Home Destinations USA California San Diego Entertainment San Diego

Nightlife & the Arts in San Diego

Read our San Diego nightlife & the arts reviews. Or post your own.

Nightlife & the Arts in San Diego

Nightlife Overview »

Name	Category	Location

4th & B 4th & B is a live-music venue housed in a former bank that... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

710 Beach Club 710 Beach Club, a surprisingly spacious beach bar, hosts well-known... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Aero Club Aero Club, named for its proximity to the airport, draws in twenty... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Altitude Skybar Altitude Skybar, at the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter, occupies... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Anthology Anthology is a much-needed new arrival on the live music scene... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Bahia Belle Bahia Belle is a Mississippi-style stern-wheeler offering relaxing... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Baja Betty's Baja Betty's draws plenty of gay customers, although it's quite... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Balboa Theatre Balboa Theatre reopened in 2008 after remaining shuttered for... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

Bar Basic Bar Basic is the place to liquor up before a Padres game. Right... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Bar Dynamite Bar Dynamite is affectionately known to regulars as Bar D, and... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Bar Pink Bar Pink is the only place in town to drink $2 Tecates in a bar... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Bar West Bar West, the brainchild of the guy who opened the Gaslamp's... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Barefoot Bar and Grill Barefoot Bar and Grill, a beachfront watering hole and hotel... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Beauty Bar Beauty Bar, part of a small chain with locations in New York... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Belly Up Tavern Belly Up Tavern, a fixture on local papers' "best of" lists... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Belo San Diego Belo San Diego is another mega-sized, Vegas-style dance club... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Bitter End Bitter End is a tri-level martini bar and dance club that draws... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Bourbon Street Bourbon Street is a popular place to meet old friends or make... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Brockton Villa Restaurant Brockton Villa Restaurant, a palatial café overlooking... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

Café Bassam Café Bassam offers a Parisian-inspired coffee-sipping... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

Cafe Japengo Cafe Japengo is the post-work socializing spot for young La Jolla... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Cafe Sevilla Cafe Sevilla brings a Latin flavor to the Gaslamp Quarter with... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

California Ballet Company California Ballet Company performs high-quality contemporary... Be the first to write a review	Dance	San Diego

California Center for the Arts, Escondido California Center for the Arts, Escondido presents mainstream... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

'Canes Bar and Grill 'Canes Bar and Grill is closer to the ocean than any other music... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Casbah Casbah, near the airport, is a small club with a national reputation... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

The Cask Room The Cask Room won't strike visitors as an oenophiles-only kind... Be the first to write a review	Wine Bars	San Diego View on a map

Ché Café Ché Café, a good old-fashioned bastion of counterculture... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

City Ballet City Ballet holds performances at the Spreckels Theatre and other... Be the first to write a review	Dance	San Diego View on a map

Claire de Lune Claire de Lune, on a corner in artsy North Park, is revered for... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

Clay's La Jolla Clay's La Jolla is the reincarnation of one of San Diego's most... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Comedy Store La Jolla Comedy Store La Jolla, like its sister establishment in Hollywood... Be the first to write a review	Cabaret, Comedy Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Compass Theatre Compass Theatre performs superbly rendered classics and cutting-edge... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Confidential Confidential, opened by a team of investors that includes former... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Copley Symphony Hall Copley Symphony Hall has great acoustics surpassed only by an... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

Coronado Playhouse Coronado Playhouse, a cabaret-type theater near the Hotel Del... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Cox Arena Cox Arena attracts top-name acts like Eric Clapton and Depeche... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

Cream Coffee Bar Cream Coffee Bar resembles a makeshift study hall by day. The... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

Cricket Amphitheatre Cricket Amphitheatre, the largest concert venue in town, can... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

Croce's Croce's, the intimate jazz cave of restaurateur Ingrid Croce... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Cygnet Theatre Cygnet Theatre shows a mix of contemporary hits, modern classics... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Deco's Deco's had lofty ambitions with its multi-level, art deco-themed... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Dick's Last Resort Dick's Last Resort is not for Emily Post adherents. The surly... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Diversionary Theatre Diversionary Theatre is San Diego's premier gay and lesbian company... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Dizzy's Dizzy's is one of the few venues in town that's totally devoted... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Dream Street Live Dream Street Live is the place to see up-and-coming (or good... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

