Nightlife

The San Diego nightlife scene is much more diverse and innovative than it was just a decade ago. Back then, options were limited to the pricey singles-heavy dance clubs Downtown, the party-hearty atmosphere of Pacific Beach, and a handful of charmingly musty neighborhood dive bars popular with locals. Today, options in San Diego have expanded dramatically, boasting more than 150 craft breweries throughout the county, not to mention several stylish cocktail lounges.

The Gaslamp Quarter is still one of the most popular areas to go for a night on the town. Named for actual gaslights that once provided illumination along its once-seedy streets (it housed a number of gambling halls and brothels), the neighborhood bears only a trace of its debauched roots. Between the Gaslamp and nearby East Village, Downtown San Diego mostly comprises chic nightclubs, tourist-heavy pubs, and a handful of live music venues. Even most of the hotels Downtown have a street-level or rooftop bar—so plan on making it a late night if that’s where you intend to bunk. On weekends, parking can be tricky; most lots run about $20, and though there is metered parking (free after 6 pm and all day Sunday), motorists don’t give up those coveted spots so easily. Some restaurants and clubs offer valet, though that can get pricey.

Hillcrest is a popular area for LGBTQ nightlife and culture, whereas just a little bit east of Hillcrest, ever-expanding North Park features a diverse range of bars and lounges that cater to a twenty- and thirtysomething crowd, bolstering its reputation as the city’s hipster capital. Nearby Normal Heights is a slightly less pretentious alternative, though whichever of these neighborhoods strikes your fancy, a cab from Downtown will run about the same price: $15.

Nightlife along the beaches is more of a mixed bag. Where the scene in Pacific Beach might feel like every week is spring break, La Jolla veers toward being more cost-prohibitive. And although Point Loma is often seen as a sleepier neighborhood in terms of nightlife, it’s coming into its own with some select destinations.

If your drink involves caffeine and not alcohol, there's no shortage of coffeehouses in San Diego, and some of the better ones in Hillcrest and North Park stay open past midnight. Many of them also serve beer and wine, if the caffeine buzz isn’t enough.

The Lowdown

Step outside to smoke. Smoking is strictly outlawed indoors in public places in San Diego, and since 2014 that includes e-cigarettes or vaporizer pens.

What to wear. In the Gaslamp, East Village, and some of North Park’s more upscale spots, dress code is strictly enforced: no flip-flops, ball caps, jerseys, or shorts at any of the city’s swankier bars.

Last call for alcohol. The last chance for nightcaps is theoretically 2 am, but most bars stop serving around 1:30. Listen for the bartender's announcement.

What's Going On?

The city's daily paper, The San Diego Union-Tribune (www.sandiegouniontribune.com), has up-to-date entertainment listings, as well as the paper’s more nightlife-heavy sister site Pacific San Diego (www.pacificsandiego.com), which provides event listings and editorial suggestions. San Diego has two alt-weeklies, of which The Reader (www.sandiegoreader.com) boasts more extensive online listings. San Diego CityBeat (sdcitybeat.com) is more selective with its recommendations, highlighting the edgier and more innovative cultural events.