64 Best Nightlife in San Diego, California

Located on the middle level of George's at the Cove, this hip, casual, and somewhat more affordable hangout is always buzzing with activity—especially on weekends. Stop in for craft cocktails or bar snacks that rank among La Jolla's best, and with gorgeous ocean views to boot. Enjoy discounts on beverages weekdays 2–6 pm.

A-list wannabes (and a few real celebs) gather in two bars, the loungey 207 off the lobby and the rooftop Float. The latter's Intervention and Wintervention daytime parties feature some of the world's biggest DJ names, or if you prefer a rock show, head to Maryjane's Underground at 207. Maybe you can't be a rock star, but you might as well party like one. Just be prepared to spend like one, too.

The local branch of the renowned music chain is decorated floor to ceiling with colorful folk art and features three different areas to hear music. There's something going on here just about every night of the week, and the gospel brunch on select Sundays is one of the most praiseworthy events in town. Can we get a hallelujah?

From June through September, this dining and drinking oasis surrounded by water hosts the city's best outdoor jazz, folk, and light-rock concert series and is the stomping ground of such musicians as the Cowboy Junkies, Kenny G, Dolly Parton, and Chris Isaak. The rest of the year the music moves indoors for first-rate jazz (on Sunday), blues, classic rock, and more.

This contemporary lounge (pronounced "Jordan") occupies the ground floor of Pacific Beach's chicest boutique hotel, TOWER23, and offers a more sophisticated vibe in what is a very party-happy neighborhood. Sleek walls of windows and an expansive patio overlook the boardwalk.

Lovingly referred to as the "Manhattan Lounge" by locals, this underrated and largely undiscovered bar neighbors the Italian steak house inside the Empress Hotel. The dark, old-school interior is perfect for sipping martinis and listening to live music Wednesday through Sunday.

What was once a notorious dive bar attracts hipsters and grizzled locals alike for a vast selection of craft beers (some brewed on-site), shuffleboard, and cheesesteaks that hit the spot no matter the hour.

This retro-cool hangout with stiff cocktails might be one of the most popular bars in Hillcrest, but don't expect a glitzy facade. The intentionally dated decor sits within the tatty walls of a white-brick box that probably hasn't had a face-lift since the LBJ administration.

Grab a seat on the rooftop deck of this brewpub where ocean views and a dozen craft beers are on tap. During happy hour, locals head to this dog-friendly pub for shuffleboard, foosball, fire pits, and some of the best sunset views San Diego has to offer. Check their website for upcoming events.

A luxurious Downtown nightclub beneath the Pendry Hotel, Oxford Social Club has become one of San Diego's trendiest new clubs, with a predictably ample-size line outside on weekends. But once inside, the place is spacious and comfortable, with plush bench seating and strong cocktails, plus table reservations and bottle service for the high rollers.

This bar isn't going for classy with its acid-trip mermaid mural and underwater theme but hey, it's OB—a surf town populated by leftovers from the ’60s, man. A laid-back but see-and-be-seen crowd congregates here for relatively inexpensive drinks (no beers on tap, though), pool games, and pop and rock tunes on the jukebox.

A more laid-back counterpoint to nightclubs where DJs spin bass-heavy EDM, Part Time Lover is a haven for those who prefer their vinyl listening experience paired with a good cocktail. Inspired by listening bars in Japan, the stylish, Stevie Wonder-referencing lounge features a rotating cast behind the turntables every night, spinning jazz-funk, classic soul and other eclectic sounds, with a cocktail menu that features both refreshing and spirit forward options. And if you like what you hear, there's no need to vacate the bar to go shopping—Folk Arts Records is housed inside. 

This underground jazz lounge lives up to its name with a slinky speakeasy style. Red lighting, dark wood, and leather-tufted couches provide a cozy 1920s–'30s-inspired backdrop to the live jazz on weekends. There's a "cocktail attire" dress code and cell phones are not allowed at the bar.

Referred to as Red Fox Room by those in the know, this dimly lit lounge is dearly loved by locals, and not just the seniors who flock here to sing Sinatra tunes to tickled ivories and the occasional impromptu horn section. The bar opened in 1959, but much of the bar's features—including its ornately detailed fireplace—date back to 16th- and 17th-century England. Though relocated just across the street, its charm and potent cocktails came along for the ride.

The dancing and music here are some of the best in the city, making Rich's popular not only with gay men but also plenty of lesbians and straight revelers.

Beachside locals have been clamoring for an authentic beer bar and certainly got one with this place. Hoppy choices are in the hundreds and the food is better than average bar food.

This whiskey lounge is a swanky addition to an already thriving North Park nightlife scene and a welcome alternative to the neighboring dives and dance clubs. Live jazz, a tranquil atmosphere, and a bourbon-loving craft cocktail list keep locals flocking.

For more than two decades, Cafe Sevilla and the Sevilla nightclub have brought a Latin flavor to the Gaslamp Quarter through a mix of contemporary and traditional Spanish and Latin American music. Get fueled up at the tapas bar before venturing downstairs for dancing. Salsa lessons during the week provide an especially memorable experience.

This Mission Hills hangout captures all the warmth and camaraderie of a traditional British pub—except here you can enjoy consistently sunny weather on the sprawling patio. The bar hands pour from a long list of imported ales and stouts, and the early hours for big matches make this the place to watch soccer.

The heavy use of wood and stone, and accents like banjos and rifles, might give Sycamore Den a masculine vibe, but it's a highly specific and kitschy one: ’70s dads. Though the hipster-pop concept might seem like it was plucked right out of a Tumblr meme, the drinks here are worth the irony, and the calendar is typically filled with great local, acoustic live bands.

Like its sister establishment in Hollywood, this club hosts some of the best national touring and local talent. Cover charges range from nothing (with a two-drink minimum) to $50 or more for national acts. Seating is at bistro-style tables, and all shows are 21 and older.

Hemingway would have loved this exquisitely designed brick-and-wood bar that serves up equally exquisite craft cocktails that, while pricey, are definitely made for sipping. The place attracts a sophisticated crowd and is highly recommended for those looking to impress a special someone.

Nightlife can be kind of sleepy in affluent La Jolla, but in-the-know locals keep this sports bar buzzing on any given night thanks to powerful cocktails like the Killer Old Fashioned and the bar grub that's served late into the evening—one of the few spots that's open in La Jolla in the wee hours. 

It isn't really on the waterfront, but San Diego's oldest bar was once the hangout of Italian fishermen. Most of the collars are now white, and patrons enjoy an excellent selection of beers, along with chili, burgers, fish-and-chips, and other great-tasting grub, including fish tacos. Get here early, as there's almost always a crowd.

This lounge at the Manchester Grand Hyatt crowns the tallest waterfront building in California, affording great views of San Diego Bay, including Coronado to the west, Mexico to the south, and Point Loma and La Jolla to the north. It's pricey and pretentious (don't you dare wear flip-flops), but this champagne-centric bar is great for catching a sunset or celebrating an anniversary.