25 Best Things To Do In San Diego At Night - Updated 2024

Shairel
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 16 min read

San Diego is beautiful in the daytime. With clear skies, great weather and a wide range of attractions, this destination is a great vacation choice. Accommodations are aplenty - from excellent Vrbo vacation rentals to the top spots for glamping in San Diego. A strong artistic vibe permeates the city, with excellent galleries and museums spread throughout, and there’s also the magnificent zoo located within the sprawling Balboa Park.

For the more nocturnal crowd, it can be hard to find things to do in the night apart from the usual club scene, or even something more exciting than just a walk through the streets. We are here to change that perspective! Imagine having your great catch of the day (or night!) just past midnight, catching the beautiful sunset off Sunset Cliff, or maybe even heading out at the wee hours to catch whales migrating. Or maybe, after all, you’d just love to visit one of the many clubs of the city.

Whatever your desire, read on to know more about the best things to do in San Diego at night.

Dive bars in San Diego for budget travelers:

  • San Diego has plenty of lively dive bars where you can enjoy inexpensive drinks. These bars are ideal for those looking for a no-frills experience among locals. You can visit Tivoli Bar and Grill, the oldest of its kind in downtown San Diego, or enjoy a game of pool at Star Bar while sipping on cheap drinks.

Game bars in San Diego:

  • Do you love playing arcade games with your friends after enjoying a few drinks? Then, San Diego has got you covered with its fun game bars. Stop by Coin-Op Game Room on 30th Street to enjoy classics such as Galaga or Mortal Kombat, or hang out at Brewski's Bar & Arcade on Miramar Road and play some pool or air hockey.

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1. Have a great laugh at the National Comedy Theatre

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Tonight's 7:30 show (Jan 25) is sold out. But never fear! Tickets are still available for the 9:45 show. Hope to see you there! Get tickets online at www.nationalcomedy.com

Posted by National Comedy Theatre San Diego on Saturday, January 25, 2020

Spend the night laughing away at the National Comedy Theatre (NCT). If you’re looking for a low-key night, this place will leave you smiling ‘til you’re back in bed. Be it for a corporate event or private group function, you will be entertained and have your abs trained with little skits that resemble ‘Whose Line is it Anyway?’.

The jokes are kept clean, making this place friendly to the general crowd, and you’ll never get bored as the talented performers of NCT keep the show going by picking up topics from the audiences. This interactive show takes place in a small theater, so you won’t miss out even if you’re at the back. You can also grab snacks and drinks at their small concession stand.

If you’re 16 years old and above, you can look out for NCT unrated where they cover more adult topics. This would be more fun if you’re going with friends, or even alone and would prefer more mature content.

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2. Look at animals’ nighttime activities at San Diego Nighttime Zoo during summer

Yes, that’s right; visit San Diego Zoo not in the day but at night. Located just north of downtown San Diego, San Diego Zoo presents a whole new personality when the Sun goes down. You will not catch penguins causing mischief, but rather can enjoy a chilled night enjoying the sights and sounds of the nocturnal animals.

Available only during the summer season, San Diego Zoo will extend their operating hours, where new themes and performances are introduced every year. Recognised as the San Diego Nighttime Zoo, visitors will have opportunities to get close to selected nocturnal animals and even to feed some of the zoo residents! If you are planning to visit the zoo during the day, summer is the best time to visit as you can spread out your day to fully discover the wonders of the entire zoo without having to race with the Sun.

Pick a hotel near the San Diego Zoo so that you don’t have to worry about the trip back, especially if you have kids with you.

San Diego Zoo and Safari Park Combo Tour

Price: 86.40 USD

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3. Indulge in a late night snack

Although the things to do in the day are endless, when you’re up late and there’s nothing better to do, eating is always a good option. From Mexican grill to fresh seafood, San Diego has a diverse bunch of yummy eateries that open ‘til late. Whether you’re chilling alone or going for an impromptu supper hop, you never have to fear starving!

Down at Mission Bay, you can get your surf and turf game on at Saksa’s Steak & Seafood. They open their doors ‘til midnight from Thursday to Sunday, and extend to 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Another to also check out is Hoboken at Pacific Beach, where you can get some good pizza and brews until as late as 3 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

If you’re looking for something to eat even later in the night, you have Night & Day Cafe in Coronado. These 24-hour restaurants are sure to serve you amazing food even if it is 4 am in the morning.

