Old Cali and the War for the West: Gaslamp District Experience

When the West was Wild

Did you know the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego was once known as

Rabbitville? The early days of the settlement saw no success for human

inhabitants, but it made for a perfect rabbit habitat.

From Romanesque to Baroque Revival, San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter is a treasure

trove of architecture – a collection of distinctive historic buildings known for

diverse entertainment and rollicking nightlife, just as it was when first established.

Take a peek behind the ornate facades and hear how these buildings evolved and

how those responsible for their construction lived and worked in what became

San Diego’s most notorious district, when the glow of gas jets illuminated the

guilty pleasures of yesterday.

“My husband and I love looking at old buildings, but the stories of these places made the tour a real surprise!”

What is the Old Cali and War for the West: Gaslamp District Experience About?

The Old Cali and War for the West Experience brings to life the

city’s former red-light district characterized by drinking, gambling, and pleasure of

all kinds. Discover the historic Victorian and Edwardian buildings that once

functioned as saloons, gaming halls, opium dens, and brothels, and take in the

impressive array of architecture with a side of spicy anecdotes during this

walkable tour.

What You Will See on This Tour:

This fascinating tour will take you on an immersive exploration of the notorious

activities taking place in San Diego’s historical buildings, such as:

The bedroom business in the Louis Bank of Commerce

The strange history of the Horton Grand Hotel

The colorful past of Tivoli Bar and Grill

The illegal activity at the Yuma Building

And so much more…

Expert local guides will introduce you to architecturally significant structures of

the frontier years when San Diego struggled for a foothold in the story of

California and the tantalizing tales of those, directly and indirectly, responsible for

its success.

Join us to explore the eclectic heartbeat of San Diego and the colorful way of life

it enjoyed before it rebranded itself as America’s Finest City.

“San Diego is the best city in the world.” – Eric Weddle