The Gaslamp Quarter is the historic heart of Downtown San Diego, California. It encompasses a little over sixteen blocks of historical buildings in one neighborhood. The Gaslamp Quarter is known to be the center of downtown night life. The district is home to many events and festivals, including Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, Street Scene Music Festival, Taste of Gaslamp and ShamROCK ~ a St. Patrick’s Day event.
Being listed as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places as Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. Its main period of development began in 1867 ~ when Alonzo Horton (Horton Plaza) bought the land in hopes of creating a new city center closer to the bay, and chose 5th Avenue as its main street. The district underwent “urban renewal” in the 1980s and 1990s, and is today an energetic business and entertainment district.
The Gaslamp Quarter extends from Broadway to Harbor Drive, and from 4th to 6th Avenue; including 94 historic buildings, most of which were constructed in the Victorian Era, and are still in use with active tenants including restaurants, shops and nightclubs.