Hotel Solamar in San Diego's Gaslamp District
The boutique Hotel Solamar, a Kimpton Hotel, proudly makes its home in the city's renowned Gaslamp District. Named for the gas lamps that once lined the streets, the neighborhood still boasts 94 historic buildings in the one-square-mile area. Victorian Era-themed, these distinctive buildings set the stage for the best dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife in town.
Originally named "Stingaree" (thought to be after the stingrays in San Diego Bay), San Diego's Gaslamp District also claimed title to the city's red light district, thanks in part to the busy nearby military port. Nowadays, the Gaslamp Quarter is the center for the city's best parties, including Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp, Taste of Gaslamp and St. Patrick's Day ShamROCK.
Some of the regular happenings locals and visitors alike can experience in the Gaslamp District:
- Gaslamp Mardi Gras—Fat Tuesday San Diego style. Two spectacular parades along Fifth Avenue and a great big block party with several stages and live music. Food galore, cold beverages and "beads, beads, beads."
- St. Patrick's Day ShamROCK—Often billed as "the biggest St. Patrick's Day party west of the Mississippi," the Gaslamp District's ShamROCK features great Irish music, all the green beer you can drink (green martinis make the menu too), face painters, stilt walkers and hat makers for the 20,000 or so revelers that show up to "go green."
- KiFM San Diego Jazz Festival—held over Memorial Day weekend, two outdoor stages showcase national and local jazz artists for the city's biggest all-day jazz event
- Taste of Gaslamp—held in mid-June, this weekend extravaganza features two days of sampling the mouthwatering fare of San Diego's finest restaurants and thirst-quenching beers in the special beer tasting garden
- San Diego Film Festival—four days and nights in late September boast some of Hollywood's hottest celebrities and biggest names in town to watch over 75 films at what was recently voted as one of the ten best film festivals in the country
- Lamplighter Awards—held in late October, a chance to give back during this evening of dining, dancing and fun auctions, and a chance to honor our own with the Best of the Gaslamp Awards
- Fall Back Festival—held on the Sunday that ends daylight savings time, San Diego hosts the world's only festival that celebrates "falling back." Great for kids, the day's events include an historic children's street faire, loads of kids' activities, entertainment and food