Night & Day Cafe

Address: 847 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118, USA

Website: Night & Day Cafe

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4. Enjoy good live music at San Diego House of Blues and Belly Up Tavern

House of blues San Diego
Source: Photo by Flickr user Marcin Wichary used under CC BY 2.0

If you’re looking for fun things to do in San Diego at night, then this listing might interest you. Good live music is the icing on the cake for a fun night out, especially if you enjoy chilling out in the bar / pub. San Diego is home to a number of talented musicians who just love to do their thing. If you’re into rock and blues, check out the San Diego House of Blues. Their live sets will keep your head bobbing and your feet tapping all the way till 11 pm. Alternatively, visit Belly Up Tavern for more popular acts. This place is more casual and features many rising stars.

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5. Peek back into the '50s at Air Conditioned Lounge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The celebratory feel at Air Conditioned has endured ever since it opened in 2004 and it has become a part of the landscape in San Diego - a city that takes having a good time seriously. Opening in the afternoon, this 50s-themed party joint offers snacks and cocktails, as well as the partially open-air Glampisphere, which is fabulously kitsch. The playlist is funky and fresh and the dance floor always hopping, and there’s simply no way you’ll come here and not leave with a smile on your face.

Air Conditioned Lounge

Address: 4673 30th St, San Diego, CA 92116

Website: Air Conditioned Lounge

Opening hours: Mon, Thu - Fri: 4pm - 2am; Tue - Wed: 5pm - 2am; Sat: 2pm - 2am; Sun: 2pm - 1am

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6. Watch a fun game at Thrusters Lounge

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

With San Diego being a sporting city, it only makes sense that it should have at least one iconic sports bar, and Thrusters is the standout name in that mould. This is the ultimate good-time joint in the city, offering live broadcasts of Padres matches as well as regular NFL games, plenty of drinks promotions and a general retro vibe. There’s also plenty of live music, provided by DJs and bands on a regular basis so if you want to dance, eat, drink, or join the sports-happy crowd for a game, there’s something here for you.

Thrusters Lounge

Address: 4633 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

Website: Thrusters Lounge

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 11am - 2am; Mon - Fri: 5pm - 2am

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7. Work out at the 24 Hour Fitness gym

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you have no time to go to the gym in the day, but need to fulfill your leg-day target, don’t sweat it! 24 Hour Fitness has 27 gym outlets in San Diego for you to choose from. Also, if you’re not into working out with the crowds, the University Towne Centre (Westfield UTC) gym is your ticket to almost solitude. They see numbers between two and 10, from 2 am to 4:30 am every day. Check out Horton Plaza and 24 Hour Fitness’ Escondido gym too for an almost empty gym.

Each gym is fully equipped for whatever your training needs, from stationary bicycles to weights, and a steam room and sauna to really help you sweat it out. Their spacious, clean bathrooms are available for you too, so after a solid work out, you can take a shower before heading back.

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8. Enjoy night fishing at the shores of San Diego

La Jolla Shores photo D Ramey Logan
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Don Ramey Logan used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Fishing is a casual past time anyone can enjoy in the day, but who knew you could take home a big number of catches in the middle of the night? Get a fishing license; this is something you should do to fish legally. You can easily obtain a license online from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

During the month of March, and from June to August, thousands of grunion come to the shores of San Diego at night to spawn. As long as you’re at La Jolla, Mission Bay, or Del Mar, you can be assured of a good harvest. If you’re in Coronado, wait a few days after the high tide mark to catch some silver strand from 11 pm onwards.

Fishing is a safe activity but requires of you some patience and skill. This is great for family bonding as well as a solo activity. Your catches for the night also make awesome, inexpensive souvenirs or gifts for your friends and family.

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9. Sing around a warm campfire at San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach
Source: Photo by Flickr user Steve Holden used under CC BY-SA 2.0

You don’t need a camp to start a campfire. A few bags of marshmallows and a bunch of good friends are all the reasons you need. At San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff, they have 171 sites that include a fire ring for you to get into the camp song spirit. They don’t limit the hours for your campfire, so you can have a stress-free time huddling round to sing and share stories.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an ex-boy/girl scout or not, anyone can appreciate a good campfire, as long as everyone in the team participates with good spirit! It’s fun going round together finding marshmallow sticks and firewood!

