Gas Lamp District

The beauty of San Diego, it's clear, was in the eye of the beholder. The mission of Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation is to tell the stories of the visionaries - artists, if you will, who saw the beauty in a barren land and worked to shape the masterpiece that has become San Diego, California.

The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation (GQHF) is the "curator" of the Gaslamp Quarter - a 16 1/2 block district listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Through its operation of the William Heath Davis House Museum and Park, the GQHF promotes the educational, historical and cultural development of the historic Gaslamp Quarter.

The GQHF grew out of a community effort begun in the mid-1970s when the value of historic preservation was gaining widespread acceptance and support. Local preservationists, urban planners, business owners and other citizens were able to see past the deteriorated condition of the area, now known as the Gaslamp Quarter, and envision the historic buildings restored to their original character and put to new uses. These early pioneers saw that the city's built heritage provided a vital connection with the city's past.

The GQHF was formed in 1981 as the Gaslamp Quarter Foundation, soon after the Gaslamp Quarter was listed on the National Register in 1980. As a 501(c)(3) not for profit charitable corporation, the organization has successfully completed projects that have educated San Diego residents and visitors about the spirit and heritage of the district.

In 1996, the organization changed its name to Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation to help promote its role in preserving the historical integrity of the district. As the historic and cultural contributions of the Foundation became more widely recognized, it was believed that the name change would better reflect its mission "To promote the history and culture of the Gaslamp Quarter."

One full time employee is on staff as Executive Director.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors whose members share an appreciation of historical significance of the district and bring enthusiasm and commitment in carrying out the Foundation's mission. The group collectively brings a variety of backgrounds and professional expertise to their work. The tireless efforts of the Foundation's 100 or so volunteers provide ongoing assistance for all of the organization's programs.

The GQHF is the only organization in existence which provides San Diego residents and visitors with the tools, resources and means to learn about and enjoy the vast history of one of the finest historic districts in the United States. Through its leadership and support, the Foundation is able to further the historical, educational and cultural values of the Historic Heart of San Diego. Its educational and community awareness programs contributes to the betterment of the Gaslamp Quarter and the entire community.

Learn to ride the incredible two-wheeled Personal Transporters called Segways in their state-of-the-art training center, and then embark on a delicious tour of this fantastic neighborhood. Experience the history of the Gaslamp Quarter from the comfort and ease of your Segway while stopping at three local restaurants to savor some of their most popular menu items. Visit with the management staff, delight in the local fare, and relax during the Segway® Gaslamp Tour. Many more tours are offered. Voted The #1 ‘Thing to Do' in San Diego on popular travel website "Trip Advisor" this is a super fun & unique way to tour.

This tour shows off all of Gaslamp's great Victorian architecture and the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundations' docents tell amazing stories about this fun and notorious neighborhood's checkered past. The William Heath Davis House is also home to a cute gift shop and the Gaslamp Museum. The WHDH is the oldest wooden structure standing in San Diego is rich in artifacts that tell the tale of the great Gaslamp and Stingaree. The Foundation's "Pocket Park" is also nice spot to catch your breath, meet some friends or host small events. Contact the Gaslamp Museum at 619.233.4692 for more info or to book a special group tour.

www.gaslampquarter.org

PETCO Park Tours

You haven't seen PETCO Park until you've gone behind-the-scenes on one of their guided tours. Discover "writer's row" in the press box, learn about the historic Western Metal Supply Co. Building and explore the Padres dugout. The Park serves up baseball Southern California style-complete with swaying palm trees and a sandy beach beyond center field. Plenty of tour times daily. PLUS Early Bird Tours begin 1 hour prior to gates opening for every evening game (includes 3:35 pm starts) and an exclusive look at batting practice (when available). You must have a game ticket and an Early Bird Ticket to attend the Early Bird Tour.

PETCO Park Tours tickets are available online at padres.com or at the Advance Ticket Windows at PETCO Park. For more information, please call our Tour Hotline at (619) 795-5011 or email a request to tours@padres.com

Experience the Gaslamp Nightlife like a local insider!

So Diego Tours is San Diego's only lifestyle tour company offering unique food and drink tasting history tours, nightlife tours, bike tours, and custom tours around San Diego. With a cutting edge personality and young spirit, they're bringing the fun back in tours! From Restaurant Hop dinner tours inclusive of drinks, food, and live entertainment; to daytime food tasting/history tours; or a VIP birthday party night out; So Diego Tours has got you covered!

Current Special: $10 off the Brothels, Bites, and Booze Tour; a San Diego Food Tour introducing you to a number of restaurants and seedy past of the historic Gaslamp Quarter. Every Wednesday - Saturday at 11:00am. Mention Gaslamp.org at booking