Always vibrant and active, downtown San Diego is the best place to start exploring. Since the late 1970s, several blocks of 1920s architecture have been stylishly renovated, with the sleek modern bank buildings symbolizing the city's growing economic importance on the Pacific Rim.

• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Nightlife
• Attractions
• Tours
• Theaters
• Gaslamp Quarter
• Convention Center
• Little Italy
• Map

South of Broadway, a few blocks and yet a world away from Horton Plaza, the sixteen-block Gaslamp District, heart of frontier San Diego, is now filled with smart streets lined with classy cafes, antique stores, art galleries, and, of course, gas lamps - now powered by electricity. A tad artificial it may be, but its buildings are intriguing to explore. Worth a peek is the Horton Grand , 311 Island Ave, a reconstruction of two nineteenth-century hotels originally located a few blocks away, with Old World decor and hotel staff in Victorian costumes.

San Diego's Historic Gaslamp Quarter has become one of San Diego's most popular neighborhoods, featuring a charming blend of ola and new building teeming with activity. In the 1870s Alonzo Horton built a wharf at the foot of Fifth Avenue and a development boom ensued. Although these days a wide variety of people enjoy the Gaslamp's bars and restaurants.

The original visitors of the 1880s were gamblers and prostitutes, such as Wyatt Earp and Ida Bailey, who founded numerous gambling halls, saloons and brothels in San Diego's red light district, the Stingaree. San Diego remained a popular navy liberty port until 1912 when city officials cracked down on prostitution, effectively shutting down the lively Stingaree.


Horton Plaza Shopping Mall is San Diego's major upmarket shopping venue, with a somewhat dated postmodern style that borrows heavily from Art Deco designs and motifs. Head for the open-air eating places on its top level; though the cuisine may be more expensive than in the streets - and offers little more than the standard fast-food fare of other shopping zones - it's fun to sit over a coffee and watch the parade of tourists go by. Take time on your way out to visit the 21ft-tall Jessop Clock on level one, made for the California State Fair of 1907.


West of downtown, the Embarcadero pathway follows the curve of the bay, and leads to the Maritime Museum , 1306 N Harbor Drive (daily 9am-8pm, summer closes at 9pm; $6; ), where the most interesting of three vintage sailing craft is the Star of India , built in 1863 and now the world's oldest still-afloat merchant ship.

Little Italy's throughout the United States have symbolized the tremendous contributions Italians have made to this country. Unfortunately, many of these historically established business districts are disappearing before our eyes. Little Italy in San Diego is different. A stable ethnic business and residential community since the 1920's, Little Italy today represents Downtown San Diego's oldest continuous neighborhood business district. At one time, more than 6,000 Italian families lived in Little Italy and toiled to build San Diego into the center of the world tuna industry.

Dining in Downtown, Every city has a few famous restaurants where the tables are always booked and the chefs are superstars. These restaurants are hot for one reason, they ensure your dining experience will be unforgettable. If you're looking for great service and creative, delicious food, you're sure to find it in one of these San Diego jewels. We'll lead you to some of the best restaurants in San Diego, whether you feel like dining along some of the most beautiful beaches in the country or in the bustling heart of the city.

The San Diego Convention Center is located on sparkling San Diego Bay in the heart of a vibrant downtown and was recently named one of the top three convention centers in the world. Abundant, flexible space and five-star service make the San Diego Convention Center the meeting planners first choice for hosting major conventions, trade shows, meetings and special events. With beautiful panoramic views of both the city and the bay, it is ideally situated within a mile of 7,500 first-class hotel rooms and 10 minutes from the airport. Within walking distance are a variety of unique shopping and dining experiences including Horton Plaza, Seaport Village and the Gaslamp Quarter. Downtown transportation is both convenient and stylish with horse-drawn carriages, the San Diego Trolley and the Coronado Ferry. The Trolley links downtown, Old Town and Mission Valley hotels to the Convention Center. The Trolley also connects the Center to the Mexican border.

