Gaslamp Quarter

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.
Gaslamp Quarter
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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

Hotels Downtown

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
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Downtown 500 West $$ Rating
Red Line Address: 555 West Ash Street, San Diego CA, 92101 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Best Western
The Best Western Bayside Inn is an ideal setting for business, meeting and social events, as well as a perfect location for the leisure traveler. We are situated in the heart of Downtown San Diego, only three blocks from the San Diego Bay.The Best Western is an enjoyable walk to such sights as the Convention Center (1 mile away), Civic Center, Seaport Village, San Diego Trolley, the Star of India and Harbor Tours Excursions. More info
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Downtown Best Western Bayside Inn $$ Rating
Red Line 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
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Downtown Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn $$$ Rating
Red Line Address: 1720 Granada Ave., San Diego CA, 92102 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Independent
Casa Granada is the ideal retreat for business and holiday travelers. The guest house is an old Spanish residence located on a lush canyon. We are located 10-15 minutes from downtown San Diego (3.0 miles to the San Diego Convention Center), the Gaslamp District, Lindbergh Field, San Diego Zoo, Old Town, Mission Bay, and Coronado. Easy access to most freeways and walking distance to several coffee shops, restaurants, shops and markets. More info
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Downtown Casa Granada $$$ Rating
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Restaurants Downtown

Address: 644 5th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Chianti
Executive Chef Gennaro De Liso recently joined Chianti, bringing with him the traditions and techniques of authentic Northern Italian cuisine. Using quality fresh ingredients, De-Liso has crafted an extensive menu of traditional and modern Italian fare, offering everything from fresh made lobster risotto to steak served intagliata style. Chianti’s dining room offers a casually sophisticated atmosphere, allowing diners a relaxing escape from downtown San Diego’s lively Gaslamp area. The extensive wine list of course features a wide array of Chianti wines, as well as an excellent Italian and American selection. With its varied menu, generous portions, and inviting atmosphere, Chianti is ideally suited for large groups and small parties alike. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown Italian $$$ Excellent Excellent Ratings
Red Line Address: 1536 India Street, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Indigo Grill
Rather than imparting a sense of place, as many restaurants aim to do, the Indigo Grill takes diners on a journey. Starting in Alaska and ending in Oaxaca, Mexico, the Indigo Grill follows the West coast of North America. The route is interpreted through Chef Deborah Scott’s fittingly adventurous menu, which intertwines Mexican and Native American flavors, matches Northern comfort food with Southern heat, and presents ingredients from both land and sea. Daring combinations of indigenous ingredients, culinary techniques, and traditions result in a truly special, somewhat mythical culinary experience that delights the senses and satisfies the adventurous spirit. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown California $$$ Good Excellent Ratings
Red Line Address: 729 4th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Monsoon
Entering the restaurant from San Diego’s bustling Gaslamp Quarter, Monsoon diners are warmly greeted by an intoxicating aroma of spices wafting up from Chef Ashley Popat’s delectable Indian-inspired dishes.  Deftly negotiating tradition and fusion, her menu presents purist renditions of less familiar fare, like the Dizzy Nu Shak banana curry, alongside playfully flavorful cultural pastiches like the Masala Hummus.  The restaurant itself is also tastefully eclectic: walls festooned with Indian musical instruments and murals are lighted by antique-looking chandeliers, while a Bollywood-esque trip hop soundtrack mingles with the dulcet sounds of a prominent water feature.  Monsoon goes beyond gastronomic indulgence: it is a feast for all the senses. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown Indian $$ Good Excellent Ratings
Red Line Address: 495 Laurel Street, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Hexagone
Named after the six-sided shape of France, unpretentious Hexagone offers one of the largest French menus in San Diego with twenty appetizers and twenty entrees. Soft jazz croons its way lazily across a dimly lit L-shaped dining room adorned with crisp white linens, floor-to-ceiling windows, and rambunctious Art Nouveau prints. The Beef Bourguignon alone is reason enough to visit, as the rich wine-infused dish braises for a total of three days. This new addition to Banker’s Hill has been competing—and holding its own— against the likes of neighboring Laurel and Bertrand at Mister A’s, a sure indication of the quality of their California-inspired traditional French fare. More ...
Location Cuisine Price Service Food Rating
Downtown French $$ Good Excellent Ratings
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