Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter showing signage, street scenes and night scenes
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter
Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego’s historic heart has shed its seedy past to emerge as one of the city’s premier dining, shopping and entertainment hubs.

Named after the gas lamps that were installed when this area was developed in the 1860s, the Gaslamp Quarter endured a period of economic hardship soon after it was built. A notorious red-light district emerged here, and for a long time the district was known for its gambling dens and seedy bars. That changed when the area was revamped in the 1980s and the Gaslamp Quarter, covering 16 blocks in downtown San Diego, is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today it’s both the cultural and commercial heart of San Diego. The original Victorian buildings have been restored and now house many of the city’s restaurants, shops and galleries. By day, flit between high-end boutiques and well-known chain stores, or take some time out to ponder works of art. The Chuck Jones Gallery is notable for its collection of early cartoon sketches of characters such as Bugs Bunny, Roadrunner and Wile E. Coyote. Learn about the area’s history at the Gaslamp Museum, located in the William Heath Davis House, the Gaslamp Quarter’s oldest surviving structure.

The options for night-time entertainment are diverse: take in live music at a traditional Irish pub, sip cocktails in up-market bars, or dance the night away in a Latin-themed nightclub. 

The Gaslamp Quarter hosts a number of vibrant festivals throughout the year. The colorful Mardi Gras, which kicks off in February, is the most well-known, followed by St Patrick’s Day in March. Sure to entertain is the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade in December, where owners and their pets don matching costumes and wander the streets.


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 HK$2,080 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
HK$2,080
HK$2,806 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
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! (1,011 reviews)
"We loved this hotel and experience!! Definitely coming back in the future!!"

Reviewed on 23 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 HK$2,190 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
HK$2,190
HK$2,894 total
28 Jul - 29 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! (1,975 reviews)
"It is a good spot with good rooms, the only bummer was the large homeless population around the hotel, but it's California so I guess that's to be expected. The food was good, but the menu options were limited, especially for the place that is open in the afternoon/evenings. Very focused on alcohol, ..."

Reviewed on 21 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 HK$1,090 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
HK$1,090
HK$1,240 total
27 Jul - 28 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 Port of San Diego ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (329 reviews)
"A very nice antique property well run."

Reviewed on 23 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 HK$770 per night from 19 Aug to 20 Aug
HK$770
HK$1,113 total
19 Aug - 20 Aug
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! (1,553 reviews)
Great place
"Just loved it overall, nice vibe, food, atmosphere and drink. Great rooftop!"

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter

4 out of 5
435 6th Ave, San Diego, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is HK$1,528 per night from 13 Aug to 14 Aug
HK$1,528
HK$2,087 total
13 Aug - 14 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Diego. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (959 reviews)
"Property is great for walking. Great to go to Petco Park."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter, A Member Of Design Hotels

Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter, A Member Of Design Hotels

4 out of 5
964 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA
The price is HK$1,194 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
HK$1,194
HK$1,382 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in San Diego. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Petco Park and Port of San Diego ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (418 reviews)
"Smaller rooms, but very atmospheric. Rolling doors on bathrooms do not block noise"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Granger Hotel Gaslamp Quarter, A Member Of Design Hotels
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 showing 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