MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Nights in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego consist mostly of college-aged people shaking what they got in the dance clubs, enjoying the nightlife and the bar scene. Restaurants line the streets for romantic dinners or fancy business gatherings.
The Gaslamp in the daytime, however, is a consumer's dream come true. Stores stand in rows, waiting to be shopped. People can buy anything from vintage clothing to a Lamborghini.
The Gaslamp is home to the busiest automotive showroom in California, according to Roy Sayles, president, VIP Classics.com.
"Our fine automobile showroom hosts over 6,000 people each week."
Coffee is another thriving industry in the historic Gaslamp. No matter which direction a person walks, they will encounter a coffee shop within a couple blocks of walking.
The street-lining restaurants remain in place, most of which are open for lunch. During the day, it's a different atmosphere. The transactions now are more casual- lunch with some colleagues from work, looking to escape the office for a bit, or family get-togethers, showing visiting relatives the city's hot spots.
For supreme shopping, visitors should go to Horton Plaza, a large, multi-level, open-air mall. The plaza is chalked full of clothing, music, electronics, and any other product imaginable. Horton Plaza also boasts a huge food court compared to the other San Diego malls.
Besides the food and shopping, the Gaslamp is home to many historical buildings that have been kept up through the years or restored.
"I took a tour of San Diego and we went through the Gaslamp Quarter," said Inger Paulsen, a tourist from Alberta, Canada. "I was so impressed with how beautiful it is with all the buildings and shops. The history here is well-maintained and honored."
The Gaslamp Quarter gets its name from the underground gas lines that run through it and light the lamps when the sun goes down.
"This is just the place to be," said Marco C. Garcia, cashier, Marketplace Grill. "It's just a lot of people having fun."
The Gaslamp is so historical and popular, it brings in people not just from San Diego, but from all over the world.
"I love the Gaslamp Quarter," said Roland Goefflicher, who is on vacation from Germany with his family. "The area is not too big and it's easy to get around here. I like that."
The daytime street festival atmosphere that is the Gaslamp Quarter is a famous piece of San Diego with a deep-running history.
As a service member, it is a great place to experience, according to Seaman Apprentice Derrick Churchwell, a sailor aboard Naval Base San Diego.
"Its always so lively," said Churchwell.
The Gaslamp quarter is located in the heart of downtown San Diego and can be reached from Interstate Highway 5 or Pacific Highway.