The Gaslamp and Downtown Historical Tour in San Diego

San Diego , United States of America

The Gaslamp and Downtown Historical Tour in San Diego

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For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Welcome to the San Diego Gaslamp Historical Walking Tour! Our exclusive tour offers a unique look into San Diego's downtown development from the 1850s to 1915. Discover a city of old Wild West saloons, gambling halls, opium dens and brothels, and gain an unforgettable insight into a bygone era

We are your small local tour company and we bring you the truth about San Diego's history in the Gaslamp. Don't be fooled by our out of town national big budget competitors! We have caught them making up stories many times. If you want authentic go with us. If you want a tour company that cares about you and not profit. Us.

Our host are costumed passionate people that love this city and love making you happy. Our stories are true based on our reasearch and presented in a theatrical way. So bring a sense of humor and wonder!

We have been on all our competitors tours and I can honestly say we are the best. Support local, get the real history and feel great. Join us!

Available options

The Gaslamp and Downtown Historical Tour in San Diego

What's included

Take a journey through San Diego's Gaslamp History in the daytime with a twist of true crime!

Experience the truth of SD's history with an authentic theatrical presentation by a costumed guide!

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Welcome to the Gaslamp Quarter Arch! Come meet us at 209 Fifth Ave, San Diego CA and join us for the first tale. This is your chance to be part of something special and make memories that will last a lifetime.

Stop 2 Pass by

Experience a piece of San Diego history with a visit to the Davis-Horton House! This remarkable structure once served as a hospital and is now a living museum full of stories, artifacts, and tales of the past. We enter the courtyard but do not go inside (yet).

If you're looking for a great night out in town, then the Tivoli Bar is the place to be! Hear the history of this local place, pretty amazing. Some times we get to go in. We can never tell for sure.

Stop 4

Experience the wild, exciting roots of the iconic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego! Uncover its shocking secrets and explore its incredible beauty - a must-see for any traveler.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Unlike other tours, we take you inside real locations - thanks to our paid partnerships and exclusive access. To keep this premium experience sustainable, we need 6 total guests per tour (including your group). Think of it as joining an exclusive history club.

You walk rougly 1.5 mile over a 2 hour period. It is a brisk walking tour. Wheelchairs and strollers generally do well particularly if you have someone that can help push here and there.

Meeting point

Head to the Gaslamp Quarter Arch near Starbucks Downtown, located at 209 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 20 minutes before the tour starts! Our friendly host will be there, either in Victorian attire or in black, so you won't miss them. No ticket or phone app is required, just your name.

Important notes

!!! MUST READ !!!
Welcome this is Brian from sandiegohistorytour.com

Booking Status
If your tour shows as “pending” or “not confirmed,” don’t worry. We need to meet a minimum group size, and I’ll contact you the afternoon of the tour if there are challenges.

Heads Up! No Email or App Messaging Replies
All booking platforms have their own systems—we cannot keep up with them. For help, text or call 619‑255‑6170. We won’t see nor act on app messages or emails.

MEETING
Please show up 15 minutes early. Please take getting there/parking SERIOUSLY. If there is a baseball game or special event, it will be highly competitive, so be prepared for that.

215 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Give yourself an hour to park. Give 40 + minutes for Lyft or Uber just to get you. Order your ride early. Or take the trolley to the convention center and avoid it all. If you get there early don't worry ton to do around there.

Google - "spaces ace parking" or the SpotHero app (95% accurate) to reserve ahead of time. It's very recommended tonight.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAlftuvZw9s

OTHER
Tip nicely if you enjoy the tour.
Use the bathroom before.
Bring a sense of humor, true stories done theatrically.
Comfortable shoes, please.
Photos allowed but don't record our actual performance.

See you 15 minutes before tour time. No exceptions, refunds, or substitutions. We can not wait for you because you are late or did not find parking. Please, please, be on time.
It's on!!
Appreciate you - Brian

Lost?
Go down 5th. You'll see the Gaslamp Quarter Arch. Your host will be on the sidewalk by the Starbucks (left side as you approach the arch). They'll be dressed in black or Victorian, you can't miss them. If you go past the arch, you've gone too far.