East County Performing Arts Center East County Performing Arts Center hosts a variety of performing... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

East Village Tavern & Bowl East Village Tavern & Bowl means no more hauls to the suburbs... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Eden at the Ivy and UItra Lounge Eden at the Ivy and UItra Lounge offer a chiller version of nightlife... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

El Agave Tequileria El Agave Tequileria won't give you a hazy hangover after a night... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

ENO at the Hotel Del Coronado ENO at the Hotel Del Coronado, one of the renovated Hotel Del's... Be the first to write a review	Wine Bars	San Diego View on a map

Envy at the Ivy Envy at the Ivy is a glamorous recent addition to the Gaslamp... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Eveoke Dance Theater Eveoke Dance Theater, San Diego's major avant-garde dance company... Be the first to write a review	Dance	San Diego View on a map

Extraordinary Desserts Extraordinary Desserts lives up to its name, which explains why... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

Flicks Flicks, a hip video bar that's popular with the see-and-be-seen... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Fumari Fumari is a dark and cozy spot for savoring shesha. The richly... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

Gelato Vero Caffe Gelato Vero Caffe is where a mostly young crowd gathers for some... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

The Grape The Grape is a pleasant place to swing by before or after dinner... Be the first to write a review	Wine Bars	San Diego View on a map

Hard Rock Hotel Hard Rock Hotel was hyped for what seemed like years before it... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Hillcrest Cinemas Hillcrest Cinemas is a posh multiplex right in the middle of... Be the first to write a review	Film	San Diego View on a map

Hornblower Cruises Hornblower Cruises makes nightly dinner-dance cruises aboard... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

House of Blues House of Blues, the nationally renowned chain of blues and rock... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Humphrey's by the Bay Humphrey's by the Bay, surrounded by water, is the summer stomping... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

In Cahoots In Cahoots, with its great sound system, large dance floor, and... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Inn at the Park Inn at the Park, at the Park Manor Suites, offers large booths... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Jack's La Jolla Jack's La Jolla mixes several appealing elements into one: unstuffy... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Javanican Javanican serves the young beach-community set. Aside from a... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

Jean Isaacs' San Diego Dance Theater Jean Isaacs' San Diego Dance Theater has earned serious kudos... Be the first to write a review	Dance	San Diego

Jimmy Love's Jimmy Love's combines a dance club, a bar, and a restaurant on... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Jose's Court Room Jose's Court Room is a hit with yuppies from La Jolla and other... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

JRDN JRDN, pronounced "Jordan," occupies the ground floor of Pacific... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Karl Strauss' Brewing Company Karl Strauss' Brewing Company was the first microbrewery in San... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Kava Lounge Kava Lounge, a free-spirited underground dance club, is a favorite... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Ken Cinema Ken Cinema is considered by many to be the last bastion of true... Be the first to write a review	Film	San Diego View on a map

La Jolla Athenaeum Music & Arts Library La Jolla Athenaeum Music & Arts Library is a membership-supported... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

La Jolla Music Society La Jolla Music Society presents internationally acclaimed chamber... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego

La Jolla Playhouse La Jolla Playhouse crafts exciting and innovative productions... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

La Jolla Village Cinemas La Jolla Village Cinemas is a modern multiplex set in a shopping... Be the first to write a review	Film	San Diego View on a map

Lamb's Players Theatre Lamb's Players Theatre has a regular season of five productions... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Landmark Theatres Landmark Theatres, known for first-run foreign, art, American... Be the first to write a review	Film	San Diego

Lei Lounge Lei Lounge is fabulous, dah-ling, and a welcome addition to the... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Lips Lips serves you dinner while female impersonators entertain (minimum... Be the first to write a review	Cabaret, Comedy Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Live Wire Live Wire is an underground hole-in-the-wall popular with the... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Living Room Living Room is in an old house not far from the water. The wooden... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

The Local The Local is a kick-back beach bar in the middle of the city... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

