Old City Hall, San Diego
This old beauty in the heart of Gaslamp Quarter is a classic example of Florentine-Italianate architecture, originally developed back in the 1860s by the City of Florence, which this location does so well to capture. The building features ornate 16-foot ceilings, 12-foot windows framed with brick arches, antique columns, and a wrought-iron cage elevator.
Originally two-story structure was built in 1874, but 13 years later two more floors were added to accommodate the San Diego Public Library.
The City of San Diego purchased the property in 1891 and turned it into governmental offices. The entire city government moved in in 1900, with the upper floors taken up by the Mayor and staff, while the Police Department took the first floor and the Council Chambers the fourth.
Notably, the ladies room on the lower level includes a stall with quite unusual d茅cor. As it turns out, when a wall was removed, they decided to leave the secret exit (used by former officials) in place and dressed it up. In 1955 stucco was applied to 鈥渕odernize鈥� the exterior.
Years later, the building was restored to its original beauty. Presently, this is a privately-owned building which is a home to a restaurant and bar, some retail locations, and loft apartments on the top floors. It turns into a full-on club around 10:30pm, so if you're looking for a leisurely dinner, give yourself ample time.
Originally two-story structure was built in 1874, but 13 years later two more floors were added to accommodate the San Diego Public Library.
The City of San Diego purchased the property in 1891 and turned it into governmental offices. The entire city government moved in in 1900, with the upper floors taken up by the Mayor and staff, while the Police Department took the first floor and the Council Chambers the fourth.
Notably, the ladies room on the lower level includes a stall with quite unusual d茅cor. As it turns out, when a wall was removed, they decided to leave the secret exit (used by former officials) in place and dressed it up. In 1955 stucco was applied to 鈥渕odernize鈥� the exterior.
Years later, the building was restored to its original beauty. Presently, this is a privately-owned building which is a home to a restaurant and bar, some retail locations, and loft apartments on the top floors. It turns into a full-on club around 10:30pm, so if you're looking for a leisurely dinner, give yourself ample time.
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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Old City Hall on Map
Sight Name: Old City Hall
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.
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
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
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
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
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