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 P15,197 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P15,197
P20,502 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (1,016 reviews)
"Best hotel in the gas lamp district. The restaurants on site are top notch. Bar is the best!!"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 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 P12,800 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
P12,800
P19,194 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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! (1,979 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 Jul 21, 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 P8,019 per night from Aug 3 to Aug 4
P8,019
P9,122 total
Aug 3 - Aug 4
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! (335 reviews)
"Very nice front desk staffs good location. The only not good enough is too tiny room."

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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 P5,419 per night from Aug 27 to Aug 28
P5,419
P7,889 total
Aug 27 - Aug 28
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! (1,558 reviews)
"Great location and close to dining and fun"

Reviewed on Jul 25, 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
The price is P11,163 per night from Aug 13 to Aug 14
P11,163
P15,248 total
Aug 13 - Aug 14
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! (962 reviews)
"Property is great for walking. Great to go to Petco Park."

Reviewed on Jul 23, 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 P8,723 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P8,723
P10,096 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
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! (435 reviews)
"Very cool vibe - very clean, very friendly staff. Walking distance to lots of food options and the Convention Center."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 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

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
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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
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Hillcrest

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. 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 featuring 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
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Mission Valley

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