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10. Have a classy night at Altitude Sky Lounge

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

With a rooftop bar that overlooks Petco Park - home of Major League Baseball team the San Diego Padres - Altitude is a spectacular club that attracts a discerning crowd of locals. If you’re want to hit the town in style, it’s here that you should start; the club offers breathtaking views of the city, an in-demand VIP service that will make you feel like royalty, and a roster of DJs playing beat-laden music that gets your body moving.

Altitude Sky Lounge

Address: 660 K St #7036, San Diego, CA 92101

Website: Altitude Sky Lounge

Opening hours: 5pm - 1:30am (daily)

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11. Stargaze alone or join a ‘star party’ by San Diego Astronomy Association

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re looking for exciting San Diego night activities, then you might be interested in stargazing. When the sun goes down, the stars come out to play. Make the most of your night by gazing at the blanket of twinkling stars that shine especially bright on clear nights. If you have a telescope, you can join the San Diego Astronomy Association at one of their “star parties” at their observing site. Look out for a shooting star and don’t forget to make a wish!

Stargazing can be appreciated with or without a telescope. With our naked eyes, we can simply look up and bask in the wonder of millions of twinkling stars that have always been smiling down upon us, and maybe learn to say “hello” instead of “goodnight”. Stargazing is also a great activity that you can enjoy from a houseboat rental!

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12. Try out some Latin moves at Sevilla Nightclub of San Diego

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you like your music and your dance with a bit of Latin flavour, then Sevilla is very much the club for you. A strong array of theme nights and guest DJs make this a haven for fans of merengue, salsa, and a wide selection of other dance-friendly beats. The club even hosts dance lessons on given days for those who aren’t sure they can master the moves, and Sevilla has a justifiable spot as one of San Diego’s cultural high points.

Sevilla Nightclub of San Diego

Address: 353 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Website: Sevilla Nightclub of San Diego

Opening hours: Fri - Mon: 10pm - 2am; Tue - Thu: 8pm - 2am

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13. Chill at the locals’ hangout and enjoy coffee talk

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The patio on Adams avenue just got redone and is now ready for summer!

Posted by Lestat's Coffee House on Saturday, January 28, 2017

Meet up with some friends for coffee or have a cuppa while watching San Diego’s nightlife from a cafe window. Lestat’s in Normal Heights is a 24-hour joint that’s a go-to for many locals in San Diego. They also provide free Internet for their customers. For a more bustling scene outside your window, head downtown to Cafe Bassam. The Parisian-style cafe is open till 2 am so there is no rush to leave early.

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14. Start your night with a beautiful sunset at Sunset Cliff

Don’t wait till the night comes, watch it instead! Sunset Cliff got its name for a reason; it is the best spot to watch the sun gracefully say goodbye at the end of each day. The site is usually crowded with tourists and locals but it’s still worth the journey. This is a great way to end a long hectic day, or even a bad week, as you watch your problems go down with the sun.

This is also a great place for a more wallet-friendly date for couples. Bring a blanket and some snacks and enjoy the comfort of each other’s company as the warm sunset adds to the romantic vibe.

If your dog loves a long walk, bring them here for a hike and enjoy the beautiful panoramic view of the sun setting over the ocean. Just keep your dog away from the edges!

If you want something special with your significant other, why not take a sunset dinner cruise aboard the ‘Spirit of San Diego’. Enjoy a gourmet meal with a complimentary cocktail and live entertainment.

Sunset Cruise

Duration: 75 minutes

Price: From 39 USD

Viator Exclusive: San Diego Luxury Dinner Cruise with Window Seating and Champagne

Duration: 3 hours

Price: From 131.79 USD

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15. Learn some Bachata moves at Torch San Diego

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Torch is one of San Diego’s finest spots for the Latin dancefloor sound called Bachata, which is a major part of San Diego dance culture. This twist on the bolero style has come a long way since it was considered too vulgar for broadcast in its native Dominican R, and at Torch you will hear it at its finest. You’ll also have the chance to dance to the best examples of this sound, from artists such as Xtreme and Carlos & Alexandra.