LOUNGEsix LOUNGEsix, the trendy poolside bar on the fourth floor of the... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Lyceum Theatre Lyceum Theatre is the home of the San Diego Repertory Theatre... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Lynx Performance Theatre Lynx Performance Theatre is a progressive theater space known... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Lyric Opera San Diego Lyric Opera San Diego presents a variety of operas, operettas... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Malashock Malashock, the city's esteemed modern dance company, presents... Be the first to write a review	Dance	San Diego

Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theatre entertains with amateur and professional... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Martinis Above Fourth Martinis Above Fourth, with its swank lounge, presents live piano... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Moondoggies Moondoggies is not just for Gidget anymore, but is home to a... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Museum of Photographic Arts In its 226-seat theater, the Museum of Photographic Arts runs... Be the first to write a review	Film	San Diego View on a map

National Comedy Theatre National Comedy Theatre has competitive improv comedy contests... Be the first to write a review	Cabaret, Comedy Clubs	San Diego View on a map

North Coast Repertory Theatre North Coast Repertory Theatre shows a diverse mix of comic and... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Numbers Numbers has a dance floor as well as giant-screen TV, six pool... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Nunu's Nunu's might be the most popular mainstream bar in très... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

O'Hungry's O'Hungry's is famous for its yard-long beers and live music... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Old Globe Theatre Old Globe Theatre is the oldest professional theater in California... Write a review \| Avg. member rating: 5.0/5	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Old Town Theatre Old Town Theatre is a 248-seat theater that formerly catered... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

On Broadway On Broadway, a huge club in a former bank building, builds suspense... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Onyx Room/Thin Onyx Room/Thin is the hippest split-level in town. Although Onyx... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Open-Air Theatre Open-Air Theatre presents top-name rock, reggae, and popular... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

Over the Border Over the Border is the home of rock en español in San... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Pacific Beach Bar & Grill Pacific Beach Bar & Grill is a block away from the beach... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Pacific Shores Pacific Shores isn't going for classy with its acid-trip mermaid... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Pannikin Pannikin is a bright coffeehouse with indoor and outdoor seating... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

Patrick's II Patrick's II serves up live jazz, blues, and rock in an intimate... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

The Pearl Hotel The Pearl Hotel references late '60s Palm Springs with shag carpet... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Poway Center for the Performing Arts Poway Center for the Performing Arts, an ambitious theater in... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Red Fox Steak House Red Fox Steak House is dearly loved by locals, and not just the... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Science, space-documentary, observation-of-motion, and sometimes... Be the first to write a review	Film	San Diego View on a map

Rich's Rich's, a popular dance club, hosts frequent male revues. The... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

RT's Longboard Grill RT's Longboard Grill appeals to the young, tanned beach crowd... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

San Diego Art + Sol You can also scan arts listings and book tickets through the... Be the first to write a review	Tickets	San Diego

San Diego Ballet San Diego Ballet brings a vast repertory of classic and contemporary... Be the first to write a review	Dance	San Diego View on a map

San Diego Chamber Orchestra San Diego Chamber Orchestra, a 30-plus member ensemble, performs... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego

San Diego Civic Theatre San Diego Civic Theatre, in addition to being the home of the... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

San Diego Harbor Excursion San Diego Harbor Excursion welcomes guests aboard with a glass... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

San Diego Junior Theater San Diego Junior Theater stages youth productions year-round... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego

San Diego Opera San Diego Opera draws international artists. Its season runs... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

San Diego Repertory Theatre San Diego Repertory Theatre, San Diego's first resident acting... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

San Diego Sports Arena San Diego Sports Arena holds 13,000-plus fans for big-name concerts... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

San Diego State University Drama Department San Diego State University Drama Department presents contemporary... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

San Diego State University School of Music and Dance San Diego State University School of Music and Dance presents... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

San Diego Symphony Orchestra San Diego Symphony Orchestra puts on special events year-round... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

Shakespeare Pub & Grille Shakespeare Pub & Grille captures all the warmth and camaraderie... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Sherwood Auditorium The 500-seat Sherwood Auditorium, at the Museum of Contemporary... Be the first to write a review	Film	San Diego View on a map

Sherwood Auditorium Sherwood Auditorium, a 500-seat venue in the Museum of Contemporary... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

The Shout! House The Shout! House, where dueling pianos and rock-and-roll sing-alongs... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Soma Soma is a name that has been associated with the San Diego music... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Spreckels Organ Pavilion Spreckels Organ Pavilion holds a giant outdoor pipe organ donated... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

