San Diego has a little something for everyone when it comes to entertainment and nightlife. While San Diego has a reputation for being a little more conservative than places like Los Angeles and Las Vegas, there are still plenty of opportunities for fun and partying. There is a renowned foodie scene, including a restaurant that just received a Michelin Star. There are hot night clubs for big nights out when you feel like getting bottle service and really living it up. San Diego also has an up and coming live music scene, endless amounts of cool breweries and some not to be missed wineries. So, whether you’re ready to party hard or keep your night a little more chill, these tips will help lead you in the right direction.
Float at Hard Rock – Float is the Hard Rock’s rooftop bar. Since San Diego has comfortable weather most of the year, this is a great option for an open-air venue. There is always an awesome DJ spinning and the cabanas by the pool are available for reservations for those wanting VIP bottle service. If you have the option, get a room at the Hard Rock, that way you can keep the party going in one of their suites and hit up Mary Jane’s in the morning for Bloody Mary’s and a hangover curing breakfast.
Oxford Social Club at the Pendry – The Pendry is one of the few 5-star hotels in downtown San Diego and their club, the Oxford Social Club, is probably the hottest spot in town right now. The club is packed on Friday and Saturday nights. It is a great venue for a big celebration like a 30th birthday or bachelor party. Staying at the Pendry makes for an all-around amazing night. Enjoy the craft cocktails at Fifth & Rose before heading to the club and hit up the pool in the morning for a little R&R before checkout.
Belly-Up Solana Beach – The Belly-Up is in Solana Beach, a lively North County neighborhood, close to the beach, bars and restaurants. On any given night you can find bands like The Wailers and 10,000 Maniacs playing in a small, intimate venue. There isn’t a bad seat in the house. There are 2 bars and a dance floor. This venue is generally 21 & up.
Observatory North Park – The Observatory is an old theater that has been revamped into a live music venue in the heart of San Diego’s trendy North Park. It is connected to West Coast Tavern so patrons can step through a doorway to grab a drink and still hear the music. Several nights a week concerts are hosted. Artists ranging from DJ Quik to Borns have played here and the venue is generally all ages.
Stone Brewery Liberty Station – The atmosphere at Stone Brewery in Liberty Station is just as good as the beer. The indoor/outdoor venue showcases rustic appointments and landscaping and offers a relaxing place to enjoy a beer and some incredible food. They have a great happy hour menu and bocce ball to keep you entertained. Craft beer in San Diego is something everyone should experience, and Stone is one of the originals.
Eppig Brewing Waterfront – Just a hop skip and a jump from Stone Brewing, you can visit Eppig’s new tasting room that sits along the America’s Cup Harbor in Point Loma. Besides the stellar beer, the views are beautiful, and this is an epic place to catch a San Diego sunset before you kick your night into high gear. This is a great place if some people in your group prefer lighter beers to the traditional craft IPA’s, as they offer a complex menu of delicious Lagers along with a list of Ales.
Orfila Vineyards and Winery – Perched atop a hillside in Escondido, you will be transported to Italy when you gaze out upon the vast rows of grapes and sip your glass of Chardonnay. They have a quaint seasonal menu and on weekend nights, you may find a food truck cooking up artisan brick oven pizzas. Sample the wines in the tasting room inside and then buy a couple of bottles to enjoy while taking in the breathtaking views. When the winery closes at 7, head to Vintana Wine and Dine just a few miles away for an amazing dinner and live music. Escondido is one of San Diego’s hidden gems and between Orfila and Vintana, you have the makings of an incredible night.
Bernardo Winery – Nestled among a neighborhood of expansive estates, you will find Southern California’s oldest operating winery, the Bernardo Winery. It is a small, family owned winery with a rustic, friendly feel. They bottle and sell mostly their own estate wines and we like the 2017 Merlot Reserve as well as the house bubbly, Oro Di Bernardo. There are often vendors, live music and a crowd, especially on the weekends. The Winery is only open until 6, and that gives you the perfect opportunity to head over to dinner at Avant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn for an upscale dining experience you won’t soon forget.
Addison at the Grand Del Mar – Located on the property of the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, Addison has become San Diego’s culinary pride and joy. Executive Chef, William Bradley, is a San Diego native and he has worked tirelessly to put his restaurant on the map. Finally, this year, a Michelin Star was awarded, and it could not be more deserved. The service and atmosphere are superb, as one would expect at an award-winning establishment. Select either a 5 or 10 course tasting menu and don’t forego the tableside cheese service and wine pairings. If you are going to experience a restaurant like this one, go all the way.
Born and Raised Little Italy – While the Gaslamp used to be the hot-bed of the San Diego culinary world, that title has recently been stolen by neighboring Little Italy. On a Saturday night, parking and reservations are hard to come by, so definitely make the reservation well in advance. Opening in Fall of 2017, Born and Raised Steakhouse and their 6 million-dollar interior took the Little Italy food scene by storm. The décor coincides with the name, and photos of Easy E and the like hang in the dining room. There is also an amazing rooftop bar complete with a view of the city. So, enjoy a craft cocktail on the roof and then hit the dining room for some Caviar and a Filet. The food and the ambiance are the best in the business.
We hope you use these suggestions to create one, or many, memorable nights out in fabulous San Diego.