An area of about fifteen blocks in downtown San Diego makes up the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego’s most characteristic neighborhood and (as recent as it may be) and can be defined as the historic district. Of course, it is unthinkable to go to San Diego without taking at least a walk on 5th Avenue, the main street of the Gaslamp Quarter. Those who visit San Diego for the first time might think that the Old Town, given its name, is the oldest part of town. In truth, while that is the first California settlement, the Gaslamp Quarter is the historic heart of the city of San Diego as we know it today.
The name of the neighborhood comes from the old gas lamps, many of which still survive on the sidewalks of the main streets, and we find it reproduced in the large arched sign at the southern end of 5th Ave, where it overlooks Harbor Dr. However, there is more to see in the Gaslamp Quarter than just old street lamps! Among contemporary skyscrapers, there are historic buildings, many of them in Victorian style, that are in perfect condition. Besides Houses and hotels, there are shops, bars, and restaurants, which contribute to making the Gaslamp Quarter the choice neighborhood to go out in the evening in San Diego.
Contents
History of the Neighborhood
The history of the neighborhood is long and troubled. It all began in 1867, when the real estate entrepreneur Alonzo Horton (hence the name of the central square of the neighborhood), bought this large plot of land with the intention of creating a new city center closer to the bay. This area was previously known as New Town, in stark contrast to the Old Town where the first form of town was born.
From a commercial area, famous for nightclubs and gambling, there was an attempt to redevelop the Gaslamp Quarter, which unfortunately led to a period of urban decay. In the 1980s and 1990s, a great effort was made to give new life to the district and it was during this period that the district received its current name, despite the fact that there were very few gas lamps. Today it is registered on the National Register of Historic Places as “Gaslamp Quarter Historic District”.
Things to See in the Gaslamp Quarter
Having gone from being the most infamous to the most “in” district of the city, today the Gaslamp Quarter has good restaurants, entertainment, and shopping for tourists and locals alike. We were so impressed when we visited it that we had to include it in the list of places to visit in San Diego. But since at first glance it might seem not so different from the downtown areas of other American cities, let’s explore it carefully to uncover every secret.
The historic buildings along 5th Avenue
I already mentioned that 5th Avenue is the main street. My advice is to also explore 4th Ave, 6th Ave, and the various streets that cross them and connect these three streets, starting from Market Street. Most of the historic buildings, however, are located on Fifth Avenue, and there are three that particularly stand out.
The Yuma Building is located at 631 5th Avenue. Dating back to 1882, this red-brick Victorian building has Art-Deco influences and is distinguished by protruding windows and two spires. Three floors (four with the basement) are not many compared to the skyscrapers behind it, but its façade certainly makes it much more beautiful to photograph. The name Yuma refers to the area in Arizona where the person who wanted it worked. The building has changed function several times over the years and today it hosts several cultural events.
At 825 5th Avenue, you will find another brick building that can be clearly distinguished: the Nesmith-Greely Building. Built in 1888, it is another architectural landmark of the Gaslamp Quarter’s central street, but unlike the previous one it is not accessible inside as it houses private apartments. The Romanesque style is made unique by the rows of white-edged windows, each with a different shape.
Right next to it, there is the Louis Bank of Commerce, built in the same year, but it draws inspiration from Baroque architecture. The architecture is more elaborate and the two turrets on the top are particularly unique. It seems that originally it had to have an additional floor, but due to lack of building material, the project was modified by creating the two turrets. For the same reason, one of the two windows on the top floor does not have a balcony.
Here is a list of some other interesting historical buildings on 5th Ave:
- Hubbell Building (813 5th Avenue)
- Spencer Ogden Building (770 5th Avenue)
- Cole Block Building (702 5th Avenue)
- Old City Hall (664 5th Avenue)
- Bijou Theater (658 5th Avenue)
- Casino Theatre (643 5th Avenue)
- Manila Cafe (515 5th Avenue)
- Broker’s Building (404 Market Street)
- Samuel I. Fox Building (531 Broadway)
Another interesting place to stop along 5th Ave is the Chuck Jones Gallery (232 5th Avenue), an art gallery with sketches, prints, and sculptures by Chuck Jones. Many of you may be wondering who he is. Well, no less than the creator of many characters from Looney Tunes and Warner Bros like Wile E. Coyote, Road Runner, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and other characters who have made and continue to make cartoon history.
