SAN DIEGO NIGHTLIFE
 

Going to San Diego for the first time in April with my girlfriend, we're 27/24 yrs old and looking for some fun bars, lounges or clubs. Not interested in "techno" clubs as much as fun bars/lounges.

There's an upscale, swanky lounge at the top of the Hyatt downtown. Stunning view and very comfy chairs/couches. I don't do this anymore (kids put a damper on these things), but lots of the locals bar-hop in the Gaslamp District. There is a wide variety to choose from; someone else will have to give you more specifics.

Not really looking for swanky clubs but thanks for the suggestions, the Gaslamp District sounds like fun. Is there anyone else out there that can give me more ideas or specifics?

Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach is wall-to-wall bars of all sorts for the university and post-college crowd.

Depending on your timing, you may get a lot of spring breakers which may or may not be what you're looking for.

Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach is smaller with 4-5 bars and a more earthy, slightly older crowd than PB. Less tourists in OB -- but then again, most twenty-somethings in SD are from somewhere else.

let me know if you have any more questions ...

Thanks Scurry, are there any bars/clubs by name that you know of that are good?

What kind of bars do you like?

Dive bars, Sportsbars, night clubs, danceclubs, live music venues?

You've mentioned lounges a couple of times -- what kind of lounge? A 50/60's feel, crowded, tattoos/piercings, mellow velvet, etc.?

Personally, I'm a dive bar connoiseur, so you'll have to take my recommendations with a grain of salt (w/lime & tequilla)!

more of like a night club/live music type bar. Places with a good size crowd of 20 somethings.

Well, in PB, you might want to start at the PB Tavern and then work your way towards the beach. There are literally dozens of bars of all types and sizes -- all will be crowded with 20-somethings.

In OB, I think the Sunshine Company is the most fun & it's right in the middle of a whole block of bars.

For sure the Belly Up in Solana Beach!
I spend quite a few evenings here :)http://www.bellyupcantina.com/
You can take the coaster up from San Diego and it drops you off within stumbling distance :)

where are the rest of my fellow bar-hoppers? I thought this thread would've generated more reponses, next round on me!

Stephen -- when in April will you be down there?

We could meet up for a beer!

Don't you just love this site? :)

Well, for locals there is always the Pennant in South Mission. If you are in to Beach bums. Nick's at the beach looks nice and World Famous often gets a crowd.

On NYE we wound up in a piano bar at the Westgate Hotel and made many new friends. Great talent goes there to sing, drink, and have a grand time.

Dobsons by Horton Plaza is a great place for a martini, lovely bar, nice people.

La Jolla has a few. Love George's roof top and the middle bar, can't think of the name of it. Have chatted up quite a few nice people there.

If I think of something else will let you know.

thanks for the offer scurry, I'll be there mid April, hopefully we'll run into each other. Thanks Monique for your help. Are there particular streets that are so called hot-spots in San Diego?

Well, it sounds like that question has already been answered. Scurry told you about Newport Ave. in Ocean Beach, Garnet in Pacific Beach, and I mentioned the Gaslamp, which would be primarily 4th and 5th Aves downtown. You've also been given good suggestions by Heavens and Monique for different types of bars throughout the county...I'm not sure what else you're looking for here.

Your right Jocelyn, I have enough information now. Thanks to all those that helped out.

Is Croce's in the Gaslamp fun these days? Years ago, a bunch of us stumbled in and had a great night of music and beer.... Might be up your alley.

My recently-turned 21 year-old-daughter made Croce's her first legal nightclub experience. I have never been, but she and her friends often drive down from L.A. for the night just to go. They love it.

You are welcome! I actually learned something new here too LOL!
I think I am gonna book for a weekend night at the Westgate. That sounds fun to me Heavens!! Great tip :D

Stephen, have fun on your trip and be sure to give us a trip report!