Celebrate National Bunny Day with Bunnies & Brunch at Wild Hare Bar Garden

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 a.m. to 1 p.m., 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.