Gaslamp Quarter Archway, San Diego
The idea of the Gaslamp Quarter Archway was first conceived in 1986. Designed by Harmon Nelson and David Ford of David Robinson Design, Inc, this six-ton structure was installed in 1990, and was officially completed and dedicated a year later.
The archway was symbolic as a declaration that the City of San Diego was committed to continuing the redevelopment of Downtown, while also serving as an icon for other cities to look to the Gaslamp Quarter as an example of successful redevelopment.
The Archway sign is significant in that it uses neon, incandescent, and fluorescent light fixtures to present a beautiful, vibrant night-time display.
In 2012-2013, having lasted practically without repair or repainting for 20+ years, the Archway underwent a complete rehabilitation work to restore its pristine appearance and full functionality. The refurbishment work included structural evaluation, re-painting, energy efficient electrical upgrades and replacement of the original incandescent light bulbs to more efficient and durable neon lighting.
Curiously enough, despite being on the entryway arch and all official city signage/banners, the term "Gaslamp Quarter" is rarely used by the locals. In fact, they stick with the simple "the Gaslamp" so pervasively that it has become a shibboleth to determine who is a San Diegan and who isn't. Upon a first visit here, you'll see many of the big city downtown things. The feeling itself, with all of the people and lights, resembles a walk down the Vegas Strip (though, admittedly, nothing compares to the actual Strip).
The archway was symbolic as a declaration that the City of San Diego was committed to continuing the redevelopment of Downtown, while also serving as an icon for other cities to look to the Gaslamp Quarter as an example of successful redevelopment.
The Archway sign is significant in that it uses neon, incandescent, and fluorescent light fixtures to present a beautiful, vibrant night-time display.
In 2012-2013, having lasted practically without repair or repainting for 20+ years, the Archway underwent a complete rehabilitation work to restore its pristine appearance and full functionality. The refurbishment work included structural evaluation, re-painting, energy efficient electrical upgrades and replacement of the original incandescent light bulbs to more efficient and durable neon lighting.
Curiously enough, despite being on the entryway arch and all official city signage/banners, the term "Gaslamp Quarter" is rarely used by the locals. In fact, they stick with the simple "the Gaslamp" so pervasively that it has become a shibboleth to determine who is a San Diegan and who isn't. Upon a first visit here, you'll see many of the big city downtown things. The feeling itself, with all of the people and lights, resembles a walk down the Vegas Strip (though, admittedly, nothing compares to the actual Strip).
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in San Diego. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: 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.
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Gaslamp Quarter Archway on Map
Sight Name: Gaslamp Quarter Archway
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: San Diego, USA (See walking tours in San Diego)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
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.
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
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
Balboa Park Walking Tour
Named after the Spanish explorer Vasco N煤帽ez 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
Historic Gaslamp District Walking Tour
The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively 16陆-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
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