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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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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 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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25th Annual Taste of Gaslamp

Jun 15, 2019

Join us for the 25th Annual Taste of Gaslamp presented by Karl Strauss, San Diego's original culinary tour! On Saturday, June 15, 2019, the Gaslamp Quarter will be showcasing the excellent dining options available in our vibrant district. General Admission tickets are $35 pre-sale ($45 day-of) and allow you to sample 25+ different restaurants from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on a self-guided walking tour with a beer garden featuring different brews from the Karl Strauss brewery. But the fun doesn't have to stop then. For only $65 ($75 day-of), you can upgrade to a VIP Ticket and experience 6 additional fine dining restaurants serving larger bite portions with a cocktail at each location, a Gaslamp Goodie Bag and an exclusive VIP reception!

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San Diego EarthFair

Apr 28, 2019

Our annual EarthFair in Balboa Park is the largest free annual environmental fair in the world. EarthFair 2019 will be our 30th annual event! Each year, the EarthFair draws around 60,000 visitors.

Produced by 300 volunteers, EarthFair 2019 will feature more than 300 exhibitors, special theme areas, a Food Pavilion, a special Children's Activity Area, four entertainment venues, the Children’s Earth Parade, the eARTh Gallery arts and crafts show, and the Cleaner Car Concourse.

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Something Wild!

Mar 23, 2019

We’re bringing the wilderness to you in this live animal presentation! See wild animals up close and if you’re lucky you may get to touch some of them. Something Wild! is a Living with Animals program and has two, 30-minute demonstrations at 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

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Father Daughter Day in Julian

Mar 23, 2019

Fathers treat your daughter like a mountain princess with a day-date to Julian for a Father-Daughter Day. The All-Inclusive price includes several attractions including lunch at one of your favorite Julian eateries, delicious fudge, a keepsake corsage, old-time photos and more, all designed to create an unforgettable experience for daddy’s little girl. End the day with a country-style father-daughter dance at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures.

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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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What's On

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25th Annual Taste of Gaslamp

Jun 15, 2019
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San Diego EarthFair

Apr 28, 2019
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Something Wild!

Mar 23, 2019
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Father Daughter Day in Julian

Mar 23, 2019
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Warm Up this Winter with Beer, Wine & Spirits!

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Valid: Dec 17, 2018 - ongoing

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U.S. Military Discount 15% Off - Book Direct

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To express our appreciation, U.S. military members receive 15% off at 1906 Lodge if they book directly at www.1906lodge.com or by calling at (619) 437-1900. Your Stay Includes: A select guestroom...

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Save 20% off Private Tours for 4 or more guests

San Diego Urban Adventures
Valid: Aug 9, 2018 - ongoing

Have the Best. Day. Ever with a local guide on a private tour for your group. Whether you want to explore Old Town, Balboa Park or Coronado, these tours are perfect for solo travellers, couples,...

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San Diego Nightlife - The Hottest Party on the West Coast

Follow the music to San Diego, where the nightlife is one of the most buzzing scenes on the West Coast. The nightclubs are bumping with world-class DJs, the craft cocktails are true works of art and dance floors are filled with people soaking up the bright vibes of San Diego after sundown. It all starts in the Gaslamp Quarter - 16 blocks with 180 restaurants, 50 bars and 10 nightclubs - but the good times are rolling throughout the city, from sunset to sunrise and back again. Party on, San Diego.

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