San Diego

We’ve compiled the best of the best in San Diego - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.

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  • 1. Fairweather

    East Village | Bars/Pubs

    Hidden in plain sight next to PETCO Park, Fairweather is an urban tiki oasis with a top-notch cocktail menu that boasts classics like daiquiris...

    Hidden in plain sight next to PETCO Park, Fairweather is an urban tiki oasis with a top-notch cocktail menu that boasts classics like daiquiris and their signature frozen pina colada alongside modern interpretations of old-school tiki drinks like corpse revivers and mai tais. Come by during Comic-Con in July to view the parade of costumed characters while sipping on a rum refreshment on the balcony.

    795 J St., 2nd fl., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-255–6507
  • 2. False Idol

    Little Italy

    A walk-in refrigerator harbors the secret entrance to this tiki-theme speakeasy, which is attached to Craft & Commerce. Beneath fishing nets full of puffer-fish lights...

    A walk-in refrigerator harbors the secret entrance to this tiki-theme speakeasy, which is attached to Craft & Commerce. Beneath fishing nets full of puffer-fish lights and elaborate tiki-head wall carvings, the knowledgeable staff serves up creative takes on tropical classics with the best selection of rums in town. The bar fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Make a reservation online a week or more in advance.

    675 W. Beech St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
  • 3. Noble Experiment

    East Village

    There are a handful of speakeasy-style bars in San Diego, though none deliver so far above and beyond the novelty quite like this cozy-yet-swank cocktail...

    There are a handful of speakeasy-style bars in San Diego, though none deliver so far above and beyond the novelty quite like this cozy-yet-swank cocktail lounge hidden in the back of a burger restaurant. Seek out the hidden door (hint: look for the stack of kegs), tuck into a plush leather booth next to the wall of golden skulls, and sip on the best craft cocktails in the city. Reservations are almost always a must, so be sure to call ahead.

    777 G St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-888–4713
  • 4. Starlite

    Mission Hills | Bars/Pubs

    Bar-goers are dazzled by Starlite's award-winning interior design, which includes rock walls, luxe leather booths, and a massive mirror-mounted...

    Bar-goers are dazzled by Starlite's award-winning interior design, which includes rock walls, luxe leather booths, and a massive mirror-mounted chandelier. A hexagonal wood-plank entryway leads to a sunken white bar where creative cocktails, such as the signature Starlite Mule served in a copper mug, are mixed. During warmer months, procuring a spot on the outside wood-decked patio is an art form.

    3175 India St., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
    619-358–9766
  • 5. The Casbah

    Middletown

    This small club near the airport, the unofficial headquarters of the city's indie music scene, has a national reputation for showcasing up-and-coming acts of all...

    This small club near the airport, the unofficial headquarters of the city's indie music scene, has a national reputation for showcasing up-and-coming acts of all genres. Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, and the White Stripes all played here on the way to stardom.

    2501 Kettner Blvd., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-232–4355
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  • 6. The Grant Grill

    Gaslamp Quarter

    Though the Grant Grill—located on the ground floor of the historic U.S. Grant Hotel—is a full-service restaurant, it's built up a reputation in recent years...

    Though the Grant Grill—located on the ground floor of the historic U.S. Grant Hotel—is a full-service restaurant, it's built up a reputation in recent years for stepping up San Diego's craft cocktail game. The cocktail menu is updated seasonally with fresh ingredients and themes (one recently featured a mini "Voodoo" doll frozen inside of a large ice cube), all of which are both innovative and palate pleasant. The atmosphere is comfortable and elegant, even on its busiest nights.

    326 Broadway, San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-744–2077
  • 7. The Grass Skirt

    Pacific Beach

    Accessed through a false freezer door inside Good Time Poke, this speakeasy-styled tiki bar serves a wide selection of rum-based tropical cocktails in delightfully kitsch...

    Accessed through a false freezer door inside Good Time Poke, this speakeasy-styled tiki bar serves a wide selection of rum-based tropical cocktails in delightfully kitsch surroundings. The Polynesian-inspired menu features shareable poke and pupus, but call ahead to reserve a table—this hidden gem is no secret!

    910 Grand Ave., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
    858-412–5237
  • 8. The Rooftop by STK

    Gaslamp Quarter | Dance Clubs

    At this rooftop bar and lounge atop the Andaz hotel, a fashionable crowd sips cocktails poolside while gazing at gorgeous views of the city...

    At this rooftop bar and lounge atop the Andaz hotel, a fashionable crowd sips cocktails poolside while gazing at gorgeous views of the city. Thursday through Saturday, the scene heats up with a DJ spinning dance music, while velvet ropes and VIP bottle service please the A-listers (like Prince Harry) in the crowd.

    Andaz San Diego, 600 F St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-814–2060
  • 9. Vin de Syrah

    Gaslamp Quarter

    This "spirit and wine cellar" sends you down a rabbit hole (or at least down some stairs) to a whimsical spot straight out of Alice...

    This "spirit and wine cellar" sends you down a rabbit hole (or at least down some stairs) to a whimsical spot straight out of Alice in Wonderland. Behind a hidden door (look for a handle in the grass wall), you'll find visual delights (grapevines suspended from the ceiling, vintage jars with flittering "fireflies," cozy chairs nestled around a faux fireplace and pastoral vista) that rival the culinary ones—the wine list is approachable and the charcuterie boards are exquisitely curated. More than just a wine bar, the cocktails are also worth a try.

