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 downtown area 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 in Downtown, San Diego

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

Downtown San Diego 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 16 - May 18, 2025

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

Yoga on the Roof

Sep 23, 2024 - ongoing

Start your weekend with an energizing yoga class on our peaceful rooftop—the perfect setting to re-center and de-stress. After class, enjoy a complimentary prosecco, mimosa, or non-alcoholic beverage from The Cafe, located in the hotel lobby.

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring your own yoga mat, water, and towel.

 

Meet Your Instructor!

Sara brings a mix of mobility, strength and high energy to her vinyasa flow classes. You'll sweat, breathe and leave feeling refreshed and ready for the day. She offers her students a diverse and accessible approach to yoga and a way to deal with the stress of everyday life. Sara's classes are fun, athletic, stimulating and challenging with a focus on proper alignment and safety for all bodies.

Discover

Sounds of the Royal Courts: Gamelan Music & Dance

May 16, 2025

This is the fifth concert of the 2025 Center for World Music concert series Echoes of Time.

Mingei International Museum

Friday, May 16, 2025 | 7:30 PM

Experience the enchanting world of Javanese gamelan music and dance with Joko Sutrisno and Tri Martodikromo. Joko, an acclaimed performer, composer, and educator, and Tri, a celebrated dancer of this refined tradition, have thrilled audiences in both Indonesia and the United States. In this special performance, Joko will be joined by the Indonesian Consulate Community gamelan and members of the Canyon Crest Academy gamelan. Together, they will bring to life the intricate rhythms and rich harmonies of traditional Javanese music and the captivating dances that reflect the cultural depth of Indonesia’s artistic heritage.

Discover

Tour John Steinbeck's Western Flyer March 26

Mar 26, 2025

John Steinbeck’s Boat Western Flyer Now Transformed Into a Floating Classroom Open to General Admission Visitors for Docent-Led Tours at the Maritime Museum of San Diego Wednesday, March 26, 2025 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. The restored Western Flyer is the same fishing vessel Steinbeck used for his 1940 Sea of Cortez expedition.  Step aboard the 77-foot sardine seiner boat as part of the Museum’s general admission experience, exploring its rich history and enduring legacy. This 2025 voyage marks the 85th anniversary of Steinbeck and Ricketts’ groundbreaking journey, which shaped modern ecological thinking and conservation efforts. Published in 1941, Sea of Cortez: A Leisurely Journal of Travel and Research chronicled the historic voyage, leaving a profound impact on both the scientific and literary worlds. 

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 16 - May 18, 2025
Discover

Yoga on the Roof

Sep 23, 2024 - ongoing
Discover

Sounds of the Royal Courts: Gamelan Music & Dance

May 16, 2025
Discover

Tour John Steinbeck's Western Flyer March 26

Mar 26, 2025
Discover

Downtown on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Bars

Good Vibrations Happy Hour

207 - Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Valid: Sep 16, 2024 - ongoing

Why wait for the weekend when you can catch Good Vibrations any day of the week? Drop by 207 Bar from Sunday to Thursday, 3:00-5:00 pm, and let the good times roll. Raise a glass with local brews, sip...

Galleries & Museums

Show Your Badge & Save at SDCHM

San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum
Valid: Aug 23, 2024 - ongoing

Step back in time and discover the stories of San Diego's original Chinatown and the vibrant Asian Pacific Historic District. Journey through history as you explore how this once-bustling...

Restaurants

Cena Romantica

Allegro Restaurant and Bar
Valid: Apr 18, 2024 - ongoing

Join us from Monday to Thursday and enjoy a Three-Course dinner for two including a bottle of house red or white wine for $98 per couple. This offer is not available on certain holidays and weekends....

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