Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is Southern California's premier dining, shopping and entertainment district, where you'll find a truly eclectic blend of food, fun and culture -- all within one of San Diego's most historic areas.
Gaslamp Quarter
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San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter has become one of San Diego's most popular neighborhoods, featuring a charming blend of ola and new building teeming with activity. In the 1870s Alonzo Horton built a wharf at the foot of Fifth Avenue and a development boom ensued. Although these days a wide variety of people enjoy the Gaslamp's bars and restaurants.

The original visitors of the 1880s were gamblers and prostitutes, such as Wyatt Earp and Ida Bailey, who founded numerous gambling halls, saloons and brothels in San Diego's red light district, the Stingaree. San Diego remained a popular navy liberty port until 1912 when city officials cracked down on prostitution, effectively shutting down the lively Stingaree.

Stroll past the district's grand, historic buildings restored to their original character. A place where you can see charming Victorian-style buildings constructed between 1880 and 1910.

Today, the Gaslamp Quarter has something for everyone whether you're seeking theatre, upscale shops or fine dining. By day, By night this is a vibrant neighborhood alive with the sights and sounds of America's Finest City.

Enjoy an urban shopping experience. Walk past the stone facades of historic buildings, Browse among the area's fine antique shops, art galleries, boutiques, bazaars and specialty stores.

By night. As the sun sets, the streets come alive in the Gaslamp Quarter. The old-fashioned gas lamps begin to glow along the wide brick walkways illuminating many charming sidewalk cafes.

Sample the busy happy hours at local pubs. Dine at one of over 70 restaurants offering cuisine from around the world. Sip late-night coffee and tea at one of the many coffee houses.

Then learn first hand why entertainment is a major attraction of the Gaslamp Quarter. Visit the theaters for a live performance or dance the night away in our clubs. There are many diverse music venues you can experience. Special events are a regular occurrence in the Gaslamp, for more information visit our calendar of events.

One visit is all it takes to see why the Gaslamp Quarter has been called San Diego's liveliest neighborhood. (Source - Gaslamp Quarter Association)

Gaslamp Quarter Links
Hotels | Restaurants | Attractions | Tours | Map | Convention Center | Little Italy

Hotels Downtown

Address: 500 W. Broadway St, San Diego CA, 92101 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Independent
500 WEST is an urban, European-style hotel with 260 contemporary guestrooms, fitness center, cafe and lounge. Located in a national registered historic landmark building, 500 WEST is situated in the heart of downtown San Diego. Adjacent to the San Diego Bay, 500 WEST is just steps from Little Italy, the historic Gaslamp entertainment district, Horton Plaza shopping, Seaport Village and the cruise ship terminal. The San Diego Convention Center is a short 5 minute walk from our door step. It is an ideal location for the independent savvy traveler and long term guests. More info
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Downtown 500 West $$ Rating
Red Line Address: 555 West Ash Street, San Diego CA, 92101 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Best Western
The Best Western Bayside Inn is an ideal setting for business, meeting and social events, as well as a perfect location for the leisure traveler. We are situated in the heart of Downtown San Diego, only three blocks from the San Diego Bay.The Best Western is an enjoyable walk to such sights as the Convention Center (1 mile away), Civic Center, Seaport Village, San Diego Trolley, the Star of India and Harbor Tours Excursions. More info
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Downtown Best Western Bayside Inn $$ Rating
Red Line Address: 840 A Street, San Diego CA, 92101 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Best Western
The newly renovated Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn is a charming Spanish-styled Inn located in the heart of downtown San Diego. Surrounded by world-class financial towers, the Inn nestles within its own lush flora, offering the most exquisite ambiance of residential warmth along with the convenience of prosperous businesses, sports, entertainment and historic districts. More info
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Downtown Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn $$$ Rating
Red Line Address: 1720 Granada Ave., San Diego CA, 92102 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Independent
Casa Granada is the ideal retreat for business and holiday travelers. The guest house is an old Spanish residence located on a lush canyon. We are located 10-15 minutes from downtown San Diego (3.0 miles to the San Diego Convention Center), the Gaslamp District, Lindbergh Field, San Diego Zoo, Old Town, Mission Bay, and Coronado. Easy access to most freeways and walking distance to several coffee shops, restaurants, shops and markets. More info
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Downtown Casa Granada $$$ Rating
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Restaurants Downtown

Address: 927 J Street, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Toast Enoteca & Cucina
In need of a relaxing moment and a glass of wine or want to sample varietals in a chic, intimate, and sophisticated environment? Come relax and unwind at Toast Enoteca & Cucina in San Diego’s East Village. This combination restaurant and wine bar features around 400 different bottles of wine to sample and purchase. By the glass sales are available as well. Toast offers an extensive and authentic Italian menu complete with antipasti, insalante, primi, pizze, secondi, and Panini courses. This downtown landmark is yet another culinary creation by Martin Gonzalez, the owner and executive chef of Acqua Al 2, a Gaslamp district restaurant known for its hearty, rustic, and authentic Italian cuisine. Come in, raise your glasses, and say cheers to Toast Enoteca & Cucina as they take the concept of a wine bar to new heights. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown Italian $$ Good Good Ratings
Red Line Address: 728 5th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Asti Ristorante
Amidst a sea of Italian restaurants, Asti Ristorante in San Diego’s Gaslamp District is one that should not be overlooked. Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Asti does not disappoint. Whether you stop in for lunch or for dinner, Asti’s extensive selection of hand-made pastas, fresh seafood or traditional chicken, beef or veal entrees are sure to please even the pickiest diners. The restaurant offers outdoor seating overlooking the Gaslamp’s bustling 5th Avenue, as well as indoor dining in the restaurant’s meticulously decorated dining room. Asti Ristorante is one of the few restaurants in downtown San Diego that can please both the fussy tourist and the persnickety local while making it all look so natural. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown Italian $$$ Good Excellent Ratings
Red Line Address: 329 Market Street, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Royal India
Royal India is where to go when you want to dine like kings and queens. The Gaslamp area restaurant serves authentic Northern Indian cuisine in a refreshing, elegant setting. An outdoor patio offers prime views of downtown foot traffic, while inside, the tall ceilings and open space give the feel of a modern palace, complete with regal décor imported from India. Ornate chandeliers cast an elegant glow, while a cascading waterfall offers a backdrop of serenity. The menu is as rich as its surroundings, with flavorful curries, tandoori kababs, and a tempting array of fresh tandoor-baked breads. If you’re unable to make your mind up about the menu, visit during lunch or on Monday evenings, when over 20 dishes are offered buffet-style. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown Indian $$ Good Excellent Ratings
Red Line Address: 565 5th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Blue Point
Blue Point was the first seafood and oyster bar to open in the Gaslamp over a decade ago, and it remains one of the very best. The restaurant pays special attention to interpreting seafood classics in fresh ways that delight all the senses. Specialties extend to a selection of steak and chops, so that both the menu and interior call to mind an old fashioned supper club with nautical flair. A striking and impressively well-stocked antique bar completes the relaxed elegance that keeps Blue Point on the Gaslamp’s favored list. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown Seafood $$$ Excellent Excellent Ratings
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