Welcome to Downtown
Downtown offers a dynamic mix of old and new. Victorian architecture features heavily in each downtown neighborhood, and there are also many sleek modern high-rises with stunning views over the city and Bay. From trendy loft conversions to stylish new apartment buildings, Downtown’s housing options are as diverse as its attractions.
What to Love
- Huge variety of entertainment options
- Outstanding restaurants in Little Italy
- Dynamic mix of old and new
- Recreation on the waterfront
People & Lifestyle
Downtown is at the heart of everything in San Diego. This bustling area is packed with entertainment options, employment opportunities, and cultural attractions. Here, you’ll find most of San Diego’s best restaurants and the city’s most exciting nightlife districts. From catching a baseball game at Petco Park to visiting one of the area’s many museums, there is a huge variety of things to do and see here.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
The Gaslamp Quarter spans 16 square blocks with scores of shops, restaurants, and nightlife spots. Restaurants in this district offer something to suit all tastes. There’s authentic Persian cuisine at elegant Bandar, flavorful tandoori dishes at refined Royal India, and classic surf ‘n’ turf paired with tropical cocktails at Lou & Mickey’s. San Diego is the Craft Beer Capital of America, and there are countless places to sip on local brews in the Gaslamp Quarter. Some of the many popular places to try local beverages include Karl Strauss Brewing Company, The Local, and Neighborhood. Live music options are just as plentiful. Listen to the iconic dueling pianos at The Shout House, see top touring acts at The House of Blues, or enjoy an eclectic lineup of nightly performances at Tin Roof. Little Italy’s Kettner Boulevard is nicknamed Top Chef Alley for its concentration of premier chef-driven eateries. The street is lined with Michelin Guide-featured and Zagat-rated eateries, such as Top Chef 3 competitor Brian Malarkey’s Herb & Wood and Top Chef All-Stars winner Richard Blais’ neighboring restaurants Juniper & Ivy and The Crack Shack. East Village is similarly packed with great places to dine, drink, and shop. Rooftop hotel bars such as Hotel Solamar’s Upper East and the Andaz Hyatt’s The Rooftop by STK serve sublime cocktails in a chic setting with stunning views of the San Diego skyline. Seaport Village offers a great selection of shops and restaurants on the scenic San Diego Bay waterfront.
Things to Do
Just one block from the Gaslamp Quarter, Petco Park is the home ballpark of Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres. Downtown’s many cultural attractions include fun and educational exhibits at The New Children’s Museums. The Maritime Museum of San Diego explores the city’s nautical history while the USS Midway Museum and the Star of India invite visitors to explore historic ships permanently docked on the San Diego Bay. The Gaslamp Quarter has a party atmosphere throughout the year that becomes especially true during the many special events that see crowds pack the district’s streets to celebrate. Some of the biggest annual events include February’s Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp and the ShamROCK block party during St. Patrick’s Day.
Schools
Downtown is served by the San Diego Unified School District.- East Village High, Public, 9-12
- San Diego International Studies, Public, Magnet, 9-12