    901 5th Ave., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-234–4166
  • 10. Westgate Hotel Plaza Bar

    Gaslamp Quarter

    The old-money surroundings, including leather-upholstered seats, marble tabletops, and a grand piano, supply one of the most elegant and romantic settings for a drink in...

    The old-money surroundings, including leather-upholstered seats, marble tabletops, and a grand piano, supply one of the most elegant and romantic settings for a drink in San Diego.

    1055 2nd Ave., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-238–1818
  • 11. Aero Club

    Mission Hills

    Named for its proximity to the airport, this watering hole draws in whiskey lovers for its unbeatable selection....

    Named for its proximity to the airport, this watering hole draws in whiskey lovers for its unbeatable selection.

    3365 India St., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
    619-297–7211
  • 12. Altitude Sky Lounge

    Gaslamp Quarter

    Location is everything at this sophisticated lounge on the roof of the 22-floor San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter. The views of the Downtown skyline and...

    Location is everything at this sophisticated lounge on the roof of the 22-floor San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter. The views of the Downtown skyline and Petco Park will give you a natural high.

    660 K St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-696–0234
  • 13. American Comedy Co.

    Gaslamp Quarter | Comedy Clubs

    At this underground space modeled after the legendary comedy clubs in New York, there's not a bad seat in the house—which is especially great...

    At this underground space modeled after the legendary comedy clubs in New York, there's not a bad seat in the house—which is especially great since the venue pulls in some of the hugest names in stand-up comedy.

    818 6th Ave., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-795–3858
  • 14. Amplified Ale Works

    Pacific Beach

    Pacific Beach often veers between the trendy and the tawdry, so this genuine craft brewhouse offers a more casual middle ground. Amplified serves more than...

    Pacific Beach often veers between the trendy and the tawdry, so this genuine craft brewhouse offers a more casual middle ground. Amplified serves more than a dozen in-house-brewed beers and healthy, vegan-friendly Mediterranean/Californian food at its scenic outdoor beer garden with breathtaking ocean views.

    4150 Mission Blvd., San Diego, California, 92109, USA
    858-270–5222
  • 15. Baja Betty's

    Hillcrest

    Although it draws plenty of gay customers, the festive and friendly atmosphere is popular with just about everyone in the Hillcrest area (and their pets...

    Although it draws plenty of gay customers, the festive and friendly atmosphere is popular with just about everyone in the Hillcrest area (and their pets are welcome, too). The bar staff stocks more than 100 brands of tequila and mixes plenty of fancy cocktails.

    1421 University Ave., San Diego, California, 92103, USA
    619-269–8510
  • 16. Bang Bang

    Gaslamp Quarter | Dance Clubs

    Part sushi bar and part discotheque, Bang Bang offers both a good culinary game as well as a lineup of superstar DJs providing beats and breaks...

    Part sushi bar and part discotheque, Bang Bang offers both a good culinary game as well as a lineup of superstar DJs providing beats and breaks. It's become famous for its bathroom decor, adorned with images of actor and heartthrob Ryan Gosling.

    526 Market St., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-677–2264
  • 17. Bar Basic

    East Village

    This spot is always bustling, in part because it's the place to be seen for Padres fans or anyone else attending events at Petco Park....

    This spot is always bustling, in part because it's the place to be seen for Padres fans or anyone else attending events at Petco Park. True to its name, Basic reliably dishes up simple pleasures: strong drinks and hot, coal-fired pizza. The garage-style doors roll up and keep the industrial-chic former warehouse ventilated during the balmy summer.

    410 10th Ave., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-531–8869
  • 18. barleymash

    Gaslamp Quarter

    This gigantic space can resemble either a raucous club or a sports bar, depending on what night you're there. But the drinks are strong and...

    This gigantic space can resemble either a raucous club or a sports bar, depending on what night you're there. But the drinks are strong and reasonably priced, and the reclaimed wood decor makes for an intimate atmosphere, even when the DJs are spinning mostly Top 40.

    600 5th Ave., San Diego, California, 92101, USA
    619-255–7373
  • 19. Bivouac Ciderworks

    North Park

    In a town dominated by beer, craft ciders offer a refreshing alternative to the typical IPA. True to its name, Bivouac's design incorporates an open...

    In a town dominated by beer, craft ciders offer a refreshing alternative to the typical IPA. True to its name, Bivouac's design incorporates an open front and an interior seemingly held together by ropes—the rear table with suspended bench seating is a favorite of larger parties. Cider aficionados and newcomers alike can sample a wide range of styles through customizable flights, while skeptics can stick to the selection of wine, craft beer, and fruit-based cocktails (think brandy). The Filipino-influenced menu, much of it gluten-free and vegan, is as big a draw as the cider.

    3986 30th St., San Diego, California, 92104, USA
    619-725–0844
  • 20. Blanco Tacos + Tequila

    Mission Valley

    Get your margarita skinny, spicy, or standard, with house-made sours and fresh-squeezed juices, at this prime new spot within Fashion Valley Mall. Don't miss Margarita...

    Get your margarita skinny, spicy, or standard, with house-made sours and fresh-squeezed juices, at this prime new spot within Fashion Valley Mall. Don't miss Margarita Monday ($5 classic margaritas until 6 pm) or Taco Tuesday ($4 happy hour tacos until 6 pm).

    7007 Friars Rd., San Diego, California, 92108, USA
    619-810–2931

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