La Jolla vs Gaslamp Quarter Neighborhoods

Let’s look at how the shopping and restaurant scene compares between these two neighborhood areas.

Sunset at the Koi Pond at Westfield UTC Mall

Shopping and Eating in La Jolla

In La Jolla, there are many beach-themed souvenir shops, surf shops, and businesses selling breezy bohemian wares, especially along Prospect Street.

There’s also The Shops at La Jolla Village, an outdoor mall with stores and restaurants, and the Westfield UTC Mall, our founder Todd’s favorite mall in all of San Diego as featured in the top spot on our article covering the Best Malls in San Diego.

Since La Jolla is right by the ocean, there are many tasty seafood restaurants. For a truly special experience, look for restaurants serving up local catches, which is some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever enjoyed.

There are also many places serving grab-and-go lunches so you can enjoy a picnic on the beach, plus plenty of outdoor dining spots and sidewalk cafes.

Seaport Village in the Embarcadero of San Diego

The Gaslamp Quarter’s Shops and Dining

Like any city center, Downtown has plenty of stores. I love the walkable Gaslamp Quarter, which is filled with clothing stores, boutiques, and shops where you can buy unique goods.

The waterfront shopping center Seaport Village at the Embarcadero is another good choice and that shopping area also allows you to enjoy the warm, sunny weather while you browse!

Where the Gaslamp Quarter really excels is in its restaurant scene.

Not only do you have access to tons of incredible restaurants, but you’ll also be just a short trip away from the authentic Italian fare of Little Italy and unbeatable Mexican taco stands in Old Town San Diego, and even a champagne brunch or dinner cruise in the San Diego Bay. For a little of everything, consider taking one of the tours mentioned in our list of the 10 Best Food & Beer Tours in San Diego.

The Gaslamp Quarter also has an excellent nightlife scene with many bars and breweries that I love.

Bayside Boardwalk at Seaport Village in the Embarcadero near the Gaslamp Quarter

Choosing a Winner: The Gaslamp Quarter

Thanks to its abundance of restaurants and shopping opportunities, the Gaslamp Quarter is my choice when looking at its stores and eateries, though La Jolla has plenty of great places too.

Now let’s look at the entertainment options at the beach and in the heart of the city.

Mother and Child Snorkeling at La Jolla Cove

Recreation in La Jolla

La Jolla is the best place to make the most of San Diego’s sunny weather. Alongside sunbathing and surfing, the La Jolla Underwater Park is one of the best snorkeling and scuba diving spots in the area.

Many of the 11 Best Water Activities to Do with Kids in San Diego can be found in La Jolla. Some of our picks include paddleboarding, taking surfing lessons, and snorkeling at La Jolla Cove. Kids will also love the famous tide pools at Casa Beach and La Jolla Tide Pools.

Aside from the beach, a hiking expedition is fun too. In La Jolla, see the endangered torrey pine at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Cerveza Jacks in the Gaslamp Quarter San Diego

Things to Do in the Gaslamp Quarter

While La Jolla has more family-friendly activities, the Gaslamp Quarter is often the choice for adults who want to experience its famous nightlife scene. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and comedy venues, with no shortage of things to do once the sun goes down.

While you won’t find beaches or hiking trails, taking a tour is a good way to explore the neighborhood, and the layout of the neighborhood makes it easy to experience on foot.

Gray Whale Statues at Birch Aquarium

The Winner for Rec and Leisure: La Jolla

La Jolla is practically synonymous with its beaches, and it’s no surprise why. There are endless activities to do!

From surfing to settlements, see how culture and community shine in La Jolla and the Gaslamp Quarter.

Surfer Walking at Scripps La Jolla

Surfing Reigns Supreme in La Jolla

Surfing culture is dominant in La Jolla, and many beaches hold annual surfing competitions, such as the Luau and Legends of Surfing Invitational at Scripps. There’s even a Surf Film Festival every year in August.

Lots of Decorations in Old Town for Dia De Los Muertos

Experience Culture in the Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter holds a massive celebration every year for Mardi Gras which is always energetic and fun to attend. For other holiday celebrations in the area, there’s also Dia de los Muertos in Old Town San Diego.

There’s a big variety of cultural activities and events, ranging from concerts and performances to a variety of museums and art showcases. Some of the biggest events in the Downtown area nearby include the summer Shakespeare Festival at the Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park and, of course, Comic-Con San Diego.

People Love the Fiesta De Reyes During Dia De Los Muertos in Old Town

The Best Cultural Celebrations: The Gaslamp Quarter

It’s easy to experience the unique history and culture of the Gaslamp Quarter simply by walking down the street and taking it all in. With a diverse population and a great atmosphere, it’s our top pick.

MTS Bus Getting Passengers on Way to Sdsu

San Diego’s public transit makes traveling without a car a breeze, but some neighborhoods have more options for getting around than others.

Uber Dropping off in Downtown San Diego

Transport in La Jolla

La Jolla is close to other oceanfront neighborhoods in San Diego, making it easy to visit nearby spots like Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach and Coronado Island.

In La Jolla, you may need to rely a little more on rideshare apps compared to traveling Downtown, though there are still bus routes that will get you close to the beach if you’re not already staying at an oceanfront hotel.

San Diego Trolley at the Gaslamp Quarter Station

Getting Around the Gaslamp Quarter

With a variety of public transit options, you don’t need a car to get around Downtown. These include trolley lines as well as the FRED Shuttle, both of which serve the Gaslamp Quarter.

The GPS Talking Tour Cars offer another way to get around and enjoy a tour at the same time.

Fred Shuttle in the Embarcadero

Our Choice for Transportation Ease: The Gaslamp Quarter

Though both neighborhoods are fairly easy to get around on foot or via bike, the FRED shuttle and trolley stop in the Gaslamp Quarter gives it the edge.

Hard Rock Hotel with the Gaslamp Quarter Entrance Sign

There’s lots to love about both La Jolla and the Gaslamp Quarter. If you’re seeking a beach vacation, La Jolla is the place to be, but for our team, the Gaslamp Quarter is our overall winner!