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Explore the Gaslamp Quarter, where Victorian elegance meets the vibrant history of San Diego.
This engaging walking tour reveals the rich tapestry of stories woven through the streets, from 19th-century architectural gems to the enigmatic alleys of Stingaree.
You'll stroll along Fifth Avenue, uncovering tales of ambition, vice, and resilience, and witnessing the remnants of Chinatown and labor movements.
Each stop unveils the contributions of preservationists, performers, and reformers who shaped this iconic neighborhood.
The Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour is ideal for history enthusiasts and ghost story lovers. It delves into the complexities of the past, ensuring a captivating experience.
— Discover the layered history of the Gaslamp Quarter
— Walk past iconic Victorian architecture and haunted hotels
— Uncover stories of Chinatown and historical labor uprisings
— Perfect for history buffs and those intrigued by ghost tales
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The Gaslamp Quarter Sign is an archway over Fifth Avenue, near the junction with L Street. It is close to the Gaslamp Quarter light rail station.
The Horton Grand Hotel is on Island Avenue, between Third and Fourth Avenues. It is across the street from the County Sheriff's Station.
Itinerary
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1
A striking example of Victorian commercial architecture, the Backesto Building anchors the Quarter with its ornate brickwork. It’s a reminder of San Diego’s 19th-century boom and the entrepreneurs who built it.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Once a modest hotel, the Callan is now better known for its ghost stories. Visitors say echoes of its wilder past still linger in its halls.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
This small but rich museum preserves the legacy of San Diego’s Chinese community. Exhibits tell the story of resilience, culture, and life in the once-thriving Chinatown.
Admission ticket free -
3
With its red-brick façade and historic storefronts, the Cole Block Building captures the character of old San Diego. Today, it blends preserved charm with modern use.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The oldest surviving structure in downtown, this house now serves as the Gaslamp Museum. Its rooms and exhibits bring the neighborhood’s layered history to life.
Admission ticket free -
4
The iconic gateway welcomes you into the heart of the district. It’s one of the most photographed landmarks in San Diego.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
A Victorian-style hotel with a storied past, the Horton Grand blends elegance with history. Guests and visitors alike come for its charm—and sometimes for its ghost tales.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
Built in 1890, the Keating was San Diego’s first skyscraper. Its Romanesque Revival design still dominates the block with confidence.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
Once home to one of the city’s first hardware stores, the Spencer-Ogden Building still reflects the Quarter’s entrepreneurial roots. The preserved details make it a standout on the street.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
This elaborate French Renaissance Revival landmark was once a bank—and later a notorious brothel. Its towers and ornamentation make it one of the Gaslamp’s most photographed buildings.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
The Nesmith–Greely Building was built in 1888 and once housed bustling businesses in the city’s early boom. It remains a fine example of Victorian commercial style.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10
This grand building once served as San Diego’s City Hall. The clock tower and bold design still stand as a symbol of civic pride.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11
Added to City Hall in 1909, the Bijou Theater brought entertainment to downtown. Though long closed, its presence hints at the city’s turn-of-the-century nightlife.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
The Pioneer Warehouse—a sturdy red-brick structure—reflects the district’s working-class roots. The building once served as a hub of trade and industry in early San Diego.
Admission ticket free -
12
Once a luxurious hotel, the St. James was famous for its rooftop views of the harbor. Though no longer operating, its history remains central to the Gaslamp story.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13
Built in 1894, this building showcases the Gaslamp’s shift into a bustling commercial hub. The Timkin Building’s design highlights the mix of utility and style from the era.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14
This former hotel stood in the Stingaree red-light district and was notorious for vice and nightlife. The surviving brickwork still tells the stories of the neighborhood’s rowdy past.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
15
One of the Gaslamp’s few Romanesque Revival structures, the Yuma Building has survived fires, decline, and rebirth. This is a striking piece of architectural resilience.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
16
This was once the largest vaudeville house in San Diego, drawing crowds with its lively shows, and now it stands as a reminder of the city’s entertainment history, and is an ice cream shop.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
17Embarcadero
Just beyond the Gaslamp, the waterfront opens to sweeping bay views. The Embarcadero is a perfect spot to pause and take in San Diego’s maritime setting.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
(Pass by)
Restored to its 1920s glory, the Balboa Theatre is still a working performance venue. The theatre’s Spanish Revival style makes it one of downtown’s most elegant landmarks.
Admission ticket free -
18
A lively public space since the 1870s, this plaza has hosted rallies, concerts, and celebrations. The park is a vibrant gathering spot at the edge of the Quarter.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Works entirely offline once downloaded—no cell service required
- GPS-triggered audio plays automatically based on your location
- Flexible - Buy once, use any day/time—access never expires
- Get the Drives & Detours app download the tour ahead of time
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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