After Sunset, San Diego's Nightlife Comes Alive
By Katie Dillon, Local Expert, San Diego
San Diego’s nightlife will never rival that of a big city, but it exists with a surprisingly wide variety of exciting options for a casual beach town. If you want to glam it up for a top-notch, Vegas-style experience or chat with friends over a specialty cocktail and ocean breezes, both are available.
Most of the bars and clubs on this list are located in Downtown San Diego, so if you’re a night owl visiting the city, this is where you may want to park yourself. The Gaslamp Quarter’s many rooftop bars offer spectacular night-time views over the skyline with cozy seating, fireplace pits and cool... Read more »
1- Type: Dance Club
- Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Local Expert Tip: "FLUXX is your excuse to revive your most stylish apparel. There is a dress code so no sandals, athletic wear, shorts, ball caps or excessively baggy clothing."
2- Type: Live Entertainment, Live Music
- Neighborhood: Little Italy
Local Expert Tip: "Every Sunday Anthology features a Sunday brunch jazz concert from 10:30 am-1:30 pm, with bottomless $10 mimosas."
3- Type: Hotel Bar
- Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Local Expert Tip: "Skip the drive and book a room at the Andaz Hotel. Then nurse your headache at breakfast on the roof."
4- Type: Bar, Dance Club, Lounge
- Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Local Expert Tip: "Don't forget to eat here as the seasonal menu in the restaurant is very good."
5- Type: Bar, Lounge
- Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Local Expert Tip: "There's no kitchen so eat before you arrive! Also, this club tends to close a little bit later than the rest."
6Altitude Skybar & Garden Lounge
- Type: Hotel Bar, Lounge
- Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Local Expert Tip: "Because of the 180 degree view, this is one of the best places in San Diego to watch a sunset. Also, check their Facebook page for special offers. "
7- Type: Lounge, Wine Bar
- Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Local Expert Tip: "Let's just see if you can find the entrance. It may take you a minute, but you'll laugh about it after the fact."
8- Neighborhood: Pacific Beach
based on 41 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Local Expert Tip: "This is by far the hippest place to have a cocktail in Pacific Beach. The food is excellent so don't forget to eat!"
9- Type: Live Music
- Neighborhood: Del Mar
based on 20 TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews
Local Expert Tip: "Eat out at one of Solana Beach's nearby restaurants, like Pizza Port, before the show. Tickets to shows can be purchased easily online."
10- Type: Dance Club, Lounge, Nightlife District
- Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Local Expert Tip: "The Tipsy Crow offers a great Happy Hour weekdays until 8 pm, with half off appetizers such as jumbo soft pretzels, blue cheese fondue,and chips and dip, as well as deals on all drinks."
