The webcam shows a busy intersection on Fifth Avenue where many big events take place in the Gaslamp Quarter.
SAN DIEGO — A live webcam overlooking one of downtown San Diego’s busiest intersections is drawing attention online, offering viewers a real-time look at the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.
The camera streams 24 hours a day from Fifth Avenue near the iconic Gaslamp sign, capturing constant movement at an intersection many locals and visitors recognize instantly.
For people who work nearby, the live view adds a new layer to the everyday downtown experience.
“Coming up, Comic Con and all that… and Padres getting ready to start in a couple months, so this is popping this area right in here,” said John McConnell, who works downtown.
Even on a typical weekday, the webcam is getting noticed. McConnell said his wife told him about the camera before he arrived at work.
“She goes, when you’re in front of Spaghetti Factory, there’s gonna be a camera looking at you,” McConnell said. “When you go there, call me, and I’ll look you up. I just called her when you’re here, I’m thinking, oh, this is kind of weird.”
The live stream camera is mounted on the balcony of Bijut Collection, a permanent jewelry studio overlooking Fifth Avenue.
Owners Carmen and Kevin Layton said the vantage point gives viewers an authentic look at downtown life.
“Always, there’s always something going on in Gaslamp,” Carmen Layton said.
While the camera runs continuously, a neighboring creative agency, Redideo Studio, manages the webpage, allowing locals, tourists and curious viewers to check in at any time.
“During Padres games, if people want to see what the parking looks like during Comic Con, if they want to see how much foot traffic is down there, just for their own entertainment, or to plan ahead and see, you know, if they’ll be able to find parking or where to go,” said Kevin Layton.
The Laytons emphasize that the camera is live only and does not record footage. As interest continues to grow, they said expansion is already being considered, possibly adding a 360-degree view or a second camera facing the other side of Fifth Avenue.
“This other side, yeah, I feel like it would cater more to businesses and locals and the pickleball tournament that comes once a year,” Carmen Layton said.
The live webcam is available to view online, giving anyone a real-time glimpse into one of San Diego’s most active downtown corridors.
You can find the link to the webcam here.