The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic neighbourhood in downtown San Diego, California, USA. Once an infamous gambling den and brothel, the historic Gaslamp Quarter has since transformed into a lively neighbourhood. It extends from Broadway to Harbor Drive and from 4th to 6th Avenue. The neighbourhood is listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places as the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. It includes over 90 historic buildings, most of which were constructed in the Victorian era; many are in use as restaurants, shops, entertainment venues, and nightclubs.
The Gaslamp Quarter is known for its Victorian era nightlife. It is the site of various events and festivals, including Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, Taste of Gaslamp, and ShamROCK, a St. Patrick’s Day event. Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, is one block away in the East Village neighborhood.
In the 1860s, the area was known as New Town, in contrast to Old Town, the original Spanish colonial settlement of San Diego. Intensive development began in 1867, when Alonzo Horton bought the land in hopes of creating a new city center closer to the bay, and chose 5th Avenue as its main street.
After a period of urban decay, the neighborhood underwent urban renewal in the 1980s and 1990s.
It was rebranded the “Gaslamp Quarter” during the redevelopment and preservation efforts that occurred during the 1980s, though the streets were generally lit by arc lights, not gaslamps.
The Gaslamp Quarter has a large variety of dining options, wether a simple quick bite or a gourmet dining experience and also has many lively bars.
The Gaslamp Quarter’s colourful history, combined with its modern-day, world-class boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, is what makes this urban district unlike any other.
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