining options are plenty with options for alfresco on the sidewalks of this dynamic and cosmopolitan district, sky high at a rooftop lounge, or in an intimate and ornately designed restaurant. Baseball fans rejoice at PETCO Park, where you can enjoy the game in sophisticated style in the Western Metal Building lounges, or take in the innings from the Park ball field with your kids. Fun with the family continues as you explore the whimsical and educational exhibitions at the New Children's Museum, climb aboard the USS Midway Museum, visit the candy store in Seaport Village or catch the bus for a quick ride to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo.

Under the sparkling night sky on a cool California evening, the Gaslamp Quarter transforms into a sophisticated cosmopolitan playground as thousands come out in style for a night of fine dining, craft cocktails, live theater, music and dancing. Make a reservation at any of the high-profile restaurants featuring celebrity chefs, enjoy a signature cocktail by a crafty mixologist at a rooftop bar or groove and sizzle on the dance floor at any of the happening nightclubs.

What we Love:

  • Hands down, the variety of restaurants offering vast menu options
  • Sipping on a cold drink at an outdoor patio table on a warm day
  • Walking the streets and admiring the historic buildings
  • Dancing the night away at a hip Gaslamp nightclub
  • Enjoying a drink with friends after an rousing baseball game

What to Know:

  • Some of the restaurants in the Gaslamp are 21+ only
  • Parking can be a challenge, consider public transportation
  • 3 hours of free parking is available at the Horton Plaza mall with validation
  • Like any downtown area, It is always better to travel in groups at night
  • Taxis and pedicabs can easily be found throughout the Gaslamp Quarter

Getting to the Gaslamp Quarter

From the North: While on California Interstate 5 south, take the Front Street/Civic Center exit. Continue down Front Street twelve blocks to Market St and turn left (east). The intersection of 5th and Market marks the center of the Gaslamp Quarter. From Highway 163, drive south through Balboa Park and the highway becomes 10th Ave. Continue south on 10th Ave six blocks to F Street. Turn right (west) on F Street and go four blocks to enter the Gaslamp Quarter at 6th Ave at its northern end

From the South: From I-5 North, take the 6th Ave. exit. Go left (south) on 6th Ave. In nine blocks you will cross Broadway to enter the Gaslamp Quarter at its northern end

From the East: Highway 94 west ends and becomes F Street in Downtown San Diego. Continue west down F Street twelve blocks to enter the Gaslamp Quarter at Sixth Ave from the east

Public Transportation: Parking can be a bit of a challenge in the Gaslamp Quarter and Public Transportation is a great alternative. The Trolley runs from the Mexican border, South Bay, East County, Old Town and Mission Valley. Ride the Orange Line to the Gaslamp Quarter Station at the south end of Fifth Avenue or get off at the 5th Avenue Station and walk one block south on C Street. Buses take a variety of routes



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