Torch

Address: 7528 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111

Website: Torch

Opening hours: Tue & Fri: 8:30pm - 1:30am (closed from Wed - Thu & Sat - Mon)

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16. Go on a midnight whale watch with Hornblower

From late December to March, watch thousands of gray whales as they migrate into Baja California. You can cruise into the waters at midnight for a whole new whale-watching experience. Hornblower has yachts for charter, with room for up to 800 passengers (minimum 2-to-go)! You can look forward to being in the midst of the beautiful migrating whales as Hornblower sails straight into their path just for you. There is an added bonus of spotting dolphins too!


Signing yourself up for a midnight whale watch will add a good splash of adventure into your night. Whilst heading out into the waters at such a timing can be quite daunting, learning and appreciating the nature of these gentle giants is sure to bring warmth to your heart.

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17. Have a fun night at Side Bar

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Side Bar is a club that could perhaps best be described as “playful” - it’s described on its own website as being simultaneously floral, fanciful, fierce, and indulgent - and the decor backs up all of those claims and more. It’s not the most conventional club, sure. Not many other venues would have an event such as Hot Dudes and Dogs, a canine-adoption fundraiser with a self-explanatory name. Of course, maybe you just want to dance the night away to sharp beats in between lounging on velvet sofas - either way, Side Bar has you covered.

Side Bar

Address: 536 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101

Website: Side Bar

Opening hours: Wed, Fri - Sun: 6pm - 2am; Thu: 6pm - 1am (closed on Mon & Tue)

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18. Enjoy bowling at Parkway Bowl in El Cajon

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Bowling is a fun and affordable activity for groups of friends and families who like to bond after nightfall. Having insomnia or reluctant for the night to end? You can continue to have a fun night at the bowling alley scoring a streak of strikes until 3am in the morning!

Parkway Bowl in El Cajon opens till late every Friday and Saturday. This upbeat alley keeps you in the mood with flashy strobe lights and rock music cranked high.

Kearny Mesa Bowl keeps their disco ball spinning till 1 am on weekends for all their avid late-night bowlers.

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19. Have fun with a drive-in movie (at Santee & South Bay)

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Don’t forget, we now accept all major credit cards at the ticket booth and snack bar! Start planning your visit! Two movies for the price of one! 2⃣ for 1⃣

Posted by Santee Drive-In Movie Theatre on Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Wondering what to do in San Diego at night? A perfect way to spend a night that is both enjoyable and cheap in San Diego is going to a drive-in movie. Re-enact the good old days with a good flick, in the comfort of your car, and under the romantic moonlight.

At South Bay Drive-in Theatre, you can catch the latest blockbusters at a fraction of the price of cinemas. They screen movies daily, all year round. This is a great activity for families with a budget or couples on a date night.

The Santee Drive-in Theatre shows their movies in digital format. Movies are also shown daily, all year round. What’s special is how the movies are broadcast through your car’s FM radio, so make sure your radio works! Snack bars and bathrooms are located in the building in the center of the theater.

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20. Dance the night away at Onyx Nightclub

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

At the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, Onyx is a stylish club exclusively for the over 21s, and is regularly voted among San Diego’s best nightclubs. The music tends towards the Latin, with a healthy slice of reggaeton on the playlists, but is eclectic enough that you’ll hear plenty of Top 40 tracks as well. There’s also highly reliable and affordable bottle service if you want to feel like a VIP.

Onyx Nightclub

Address: 852 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Website: Onyx Nightclub

Opening hours: Fri: 9pm - 3am; Sat: 9pm - 2am (closed from Sun - Thu)

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21. Enjoy a drag show with dinner at Lips

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Why aren't you here partying with us? Enjoy a FABULOUS Drag Show, Delicious Food and Craft Cocktails Call (619) 295-7900 for reservations

Posted by Lips - San Diego on Friday, May 7, 2021

The Lips drag shows are fun and really interesting to see if you’ve never been to one. The club is colorful, clean, and the food is good. The chicken breast stuffed with cheese and spinach is highly recommended. Enjoy your meal with the entertaining performances. This is definitely the place to have some drinks, enjoy a meal, and watch a fun show. In fact, the show will have you on your feet asking for more. However, do note that this is an adult venue, so it’s not a place to visit with kids and teenagers. For broadminded adults, you will have an entertaining evening. They do host parties and events where anyone over 21 is welcome at the club. However, make a reservation ahead of time.

