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Welcome to

Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

The hottest nightlife scene on the West Coast

Discover San Diego's Urban Side

The heartbeat of every city lives in its downtown, and San Diego is no exception. Located only minutes from the airport, San Diego's thriving downtown area offers an abundance of options for accommodations, activities, dining and cultural attractions, all easily accessible by foot, bike, car or public transportation.

Gaslamp Quarter

In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where modern architecture and Victorian Age buildings stand side by side, you'll discover eclectic galleries, chic boutiques, trendy nightclubs, rooftop bars, gastropubs, craft beer haunts and fine dining restaurants lining the streets.

> Learn More about the Gaslamp Quarter

Things to Do in Downtown, San Diego

During the day, families can enjoy compelling cultural attractions in San Diego's downtown such as The New Children's Museum; take in a baseball game at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres; or catch the San Diego Trolley to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. With plenty of places to eat, shop and explore, families can enjoy a true California urban safari.

> Find More Things to Do in San Diego

Downtown San Diego Nightlife

After dark, the city transforms into a sophisticated playground for adults. With an endless variety of posh nightclubs, sizzling music venues and sky-high rooftop bars, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a memorable night on the town.

> Learn More about San Diego's Nightlife Scene

Embarcadero

The waterfront Embarcadero (or “landing place” in Spanish) lines the western edge of downtown. Its boardwalk hugs the San Diego Bay, home to the cruise terminal, the Navy Pier, Seaport Village and The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, the permanent outdoor home of the San Diego Symphony. Climb aboard to explore the ships at the USS Midway Museum, the Star of India at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. If a moving sea vessel is more your style, hop on a harbor cruise and explore the bay, while taking in the skyline views. For fun on land, head to the The Headquarters at Seaport to grab a gourmet bite or browse for one-of-a-kind take-home treasures.

> Learn More about the Embarcadero

Little Italy

If you're looking for some authentic local flavor, immerse yourself in San Diego's Little Italy district, just north of downtown, where you can grab a slice of pizza or an espresso and biscotti from a local café, or dine at one of the celebrity-chef restaurants located on bustling Kettner Boulevard, known as "Top Chef Alley".

> Learn More about Little Italy

East Village

Just south of downtown sits the vibrant East Village, a revitalized warehouse district with a hip social scene, plus trendy cafes, craft beer bars and a high-energy vibe.

> Learn More about East Village

Barrio Logan

East of downtown you'll find Barrio Logan, the epicenter of San Diego's Hispanic community, where art and food converge in a symphony of sights, sounds and tastes. The colorful murals and outstanding, flavorful fare are worth the trip.

> Learn More about Barrio Logan

Play San Diego: Downtown & Gaslamp

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Call 1-800-350-6205 to speak with a local travel expert

Getting to Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown is the heart of San Diego and there's not shortage of ways to get into the action. All major freeways go through the city including Interstate 5 and 805, and State Highway 163. Unlike many cities, traffic during rush hour flows away from the city in the morning, and into the city at night - so for tourists, the trip is quick! San Diego's public transportation system is efficient and cost-effective. The Red Trolley crosses the city in several key areas with major connections at downtown's Santa Fe Station. Amtrak and the Coaster rail service connects North County and its quintessential beach towns to downtown action. And once you are in the city, ride share and scooter programs including Circuit, Uber and Lyft provide great alternatives to move around town.

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Barrio Logan

For years, the Barrio Logan neighborhood has been one of San Diego's best kept secrets. An epicenter of the city's Mexican-American culture, this neighborhood is quickly becoming a hotspot for cutting-edge art and authentic local culture.

