Gaslamp Museum, San Diego
The tour of the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House covers two floors of the grand historic home where the concept for the "New San Diego" began. Touring the location takes ~30 to 60 minutes, but in that time you can see exhibits that retell the story of the downtown area's early settlers and get a glimpse of what the dream was to be for San Diego.
Looking at the 1st-floor parlor and seeing the small keyboard against the wall speaks of the paucity of entertainment and how families made do with what they had. Life was so much simpler in the 1850s – but then, with gas lamps and no electricity, the household pretty much got up with the rising sun and retired with its setting.
The distillery upstairs – whose intended purpose was to circumvent prohibition regulations – is an intricate affair, with quite an elaborate system which presumably was highly effective. One may also have a sneak peek of the attic access where a German WWII spy allegedly sent signals (carrying logistical information) to the off-shore submarines.
The saltbox-style house had been a Civil War (Union side) headquarters in its early past, as well as a hospital (1873) with five beds upstairs; the then-owner had a county contract for $1 a patient (daily) and treated TB cases mostly. The bathroom and kitchen always tell such interesting stories about how these centers of the home's most important functions were utilized.
Outside, the shady little courtyard pays tribute to famous dogs recognized for their role in the community (they were loved for sure), and there is also a lower-level gift shop that will allow a chance to enjoy some unique souvenirs.
Tip:
Entry price varies by whether an audio guide is requested and includes admission to the Chinese Historical Museum nearby.
Looking at the 1st-floor parlor and seeing the small keyboard against the wall speaks of the paucity of entertainment and how families made do with what they had. Life was so much simpler in the 1850s – but then, with gas lamps and no electricity, the household pretty much got up with the rising sun and retired with its setting.
The distillery upstairs – whose intended purpose was to circumvent prohibition regulations – is an intricate affair, with quite an elaborate system which presumably was highly effective. One may also have a sneak peek of the attic access where a German WWII spy allegedly sent signals (carrying logistical information) to the off-shore submarines.
The saltbox-style house had been a Civil War (Union side) headquarters in its early past, as well as a hospital (1873) with five beds upstairs; the then-owner had a county contract for $1 a patient (daily) and treated TB cases mostly. The bathroom and kitchen always tell such interesting stories about how these centers of the home's most important functions were utilized.
Outside, the shady little courtyard pays tribute to famous dogs recognized for their role in the community (they were loved for sure), and there is also a lower-level gift shop that will allow a chance to enjoy some unique souvenirs.
Tip:
Entry price varies by whether an audio guide is requested and includes admission to the Chinese Historical Museum nearby.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Diego. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Gaslamp Museum on Map
Sight Name: Gaslamp Museum
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in San Diego, California
Create Your Own Walk in San Diego
Creating your own self-guided walk in San Diego is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Embarcadero Marina Walking Tour
Adjacent to downtown San Diego and the picturesque San Diego Bay is a vibrant waterfront area. Embarcadero Marina, a testament to the region's colorful maritime heritage, houses several outstanding ship museums and is home to other notable sites. The abundance of shopping and dining options, complete with the pristine views of the city skyline, delight numerous locals and tourists and make... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Historic Gaslamp District Walking Tour
The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively 16½-block neighborhood in downtown San Diego, known for its nightlife, diverse entertainment and, just as importantly, historical appeal.
Back in the 1860s, the area was known as New Town, in contrast to Old Town, the original Spanish colonial settlement. After a period of decay, the neighborhood underwent redevelopment during the 1980s and 1990s, and was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Back in the 1860s, the area was known as New Town, in contrast to Old Town, the original Spanish colonial settlement. After a period of decay, the neighborhood underwent redevelopment during the 1980s and 1990s, and was... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.5 Km or 0.9 Miles
Old Town Walking Tour
Old Town is the oldest settled area in San Diego which claims to be the first site visited by Europeans on the West Coast of modern United States.
The Native American culture in the area, however, goes back thousands of years. Historically, this land had been a home to the Kumeyaay people who settled on the banks of the San Diego river since around 1000 AD. The first European explorer to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
The Native American culture in the area, however, goes back thousands of years. Historically, this land had been a home to the Kumeyaay people who settled on the banks of the San Diego river since around 1000 AD. The first European explorer to... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Balboa Park Walking Tour
Named after the Spanish explorer Vasco Núñez de Balboa, Balboa Park is one of the largest cultural parks in the United States. A renowned cultural and recreational hub, it offers a plethora of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages.
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the California Building and Tower, which boasts stunning Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the California Building and Tower, which boasts stunning Spanish-Colonial Revival architecture.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
Souvenir Shopping Guide: 14 Gifts That Say San Diego
San Diego is known for its beautiful, temperate climate, but you can’t take the weather home with you. If you want a piece of San Diego as a souvenir, it’s best to shop with the natives. Whether it is made locally or just made famous locally, following are 14 perfect gifts that capture the...