Gaslamp Quarter Historic Walking Tour

This tour of the Gaslamp Quarter is a fascinating look back to the early days of San Diego. Once known as “The Stingaree,” the town started out on a sour note. You’ll hear tales of its crime-ridden history and how it became a thriving port.
Our immersive Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour starts at The Spreckles Theater and continues past several historic structures from the late 1800s and early 1900s. Each building has a story to tell, from former brothels to gambling halls, and the beautiful details of the windows and facades are a feast for the eyes.

As we walk through the Gaslamp District, your guide will share little-known facts about what it was like to live in this once rough-and-tumble town. You’ll even learn about that time Harry Houdini made a stop in San Diego!

Your tour guide will leave with insider recommendations for must-try restaurants in the area plus tips for more to see and do if you have time, including shows, nightlife, and activities that take place daily.

Meeting Point

121 Broadway

121 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Meet your guide at the entrance to the Spreckles Theater, 121 Broadway, #600, San Diego, CA

What's included:

• Local guide

Not included:

• Food and Drink
• Gratuities

What to expect:

Duration: 2 hours

Spreckels Theatre

121 Broadway #600, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

A marvel of design in continuous operation since 1912
Commissioned by the Sugar Magnate John D. Spreckles, this theater is considered acoustically perfect.

15 minutes

Horton Plaza Park

900 4th Avenue, Horton Square, San Diego, 92101, California

Formerly a hitching post and carriage stop, the park was created by Alonzo Horton as a respite for the guests of the Horton Hotel.

5 minutes

THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego

326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

An opulent and haunted 1910 landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. Built by Ulysses S. Grant Jr. and his wife, this hotel spared no expense and is still the premier destination for presidents and dignitaries who visit San Diego.

15 minutes

Balboa Theatre

868 4th Ave, San Diego, 92101-6122, California

Beautifully constructed to coincide with the Pan-American Exposition, the theater has two working waterfalls that were designed as an early cooling system. In World War II the offices upstairs were used to house sailors going off to war.

10 minutes

Mad House Comedy Club

801 4th Ave, San Diego, 92101-6121, California

Known as the Ingle Building, it was the original home to Ye Old Golden Lion, a mens only restaurant. The upstairs space was used as a front for two "mens clubs" that circumvented the prohibition laws of the day.

5 minutes

Historic Louis Bank of Commerce

835 5th Ave # 837, San Diego, 92101-6134, California

One of the most photographed buildings downtown, once home to an infamous San Diego madam who used a unique way to communicate with foreign sailors interested in her "Ladies." The bottom storefront was an oyster bar favored by Wyatt Earp.

10 minutes

Yuma Building

631 5th Ave, Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, 92101-6915, California

A beautiful example of Victorian architecture made entirely of brick. The building was constructed by Captain Wilcox, the same man who designed the false bay that we know as Mission Bay.

10 minutes

Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

643 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Opened in 1913 as a theater, you could see two feature films, a comedy short, a cartoon and a western serial for ten cents.
It is now home to the world-renowned chocolatier.

5 minutes

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House

410 Island Ave, , San Diego, 92101-6925, California

The oldest structure downtown, rumored to be one of the most haunted homes in the country. Moved from it's original location to where it stands today, it is the home of the Historical Society of San Diego.

15 minutes

Horton Grand Hotel

311 Island Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

Built in 1887, once home to several dignitaries and now home to several ghosts. It was moved to it's current location brick by brick. It's original bar and front desk were found in a church basement in New York and returned to the hotel.

15 minutes

The Old Spaghetti Factory

275 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

The San Diego Old Spaghetti Factory is located in the old McKenzie, Flint and Winsby building, in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego. The building was constructed in 1898.

Pass by without stopping

Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA 92101, USA

The Gaslamp Quarter Archway was symbolic as a declaration that the City of San Diego was committed to continuing the redevelopment of Downtown. This stop also includes a story about Harry Houdini and his one and only stop in San Diego.

10 minutes