The best nightclubs in San Diego

San Diego's nightlife coexists with a wide range of exciting experiences from the usual beach town. Most of the bars and clubs on this list are located in the city center, so if you're a night owl by nature, this is an area where you can stop and unleash your energy.

The best nightclubs are located in the Gaslamp District and are within walking distance of most hotels and restaurants. Get ready to go there for the enveloping atmosphere, live music performances, top DJs, crazy lighting and LED screens.

As the sun sets, stroll through the diverse neighborhoods of San Diego. You'll find that the laid back beach town continues to have fun and relax long after the surfboards are in place.

The best nightclubs in the city

• FLUXX

FLUXX is an elite dance club in downtown San Diego. As the name suggests, the mood and motif of the nightclub is constantly changing, creating a unique experience with every visit.

The venue features bold colors and playful design elements, including a large treehouse, a 15-foot chandelier, and eye-catching artwork. Get out your most stylish clothes as you will have to go through a dress code.

• Belly Up Tavern

Live music in Belly Up sounds almost every night. Belly Up is not pretentious and has a more laid-back vibe, even though it has won a dozen awards from pretentious critics.

Up-and-coming artists and legends of various genres perform here — from alternative rock, reggae and hip-hop to blues, folk and jazz. The Rolling Stones and Red Hot Chili Peppers have recently played here. No dress code is enforced, so there is no reason not to visit this establishment.

• Oxford Social Club

Oxford Social Club is a new nightlife and chic boutique inside the Pendry San Diego hotel. DJs spin tunes on the dance floor, but the emphasis is also on talking and relaxing in comfortable lounges.
The service here is a real VIP service. To get inside, you need to go to the website and add yourself to the guest list. Once inside, you will find a wealthy group of people of all ages.

• Rooftop STK

Rooftop STK is a recently refurbished poolside lounge bar with incredible views of downtown San Diego. This is a luxurious place where you can enjoy cocktails and delicious dishes from the menu specially compiled by the chef.

By day, the club will enchant you with stunning views and creative regional cuisine for breakfast and lunch. At night, Rooftop STK is a place where nightlife takes place under the starry sky.

• The Grass Skirt

The Grass Skirt is new to San Diego nightlife and people are already loving it. This is a tiki bar located inside Good Time Poke which is open from 05:00 pm to 2:00 am. Yes, you can order a variety of tropical cocktails here (don't forget to remind the bartender about the secret cocktail menu). There are over 150 types of rum on display, including some very rare and expensive varieties.

• Moonshine Flats

This is one of two places in San Diego where you can dance in nature. The 10,000-square-foot venue includes multiple levels, dozens of interactive features, five bars including the largest on the west coast, a huge dance floor and a mobile DJ booth.

Drink while sitting on old-school barber chairs or play pool and arcade games like Buck Hunter and Boxing. We are sure you will like it, even if country music is not to your liking at first.

• Prohibition

To enter Prohibition, simply look for a door marked Eddie O'Hare's Law Office. This is a 1920s style bar designed for those who want to spend an evening immersed in the era of the Great Gatsby.

The dress code is such that there are no shorts, sandals, flip-flops or baseball caps on Fridays and Saturdays. Guests can also enjoy a creative drink menu, such as the 'These Are Not the Droids You're Looking for' cocktail with tequila, lime, spices, averna and apple soda.

• Polite Provisions

Polite Provisions offers cocktails and classic American fare at University Heights. Their menu includes not only 18 beers, but also ten varieties of wine, carbonated and non-carbonated alcoholic cocktails, spirits, dry vermouth, aperitif and sherry.

• Noble Experiment

Bookings at this club are text-only and the Noble Experiment is always full as there are only 32 seats.

Cocktails are made from first-class spirits and natural organic ingredients. There is no food for sale, so go to a nearby cafe if you get hungry, or grab snacks to go. You won't find another drinking experience quite like this one in San Diego.

• Onyx Room

Onyx Room is a three-level dance club, where the first floor is at street level and two more are below. This nightclub attracts people who want to have fun with inventive cocktails in hand and lots of sweets located throughout the establishment.

Evenings are held in different musical styles, from jazz to hip-hop. Typically, hip-hop is played upstairs and house is played underground. There is a dress code here, so leave your beachwear at the hotel. VIP service is available upon reservation. Register online before 20:00 on your desired night to be added to the guest list.