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San Diego's Embarcadero

A great place for a stroll along the water

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San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter

Not only is this area the epicenter of San Diego’s nightlife scene, it is also rich with cultural offerings

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What's Hot

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Barrio Logan

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San Diego's Embarcadero

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San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter

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What's On

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Wonderfront Music & Arts Festival

May 16 - May 18, 2025
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Rooftop Cinema Club San Diego

Mar 1, 2025
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Ain't Too Proud

Mar 28 - Mar 30, 2025
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Happy Hour

Mar 5, 2024 - ongoing
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Downtown on Instagram

Photo by @cmonboardsd
Photo by @geo371
Photo by @patricktoth.photography
Photo by @kimleacooper
Photo by @cfbauer
Photo by @andrew.pummell
Photo by @francisco_chavira
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Deals just for you

Activity

Zoo & Safari Park Package

San Diego RV Resort
Valid: Mar 19, 2024 - ongoing

Our discounted tickets for the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park will make you roar with excitement! Pick your favorite park and let the adventure begin! Blackout Dates and Restrictions...

Galleries & Museums

Show Your Badge & Save at SDCHM

San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum
Valid: Aug 23, 2024 - ongoing

Step back in time and discover the stories of San Diego's original Chinatown and the vibrant Asian Pacific Historic District. Journey through history as you explore how this once-bustling...

Camping & RV Parks

Active Duty Military Special

San Diego RV Resort
Valid: Mar 19, 2024 - ongoing

San Diego RV Resort is the preferred location for the Military to call home while on assignment. We offer all active military members our best-extended stay rates all year long so they can rest...

Related Articles and Features

Explore theNeighborhood

Areas of Interest

Where to Stay

Featured
Associations & Organizations

1. Balboa Park Explorer Pass

Balboa Park Explorer Pass

Balboa Park Explorer Pass
(619) 232-7502
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Featured
Hotels & Resorts

2. Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside

Stunning San Diego Bay Views in Little Italy!

Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
2137 Pacific Highway
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 819-0082
Neighborhood: Little Italy
Featured
Restaurants

3. Bub's @ The Ball Park

Great eats and Good brews!

Bub's @ The Ball Park
715 J Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 546-0815
Neighborhood: Downtown
Featured
Tours & Sightseeing

4. Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest

Experience your own amazing race adventure!

Amazing Scavenger Hunts by Urban Adventure Quest
(805) 603-5620
Neighborhood: Downtown
Featured
Team Building

5. The Escape Game San Diego

You might escape. You will have fun!

The Escape Game San Diego
232 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 853-2834
Neighborhood: Downtown
Featured
Tours & Sightseeing

6. So Diego

Food & Drink Tours, Corporate Group Experiences

So Diego
(619) 233-8687
Neighborhood: Little Italy
Featured
Hotels & Resorts

7. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Metro-Coastal Oasis

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
333 W Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101-7700
(619) 234-1500
Neighborhood: Downtown
Featured
Attractions

8. San Diego Zoo

Wonders of Wildlife at the San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 718-3000
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Bars

9. Vin de Syrah

Bottle Service & Wine Tastings at Vin de Syrah

Vin de Syrah
111 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(925) 890-6024
Neighborhood: Downtown
Spas & Wellness

10. AquaVie Spa & Wellness Club-The Westgate Hotel

San Diego's Ultimate Fitness + Wellness Club

AquaVie Spa & Wellness Club-The Westgate Hotel
234 Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 557-3663
Neighborhood: Downtown
Hotels & Resorts

11. AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter

An urban vibe travel experience in Gaslamp Quarter

AC Hotel San Diego Downtown Gaslamp Quarter
743 5th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 693-1573
Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Restaurants

12. Glass Door - Porto Vista Hotel

Where margaritas and views are waiting for you!

Glass Door - Porto Vista Hotel
1835 Columbia St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 564-3755
Neighborhood: Little Italy
Restaurants

13. Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro

Authentic Puerto Nuevo-style Cuisine

Ortega's, A Mexican Bistro
141 University Avenue #4
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 692-4200
Neighborhood: Hillcrest
Restaurants

14. Union Kitchen & Tap

Union Kitchen & Tap
333 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-9463
Neighborhood: Downtown
Restaurants

15. Vistal Restaurant and Bar

Baja-Cali Sustainable Seafood Restaurant and Bar

Vistal Restaurant and Bar
901 Bayfront Court Suite 1
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 535-0485
Neighborhood: Downtown

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