When the sun goes down, San Diego's nightlife comes alive. Head down to Gaslamp Quarter in the Downtown area to bar hop and explore clubland. With over 40 marvelous nightclubs and bustling bars you'll have no excuse to stay at home.
Experience, first-hand, modern SoCal cool, whether your in the mood for live entertainment venues, laid-back lounges or rowdy dancefloors, the Gaslamp Quarter has it covered.
One of the most chic bars in the area must be The Bitter End, a hang-out for all the San Diego hipsters. Spread over three floors and with a classy décor this is the place to be seen. Martini Ranch gives The Bitter End a run for its money; shaken or stirred you'll find a martini to your taste among the 50 available in this ultra-cool bar
Onyx Room also in the Gaslamp Quarter has been entertaining night-owls since 1999 with its eclectic music policy. From live mid-week Jazz to big-name DJ's on the weekend, there's always something tempting going on here. Head upstairs for Onyx's sister bar Thin, where the "engineered" drinks and atmosphere are the epitome of urban cool. For a taste of Spain check out Sevilla, this restaurant-nightclub offers everything Latin. Tango and Flamenco dinner shows spotlight the Spanish restaurant while instructors teach salsa and samba downstairs.
Interested in something a little heavier? Casbah: The venue where alternative rock rules at this dark and grungy club. Up-and-coming bands perform along with established names turn up the decibels every night of the week.
La Jolla and Pacific Beach
The nightlife around La Jolla is a lot more subdued than downtown. For a few quiet drinks on and around Prospect Street try Jose's -a small bar popular locals bar that has been around forever. At the top of the Cove there are another couple of good bars, Monzou and George's. Moondoogie's is only sports bar in the area.
A much livelier scene exists across the freeway. A courtyard of upscale bars at La Jolla Village Drive are thriving - Tapango is a trendy sushi bar and Donavin's and Michael's in the Hyatt are part of the scene. Thursdays are the best nights. Sports City is a huge sports bar on the West side of the freeway in a shopping centre.
Neighbouring La Jolla to the north, Pacific Beach (P.B.) is a traditional hang-out for college students and surfers. Along with the Gaslamp District, Pacific Beach is one of the main centers of nightlife in San Diego. Garnet Avenue between Ingraham Street and Mission Blvd. has the most bars and restaurants. The Pacific Beach generally attracts a younger more casual crowd than the Gaslamp District. PB Bar & Grill, Moose's McGillicutty's and Typhoon Saloon are all popular P.B. bars.
It's important to keep in mind that by American law you need to be 21 years old to drink alcohol in bars. This law is strictly observed so be sure to have photo ID with you even if you are considerably older. For those under 21, don't even think about it!
