Whether it’s getting wet at a rooftop pool bash or wild at a beachside concert, summer is like one long party in San Diego. Check out these awesome options for celebrating summer days and nights, San Diego-style:
Rooftop Pool Parties at the Hard Rock Hotel
Where: 207 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
Splash into summer at the Float Rooftop Bar and Pool Club, perched atop the Hard Rock Hotel in Downtown San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. This ultimate party spot sizzles every Saturday afternoon during summer with its Liquid Sunshine pool bash, and balmy evenings beckon with fire pits and DJ’s under the stars.
Concerts at the Beach House in Belmont Park
Where: 3125 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
Music heats up on summer evenings at the Beach House, situated just steps from the sand and the Mission Beach boardwalk at beautiful Belmont Park. The Beach House hosts open-air shows with top headliners all summer long, including such acts as Parliament Funkadelic. For a special treat, book a VIP cabana and enjoy the show in style.
Vintage Party Vibes at the Lafayette Hotel and Club
Where: 2223 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104
San Diego’s CH Projects has gained national buzz for its splashy remake of the historic Lafayette Hotel and Club, including a national Best New Hotel honor from Esquire magazine. And a big part of the place’s charm is its convivial atmosphere, from live music in Lou Lou’s Jungle Room (the new incarnation of the hotel’s classic Mississippi Room) to cocktails and bowling at The Gutter to loads of other free and fun experiences around the vintage property. The Lafayette’s got you covered even in the wee hours, with 24/7 service at the classic Beginners Diner.
Music to Shout About at Downtown’s Shout! House
Where: 655 Fourth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101
The keyboards get a little kooky at the joyously raucous Shout! House, the Gaslamp Quarter institution billed as “the only rock ‘n roll, singalong, dueling piano bar in San Diego.” It’s the perfect place to spend a lively summer evening singing, dancing, dining and partying it up to the sound of two dueling pianists playing favorite tunes on a pair of grand pianos. It’s a high-energy experience that’s as exuberant as the exclamation point in the place’s name.
Beachside Bites and Beverages at Hotel del Coronado’s Taco Shack
Where: 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118
For a more laid-back summer party vibe, head down to the Hotel del Coronado and pull up a seat at the historic hotel’s Beach + Taco Shack. This charmer of a watering hole sits right on Coronado’s gorgeous stretch of golden sands, and serves up delicious tacos – from grilled fish to spicy shrimp and even vegan – as well as wine, beer and tropical cocktails. With the murmur of the surf as a soundtrack, it’s a satisfyingly chill place to celebrate summer.
Party in the Park at Padres’ Petco Park
Where: 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
In summer, Fridays are fun days at Petco Park – the nation’s No. 1 MLB ballpark (as deemed by USA Today) and home of the San Diego Padres. Every Friday home game brings Party at the Park, a happy-hour series that starts when the gates open and continues until first pitch, in and around the ballpark’s newly re-envisioned Gallagher Square. The theme is a little different each time, from Beerfest to CocktailFest to CervezaFest (celebrating Mexican beers), but the common denominators are the same: Live music, drink specials and plenty of summer fun.
Over the Line World Championships on Mission Bay
Where: 1590 E. Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Few summer happenings are quite so San Diegan as Over the Line (or OTL, in local lingo), and every July this mongrel offshoot of softball and beach party takes over Fiesta Island on Mission Bay for the sport’s World Championships. The tournament, taking place July 13-14 and 20-21 this year, is a happily bonkers spectacle (one that’s definitely for grown-ups). And if sticking your toes in the sand is your favorite mode of sports spectating, OTL just might be your ideal summer idyll.
Pride Festival and Hillcrest Bars
One of the biggest Pride festivals in America takes place right here in San Diego, where each July the Uptown neighborhood of Hillcrest hosts a joyous salute to the LGBTQIA+ community. Some 250,000 people attend the annual Pride Parade, the centerpiece of a celebration that stretches across two days and includes live music, the Spirit of Stonewall Rally and much more. And Hillcrest institutions such as the Gossip Grill get into the fun in a big way, helping bring that party spirit to the happenings.
Del Mar Horse Racing Season
Where: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar, CA 92014
Part of the fabric of summer life in San Diego since 1937, the Del Mar Racetrack’s summer season stretches from July to September at the storied seaside oval “where the turf meets the surf.” And Opening Day, set for July 20 this year, is its own one-of-a-kind celebration, with amazing hats and fab happenings – including The Party, which unfolds in the track’s Seaside Cabana and includes craft beers, cocktail bars, photo booths, private wagering and more.
Summer Nights at San Diego’s World-Class Attractions
San Diego’s attractions shine in summertime with plenty of party vibes. Dance to live music at SeaWorld’s Summer Spectacular and then stick around to check out the park’s FantaSEA of Dreams fireworks show. The San Diego Zoo’s popular Nighttime Zoo invites you to rock and roar with its own live-music series and other happenings. The San Diego Natural History Museum’s NAT at Night serves up cocktails and bites on its rooftop, with stunning views of Balboa Park under the stars. And the Birch Aquarium at Scripps blends science and good times during its after-hours Oceans at Night series, spotlighting music, art and a “glow lounge” with life-size games.