Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter which includes signage, a bar and night 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 P14,953 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P14,953
P20,201 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,003 reviews)
"Great place"

Reviewed on Jul 3, 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 P14,615 per night from Jul 7 to Jul 8
P14,615
P19,497 total
Jul 7 - Jul 8
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! (1,949 reviews)
"Amazing time everyone was friendly and helpful!!!"

Reviewed on Jul 6, 2025

Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark
Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Palihotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
4 out of 5
830 Sixth Avenue, San Diego, CA
The price is P5,028 per night from Jul 22 to Jul 23
P5,028
P7,419 total
Jul 22 - Jul 23
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! (1,487 reviews)
"Awesome Hotel, it felt like I was in a Wes Anderson movie while staying here. Great location."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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 P10,522 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P10,522
P14,792 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (2,692 reviews)
"Very convenient and kid friendly! Definitely will be back."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 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 P9,544 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P9,544
P11,066 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (1,448 reviews)
"If you are going to a Padres game this is the ideal location. Your room can look out towards Petco Park and you can see the Coronado bridge . Walking the downtown area is very easy from this location and public transportation is easily reachable in a couple of minutes"

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
4 out of 5
435 6th Ave, San Diego, CA
The price is P10,504 per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
P10,504
P14,468 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
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! (929 reviews)
"Weather was absolutely perfect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! High of 70 all week. The hotel was wonderful. Great location, friendly staff. clean room. Super close to Petco Park. Rooftop bar was nice as well. Would highly recommend this hotel for your next getaway."

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego 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

US Grant Hotel

Downtown San Diego

Petco Park and Port of San Diego are a few top attractions in Downtown San Diego. Hop around the city on the metro at Civic Center Station or Civic Center Station and check out the area's fantastic nightlife, fascinating museums, and beautiful waterfront views.

Downtown San Diego
Little Italy

Little Italy

Little Italy is popular for its captivating waterfront views. Explore top sights like Maritime Museum of San Diego and San Diego Bay, and you can get around town on the metro at County Center - Little Italy Station.

Little Italy
Loads of Loafs

Hillcrest

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

Hillcrest
Try the tamale eggs Benedict!

North Park

North Park is well-liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like San Diego Zoo and San Diego Natural History Museum.

North Park
Old Town San Diego State Park showing signage

Old Town San Diego

The ample dining options and beautiful 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
Default Image

Mission Valley

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

Mission Valley

Gaslamp Quarter