Balboa Theatre
There is more to explore in the Gaslamp Quarter beyond 5th Avenue. Along 4th Avenue, it is impossible not to notice the Balboa Theatre. This theatre was built in 1924 as a place dedicated mainly to cinema and in 1934, it was renovated and began to show contemporary films produced in Mexico City and to present the biggest stars of Latin American cinema.
During the Second World War, the upper floors (until then occupied by offices) were converted into accommodations for sailors, and even at the end of the war, they continued to serve this role. In the 1950s, the Balboa Theatre was in danger of being demolished and was saved by the Russo family, who bought it in 1959 and ran it as an action movie house, then sold it to the municipality of San Diego in 1986.
Unfortunately, the theatre was closed for over twenty years, until in 2002, the agency for the redevelopment of the city decided to preserve it as a public good and finance its restoration ($26.5 million). In 2008, the Balboa Theatre reopened its doors with great and growing success demonstrated by the public and the awards received at the local, state, and national level.
Davis Horton House
The oldest house in the Gaslamp Quarter is the Davis Horton House (410 Island Ave). The building dates back to 1850 and is home to the historic foundation of the neighborhood. Inside the house, you can see how people lived here in the late 19th century. Volunteers from the foundation, often dressed in period clothing, are available to tell stories from the past.
The house is called a saltbox because its shape is reminiscent of old salt boxes. Visitors can access the David Horton House from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm and on Sundays from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Tickets cost $5, but guided tours are also available. You can find more information on the official website.
Horton Plaza Park
The main square of the Gaslamp Quarter is easy to find, also because it is the only one. On one side we find a small public garden surrounded by palm trees. Next to it, there is a fountain with water games around a small temple. The other half of the square is a large public space that hosts events of all kinds and is often crowded. On this website, you can see if there are any events you are interested in attending during your visit to San Diego. In the square, there is also an outdoor cafe where you can take a break while visiting the neighborhood.
Gaslamp Quarter Tours
To better appreciate this neighborhood, we recommend a guided tour on foot, bike, or segway that also allows you to learn about the history and many anecdotes about the points of interest. To choose the one that best suits your needs, we suggest you take a look at the proposed tours by clicking on the link below:
Discover the Gaslamp Quarter tours
Where to Stay at the Gaslamp Quarter
Here are some options to consider for an overnight stay and there are even great options in the area surrounding the neighborhood. The Omni San Diego Hotel (675 L St) is a short distance from the stadium where the Padres play and across the street is the Convention Center. The rooms and suites have a contemporary style and views of the city or the bay. The hotel has a fitness center, a business center, a restaurant, wi-fi, and an outdoor terrace with a heated pool and fireplace.
The Keating Hotel by Pininfarina (432 F St) offers guests a pleasant experience. It proudly displays its historic brick facade from 1890 with a rounded shape. Despite the fact that the building is over 100 years old, the rooms and suites are modern and functional. There is a 24/7 concierge service, a meeting room, a restaurant, and a spa. The hotel is pet-friendly but charges $100 to guests who bring a pet and valet parking costs $45 per night.
The San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter (660 K St) is a historic hotel built in 1913. The suites and rooms, decorated in European style, are different from each other and are equipped with a mini-fridge, a microwave, and a coffee machine. Breakfast is served on the terrace overlooking the city. The hotel has a restaurant, a business center, and valet parking at a cost of $32 per night with unlimited entry and exit.
Built in the mid 1880s, the Horton Grand Hotel (311 Island Ave) has rooms with classic historic decor. The hotel has wi-fi, a 24-hour gift shop, a business center, a meeting room, and a restaurant. Private parking is available at a cost of $42 per day but there are other parking options within walking distance.
Search for a hotel at the Gaslamp Quarter
If you want to read about more hotels in the neighborhood and other areas of the city, you can consult our article entirely dedicated to where to stay in San Diego.
