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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. 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.

During the day, families can enjoy compelling cultural attractions in San Diego's downtown, like The New Children's Museum, take in a baseball game at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, or catch the 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.

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

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 and Seaport Village. Climb aboard to explore the ships at the USS Midway Museum, the Star of India, or 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 Headquarters at Seaport Village to grab a gourmet bite or browse for one-of-a-kind take-home treasures.

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

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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 programs including Car-To-Go, DecoBike, and FRED (Free Ride Everywhere Downtown) provide great alternatives to move around town.

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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.

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San Diego's Embarcadero

A great place for a stroll along the water

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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

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Chalk Walk at The Headquarters

May 8, 2021

Join us for a Chalk Walk event featuring live entertainment, giveaways, and special treats for Mom on Saturday, May 8th, 12noon-3pm, in the Headquarters courtyard. This family-friendly event will leave you in awe of the talent and creativity of over 10 professional chalk artists from all over Southern California.

*All events are free and open to the public, weather permitting, and subject to cancellation without prior notice. All events will follow CDC guidelines for the health and safety of staff and guests.

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PRIVATE CUSTOMIZABLE ICONIC CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

Nov 4, 2020 - ongoing

Journey with award winning tour guide Julie around San Diego’s cultural and historic sites—on a private tour of fun and informative must-see sightseeing hotspots.

OLD TOWN: Take a trip into the past and learn about our rich Spanish and Mexican heritage and why we are the “Birthplace of California.” Experience our original city—colorful and festive now, but find out why it wasn’t always that way.

DOWNTOWN: Explore these San Diego Downtown essentials: scenic San Diego Bay’s Embarcadero waterfront, the famous and vibrant Gaslamp Quarter, hip and historic Little Italy, and Petco Park.

BALBOA PARK: The cultural heartbeat of our city; you will fall in love with the country’s largest urban cultural park and be dazzled discovering its origins as you take in its incredible vegetation, gorgeous flowers and ornate architecture.

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Dance Cardio with VXN

Mar 24 - Apr 30, 2021

Join us for one hour of follow along dance cardio designed to feel like your personal dance party!
Waiver needed and available at the hotel front desk.

Click Below for Tickets
https://www.itsjosieb.com/.../vxn-san-diego-andaz.../book

https://www.vxnworkout.com/

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Private Walking Tour of the Gaslamp Quarter

Apr 12 - ongoing

Reserve a private walking tour of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Learn the stories behind the ornate Victorian buildings and tour the oldest building in the district - the 171 year old Davis-Horton House. Tours last approximately 1 hour.

Please email the museum at info@gaslampfoundation.org or leave us a message at 619-233-4692 with the amount of participants and your top three day/time combinations. Tours must be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

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Barrio Logan

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San Diego's Embarcadero

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San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter

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Chalk Walk at The Headquarters

May 8, 2021

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PRIVATE CUSTOMIZABLE ICONIC CITY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR

Nov 4, 2020 - ongoing

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Dance Cardio with VXN

Mar 24 - Apr 30, 2021

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Private Walking Tour of the Gaslamp Quarter

Apr 12 - ongoing

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Downtown on Instagram

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Accommodation

Linger Longer at Humphreys Half Moon Inn

Humphreys Half Moon Inn

Valid: Jan 13, 2021 - ongoing

Created for our extended stay guests, our Linger Longer package includes 15% off of 3 night stays and half-off parking, 20% off of 4 night stays and complimentary parking, and 25% off of 5+ night...

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Accommodation

Bonus Rewards Points

Days Inn By Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle

Valid: Jan 13, 2021 - ongoing

Plan your much needed 2021 escape to San Diego and enjoy additional Wyndham Rewards Points each night of your stay. Here at Days Inn by Wyndham San Diego Hotel Circle, you'll always experience a...

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Accommodation

Sweet Suite Offer

Kimpton Hotel Palomar San Diego

Valid: Jan 12 - ongoing

Save up to 30% on our Luxury Suites when you stay Sundays -Thursdays, and enjoy the views with a bottle of wine on us! You'll also enjoy a guaranteed late check-out of 1:00PM.

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