The 9 Best Nightclubs in San Diego: Gaslamp and Downtown

In the bustling streets of Gaslamp and Downtown San Diego, your nights are limited only by your energy and curiosity. From sports bars to speakeasies to cocktail bars, you can have it all. But if you’re looking for the best nightclubs in San Diego, look no further—this is your guide.

We’ve curated a list of the best nightclubs in San Diego to transform your nights into unforgettable memories. Each of these clubs brings its own flavor to San Diego’s nightlife scene, ensuring that no matter your taste, there’s a place where you can enjoy the quintessential San Diego night out.

Oxford Social Club – Upscale and Exclusive

At the Oxford Social Club, the experience is all about luxury and exclusivity. This stylish venue prides itself on offering an intimate environment with an upscale boutique experience, making it a permanent fixture on any list of the best nightclubs in San Diego.

Catering to San Diego’s chic partygoers, as well as visiting celebrities, don’t act too surprised when you run into the likes of LeBron James or Rick Ross.

Nestled in the Pendry Hotel, with plush seating, VIP bottle service, and a carefully curated lineup of DJs, the Oxford Social Club provides a sophisticated nightlife experience for those seeking a more refined evening​​.

In spite of its upscale, trendy vibe, it has a relaxed and playful personality that makes it the perfect place to cut loose and relax. But bring your A-game: the crowd is stylish, beautiful, and ready to party.

Address: 435 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 10:30 PM–2 AM, Thursday-Saturday
Dress Code: Upscale Fashionable (Click here for details)
Cover Charge: Females $20–$50 | Males $30–$75

Side Bar – 20 Years and Only Getting Better

Side Bar blends the allure of an intimate lounge with the vibrancy of a nightclub, a recipe for success that’s made it a nightlife hotspot in San Diego for 20 years – a near-impossible achievement in a brutally fickle industry.

Its elegant atmosphere makes it one of the best clubs in San Diego for those who prefer a more refined night out. Stay in the lounge for craft cocktails and conversations, or head to the back for a dance floor that is always alive.

Either way, Side Bar always delivers a memorable night out.

Address: 536 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 7:30 PM–2 AM, Friday-Wednesday
Dress Code: Upscale Fashionable
Cover Charge: Entry is at the door’s discretion, with a varying cover depending on the day of the week.

NOVA SD – The New Kid on the Block

Nova SD is a newcomer to the San Diego nightlife scene that’s quickly establishing a reputation for its electrifying atmosphere and top-notch entertainment. Owned by legendary nightlife company, Insomniac, NOVA is the place in San Diego to experience the cutting edge of the EDM scene.

The club boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and a dynamic light show, setting the perfect backdrop for their diverse lineup of DJs and live performers.

With an energetic dance floor, rooftop bar, and VIP bottle service, Nova SD is a must-visit for those looking to dance the night away to world-renowned DJs.

Address: 454 Sixth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 9:30 PM–2 AM, Friday & Saturday
Dress Code: Upscale
Cover Charge: $20–$30

Parq – Your High-Fidelity Fantasy

Parq is where performance art and clubbing collide, offering a theatrical nightlife experience with a high-energy crowd. It’s not just a nightclub; it’s an immersive journey through sound, performance, and design.

Parq is like that best friend who never forgets your birthday – always ready to throw you a party. With an ambiance that’s as electric as a lightning bolt in a bottle, this place has a way of turning an ordinary night into the stuff of legends. Think LED walls, think theatrical productions, think you – losing yourself in the rhythm.

Address: 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 10 PM–2 AM, Friday & Saturday
Dress Code: Dress to impress! Click here for Parq Nightclub Dress Code Guide
Cover Charge: $20–$30

Bloom – The Beat Beneath Your Feet

Bloom (formerly Bassmnt) takes you below the surface (literally) and into the depths of EDM. The vibe here is ‘basement party,’ if your basement was a sprawling expanse of sound and lights with a crowd that knows how to move.

Underground, yet elegant, Bloom nightclub beautifully blends technology and ambiance in 15,000 square feet of space. Housed in the historic Lawyer’s Block building from 1889, it has been extensively upgraded with cutting-edge audio-visual technology and ultra-modern decor.

