The Gaslamp District in San Diego: 3 Must-See Events for Budget Solo Travelers
San Diego's Gaslamp District
San Diego is a city that always puts me in a good mood whenever I visit, and this most recent trip was no exception. Perhaps it’s the sun or fresh breezes from the ocean, or maybe it’s the endless list of activities, I am not sure, but I was able to visit the area for a bargain deal after my recent visit to Vegas, I was able to score a sweet deal on airfare.
I only planned to be in the city for 3 days. If you are looking to take a quick trip or a weekend to San Diego and want to explore the Gaslamp District, but are on a budget, or are solo traveling, this article is for you.
San Diego is approximately 2 hours south of Los Angeles, California via 1–5 South (depending on traffic), which makes it a short distance to enjoy a change of scenery. Per the San Diego Tourism Authority, San Diego saw an approximately 28 million tourists in 2022.
The Gaslamp District
The Gaslamp District of San Diego is in an area consisting of 16 blocks where almost 100-year-old historical and Victorian-era homes are built. It’s a fascinating area of town to explore and observe the architecture. Included in this area are trendy restaurants and boutique-type stores that are amazing to explore.
It has also been stated that this area of town has been known for haunted spirits. I am glad I found that out after my trip but didn’t sense any ghosts or spirits while I was there. You can take a ghost tour here to explore if you so desire.
We are going to list out several things you can do whether on a budget or plan ahead for your next trip.
San Diego Convention Center
The San Diego Convention Center was within walking distance to our hostel and it was a nice jaunt. The convention center is impressive as it appears along the waterfront and Harbor Street. For more information on the convention center, click here.
We walked up the stairs of the convention center and from the top, it overlooks the San Diego Bay. It’s a stunning sight, where you can see the famous Coronado Bridge, which takes you to Coronado Island, and can see the many boats and yachts in the harbor. Nearby is the boardwalk so you can take a brisk walk, or jog leading to the USS Midway Museum.
Top Outdoor Activities in San Diego
| Activity | Description | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve | Explore stunning coastal cliffs and trails with ocean views. | Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve | $10 parking fee |
| Beach Day at La Jolla Shores | Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or kayaking in the beautiful La Jolla area. | La Jolla Shores | Free |
| Walking Tour of Balboa Park | Discover the gardens, museums, and architecture of Balboa Park. | Balboa Park | Free |
| Biking on the Mission Bay Bike Path | Ride along scenic paths around Mission Bay for a relaxing day out. | Mission Bay | Free (bike rental varies) |
| Exploring the Cabrillo National Monument | Visit the historic lighthouse and enjoy panoramic views of San Diego. | Point Loma | $20 per vehicle |
Walk the Boardwalk
The Boardwalk near the Gaslamp District hugs the San Diego harbor. Once on it, you can head north which will take you to the Seaport Village. In Seaport Village you can shop, grab an ice cream cone, or stop and relax and have a nice meal overlooking the harbor while taking in the sun.
The Boardwalk continues and you will also run into some street vendors and then see the USS Midway Museum. The USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. The USS Midway is open for tours at this time.
Catch the Video Here!
Visit Main Street
Main Street is center stage in the Gaslamp District in San Diego. Both sides of the street have victorian-era architecture so it’s great for photo ops. There are many restaurants to pick from and what is interesting is for some restaurants you can sit in the middle of the blocked-off street.
It’s a fun experience to take in the city right in the heart of the district. Often you will hear music and as the day turns into evening the street lights illuminate and make the area more enjoyable.
Dining Out
With so many interesting restaurants in the area, it can be hard to select the right one. On our trip, we choose to dine at Cafe21. Take a look at our review of the restaurant here. We also choose a hip Mexican restaurant called El Chingon which is located on 5th Avenue. We had a great experience at both restaurants. The portion size was huge at El Chingon, which was great so we took half home and enjoyed it the next day.
Since the hostel provided breakfast and coffee for us in the morning, we only choose to have 1 more meal, later in the day around 4 PM. From living in Mexico, some food habits have changed and we eat less.
Affordable Accomodations
If you like to travel light and enjoy hostels, you may enjoy hearing about where we stayed. We choose to stay at the HI San Diego-Downtown. We were greeted warmly upon our visit, had no issues checking in, and after connecting to their wifi, headed upstairs to get settled in. It’s located right in the heart of the gaslamp quarter, so it made it easy to find a nice restaurant or coffee within walking distance.
The hostel has a nice, large working kitchen where breakfast of bagels was included in the morning along with coffee and a few juices. People were friendly and respectful of the place. They had ample seating to enjoy your breakfast and when complete they had a billiards table to shoot pool, or you can lounge in one of the many couches or chairs in the hostel. The atmosphere was friendly and inviting especially with the brightly colored painted walls and murals on the wall.
Expenses for the Weekend
The following is our budgeted expenses for our weekend trip to this tourist area of San Diego.
This article explores the vibrant city of San Diego, highlighting its ability to uplift spirits with its sunny weather, ocean breezes, and endless activities. Sharing insights from a recent budget-friendly trip after visiting Vegas, it guides solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors on enjoying a weekend getaway in San Diego, specifically exploring the lively Gaslamp District. The city’s proximity to Los Angeles and its popularity, with nearly 28 million tourists in 2022, make it an ideal destination for a quick change of scenery.
- Have you ever considered a quick getaway to San Diego to explore its vibrant neighborhoods and sunny beaches?
- What budget-friendly activities in San Diego are you most excited to try during your next visit? Drop a comment and share with us!
