Historic Attractions

Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay hotel provides a convenient gateway to the storied history of San Diego’s past with an unequaled location in the heart of downtown. After you wake refreshed, enjoy a delicious onsite meal at Elephant & Castle Restaurant or Hazelwood’s San Diego Bayside Deli before hitting the town.

Take a short walk to the historic Gaslamp Quarter San Diego to discover impressive Victorian-style architecture dating between the Civil War and World War I. This National Historic District spans 16 ½ city blocks lined with historic commercial buildings and marked by charming gas lamps. Visit one of the first skyscrapers in San Diego or stop by the William Heath Davis House for a paid tour of the oldest surviving structure in downtown. If you prefer a guided tour, you can pay to join a walking tour with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic Foundation every Saturday at 11am. This district is also home to numerous art galleries, shops and historic San Diego dining establishments.

Venture just a little further to experience Old Town San Diego history, where you can step back in time to discover how San Diegans lived in the 1800’s. Located just 2 miles from the Holiday Inn San Diego on the Bay hotel, history buffs will delight in original and reconstructed buildings dating from 1821 to 1872. Stop at the headquarters located in the Robinson-Rose House at 4002 Wallace St. to pick up a map of the area and view a model of Old Town San Diego, CA the way it appeared in 1872. At this visitor center, you may also wish to join a free walking tour of the area which leaves weekdays at 11am and weekends at 2pm. If you visit on Wednesdays and Sundays, you will be treated to cooking and crafts demonstrations by costumed volunteers who reenact life in the 1800s.