The Gaslamp and Downtown Historical Tour in San Diego

San Diego, US

Included

  • inclusion
    Take a journey through san diego's gaslamp history in the daytime with a twist of true crime!
  • inclusion
    Experience the truth of sd's history with an authentic theatrical presentation by a costumed guide!

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.

Meeting point

215 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 , United States

End point

End 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.

Meeting point

215 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Gaslamp Quarter

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.

Duration 10 minutes
2

Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House

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).

3

Tivoli Bar

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.

Duration 10 minutes
4

Gaslamp Quarter

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.

Duration 90 minutes

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Additional information
    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.
Provided by Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours

What our experts say

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    Visit nearby Tivoli Bar for a drink
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    Check out local art at nearby galleries
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking
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    Arrive early to meet your guide
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    Consider dining at Café 21 post-tour

More About this Experience

Introduction

Welcome to the Gaslamp and Downtown Historical Tour in San Diego! This exclusive tour takes you on a journey through time, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's development from the 1850s to 1915. Get ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the old Wild West, where saloons, gambling halls, opium dens, and brothels once thrived.

What to expect?

During this 2-hour tour, you can expect a captivating experience filled with intriguing stories and well-preserved historical sites. Your knowledgeable and passionate guide, dressed in authentic period attire, will lead you through the Gaslamp Quarter and uncover its hidden secrets. You'll explore the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House, a living museum filled with artifacts and tales from the past. Additionally, you may even have the opportunity to visit the famous Tivoli Bar, where you'll learn about its fascinating history.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for both history enthusiasts and curious travelers who want to delve into San Diego's rich past. Whether you're a local looking to uncover your city's hidden gems or a visitor eager to learn about an important era in American history, this tour is for you. The Gaslamp and Downtown Historical Tour appeals to a wide range of individuals, from those seeking an educational experience to those who simply love immersing themselves in vibrant narratives.

Why book this?

What sets this tour apart from others is its commitment to authenticity and local perspective. Unlike larger tour companies, this small local tour company prioritizes providing genuine historical information and an enjoyable experience over profit. You can trust that the stories shared are well-researched and presented in a theatrical manner that will both entertain and enlighten you. By choosing this tour, you're not only supporting local businesses but also gaining a deeper understanding of San Diego's fascinating history.

Good to know

To join the Gaslamp and Downtown Historical Tour, simply head to the Gaslamp Quarter Arch near Starbucks Downtown, 20 minutes before the tour starts. No ticket or phone app is required; just give your name to the friendly host waiting there. Be prepared for a 2-hour walking tour, so wear comfortable shoes and bring your sense of humor and wonder. At the end of the tour, you'll find yourself back at the Gaslamp Quarter Arch.

Reviews

Reviews from previous participants consistently praise this tour for its knowledgeable guides, engaging storytelling, and immersive experience. Visitors have described it as the best historical tour in San Diego, providing a unique perspective on the city's past. Many have appreciated the local touch and authenticity that sets this tour apart from larger, more commercial options. Don't miss out on this opportunity to explore the Gaslamp and Downtown area with a passionate guide who will transport you back in time.

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