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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.

Discover Downtown & Gaslamp Quarter

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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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The Sky Tonight

Apr 5, 2024 - ongoing
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NARUTO

Apr 3, 2025
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San Diego Padres vs. Los Angeles Angels

May 12 - May 14, 2025
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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
Photo by @eyeswideopen2012
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Photo by @roadtrippher
Photo by @michaeldavidbejarano
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Deals just for you

Museums

Active Duty Military Free Admission

San Diego Air & Space Museum
Valid: May 9, 2024 - ongoing

Active duty military personnel with a valid military ID enjoy complimentary admission to the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Military dependants also qualify for discounted admission. Please mention...

Accommodation

AAA Hot Deals

Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Valid: Jul 22, 2024 - ongoing

AAA members who book to stay at Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina will receive complimentary self-parking for one vehicle. This offer is valid on all days and for all stay lengths, but please note...

Bars

10% OFF IRISH 4 A DAY, ST PATRICK'S DAY PARTY

Gaslamp Event Management (GEM) - Club VIP SD - Downtown Dolls
Valid: Mar 14 - Mar 15, 2025

Time for green beers, Irish car bombs, whiskey, tilted kilts, music, dancing, and lucky festivities! San Diego's favorite St. Patrick's Day celebration, "IRISH 4 A DAY" returns to the famous Gaslamp...

Related Articles and Features

Explore theNeighborhood

Areas of Interest

Where to Stay

Featured
Tours & Sightseeing

1. 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

2. 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
Attractions

3. 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
Featured
Hotels & Resorts

4. 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
Hotels & Resorts

5. 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
Associations & Organizations

6. Balboa Park Explorer Pass

Balboa Park Explorer Pass

Balboa Park Explorer Pass
(619) 232-7502
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Featured
Restaurants

7. 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

8. So Diego

Food & Drink Tours, Corporate Group Experiences

So Diego
(619) 233-8687
Neighborhood: Little Italy
Venues

9. Punch Bowl Social San Diego

Here's to Going Out Right: Arcade, Karaoke, Food

Punch Bowl Social San Diego
1485 E Street
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 452-3352
Neighborhood: Downtown
Associations & Organizations

10. World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024

Design a Better Future.

World Design Capital San Diego Tijuana 2024
(619) 228-9659
Neighborhood: Downtown
Other

11. Circuit Transit - San Diego

Ditch the Car, Enjoy the Ride

Circuit Transit - San Diego
(619) 548-2167
Neighborhood: Downtown
Associations & Organizations

12. Friends of Balboa Park

Preserving Balboa Park's legacy

Friends of Balboa Park
(619) 232-2282
Neighborhood: Balboa Park
Restaurants

13. Zama Restaurant & Bar

Latin American Cuisine

Zama Restaurant & Bar
467 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 915-5789
Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Galleries & Museums

14. Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House

Gaslamp Museum

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
410 Island Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-4692
Neighborhood: Downtown
Nightclubs

15. NOVA SD

NOVA SD

NOVA SD
454 6th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 837-5700
Neighborhood: Downtown

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