Gaslamp Quarter History

The Gaslamp Quarter history began it's story in 1850 when William Heath Davis buys 160 acres.  Despite heavy investment from Davis, little development happens in this period. The area began in the 1860s, the area known as New Town, in contrast to Old Town, which was the original Spanish colonial settlement of San Diego. The name "Gaslamp Quarter" is a reference to the gas lamps that were common in San Diego in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Major development begins in the Gaslamp Quarter in 1867 when Alonzo Horton arrives in San Diego and purchases 800 acres of land in New Town for $265.  Wyatt Earp and his wife Josie come to San Diego and invest in real estate and saloons around 1880. The Gaslamp Quarter soon becomes known for it's many saloons, gambling halls, and bordello's.  As time passes the decaying Gaslamp Quarter becomes known as a "Sailor's Entertainment" district, with a high concentration of pornographic theaters, bookshops and massage parlors.

By 1970 the start of the public interest in preserving buildings downtown, especially in Gaslamp Quarter and by 1976 the city adopted the Gaslamp Quarter Urban Design and Development Manual, aimed at preserving buildings in the area, and the redevelopment of Gaslamp Quarter as a national historic district.

In 1982, Gaslamp Quarter became the major focus of the redevelopments in downtown by the city of San Diego.

Today you can still get the historic feeling while cruising the Gaslamp District. Many of the old buildings have been reconstructed from a bygone era with the exception of the charming William Heath Davis House at 410 Island Ave. The oldest surviving wood frame structure in downtown. Built in 1850 in Portland, Maine and then brought around the horn to San Diego. Plenty of streets filled with restaurants, shopping, and night life. A change of pace from the San Diego beach scene. The Gaslamp offers over 200 restaurants, shops, galleries and nightclubs that now fill the area. By day it's filled with the lunch crowds and shoppers while at night, the ambiance comes alive with out of towners and locals dancing, dining, musicians playing anything from rhythm and blues to salsa music.

To catch some of the fine attractions of the historic Gaslamp District take the fun tour "Another Side Tours" at 300 G St. (619) 239-2111.

Parking at the Gaslamp Quarter

An excellent place to park is at Ace Parking's 6th and K Parkade is an excellent place to park It is well lit and offers 1000 public car spaces seven-stories high. Daily parking rates of $1 per hr. from 3 a.m. - 6 p.m.  $3 flat rate Sun-Thurs. after 6 p.m. and $8 maximum flat rate Fri.-Sat on nonevent nights. At Petco Park (home of the National Leage Padres Baseball Team) there is a flate rate of $12 for San Diego Padres ballgames only. Rates for other events may vary. No credit cards. Another alternative for parking is centrally located Westfield Shopping town Horton Plaza near 4th St. The cost is $8 per hour for non-shoppers and $2 for every additional 15 min. You can self-validate your ticket at one of their six marked validation stations in the mall for three free hours of parking.  Many restaurants also offer valet parking, so parking isn't a big problem at night.

Gaslamp Quarter Restaurants and Nightclubs

The Bitter End - A very popular cocktail lounge. Especially at happy hour with 25 different martinis and downstairs club. At the corner of Fifth Ave. and F Street * 770 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101-6918 * (619) 338-9300

Bombay Exotic Cuisine of India 3960 Fifth Ave. (619)297-7777

Buca di Beppo Italian Restaurant - Festive Italian dining. Come indulge in the Buca experience of unforgettable appetizers, salads, pastas, pizzas, entrees, desserts, beer and fine wine. 705 Sixth Ave. 619-233-7272

Croce's Restaurant and Jazz Bar - Internationally and multiple awards including Best American Cuisine - Lamplighter Awards - 2009.  Live music nightly. Ingrid Croce opened the restaurant in honor of her late husband, Jim Croce best known hit, “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown”, "Time in a Bottle", and "I'll Have to Say I Love You". Corner of Fifth & F, downtown San Diego (619)233-4355

Dick's Last Resort Restaurant - Lots of fun for everyone! Enjoy San Diego’s beautiful weather on the enormous patio, or suckin’ back a cold one while watching the game on one of their hi-def TV’s. Live music every night. Never a dull moment in this 3-ring circus which is exactly how they've earned their infamous reputation.

