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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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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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Blue Gold

Sep 23, 2024 - ongoing

Blue Gold: The Art and Science of Indigo presents indigo through stunning objects of creative expression and the astonishing study of a chemical reaction.

Blue Gold is among more than 70 exhibitions and programs presented as part of Getty’s 2024 PST ART initiative, Art & Science Collide. Discover the roles of botany, chemistry, ecology, and economics in indigo cultivation and dive into a deeper appreciation for blue hues. Through workshops and talks led by local artists, including a Master Craftsman Lecture with Porfirio Gutiérrez and Dyeing Classes with Sarah Winston, be immersed in the world of indigo. There is magic in the transformation from plant to pigment.

Blue Gold is on view until March 2025.

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Blue Whales Documentary

Apr 5, 2024 - ongoing

Blue Whales: Return of the Giants takes you on a journey of a lifetime to explore the world of the magnificent blue whale, a species rebounding from the brink of extinction. Blue whales are the largest animals ever to have lived—bigger than any dinosaur—yet we know surprisingly little about them.

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2025 Gaslamp Mardi Gras

Feb 28, 2025

Let the Good Times Roll!

Join us at "San Diego's #1 Margi Gras & Fat Tuesday Celebration" Gaslamp Margi Gras 2025

Round up your KREWE and secure your ticket today before the price jump!
Your ticket includes: • An exclusive Opening Party at American Junkie • Free entry to 25+ venues • Hosted Welcome Shots • Extended Happy Hour on food & drinks • Live entertainment, live music, DJ, dancing, face painting • Parking + Hotel Deals valued at over $400!

Presented by the organizers of the sold out San Diego Zombie Crawl and the top 20 nightclubs and bars along the famous 5th Avenue, MARDI GRAS is truly a one-of-a-kind celebration and a special way to celebrate Fat Tuesday! So pucker your lips, pack your beads, fan your cape and round up your KREWE!

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Trivia Night!

Mar 11, 2024 - ongoing

Get ready, brainiacs! It's time for Wednesday Night Trivia at Bub's at the Ballpark! Starts at 7pm!

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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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Blue Gold

Sep 23, 2024 - ongoing
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Blue Whales Documentary

Apr 5, 2024 - ongoing
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2025 Gaslamp Mardi Gras

Feb 28, 2025
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Trivia Night!

Mar 11, 2024 - ongoing
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Downtown on Instagram

 

Deals just for you

Accommodation

Little Italy Experience

Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayside
Valid: Sep 3, 2024 - ongoing

Immerse yourself in San Diego's vibrant Little Italy with our Little Italy Experience package. Stay in the heart of the city with easy access to this cultural hotspot. Savor the flavors with a 2-for-1...

Restaurants

The Best Date Night Downtown!

Osteria Panevino
Valid: Apr 18, 2024 - ongoing

Experience the ultimate date night in downtown San Diego at Osteria Panevino!  Our new couples menu features cheese wheel pastas starting at just $79 per couple plus a delightful appetizer, and a...

Accommodation

Hotel Indigo Military Appreciation Rate

Hotel Indigo - San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Valid: Apr 22, 2024 - ongoing

Whether you’re actively serving, or you’ve hung up the uniform, IHG wants to say, “thank you” with the IHG Military Appreciation Rate. We invite you and your family to enjoy a...

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