Visit Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, California

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San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is a 16 square block area on the waterfront in the middle of downtown. The Gaslamp Quarter has a colorful history of boom and bust. It was originally established in 1850 and was the location of brothels and gambling halls (including some operated by the Wild West sheriff, Wyatt Earp) before it embarked on its transformation into a premier shopping, dining and entertainment district in 1980 when the Quarter was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. 94 restored historic Victorian era buildings remain in the Gaslamp Quarter (some next to modern skyscrapers) and visitors can take tours of buildings and may visit the home of William Heath Davis, the oldest wooden structure in the district. The Gaslamp Quarter boasts over 200 restaurants, bars, nightclubs and lounges and many interesting boutiques, art galleries and shops. The district is directly adjacent to PETCO Park where the San Diego Padres Major League Baseball team stages its home games. Visitors can spend the day shopping at trendy boutiques or at the multi-level mall, Horton Plaza. At night the Quarter transforms itself into a glittering display of al fresco cafes, roof top bars, theaters and establishments for fine dining, dancing and listening to live music. The Gaslamp Quarter is famous for its celebrations and parades. The Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday parade and St. Patrick’s Day ShamROCK festival are always exciting. The Fallback Festival is produced for children as an historical and cultural street faire in early November and the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade features owners and their pets dressing alike for bragging rights and prizes kicking off the winter holiday season

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