Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter showing night scenes, a bar and street scenes
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter

The historic heart of San Diego has a fascinating history, and today is a thriving hub for food, retail and entertainment.

When this part of town was being built in the 1860s, it was illuminated by an array of gas lamps–it is from those that this district takes its name today. The area has a complex history, once famous as a notorious red-light district. However it was cleaned up and modernised in the 1980s, and now the quarter’s 16 blocks in downtown San Diego are listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.

Nowadays the Gaslamp Quarter is home to the thriving cultural and commercial heart of San Diego. Some of the city’s finest restaurants, shops and galleries are all to be found here, housed in the restored Victorian buildings of this district.

If you have a day to spend here, check out the lovely up-market boutiques alongside famous chain stores. Art lovers can visit the Chuck Jones Gallery to find early cartoon sketches of legendary characters such as Bugs Bunny, Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote. The Gaslamp Museum, located in William Heath Davis House (the oldest surviving building in the Gaslamp Quarter) provides a fascinating insight into the history of the area.

Come nightfall there is just as much fun to be had. Head for a traditional Irish pub for live music, enjoy a cocktail in one of the local bars or go dancing at a Latin-style nightclub.

Festivals are held throughout the year here–celebrate Mardi Gras in February, whilst St. Patrick’s Day in March is always great fun. The Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade in December is also a treat, as owners and their pets take to the streets in matching costumes!


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Gaslamp Quarter

Pendry San Diego
Pendry San Diego
5 out of 5
550 J Street, San Diego, CA
The price is RM1,126 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
RM1,126
RM1,522 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Enjoyed Happy Downtown San Diego"

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Pendry San Diego
Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark
Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark
4 out of 5
675 L St, San Diego, CA
The price is RM1,103 per night from 22 Jul to 23 Jul
RM1,103
RM1,471 total
22 Jul - 23 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,967 reviews)
Great location
"Rooms are clean very nice hotel walking distance from gaslamp across the street from Petco Stadium. Great location."

Reviewed on 9 Jul 2025

Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark
The Beau Downtown San Diego Gaslamp Quar
The Beau Downtown San Diego Gaslamp Quar
3 out of 5
927 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA
The price is RM723 per night from 17 Jul to 18 Jul
RM723
RM822 total
17 Jul - 18 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Petco Park and Seaport Village are ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (295 reviews)
"Staff was amazing. Cute, clean rooms with great ambiance. All day Starbucks coffee service"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

The Beau Downtown San Diego Gaslamp Quar
Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
4 out of 5
830 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA
The price is RM421 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
RM421
RM608 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,511 reviews)
"This place is super cute and great location. The only negative was the valet"

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
4 out of 5
207 5th Ave, San Diego, CA
The price is RM793 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM793
RM1,114 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a nightclub. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the convenient parking in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,706 reviews)
"Beautiful Hotel!"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
4 out of 5
660 K St, San Diego, CA
The price is RM719 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
RM719
RM834 total
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy 2 bars/lounges, a nightclub, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the bar and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,463 reviews)
"Great location to the ballpark and shore walk. The place needs to be updated. Overall a great vacation."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Gaslamp Quarter

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Downtown San Diego

4.5/5(138 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums and beautiful waterfront views, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Diego. Top attractions like Petco Park and Port of San Diego are major draws. Catch the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station to see more of the city.

Downtown San Diego
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Little Italy

Visitors to Little Italy love its captivating waterfront views, and you can check out Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Bay. If you want to see more in the area, you can get around town on the metro at County Center - Little Italy Station.

Little Italy
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Hillcrest

5/5(1 area review)

Visitors to Hillcrest enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Marston House is worth a stop.

Hillcrest
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North Park

North Park is well liked for its restaurants, and you can visit sights like San Diego Zoo and San Diego Natural History Museum if you have time to explore the area.

North Park
Old Town San Diego State Park featuring signage

Old Town San Diego

4/5(5 area reviews)

The abundant dining options and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Old Town San Diego. A stop by Old Town San Diego State Park or Whaley House Museum might round out your trip.

Old Town San Diego
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Mission Valley

4/5(36 area reviews)

Known for its stunning beaches and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Mission Valley. Check out top attractions like Fashion Valley Mall and Snapdragon Stadium, and jump on the metro at Hazard Center Station or Mission Valley Center Station to see more of the city.

Mission Valley

Gaslamp Quarter