20 Best Things to Do in San Diego at Night

La Jolla Mom

Pack your blanket, picnic basket, and favorite dinner and enjoy dinner with a great view. Be prepared for a small hike up to the viewing area, which is equally spectacular. In December or January, you may also see California gray whales migrating.

Start your night with a sunset at Sunset Cliffs

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Enjoy locally sourced ingredients, indoor and outdoor seating, and 25 miles of shoreline and city lights.

Sail around the bay on a dinner cruise with Flagship Cruises and Events

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There are lots of nighttime events during the year, but it’s spectacular to walk through in the evening, no matter the occasion.

Stroll through Balboa Park

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There are plenty of theatre venues to enjoy, including Old Globe Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, and San Diego Civic Theatre.

Attend an evening performance of theatre or ballet

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Between June and September, you can enjoy extended nighttime visiting hours to get close to the sights and sounds of nocturnal animals. The annual HalGLOWeen Halloween event also can’t be missed.

Visit the San Diego Zoo

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Attend one of the public star parties hosted by San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA) at Mission Trails Regional Park. There’s also a monthly “Sky Tonight” planetarium show in partnership with Fleet Science Center on the first Wednesday of each month.

Enjoy the stars

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There’s live entertainment, great food, and lively bars all around.

Spend time at the Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego

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It’s considered the birthplace of California with roots dating to 1769. There is great live music, traditional dance, and authentic Mexican food to enjoy.

Appreciate the unique charm of Old Town San Diego, the city’s cultural center

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Kettner Boulevard is a great starting place, home to numerous restaurants with celebrity chefs.

Have a date night in Little Italy, the largest Italian-American enclave in the US

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There are a number of companies that offer brewery tours that range from casual to luxurious.

Sample craft beer on a brewery tour

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For a spooky twist, go on a nighttime ghost tour while learning about the history of San Diego.

Get ready for ghost stories

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This is a relaxing way to enjoy the coastline, whether you hop onboard the Bahia Belle or do it on your own with a boat rental.

Take a sunset cruise on Misson Bay

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You’ll get a bird’s eye view of San Diego that on a clear night can span up to Del Mar and as far south as Mexico.

Watch the sunset and city lights from Mount Soledad

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This is an iconic property on Coronado beach that will be memorable for all.

With a reservation, enjoy s’mores and a private bonfire at Hotel Del Coronado

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There are numerous concert series to choose from like Point Loma Summer Concerts and Coronado Promenade Concerts.

In the summer, enjoy free outdoor concerts

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Just be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight so you can see them.

At certain times of the year, watch grunion swim up to shore late at night

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There are lots of sleepover events across several of San Diego’s famous attractions, like Road and Snore Safari at San Diego Zoo Safari Park.

Enjoy the ultimate sleepover

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There’s carnival games and rides, and arcade, bumper cars, and more. It’s completely free to enter Belmont Park, but you can buy wristbands or a la carte rides and games.

Have an ultimate carnival night at Belmont Park

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South Bay Drive-In and Santee Drive-In are both excellent choices that have been around since the 50s.

Pull up to a drive-in movie

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Come hungry, too, as some of San Diego’s best restaurants and breweries have outlets in the stadium for fans to enjoy.

Enjoy a baseball game at Petco Park

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