Lips

Address: 3036 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104-1316

Telephone: (619) 295-7900

Website: Lips

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22. Rock out to some bass at Spin Nightclub

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Posted by Spin San Diego on Tuesday, March 17, 2020

For the serious house music fan, Spin is perhaps the core of San Diego’s nightlife offering, with special guest DJs and underground names offering the pumping basslines and hard beats that characterise the style. As well as offering food from the kitchen until 2am, this is a club which delivers music you can’t help but dance to - and there is very little in the way of gimmickry, with the venue offering tune after tune and an authentic nightclub experience.

Spin

Address: 2028 Hancock St, San Diego, CA 92110

Website: Spin

Opening hours: Fri: 10pm - 4am; Sat 10pm - 12am (closed from Sun - Thu)

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23. Admire the glittering city lights

Being the best high spot in San Diego, Mount Soledad is a fantastic place to visit at night, looking out over the city in the darkness. Be in awe of San Diego and enjoy a bird’s eye view as the city lights dazzle you. This is a great spot if you’re up for some late-night heart-to-heart talks with your best friend, or just to be alone and immersed in your thoughts. (Solo female travelers are cautioned to be mindful of safety though!)

Another way to make use of the great view would be setting up your camera for a timelapse of the city lights. Or if you stay till dawn, catch the sunrise or take this opportunity to add into your gallery breathtaking pictures of San Diego as it says “good morning”.

You can check out Mount Soledad in the day as well with exciting bike tours that will let you explore the surrounding areas. What are you waiting for? Book a place to stay here and plan your city lights tour!

San Diego City Lights Night Tour

Price: From 32 USD

Duration: 1.5 hours

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24. Catch a classic at the Old Globe

Situated in Balboa Park is the Old Globe. This Tony award-winning theatre showcases Shakespeare plays and broadway productions. Founded in 1935, the Old Globe houses three unique theatres in the Simon Edison Centre for the Performing Arts: the historic Old Globe Theatre, the lovely Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, and the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.

Immerse yourself in the times of Shakespeare where the stages have no proper hidden backstage like most theatres now, and appreciate the craft of his plays that revolve around a simple stage. From plays to musicals, the Globe presents a diverse range of art performances that aims to make theatre matters more to her visitors. So what are you waiting for? Experience a slice of San Diego’s art scene tonight!

Want to find out more about the Old Globe and the Balboa Park? Why not join a walking tour in the morning to check out the sights. Start from the The Founders Statue at Sefton Plaza at 10am and take a stroll through the park before reaching the Plaza de Panama just in time for lunch.

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25. Play the Escape Games

play the escape games
Source: www.viator.com

If you want a bit of fun with a group of friends, the Escape Games at Garnet Ave, San Diego, will do the trick. Get locked inside a room, with an hour to solve puzzles that guides you to find the keys to escape. The themes make for fun and excitement, and it’s a great bonding opportunity for family and family. Although the China Town room is recommended, there are others to choose from too! Located conveniently in Pacific Beach, you can always grab a drink or a bite to eat either before or after. They stay open until 9:00 PM which means you may still grab a bargain at happy hour before your game begins.

Quicksand Escape Games

Address: 1001 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109-2834

Website: Quicksand Escape Games

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Book Tours : San Diego Escape Room

It's never too late to say goodnight

San Diego’s nightlife bustles in clubs and bars, but it’s always good to have alternatives to spend the night. Even with its small pool of night activities, San Diego continues to give diversity for people even after the sun goes down. So it’s okay if you can’t sleep, because San Diego can’t either.

CityPASS

CityPASS allows you to save money on multiple top attractions which are carefully hand-picked so that you’re not missing out on the city’s best sights (like Seaworld San Diego and Disneyland Park). The pass gives you entrance to three attractions and allows you to skip ticket lines too. Purchase CityPASS to save 156.99 USD on admission pp - so you not only save time but money too.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Shairel is a student studying Linguistics and Multilingual Studies in Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. She loves travel and takes joy in documenting each experience. The countries...Read more

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