Boasting distinctive gas-lamp-style electric streetlights, you will never have a hard time finding Gaslamp Quarter when in San Diego, California. Considered as downtown San Diego’s core historic area, what used to be a not-so-good part of town was magnificently restored and now attracts tourists and locals who go looking for historic buildings during daytime and bars or fine restaurants by night. Discover this 16-block national historic district that offers visitors a variety of fun times, as well as an eyeful of Victorian architecture to know more about San Diego. Call your squad and enjoy the holiday while experiencing these top 10 things to do in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, California. Plan the perfect itinerary for your next getaway.
1. Practice long-exposure shots while chasing lights (from USD 46.0)
Witness the electric versions of the old gas lamps that give the area its name as you stroll along the blocks of Gaslamp Quarter before or after having dinner in any of its fine-dining restaurants. There are actually only four real gas lamps in the district, located at each corner of Fifth Avenue and Market Street, perfect for setting up your tripod and camera. Though gas lamps were not the main source of lighting in the district, you can find a few decorative ones today, together with the district’s gas-lamp-style electric streetlights, a distinctive sign allowing you to know whether you’re in the Gaslamp Quarter or not.
San Diego City Lights Night Tour
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
2. Enjoy a day surrounded by works of art
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Spend your Sunday at the Gaslamp Artisan Market perusing local artworks and handcrafted goods. Browse and shop for souvenirs from the stalls of local artisans selling jewelry, clothing, and other little stuff like candles, plant seedlings, and fresh flowers. Grab some quick bites from nearby cafes and restaurants or take a seat on any of the several resting areas in the market, complete with tables and chairs under the shade of parasols. Remember to bring your eco bag, make use of your haggling skills, and spend wisely to make sure you never run out of money.
Gaslamp Artisan Market
Address: 599 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Gaslamp Artisan Market
Opening hours: Sun: 10am - 3pm
Price: Free
3. Visit the Chocolat Cremerie
Sweet or savory? Which is your fav crepe choice? Thanks to Tom for posting this drool-worthy pic to Yelp!
Posted by Chocolat Gaslamp - A Cocktail, Wine & Gelato Bistro on Saturday, 31 January 2015
Savor some exquisite gelato, lush chocolate, tasty crepes, and a scoop of ice cream to-die-for in this dessert place. Chocolat Cremerie is the perfect spot to replenish your sugar level after a busy day of sightseeing and eating around Gaslamp Quarter. Find a table and dig into your order, anywhere inside the cafe. Relax in the ambiance of its interior which is tastefully decorated with wonderful wall mosaic and clear bright seating areas. Definitely, a delicious spot to satisfy any sweet cravings! But if too much sugar ruins your diet, let them give you your caffeine fix with their best cups of brewed coffee instead.
Chocolat Cremerie
Address: 509 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Chocolat Cremerie
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 9am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 9am - 1am
Price: 6 USD
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Order a scrumptious meal at Searsucker
Enjoy some quality music while having good food in this themed restaurant located in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Satisfy your taste buds with treats from a menu featuring creative twists on New American classics including grilled octopus, beef fillet, New York strips, and duck-fat fries. Arrive early and stay late while enjoying the relaxing ambiance of the bar, stocked with decent thirst quenchers or stay for the Happy Hour that runs seven days a week. Don’t hesitate to inform the staff if you are following a special diet or have allergies to fully enjoy your dining experience.
Searsucker
Address: 611 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Searsucker
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 11pm; Sat 10am - 11pm; Sun: 10am - 10pm
Price: 31-60 USD
5. Prepare for an educational tour about the past
Know a piece of local history as you tour around this museum situated inside the Davis-Horton House. The Gaslamp Museum is one of the oldest residences in San Diego, California. Explore this 1850s ‘salt-box’ style home including the rotating exhibit in the basement gallery to brush up your knowledge about the rich history of both Gaslamp Quarter and San Diego. If you’re looking for some thrilling encounter, consider joining the museum’s Friday evening, Ghosts of the Gaslamp Tour that starts and ends in the house, for a bit of history along with ghost hunting.
