Hotels Near The Gaslamp Quarter San Diego
Situated as we are in the heart of Downtown San Diego here at Hotel Republic, we give our guests unbeatable proximity to some of the city’s best-known and most popular neighborhoods and districts. One of the most vibrant—and history-drenched—is the Gaslamp Quarter, just blocks from our boutique Autograph Collection hotel and a must-visit sort of place.
History of the Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter encompasses some of San Diego’s most venerable geography, including the “New Town” settlement (named to distinguish it from the original Spanish colonial settlement of the area) founded in 1850 by William Heath Davis and later developed by Alonzo Horton, the “Father of San Diego.” In the late 19th century, this area played host to the notorious Stingaree District of saloons, gambling halls, and brothels: a rowdy, up-all-night zone that attracted, among other businessman, the famed lawman Wyatt Earp, who arrived in the mid-1880s and ran several establishments.
The Gaslamp underwent long periods of decline, but several decades ago became the focus of an ambitious—and wildly successful—revitalization campaign that’s made it one of the top entertainment, retail, and sightseeing districts in San Diego.
Gaslamp Quarter Attractions
The Gaslamp Quarter’s long and rich backstory is a big part of its attraction, and a spectacular collection of well-preserved and rehabbed historical structures—including the greatest share of restored Victorian-era office buildings in the West—make it a magnet for history and architecture buffs as well as photographers.
Among many standout landmarks are the Davis-Horton House (1850), the Yuma Building (1882-1885), and the Marin Hotel (1885). The Gaslamp Foundation, which operates a museum in the Davis-Horton House, leads architecture- and history-themed walking tours as well as ghost tours and paranormal investigations.
The Gaslamp hosts an exceptional concentration of restaurants, bars, and cafes, making it one of the top places to wine and dine in town. Eateries range from Greystone Prime Steakhouse & Seafood and Cafe Sevilla Restaurant & Tapas Bar to Gaslamp Burger, Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine, and Mezé Greek Fusion. There’s an equally rich shopping scene, with boutiques, big-name brands, hatmakers, souvenir outlets, wineshops, spas, and more.
And then there’s the busy events calendar: The Gaslamp Quarter hosts a slew of top-draw happenings, from the Taste of Gaslamp culinary extravaganza to such holiday festivities as Gaslamp & Chill, ShamROCK, and Mardi Gras.
Explore the Gaslamp on Your Next Downtown San Diego Getaway at Hotel Republic
You’re just a hop, skip, and a jump from the Gaslamp when you call Hotel Republic your home away from home in Downtown San Diego. The district offers multifaceted appeal, and we encourage you to check it out for yourself while enjoying our Autograph Collection hospitality!