Fred's Mexican Cafe 527 Fifth Ave. (619)232-8226

Hooters Restaurant Known for the California Hooters girls and hot wings. Plenty of TVs to watch your favorite sporting event. On the corner of Fourth Avenue and Market Street * 410 Market Street, San Diego * (619) 235-4668

House of Blues - So much to see in this multi-level club. Very nicely decorated with a Mardi Gras ambiance and soothing decor. Go for drinks, check out both national and local live bands, or enjoy the delicious food. 1055 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 * (619) 299-2583

Lou & Mickey's  - Their parent company is King's Fish House which has many locations in So. California. This is their flagship restaurant, so you know it has to be good! Great wine list and service! Voted San Diego's Magazine's accolade as "Best American Restaurant" 224 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101 * (619) 237-4900
 

The Marble Room - Bring back the early days of the Gaslamp. The new Marble Room captures the feel and excitement of a part of San Diego’s colorful past. Occasionally, Madame Cora herself makes an appearance to check on her girls and hand out marbles to some of our lucky guests. Delicious cuisine in an upbeat and stylish atmosphere. Daily happy hour and a live DJ on Fri and Sat.  535 Fifth Ave. (619)702-5595

Masala Restaurant Spices of India 314 Fifth Avenue (619)232-5050

Monsoon Fine Cuisine of India 729 Fourth Avenue (619)234-5555

Nicky Rotten's Restaurant - Burgers, beers, cocktails and a lively sports bar happy hour. 560 Fifth Ave.  (619)702-8068

Nobu Sushi (in the Hard Rock Hotel) You're eating the creations of a top NY celebrity chef, Nobu Matsuhita. If your looking for a top notch Sushi Restaurant. This is it! Happy Hour in the bar and lounge daily from 5:00 pm - 7pm. 207 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 * (619) 814-4124
 

Rei Do Gado Brazilian Steak House - Top five best restaurants in San Diego with Rave reviews. Servers bring barbecued cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken to your table with skewers. For dinner you can sample up to 16  variety of meats. This is an all you can eat restaurant. 939 Fourth Avenue  (619)702-8464

Royal Thai Cuisine -Award Winning Thai Cuisine. 467 5th Avenue (619) 230-THAI

Sevilla - The taste of Spain. Great tasting tapas and authentic Spanish cuisine. Live Flamenco nightly in the Tapas Bar.  Flamenco dinner shows Fri and Sat. 619-233-5979 * 555 fourth Ave. San Diego

Sloppy Joey's Restaurant - Authentic Italian cuisine and gourmet Pizza and Pasta in a fun but relaxed atmosphere.  548 Fifth Ave. 619-525-9960

Suite and Tender (in the Se San Diego Hotel) For a more sophisticated dining experience with signature wines and steaks. Located in the 1047 5th Avenue San Diego, CA 92101 * (619) 515-3003
 

Taste and Thirst Restaurant - Great -tasting burgers and friendly atmosphere will make you want to become a regular. One of the Best Happy Hours in Downtown San Diego 3-8pm daily. All drinks 2-for1 prices. Food Served Until 2am. 715 Fourth Ave. 619-955-5995

Zanzibar Cafe Mouth watering and healthy dining made fresh and made from scratch. Visit our gourmet market and wine bar downtown where we sell an assortment of wines, cheeses, coffees, teas and other gourmet items. 707 G Street San Diego, CA 92101 *619-230-0125

Whiskey Girl - Landmark restaurant, a casual atmosphere, incredible selection of comfort food, spirited staff and a friendly vibe. This bar and nightclub is one of many places to dance to live music at night.  On the corner of Fifth and Market Street * 600 5th Avenue * (619)236-1616

Gaslamp Quarter Shopping

Gaslamp Garage 301 Fifth Ave. Corner of 5th and K. Offers name brand stores like Levi's, Quiksilver, Roxy, Hurley, Fox, Oakley, Nautica, O'Neill, and an eclectic mix of gifts for all ages. Over 5000 square feet of selling space.

Gaslamp Shops

Gaslamp Hotels