Gaslamp Museum of History

Step back in time at the Gaslamp Museum of History in San Diego! Explore a beautifully preserved Victorian home, uncover fascinating stories of the past, and immerse yourself in the charm of California’s Gaslamp Museum of History

Why Visit the Gaslamp Museum of History?

Situated at the iconic Davis-Horton House, The Gaslamp Museum of History features the vibrant and sometimes scary past of the city. This modest looking building is surprisingly the oldest standing construction in the Gaslamp quarter. 

The museum is formed of different rooms portraying the transformation of the city from early 19th century style to the widely celebrated victorian era. It is of historical significance as it shares details of Alonzo Horton, the founder of the city along with the tales of veterans and political leaders from the Civil War. 

The Gaslamp Museum is also popularly known for being haunted, especially the upstairs bedroom. Visitors have shared skin crawling incidents such as listening to ghostly whispers, and unexpected blinking of lights. However, this rumour does not stop visitors from stepping into this museum, with thousands of people stopping by annually. 

The museum organizes several events such as ShamROCK, Fallback festival along with History Talk, a lecture series. Whether you are a history buff wanting to pique your brain or a person interested in paranormal activities, The Gaslamp Museum of History is worth your time. 

What to Expect

• Guided Tours: Knowledgeable docents provide insightful tours, sharing stories about the Davis family, the house’s history, and the Gaslamp Quarter’s significance.
• Interactive Displays: Explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that bring the past to life.
• Special Events: The museum hosts seasonal events, including Victorian-themed teas, holiday celebrations, and historical reenactments.
• Gift Shop: Pick up unique souvenirs, books, and vintage-inspired items to remember your visit.

Tips for the Best Experience

1. Take back with you a souvenir from the gift shop presenting a wide variety of mugs, postcards, books, keychains, magnets, and many more, each serving as a piece of history.
2. Check the exhibits on display beforehand.
3. Visit during Halloween for special ghost tours.
4. Check opening hours in advance since the museum has variable timings from the website link above. 
5. Avoid flash photography and touching delicate pieces of art.

How to Get There

1. By train(trolley): Take the Orange or Blue line, get off at Gaslamp quarter station and walk for five minutes to reach the museum.
2. By bus: MTS routes 3,7,11, 901 stop at the Gaslamp Quarter. The nearest stop is 4th Ave and Island Avenue.
3. By car: Exit at 6th Avenue from Interstate 5 and drive to Island Avenue to reach the museum.

What Else Should a Traveler Know?

1. Entrance fees: $8
2. Opening hours: 

10am to 4pm (Wednesday to Saturday)

Closed- Sunday and Monday

1. Average time to explore: 1-2 hours.