GASLAMP QUARTER Bordering the area where Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center are located , the Gaslamp Quarter still reflects a bygone era when gas lamps cast their glimmering light over San Diego . Once the sun begins to slip toward the horizon , rooftop bars and restaurants provide a whole different perspective on this part of the city .
Within this lively 16-block chunk of city , mixologists craft artisan cocktails and the club scene heats up nightly with every type of music and show imaginable , from jazz and dance mixes spun by celebrity DJs to staged flamenco and burlesque shows . Themed wine bars and clubs include Vin de Syrah , which is below street level with decor that evokes “ Alice in Wonderland ”; Parq Nightclub , with a full lineup of DJs and other performers so patrons can practice their best dance moves ; and Noble Experiment , a hip , offthe-radar speakeasy with a wall of golden skulls . In addition to these options , the area ’ s latest destination is outside .
“ The Gaslamp Quarter now offers expanded outdoor dining patios ,” Gutierrez says . “ It has closed off portions of Fifth Avenue to create a promenade for pedestrians to stroll and enjoy of alfresco dining , retailers and entertainment venues .”
“ Close by , in the downtown area , the iconic Seaport Village has welcomed several new high-caliber culinary offerings as part of a waterfront revitalization project ,” Gutierrez continues . “ With more than 18 dining and drinking options , visitors can experience San Diego ’ s rich wine and craft beer scene , savor celebrity chef-owned casual and farm-to-table eats , or grab a quick sweet snack while enjoying breathtaking ocean views .”
About half a mile north is the departure point for harbor boat excursions , along with the USS Midway Museum , and the Maritime Museum of San Diego and its collection of nine vessels — among them , the Star of India , the world ’ s oldest active sailing ship . In recent years , the Maritime Museum constructed a replica of the San Salvador , the ship that discovered San Diego in 1542 . The replica ship is currently docked at the pier .
When you ’ re ready to take a break from sightseeing , you can always sink
Clockwise from top : Petco Park baseball stadium ; the San Diego Zoo ; Gaslamp Quarter
into a comfortable seat and take in a concert , play or performance at one of a selection of world-class concert halls , theater venues and comedy clubs . Enjoy plays and musicals at the more-than-acentury-old Spreckels Theatre , which is on the National Register of Historic Places ; Balboa Theatre , which began its life in 1924 as a vaudeville and moving pictures palace ; a diverse lineup of music shows at the House of Blues ; top musicals presented by Broadway San Diego at Civic Theatre ; or classical concerts put on by the San Diego Symphony outdoors at the new Rady Shell at Jacobs Park ; the symphony ’ s indoor venue , the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Music Center , is currently closed for a major renovation and expected to reopen in fall 2023 .
Ultimately , your perfect escape to San Diego is up to you . Go retro , splash in the water , satisfy your hunger or just unwind
Shopping in the Gaslamp Quarter
30 MISSION : BEACH !