Best Nightlife in San Diego

California is well known for being a destination of sun, heat, and a lot of fame in the United States. Furthermore, this American state is also the main meeting point for young people who enjoy going out at night.

Therefore, I present to you the main options for enjoying the night in San Diego. There are parties practically every day of the week, as well as bars and clubs spread across every corner of this, the 6th largest city in the United States. The city is very popular with travelers and students — both to improve their level of English and to study at its famous universities.

Because of this, San Diego offers parties and events that are already famous and unique. The average price to enter the parties is 10 to 20 dollars; beers cost between 3 and 5 dollars, and drinks between 8 and 10 dollars. Another interesting point about nightlife in San Diego is its diversity.

As people from all over the world live there, there are options for all tastes, starting with university parties, passing through Mexican restaurants, and ending with large American parties and Japanese karaoke.

In addition to daily alternatives, there are also several special attractions, such as festivals, shows, and typically American parties, such as Halloween and Mardi Gras.

Now that you are prepared for what you will find in California, continue with me in this text to see the list of opportunities you will have to enjoy the nightlife in San Diego.

Night in San Diego

Before getting to know the options for places to go out at night in San Diego, it’s important to know that minors are not allowed to drink in the United States. In the country, the age of majority is 21. Even though young people can start driving at age 16, they are only allowed to drink alcohol five years later.

The rule also applies to tourists; therefore, be careful about what you do there so as not to end up getting into trouble. Americans are well known for following their laws very closely, and I can guarantee that you won’t want to get in trouble over a beer.

What to Do at Night in San Diego

1. Fred’s

As you may already know, San Diego is located exactly on the border between the United States and Mexico. Therefore, the city has a lot of Latin culture — especially Mexican culture — in its DNA.

This is quite visible in its cuisine, in the names of neighborhoods and streets, and, of course, in the nightlife in San Diego.

Every Tuesday, Mexican bars and restaurants lower the prices of dishes, snacks, and drinks. This is the famous Taco Tuesday, an almost guaranteed destination every week.

Tacos, nachos, quesadillas, burritos, guacamole, and lots of pepper, all at a more affordable price — around two dollars — and in places full of people, we have nothing to complain about!

I recommend Fred’s, which has three locations in San Diego, the coolest being in Old Town, about a ten-minute drive from the airport. It’s a good choice for those who want to warm up the night and go to a nightclub. You will spend an average of US$20 on food and drinks.

The place is open from 11 am until midnight, and its Taco-licious Tuesday, as they call this event, takes place from 3 pm until the restaurant closes. You can reserve a table through the OpenTable app, thus avoiding queuing or even not being able to enter, depending on the day.

• Prices: $$
• Specialty: Mexican Cuisine
• Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday: 11 am to 10:30 pm / Thursday: 11 am to 11 pm / Tuesday, Friday and Saturday: 11 am to midnight / Sunday: 11 am to 10 pm
• Location: 2470 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110

2. Bullpen Bar & Grill

To enjoy a truly American experience, of course, clubs and restaurants are obvious options, but there are also other very classic things to do.

Because of this, I suggest you take advantage of your Wednesday night to explore the world of sports that you’ve probably already seen in a movie.

And for that, the best option is definitely the Bullpen Bar & Grill. This bar is located approximately 15 minutes by car from Downtown San Diego; you can find more than 60 flat-screen televisions.

As they say on their website, there is no bad seat in the venue, as no matter where you are, your view will be directed towards at least one sporting event.

However, anyone who thinks that the place is only for those who like American sports, such as basketball, baseball, and American football, is mistaken.

Throughout the day, sporting events such as skiing, tennis, golf, and even football are broadcast. In addition to the sports theme, the bar also offers several food options, with its cuisine being a mix of Mexican food, seafood, fried chicken, and everything else that matches the essence of the place.

• Prices: $$$
• Specialty: Sports
• Opening hours: every day, from 11 am to 2 am
• Location: 8199 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111

3. The Rooftop by STK

Thursday is the famous “almost Friday,” so there is nothing better than getting ready for the weekend in one of the most sophisticated spaces in San Diego.

For this, I suggest the bar located on the roof of the Andaz Hotel, part of the Hyatt group, which is in the middle of the Gaslamp Quarter, the most famous area in the city, to enjoy San Diego’s nightlife.

The location mentioned above is known as The Rooftop by STK and offers its visitors an incredible view of the city, including some of the main tourist attractions in San Diego, such as the Coronado Bridge.

From Sunday to Thursday, the rooftop is used as a restaurant and bar, offering drinks and dinners for everyone who wants to take advantage of this opportunity.

