The Gaslamp Quarter ~ 24 Dec 2009

When planning our San Diego trip, we'd originally planned to stay in Old Town. However, after talking to some regular San Diego travellers, we changed our plans and booked a hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter (a.k.a. New Town). In the end it was a good choice because during the day we busily visited the creatures of the city (the Zoo and SeaWorld); and, in the evening could wander, eat, and frolic close to the hotel.

A few notes about the Gaslamp Quarter:

• It's a historical neighborhood chock full of restaurants, pubs, bars, coffee shops, and retail stores. Look for 5th Ave off the convention centre and you'll find the start.
• It was originally known as New Town (replacing old town in an attempt to move the city core closer to the waterfront).
• It has a rather chequered history. It was originally the home of a typical western collection of saloons, gambling halls, and bordellos; eventually replaced in the cold war era by porn shops and massage parlors. This all changed in the 1970s and 1980s with a huge push to redevelop the area and preserve historic buildings. The result of that is what you now see today: a lively and vibrant part of the city.
• The land for the Gaslamp district was originally purchased for $265.
• There are a ton of hotels located within the Gaslamp district, and surrounding area. There are also bike paths, the convention centre, metro station, and Seaport Village all within walking distance.

Here we are on one evening enjoying some Italian and the "biggest meatball ever!"