Gaslamp Quarter

Overview

The Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego's premier entertainment district, a 16-block stretch of restored Victorian-era commercial buildings housing restaurants, rooftop bars, clubs, and galleries. Gas lamps line the streets, echoing the neighborhood's 19th-century origins.

Highlights

• Rooftop Bars: Multiple venues offer sunset cocktails with skyline and bay views.
• Victorian Architecture: Over 90 buildings from the 1860s–1920s are preserved in the historic district.
• Nightlife: The densest concentration of bars and clubs in San Diego.

History

Founded in 1867 by Alonzo Horton as "New Town," the Gaslamp fell into decline by the 1970s. A major revitalization effort in the 1980s and 1990s restored the Victorian buildings and transformed the area into the city's social center.

Visitor Tips

• Thursday–Saturday evenings bring the liveliest atmosphere.
• 5th Avenue is the main restaurant and nightlife corridor.
• Duration: 1.5–3 hours.