San Diego Gaslamp Quarter Day Trip

San Diego is an excellent place for a road trip about a hundred south of Los Angeles. If you are spending the day, the downtown Gaslamp Quarter should be on top of your list. Gaslamp Quarter is a nighttime place to visit, but it’s worth taking a walkthrough, even during the day.

The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic heart of downtown San Diego. The district covers eight square shopping blocks, sidewalk bars, restaurants, and specialty shops. The most popular attraction here is the sidewalk restaurants and bars which line Fifth and Sixth avenues—followed by the numerous stores that occupy the Victorian Era buildings.

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House

Gaslamp Museum features information about San Diego’s early history through exhibitions, tours of the house, and guided tours of the Gaslamp neighborhood. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. $5 admission for the self-guided tour. 410 Island Avenue, San Diego.

Balboa Theatre

Built-in 1924, the Theatre was once a vaudeville and movie palace that included storefronts along Fourth Avenue and offices on the upper floors. In the late 50s, the building was facing demolition. It was saved from the wrecking ball and used as a movie house. In 1986 the city of San Diego purchased the historic Theatre. After 20 years and a $26 million restoration, the Theatre reopened in 2008—Balboa Theatre – 868 Fourth Avenue @ E Street.

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum

This museum is located at 404 Third Ave in an area called San Diego’s Chinatown, founded in 1996 in San Diego. The museum houses artifacts about Chinese history in San Diego and a small garden and koi pond. Across the street, the museum has a second building used as an art gallery and for special exhibits. The San Diego Chinese Historical Museum is well worth looking at if you are visiting the Gaslamp Quater during the day. Website.

Nightlife Gaslamp Quarter

As the sun sets, the streets come alive in the Gaslamp Quarter. The old-fashioned gas lamps begin to glow, and the more the sidewalk cafes come to life. Dining venues are abundant, and nightclubs are along the quarter’s streets. Ranging from the modern ALTITUDE Sky Lounge with a rooftop bar to The Tipsy Crow Pub & Grub, housed one of the oldest structures in the Gaslamp Quarter. Most of the action is along Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

Gaslamp Quarter History

At one time, the district was not the same law-abiding area as it is today. From the late 1880s through 1920, numerous gambling halls, saloons, and brothels were the norm. Until the mid-1970s, the district was a run-down place with small hotels and bars the average person would not be caught dead in. In 1976, the City of San Diego adopted a Planned District Ordinance for the Gaslamp Quarter, leading to the vibrate place today.

Nearby Attractions

Close to the Gaslamp Quarter is the USS Midway Museum, and up the hill is Balboa Park, home of the world-famous San Diego Zoo. With so many things to see and do in San Diego, you may want to spend more than one day.

Getting to the Gaslamp Quarter

The San Diego Gas Lamp Quarter is eight blocks long (from Broadway to Harbor Drive) and two blocks wide (from Fourth to Sixth Avenues). It includes 94 historic buildings. Many are still in use. Parking can be found in nearby lots and garages. Metered spots are free on Sunday.

More Fun Places to See in San Diego

Balboa Island San Diego

Hollywood Day Trip