9 Things to Do in San Diego at Night

San Diego, California is a city that offers a perfect blend of sun, sea, and sand. Its idyllic weather, with an average temperature of 72 degrees, makes it a year-round destination for beach lovers. The city has an abundance of sandy beaches, from the bustling Pacific Beach and Mission Beach to the serene Coronado and the picturesque Windansea. You can spend endless hours soaking up the sun, taking a dip in the cool ocean, or simply strolling along the shore.

But what happens when the sun goes down, and the beach activities wind down? San Diego transforms into a vibrant nightlife hub, offering a plethora of entertainment options for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re looking for a quiet night out with your loved ones or a wild party with friends, San Diego has something for everyone.

There’s plenty to do in America’s Finest City at night!

Gaslamp Quarter

Whether you’re looking for a few good cocktails, great food, or both – San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter located in the heart of Downtown San Diego offers a variety of nightlife entertainment options. Looking for a place to stay? You won’t find any better accommodations than the historic US Grant, a Luxury Collection hotel. This San Diego attraction is one you won’t want to miss!

San Diego Padres Game

Take in a San Diego Padres game at Petco Park, named the Best Ballpark in Baseball by USA Today. “Take me out to the ballgame” means more than just watching baseball; Petco Park offers a variety of San Diego eateries and local craft brews.  With 81 home games between March and October, Petco Park is the perfect place to spend a summer night in San Diego.

Concert at Mattress Firm Amphitheatre 

Located miles from the US/Mexico border, the 20,500-seat Mattress Firm Amphitheatre brings in major musical acts to San Diego every year. The outdoor venue is one of the largest live music venues in San Diego county and hosts more than 25 concerts on average annually including some of the industry’s biggest names.

Broadway San Diego

Looking for a different type of show? Check out Broadway San Diego for a lineup of musical theatre to fill your nights. 2018’s calendar includes the hit show Hamilton, Love Never Dies, School of Rock, The King and I, and On Your Feet. You don’t have to travel to the big apple to catch Broadway, just make your way to Downtown San Diego to the Civic Theatre or Balboa Theatre.

Sunset Cliffs

What better way to start a night in San Diego then catching a San Diego sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Appropriately named, Sunset Cliffs is one of the best places to experience day turn to night and see if you can catch a glimpse of the elusive green flash. Located on the western edge of Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs is a great place for a sunset walk, run or bike ride.

Sycuan Casino

Discover the excitement of gaming with Sycuan Casino which offers Vegas-style gaming, while in a laid-back and modern atmosphere. With over 2,000 slot machines and over 40 gaming tables, it’s easy to see why Sycuan Casino is considered one of the best casinos in San Diego today. Sycuan Casino offers much more than just a simple game of poker. With five exceptional dining options – including the casino’s bar – weekly world-class entertainment, special events, and exclusive VIP membership programs, Sycuan Casino provides a multi-faceted facility that is fun and enjoyable for all. Every Saturday night at 11PM Sycuan Bingo turns into Bingo After Dark, where it pays to be BAD!

Craft Brewery

San Diego is the epicenter of craft brewing, and if you’re a beer lover you have a number of options to grab a cold one. Try a Peanut Butter Milk Stout from Belching Beaver, a Stone Brewing IPA or pay tribute to Tony Gwynn’s 1994 season with a San Diego Pale Ale .394 from AleSmith. Whatever your taste buds desire, you’ll be able to find it at one of San Diego’s many craft breweries.

Donut Bar

Donuts at night? Why not? While Downtown San Diego’s Donut Bar closes each day once donuts are sold out (and trust us, they will sell out!), they re-open on Friday and Saturday nights from 5PM-10:30PM. Pair a beer with an amazing donut and you won’t regret it. Chef Santiago and his creations have been featured on the Food Network, Ellen and Conan, and rightfully so – from his classic Homer’s Donut to whatever specialty donut he’s thought up for the day, these are not your run of the mill donuts.

Balboa Park

Image Courtesy of Rebeca Anchondo
If a peaceful evening is what you’re looking for, then a stroll through beautiful Balboa Park is just the thing for you. Minutes north of Downtown San Diego, Balboa Park houses 17 museums and cultural institutions ranging from the Fleet Science Center and San Diego Air & Space Museum to the Japanese Friendship Garden and the San Diego Museum of Man. During the summer, Balboa Park after Dark keeps the museums open late, but the scenery year round is reason enough to visit this historical gem.

Other great San Diego attractions that you can visit at night include Seaport Village, Belmont Park, USS Midway, and the San Diego Zoo. There are unlimited options and endless fun to be had in San Diego! Looking for a way to relax after a weekend of fun? Book a treatment at our San Diego spa and treat yourself to some self care!