Gaslamp Quarter Walking Tour: San Diego's Historic Journey
4.6
5 Ratings
San Diego
Discover the fascinating history of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter on this immersive walking tour. Hear tales of its crime-ridden past and how it transformed into a thriving port. Explore historic buildings, former brothels, and gambling halls while learning little-known facts about the town. Get insider recommendations for restaurants and other activities in the area.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
-
Spreckels Theatre - A marvel of design in continuous operation since 1912
Commissioned by the Sugar Magnate John D. Spreckles, this theater is considered acoustically perfect. - Horton Plaza Park - Formerly a hitching post and carriage stop, the park was created by Alonzo Horton as a respite for the guests of the Horton Hotel.
- THE US GRANT, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego - 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.
- Balboa Theatre - 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.
- Mad House Comedy Club - 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.
- Historic Louis Bank of Commerce - 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.
- Yuma Building - 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.
-
Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop - 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. - Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House - 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.
- Horton Grand Hotel - 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.
- The Old Spaghetti Factory - 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.
- Gaslamp Quarter - 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.
What's Included
- Local guide
What's Not Included
- Food and Drink
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Embark on an insightful historical exploration of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, once notorious as “The Stingaree.” You’ll delve into tales of the area’s infamous past and its evolution into a prosperous port.
Commencing at The Spreckles Theater, our captivating walk through the Gaslamp Quarter will take you by various significant edifices dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Each structure bears its own unique story, with past lives as brothels or gambling dens, and their exquisite window and facade designs offer a visual delight.
As we traverse the streets of the Gaslamp District, your guide will reveal lesser-known anecdotes about the daily life in this former wild city. You will even uncover the time when Harry Houdini paid a visit to San Diego!
Your tour will conclude with personalized suggestions from your guide on top-notch local dining options and more sightseeing activities packed with lively entertainment and events that occur daily in this area.
Location
121 Broadway
Broadway
Meet your guide at the entrance to the Spreckles Theater, 121 Broadway, #600, San Diego, CA
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.6
(5 Ratings)
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Daydream30862987116
Jan 15, 2024
Wonderful Tour of the Gaslamp Quarter - Debbie was an amazing tour guide. She patiently answered all our questions and was very enthusiastic about the subject matter.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Allisonsz4599kx
Aug 30, 2023
This local loved it! - I was lucky to get in on one of the first tours!!! Our guide Debbie White was so charming and informative! As a resident of San Diego for over 30 years, I found the tour so interesting! So many stories of the beginnings of our beautiful city told! I loved it! Take a local if you are here visiting! We already love our town and Debbie made me love it’s history more!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Benjaminww2353ny
Aug 30, 2023
Fun walk through San Diego’s history! - Great tour and insight into the history of parts of downtown San Diego. If you enjoy classic architecture of the early 20th century this is a phenomenal tour. Very easy and casual walk with a nice little pit stop.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
L8354qtjohnr
Mar 3, 2024
Pleasant Tour of Historical Area of San Diego - Very nice overview of the history and architecture of the Gaslamp District. Lot of information about the development of the area. Enjoyed seeing the different buildings and learning about some of their history.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Luann_m
Jan 26, 2024
Worth the time to take this walking tour. - Debbie was our tour guide for the Gaslamp walking tour. She was very knowledgeable about the history of the Gaslamp area, and presented a good account of the historical details of each stop on the tour. I would recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