On Fridays and Saturdays, it transforms into a lively nightclub, complete with a swimming pool at the top of the building.

• Prices: $$$
• Specialty: Restaurant / Bar / Clubbing
• Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday: 11 am to 11 pm / Friday and Saturday: 11 am to midnight
• Location: 600 F Street, San Diego, California, United States, 92101

4. Fluxx

Friday is party day, and there’s nothing better than going to Fluxx, a place that is simply described as “Being in Las Vegas, without being in Las Vegas.”

From this, you can already understand what you can expect from this well-known San Diego nightclub, which calls itself the best in the city.

The style of music you will find there ranges from electronic to house and hip-hop, which is common in big clubs like this.

The place offers an environment fully decorated according to what you expect, with lots of lights, colors, and special items. Because of all this, the dress code is more refined, so you have to dress up a little more to enter.

The cool thing about this club is that its audience is made up of more Americans than foreigners, something difficult to find in San Diego. This gives you a great opportunity to interact with local people and, ultimately, test your English.

Believe me, if you can order a drink in an environment with so much loud music, people talking, and other distractions, you’re on the right track!

It is important to note, however, that nightlife in San Diego, especially the clubs, usually ends at 2 am at the latest.

Don’t be surprised if, at this time, everyone starts to leave, as it’s not common for clubs to stay open until the morning of the next day.

This, however, doesn’t make your night end. Look for local people to check the best option for the after-party on this day; there is no one better than them to help you.

• Prices: $$$$
• Specialty: Ballad
• Opening hours: Fridays and Saturdays: 9 pm to 2 am
• Location: 500 4th Ave, San Diego, CA, US, 92101

5. Pool party at San Diego’s Hard Rock Café

As everyone knows, Saturday is World Fun Day, so there’s nothing better to celebrate than a pool party at one of the most famous hotels in the world!

I’m talking about the Sunburn Pool Lounge at the Hard Rock Café in San Diego, an event unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.

The party takes place during the American summer season, with dates starting at the end of March and lasting until September. Every Saturday during this period, without fail, you can count on this party to save your Saturday.

Hotel guests can enter the event free of charge, and visitors have the option of purchasing tickets starting at $15.

The fun starts at noon and usually ends at 7 pm, which also allows you to have an after-party in one of the city’s many nightclubs.

• Prices: $$$$
• Specialty: Pool Party
• Opening hours: Every Saturday from March to September from 12 pm to 7 pm
• Location: 207 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

6. Wave House Beach Club

Sunday is the day when several parties take place in hotels and bars in San Diego. If you’re looking to make the most of the day, you can enjoy one of the best parties in San Diego at the Wave House Beach Club.

The club is known, firstly, for being on the seafront, right on Mission Beach. More than that, however, it has a spectacular energy. Another very different attraction of the place is its wave pool, which gives the place its name.

The beach is special for training surfing maneuvers but ends up being an attraction for everyone who frequents the place, whether for adventure or just to watch the brave people who take risks.

The party is perfect for those who enjoy a beachy atmosphere, good music and DJs, as well as meeting lots of young and happy people.

The interesting thing about the place, and its biggest difference compared to all other options, is the location and the vibe it offers.

If you’re in San Diego during the weekend, you definitely can’t miss this opportunity.

• Prices: $$$
• Specialty: Pool Party
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 12 pm to 9 pm / Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays: 11 am to 9 pm
• Location: 9747 Olson Drive, San Diego, CA 92121, USA  

Sunset in San Diego

As is the case in many places around the world, Monday is not very busy in San Diego. Many people are recovering from the weekend, and most bars and clubs are not even open, so they can give their employees a break.

But if you think this will leave you stuck in the hotel, you’re wrong; you can enjoy your Monday night in San Diego.

To avoid running out of options at night, I suggest something quite different: go to the beach, watch the sunset, which usually occurs later, especially during the summer, and admire a beautiful landscape.

If you think this suggestion is a bit “ish ish,” know that the beaches are crowded, and people even clap when the sun finally disappears. But, if you prefer an event with beer, loud music, and lots of young people, you can enjoy university parties.

Nightlife in San Diego

There are so many options to enjoy the nightlife in San Diego that we even get lost when we are in the city.

I only mentioned some of the alternatives, and as you can see, diversity is what defines nightlife in the city. You will definitely find an alternative that suits your needs and include it on your list of things to do in San Diego.

More importantly, I would like to take the opportunity to meet and interact with the local people and the foreigners who live there. Now that you know some great options, enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to tell us what you think!