Address: 500 W. Broadway St, San Diego CA, 92101 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Independent
500 WEST is an urban, European-style hotel with 260 contemporary guestrooms, fitness center, cafe and lounge. Located in a national registered historic landmark building, 500 WEST is situated in the heart of downtown San Diego. Adjacent to the San Diego Bay, 500 WEST is just steps from Little Italy, the historic Gaslamp entertainment district, Horton Plaza shopping, Seaport Village and the cruise ship terminal. The San Diego Convention Center is a short 5 minute walk from our door step. It is an ideal location for the independent savvy traveler and long term guests. More info Address: 555 West Ash Street, San Diego CA, 92101 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Best Western
The Best Western Bayside Inn is an ideal setting for business, meeting and social events, as well as a perfect location for the leisure traveler. We are situated in the heart of Downtown San Diego, only three blocks from the San Diego Bay.The Best Western is an enjoyable walk to such sights as the Convention Center (1 mile away), Civic Center, Seaport Village, San Diego Trolley, the Star of India and Harbor Tours Excursions. More info Address: 840 A Street, San Diego CA, 92101 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Best Western
The newly renovated Best Western Cabrillo Garden Inn is a charming Spanish-styled Inn located in the heart of downtown San Diego. Surrounded by world-class financial towers, the Inn nestles within its own lush flora, offering the most exquisite ambiance of residential warmth along with the convenience of prosperous businesses, sports, entertainment and historic districts. More info Address: 1720 Granada Ave., San Diego CA, 92102 Check Rates
Hotel Chain: Independent
Casa Granada is the ideal retreat for business and holiday travelers. The guest house is an old Spanish residence located on a lush canyon. We are located 10-15 minutes from downtown San Diego (3.0 miles to the San Diego Convention Center), the Gaslamp District, Lindbergh Field, San Diego Zoo, Old Town, Mission Bay, and Coronado. Easy access to most freeways and walking distance to several coffee shops, restaurants, shops and markets. More info

Chive

Address: 558 4th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
From a backdrop of historic Gaslamp Quarter buildings pops Chive, an ultra hip urban bistro. Stepping into Chive feels like entering one of the lofts identified with Downtown, with modern interior lines expanding out to an outdoor patio. Their menu is eclectic California and urban cuisine meets comfort food, resulting in well-balanced and artfully presented dinner choices designed to be surprising sensory delights. A huge bar, open for happy hour daily, spills forth with diverse cocktails and an extensive wine list to pair with delicately prepared seafood, urban flavors, and unique desserts. More ...

Bottega de La Strada

Address: 835 4th Avenue, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
Among the many Italian fine dining establishments generously peppering the Gaslamp sits the rustic Bottega de La Strada, a tavern-style restaurant created by the chef and owner of the well-known Trattoria La Strada. Authentic Tuscan entrees, pastas, and freshly-baked Florentine pizzas are served in a warm and comfortably simple atmosphere, replicating a traditional trattoria experience perfect for small and large groups. Desserts created daily by the in-house pastry chef complete a meal or round out a shopping trip. Bottega brings fine dining quality for a casual price during lunch Monday-Saturday, and dinner all days of the week. More ...

The Palm - San Diego

Address: 615 J St, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
While just a few blocks shy of the Gaslamp District in San Diego, The Palm seems worlds apart from other restaurants. For one thing, it is steeped in tradition, as part of the oldest family-owned “white tablecloth” restaurant groups in the country. For another, the service is extraordinary and welcoming, making guests feel as if they are dining in the home of a good friend. Then there’s the menu, with a famous array of USDA Prime Steaks as well as fresh fish and seafood, classic Italian specialties, and oversized family-style sides meant for sharing. Dine here just once and you’re bound to return. More ...

The Fleetwood

Address: 639 J Street, San Diego CA , 92101 Make Reservation
The Fleetwood sets itself apart from its Downtown neighbors. The modern, versatile space is part restaurant, part nightclub, and part sports lounge, with a menu to suit all occasions. Chef Mark Bolton marries classic comfort food with premium ingredients, offering a menu that runs the gamut from down-home comfort to gourmet elegance— you’ll find fried chicken with mashed potatoes and creamed corn next to grilled filet mignon with chanterelle mushrooms. The large, luxe corner space offers an array of seating options, including communal tables, traditional banquettes, and lounge-style seating for happy hour or late night noshing. With an extensive bar that includes bottle service and a separate sports room that morphs into a posh, late-night lounge, be careful—you may come for dinner and end up staying all night. More ...