Nighttime sights
If you’re looking for a bustling and vibrant neighborhood to spend your night, Gaslamp Quarter, famously known for its nightlife, is the place to be. Located in the heart of downtown San Diego, it is known for its amusement centers for all ages such as museums, restaurants and nightclubs. The streets contain many historic sites, with many buildings having Victorian-style architecture from the 1800s still standing today and are now transformed into restaurants, hotels and other attractions.
A great stop along Gaslamp Quarter is the WNDR Museum, an immersive museum filled with more than 20 exhibits, blending art, technology and sensory exploration, captivating visitors of all ages. In each exhibit, you’ll be surrounded by numerous illusions, from optical illusions to interactive light and sound displays. It is open until 8 p.m. from Sunday to Friday and until 10 p.m. on Saturday. Ticket prices vary, with general admission at $22 for children and $32 for adults.
If you’re looking for affordable, high-quality food, one of San Diego’s top-rated restaurants and sports bars is Garage Kitchen + Bar, also located in Gaslamp Quarter. The restaurant has lively music and hosts events throughout the year. The restaurant features industrial elements like brick walls, as the building was originally a 19th-century garage. They are open until 9 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends and have happy hours from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Their food comes in large servings and mainly centers on craft burgers, sandwiches and salads.
If you’re looking for a dessert to end your night, Olala Crepes is a French creperie offering gelato, coffee, crepes, pastries and much more. Upon entering, the warm scent of gelato and chocolate fills the air, creating an inviting atmosphere. They have a vast selection of gelato with unique flavors like pumpkin. The gelato has a creamy texture and is not too sweet. They offer both sweet and savory-flavored crepes and a variety of hot and iced coffee flavors.
From sunset to night time, an evening in Gaslamp Quarter is full of energy and excitement. As the lights flicker off, the streets come alive with music. If you’re looking for a calmer way to spend your evening, head to one of San Diego’s iconic beaches to watch the sunset at Coronado Beach, a 10-minute drive from Gaslamp Quarter.
by Jessie Chen