By booking with us you agree to our terms.
https://hauntedsandiegotours.com/booking-terms-and-conditions/ https://hauntedsandiegotours.com/terms-and-conditions/

About San Diego

San Diego is known for its mild year-round climate, extensive beaches, and beautiful parks. It's a vibrant city that offers a mix of urban attractions, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, making it a popular destination for travelers of all kinds.

Top Attractions

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most famous zoos in the world, known for its extensive collection of animals and beautiful landscaping. It's a must-visit for animal lovers and families.

Zoo 4-6 hours Expensive (around $60 for adults, $48 for children)

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park that houses museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo. It's a great place to spend a day exploring art, history, and nature.

Park Half day to full day Free (some attractions require admission fees)

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a beautiful coastal area known for its sea caves, tide pools, and marine life. It's a popular spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and whale watching.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some activities require fees)

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum is a historic aircraft carrier that has been converted into a museum. Visitors can explore the ship's decks, hangars, and exhibits, and even take a simulated flight in a fighter jet.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (around $26 for adults, $12 for children)

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic neighborhood known for its Victorian-era buildings, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. It's a great place to explore the city's history and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere.

Historical 2-4 hours Free (some attractions require fees)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Fish Tacos

A San Diego specialty, fish tacos are made with fresh, locally caught fish, usually served with cabbage slaw and a creamy sauce.

Lunch/Dinner Gluten-free options available

Burrata

A creamy, rich Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream, often served with bread and olive oil.

Appetizer Vegetarian

Birria Tacos

A Mexican dish made with slow-cooked, spiced meat, usually served with corn tortillas and consommé for dipping.

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available

Avocado Toast

A popular breakfast and brunch dish made with toasted bread, mashed avocado, and various toppings.

Breakfast/Brunch Vegetarian, Vegan options available

Popular Activities

Surfing Kayaking Hiking Beachcombing Picnicking Spas Museums Art galleries

Best Time to Visit

March to May and September to November

These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. It's ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-24°C 59-75°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-8 (Pacific Standard Time, PST) or GMT-7 (Pacific Daylight Time, PDT) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

San Diego is generally a safe city, with low crime rates compared to other major cities in the United States. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and avoid unmarked taxis.
• Keep your valuables secure and out of sight, especially in your car or when using public transportation.

Getting there

By air

San Diego International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from downtown

By train

San Diego Santa Fe Depot

By bus

Greyhound Station, San Diego Metro Transit Center

Getting around

Public transport

The MTS bus system covers the entire city and is affordable and reliable. Buses are a good option for getting around, especially during off-peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gaslamp Quarter La Jolla Little Italy Pacific Beach Hillcrest

Day trips

Coronado Island

6 miles (10 km) from downtown • Half day to full day

Coronado Island is a beautiful beach town known for its historic Hotel del Coronado, sandy beaches, and scenic views. It's a great place to relax, enjoy the sun, and explore the island's history.

Tijuana

20 miles (32 km) from downtown • Full day

Tijuana is a vibrant border city known for its Mexican cuisine, nightlife, and cultural attractions. It's a great place to experience authentic Mexican culture and enjoy its culinary scene.

Temecula Valley Wine Country

60 miles (97 km) from downtown • Full day

Temecula Valley Wine Country is a picturesque region known for its wineries, vineyards, and scenic views. It's a great place to spend a day tasting wine, enjoying the countryside, and relaxing.

Festivals

Comic-Con International • July San Diego International Film Festival • October San Diego Street Food Festival • June

Pro tips

Visit Balboa Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Explore the city's beaches and coastal areas, such as La Jolla Cove and Coronado Island, for stunning views and unique experiences.
Try San Diego's famous fish tacos and craft beer at local restaurants and breweries.
Take a guided tour of the USS Midway Museum for a behind-the-scenes look at this historic aircraft carrier.
Visit during the off-peak season (December to February) for fewer crowds and lower prices.