Calling all beach bunnies! This National Bunny Day, Saturday, September 26, Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is celebrating with a special Bunnies & Brunch experience at Wild Hare Bar Garden, complete with bunny encounters, live music, local shopping and, of course, a few surprises for bunny lovers. But the celebration is more than just a fun day out. It taps into a quirky piece of San Diego history hiding in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.
Long before the neighborhood became known for its restaurants, nightlife and entertainment, this part of downtown was nicknamed “Rabbitville” for its robust bunny population. Today, Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is keeping that history alive with its very own bunny mascot, Hip Hop, the unofficial mayor of Rabbitville.
Back in the 1860s, rabbits were everywhere as early settlers built what would become downtown San Diego. So much so that the neighborhood earned the charming nickname “Rabbitville.” As the city grew, the rabbits eventually relocated, but according to Hilton Gaslamp lore, one determined bunny stayed behind.
Legend has it that a hospitable rabbit remained beneath the site of what would become Hilton Gaslamp, where he maintained a tiny inn for visiting rabbits. To honor that cordial bunny and the neighborhood’s past, Hilton Gaslamp introduced Hip Hop, the unofficial mayor of Rabbitville and the hotel’s mascot. Guests can even search for rabbit-inspired details throughout the property, including the “Rabbitville” exhibition, for a playful glimpse into the area’s past.
This year, Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is bringing the story to life with Bunnies & Brunch at Wild Hare Bar Garden, a special National Bunny Day celebration on Saturday, September 26. From 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, guests can enjoy an enhanced brunch experience alongside adorable bunny encounters from Talia’s Tails, live music, a pop-up charm bar and permanent jewelry station from Headed West Jewelry and brunch favorites from Wild Hare Bar Garden.
Today, Hilton Gaslamp offers a modern home base in the heart of the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where San Diego’s past and present come together. The hotel blends contemporary design with locally inspired touches, while Wild Hare Bar Garden adds another playful nod to the hotel’s ‘bunny-ful’ personality with its garden-inspired setting and rabbit-themed cocktails.
This National Bunny Day, beach bunnies and history buffs alike can hop into one of San Diego’s most unexpected stories – right in the heart of downtown.
About Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter … Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter offers a boutique-inspired hospitality experience in the heart of downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, steps from the San Diego Convention Center and Petco Park. Following a $22.5 million renovation, the hotel blends modern design by waldrop+nichols with a relaxed California aesthetic and playful, locally inspired elements. The property features 286 guest rooms, including 30 suites and loft-style accommodations, along with 9,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and the 7,500 square foot Starlight Terrace, an open-air venue ideal for social gatherings and events. Guests enjoy a seamless blend of comfort, style, and accessibility, with amenities including Wild Hare Bar Garden, indoor and outdoor dining, a heated pool, fitness center, and curated programming such as live music, trivia nights, and seasonal activations. The hotel also offers pet-friendly accommodations and a community-driven atmosphere designed to appeal to both travelers and locals. For more information, visit www.hilton.com/en/hotels/sangqhf-hilton-san-diego-gaslamp-quarter/
About Davidson Resorts …. Davidson Resorts, a highly specialized operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group, features some of the world’s most respected and celebrated resort veterans that are deeply established in the space and truly understand the nuances of the resort market, from seasonality to recreational programming and human resources. With a focus on complex, high-touch assets, the portfolio is comprised of large-scale, seasonal properties with multiple food & beverage outlets, retail, leisure activities like golf, spa, ski, water sports and more. In 2024, Davidson Hospitality Group was ranked #1 in Guest Satisfaction among Third-Party Hotel Management Companies by J.D. Power for the third consecutive year. For more information, visit www.davidsonhospitality.com. Connect with us on LinkedIn: @DavidsonHospitality. Follow us on Instagram: @davidsonhospitality. #DavidsonResorts