Gaslamp Museum
Address: 410 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Facebook: Gaslamp Museum
Opening hours: Sun: 12pm - 4pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 5 USD
6. Savor a gastronomic treat by the pool
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Pamper your taste buds with some South Californian cuisine from a really good menu and a great selection of wine and beer while sitting beside the pool in this restaurant located on the rooftop of the Pendry San Diego Hotel. Take your afternoon break to a whole new level while enjoying casual poolside dining complemented with a comfy seat, great music, and the cool summer heat. If the sun is too hot for your skin, choose a cabana where you can feast over servings of chicken fingers, burgers, guacamole with good chips and bottles of ice-cold beer.
Pool House
Address: 550 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Pool House
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm
Price: 11-30 USD
7. Admire historic and stunning architecture (from USD 35.0)
Marvel at the stunning architecture of the gorgeous, well-restored old buildings in San Diego’s core historic area, the Gaslamp Quarter. Stretching two blocks from the Fourth and Sixth avenues and eight blocks from Broadway to Harbor Drive, surround yourself with 1873s buildings and 21st-century buildings designed to fit in harmoniously with the earlier structures. Start your historic tour at the Horton Plaza fountain and make sure to swing by across the elegant US Grant Hotel before moving south to see the notable daytime sights including the old San Diego City Hall building, the Backesto Building, Keating Building, and the ornate Lewis Bank of Commerce building.
1.5-Hour San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour
8. Beat the heat with a pool party
Dance your heart out at the best pool party and day club in California and get that sun-kissed skin you wished to achieve. Enjoy the fantastic atmosphere and revel in the thrill and excitement the minute you take the stairs up to the lounge area. Take advantage of the faux grass area with plenty of room to dance, a booth where you can buy slices of pizza, lots of photo-ops with backyard vibes, tables to hang out, and a bar stocked with drinks for the thirsty. Have a blast in the pool or simply cool down after dancing to the beat of the music and the DJ’s spinning.
Sunburn Pool Lounge
Address: 207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Sunburn Pool Lounge
Opening hours: Sat: 12pm - 6:30pm (closed on other days)
Price: 10 USD (Admission)
9. Indulge in an eclectic and cozy dining experience
Tantalize your taste buds with delicious food in this restaurant that offers American eats and Happy Hour deals. Satisfy your cravings for varied dishes and take advantage of the creative menu where you can find made-from-scratch food, seasonal cocktails, and craft beers. Whether you’re looking for something to eat for brunch, lunch, or dinner, you will never go wrong savoring great Asian dishes starting from the Korean street tacos, Asian spare ribs, and Thai spicy noodles, that are perfect as an entree. Wash down this delicious treat with refreshing beverages from a long list of specialty cocktails and wines while indulging the sweet tooth in you with a slice of yummy dessert.
Garage Kitchen + Bar
Address: 655 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Website: Garage Kitchen + Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 9am - 12am; Sun: 9am - 10pm
Price: 11-30 USD
10. Party the night away in an ultimate club
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Saunter inside this restaurant and nightclub oozing a chic, posh, and trendy setting complemented with beautifully lit cherry blossom trees lining the center of the room. Indulge in fresh locally sourced eats like Brussel sprouts, smoked octopus and ceviche, and wash it down with handcrafted cocktails such as an apple martini with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies and vanilla bean ice cream on the side, for dessert. Once you have your fill, dance the night away beneath the high ceiling, on a decent-size dance floor complete with a good choice of music and state-of-the-art sound and lighting.
Parq Nightclub
Address: 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Parq Nightclub
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 10pm - 2am (closed on Sun - Thu)
Price: Moderate
Make your way to Gaslamp Quarter
A place that never gets boring or repetitive, you will never go wrong driving or walking around to experience this list of things to do in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, California. Whether you’re a history buff collecting quite a few historical data or a nocturnal being who loves to party after hours, visiting Gaslamp Quarter will definitely make your holiday a satisfying journey.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to