The city of San Diego is not the first place most people think of when talking about California, with LA and San Francisco taking most of the attention. However, that should suit the discerning traveller just fine, as “Sandi” can just fly under the radar, quietly being an excellent place to spend a city break or a longer stay. 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. You may also choose to spend your days on the beach, but in the evening there’s a thriving nightlife to be enjoyed. Check out our guide to the best nightclubs in San Diego, California, to find the best places where you can let your hair down.
1. 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
2. Kava Lounge
Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed
One of the cooler spots in SD, Kava Lounge is certainly going to appeal to you if you have a love for music that’s a little more “out there”. You might not hear all the radio hits when you’re here but that doesn’t seem to put off the thriving crowd it attracts to hear experimental sounds and live music, spanning a range from innovative techno to acoustic folk and just about everything in between. In keeping with the quirky theme of the club, the bar serves organic drinks.
Kava Lounge
Address: 2812 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Kava Lounge
Opening hours: Tue: 12pm - 2am, 9pm - 2am; Wed - Sat: 9pm - 2am; Sun: 9pm - 12am (closed on Mon)
3. 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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4. 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)
5. 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)
6. 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)
7. 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)
8. 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)
9. Thrusters Lounge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
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
10. Bang Bang
Editor’s note: Establishment is permanently closed
Bang Bang offers its patrons a pretty unique proposition - a modern, DJ-led club with cool beats, combined with a Japanese fusion restaurant that offers sushi rolls, sashimi, and carpaccio, as well as a truly impressive array of drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. There is something of a hipster vibe to the place, but that’s no bad thing–the food is excellent and the music always interesting.
Bang Bang
Address: 526 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Bang Bang
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 2am (closed from Sun - Tue)
Let your hair down in the eclectic city of San Diego
A city which has given the world numerous musical artists and bands, San Diego is an underestimated cultural melting pot that has a lot to offer music fans and those who just want to let their hair down on the dance floor. No matter how long you’re staying, each night can give you the chance to visit a different club with a new vibe and its own crowd. If you like nightlife, San Diego is certainly a city which will have something for you.
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