Spreckels Theatre Spreckels Theatre, a designated-landmark theater erected in 1912... Be the first to write a review	Music	San Diego View on a map

Starlight Musical Theatre Starlight Musical Theatre, a summertime favorite, is a series... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Starlite Starlite stops bargoers in their tracks with its stellar interior... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Stingaree Stingaree, a posh Gaslamp Quarter destination, occupies a historic... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Sushi Performance & Visual Art Sushi Performance & Visual Art, a nationally acclaimed group... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

SWAY Lounge SWAY Lounge, the bar at the ultra-contemporary, Italian-designed... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Tavern at the Beach Tavern at the Beach draws fun-loving college students. Drink... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Ticketmaster Ticketmaster sells tickets to many performances. Service charges... Be the first to write a review	Tickets	San Diego

Times Arts Tix You can buy half-price tickets to most theater, music, and dance... Be the first to write a review	Tickets	San Diego View on a map

Tio Leo's Tio Leo's is a throwback to the days when lounges were dark and... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Top of the Park Top of the Park is held only on Friday evenings, but this festive... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Turf Supper Club Turf Supper Club attracts musicians and local music industry... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Typhoon Saloon Typhoon Saloon is an obligatory stop for college-age singles... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

U-31 U-31 ratchets up this neighborhood's nightlife potential with... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

UCSD Theatre UCSD Theatre presents productions by students in the university's... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Universal Universal, which opened in Spring 2008, is the latest project... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Upstart Crow Upstart Crow is a bookstore and coffeehouse in one. The secluded... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

Urban Grind Urban Grind ranks among the city's most gay-popular java joints... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map

Urban Mo's Bar and Grill Urban Mo's Bar and Grill rounds up country-music cowboys for... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

The Vine The Vine is a romantic little wine bar in Ocean Beach, of all... Be the first to write a review	Wine Bars	San Diego View on a map

W Hotel The W Hotel has three bars, and even after several years on the... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Wagon Wheel Wagon Wheel has served as East County's country-music headquarters... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

The Waterfront The Waterfront is San Diego's oldest neighborhood bar. It's not... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Welk Resort Theatre Welk Resort Theatre, a famed dinner theater about a 45-minute... Be the first to write a review	Theater	San Diego View on a map

Westgate Hotel Westgate Hotel Plaza Bar is one of the most elegant settings... Be the first to write a review	Piano Bars / Lounges	San Diego View on a map

Whiskey Girl Whiskey Girl is popular with the happy-hour sports crowd because... Be the first to write a review	Bars	San Diego View on a map

Whistle Stop Bar Whistle Stop Bar is the place to get your groove on to indie... Be the first to write a review	Dance Clubs	San Diego View on a map

The Wine Cabana The Wine Cabana, a newcomer to San Diego's wine bar scene, is... Be the first to write a review	Wine Bars	San Diego View on a map

Wine Steals Wine Steals puts to rest the notion of wine drinkers as dull... Be the first to write a review	Wine Bars	San Diego View on a map

Winston's Winston's is a sure bet for quality music in Ocean Beach. In... Be the first to write a review	Music Clubs	San Diego View on a map

Zanzibar Coffee Bar and Gallery Zanzibar Coffee Bar and Gallery, a cozy, dimly lighted spot along... Be the first to write a review	Cafes	San Diego View on a map
Nightlife Overview »

Travel Deals
Stay at hotels in California for cheap this month — $115/nt+
Hotwire.com
Book soon for great fares on hotels in California — $65/nt+
Hotwire.com
Cheap stays in hotels in Newport Beach — $66/nt+
Hotwire.com
Great hotel rates this Thanksgiving in NY, more — Up to 30% off
Hotels.com
View All Travel Deals »

Get the Fodor's Newsletter

For more travel ideas, tips, and deals, sign up for the Fodor's newsletter here. Read the current issue. Browse previous issues.

Nightlife & the Arts in San Diego

Read our San Diego nightlife & the arts reviews. Or post your own.

Nightlife & the Arts in San Diego

Check hotel rates and airfares around the world

Hotels

Flights

Packages

Cars

Get the Fodor's Newsletter