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.

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Attractions
• Tours
• Map
• Convention Center
• Little Italy

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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

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 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 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 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

Indigo Grill

Address: 1536 India Street, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Rather than imparting a sense of place, as many restaurants aim to do, the Indigo Grill takes diners on a journey. Starting in Alaska and ending in Oaxaca, Mexico, the Indigo Grill follows the West coast of North America. The route is interpreted through Chef Deborah Scott’s fittingly adventurous menu, which intertwines Mexican and Native American flavors, matches Northern comfort food with Southern heat, and presents ingredients from both land and sea. Daring combinations of indigenous ingredients, culinary techniques, and traditions result in a truly special, somewhat mythical culinary experience that delights the senses and satisfies the adventurous spirit. More ...

Operacaffe

Address: 835 4th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
It is the very presence of charismatic Master Chef Roberto Bernardoni and his lovely wife, Chef Patrizia Branchi that sets Operacaffe apart from the countless “authentic” Italian eateries downtown. The first ingredient in all of Chef Bernadoni’s dishes is his "cuore", his heart and passion for his trade. This is splendidly reflected in the careful presentations, wistful aromas, and creative tastes of their traditional dishes. Allow your taste buds to be transported to Italy by thin crust pizzas, salads, featuring fresh Italian cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, and herby and flavorful pasta and second course dishes. Chef Bernardoni will be delighted if you select any one of his handsome desserts. More ...

Toast Enoteca & Cucina

Address: 927 J Street, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
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 ...

De Medici

Address: 815 5th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Through the heavy glass doors of De Medici lies a wonderland of delight and extravagance. Once inside, wrapped in the cozy embrace of one of their booths, guests are welcomed to linger over an amazing meal and absorb an evening of tantalizing experiences. Under the insistence of owner Salavatore Vitale, many of their signature dishes are still created tableside. The soft rosy glow and intimate ambiance of the dining room is punctuated by the bright flashes of flambéing Bananas Foster and Steak Diane. Specializing in both Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, Chef Ricardo Macias charms the palates of many with his supreme offering of mouthwatering fare. By serving recipes passed down through generations of Italians, De’Medici caters to guests with easy familiarity and graciously serves up a comforting taste of home. More ...