Address: 919 Fourth Avenue, Suite 100, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 9 PM–2 AM, Friday & Saturday
Dress Code: Fashion-forward and upscale
Cover Charge: $15–$35

Onyx Room – The Rhythm of the Night

Onyx Room is where cultures collide and dance. It’s a melting pot of beats – think Latin passion meets Top 40 sass with a hint of R&B groove. This is the United Nations of nightclubs, and guess what? You’re the ambassador of dance. Wave your flag on the dance floor and show ’em how it’s done.

Onyx Room stands out with its diverse music and crowd. This club celebrates a variety of cultures, reflected in its music that spans Latin beats, R&B, and Top 40 hits. The venue’s vibrant atmosphere is perfect for those looking to dance the night away to an eclectic mix of tunes.

Address: 852 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 9 PM–2 AM, Friday & Saturday
Dress Code: Look your finest. Click here for more details.
Cover Charge: $10–$30

F6ix – The Hip-Hop Haven

F6ix is a subterranean nightclub that serves as a hub for hip-hop and R&B enthusiasts. The club’s sleek, neon-lit ambiance sets the stage for a night of grooving to beats from some of the best local and national DJs. F6ix’s energetic vibe and top-tier sound system make it a prime spot for those seeking a rhythmic night out in the heart of San Diego.

F6ix’s understated entrance leads to a vibrant and colorful subterranean dance space. This 6,000-square-foot venue is a staple of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, known for its hip-hop beats and energetic vibe. Designed by the renowned OCIO Design Group, F6ix stands out with its glowing ambiance and is a go-to spot for those who love the hip-hop scene​​.

Address: 526 F St, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 8:30 PM–12:30 AM, Wednesday | 9 PM–2 AM, Thursday-Sunday
Dress Code: Dress to impress! F6ix is an upscale Hip Hop club, so please dress in stylish attire.
Cover Charge: $5–$25

Bang Bang – The Asian Fusion Fantasy

Bang Bang, with its unique Asian-inspired décor, offers a distinct nightclub experience. The venue is famous for its sushi restaurant and a dance floor that lies underneath a ceiling decorated with paper lanterns.

Bang Bang’s restroom, featuring a Ryan Gosling-themed wallpaper, has become a selfie hotspot.

Address: 526 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: 5 PM–10 PM, Wednesday & Sunday | 5 PM–2 AM, Thursday | 4 PM–2AM, Friday & Saturday
Dress Code: Business casual to stylish casual
Cover Charge: $20–$30

Moonshine Flats

If your idea of a great night at the club has a little country twang to it, then look no further than Moonshine Flats! Voted Country Bar of the Year by the Nightclub & Bar Awards, the party here will not let you down.

Moonshine Flats, located in the East Village, is a turbo-charged, American, country-rock party spot, that features live music, line dancing, and DJs spinning top country, rock and pop music. 

With over 10,000 square feet, multiple levels, and a spacious lounge, the venue boasts San Diego’s largest dance floor and one of the largest LED screens in Southern California.

Address: 344 7th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Hours: Thursday 8 PM– 1:30 AM, Friday & Saturday 8 PM–2 AM
Dress Code: Country!
Cover Charge: Varies; contact for details.

See you there!

So there you have it, the creme de la creme of San Diego’s after-dark playgrounds—the best nightclubs in the San Diego Gaslamp and Downtown neighborhoods.

These spots are not just clubs; they’re the stages for your next epic night out. Remember, in a city that never sleeps, you can rest when you’re tired—but for now, dance like everyone’s watching and you’re the star of the show.

Grab your squad, slip on something fabulous, and make memories that’ll have you smiling on Mondays.

After all, in the words of the great San Diego sage, Dr. Seuss, “You’re off to great places, tonight is your night, your mountain is waiting, so… get on your way!” 🎉💃🕺

The Latest
The NAT Big Birthday Block Party
Our beloved San Diego Natural History Museum (The NAT) is turning 150, and they’re inviting all of us to join The Big Birthday Block Party—a...
La Valencia Hotel Flicks & Frights Series
The Pink Lady is rolling out the red carpet for pups and their humans with their Flicks & Frights series. Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice… Pet Sematary? Flicks...
Swordfish Dinner at Vistal
Vistal, the Baja-inspired hotspot at InterContinental San Diego, is teaming up with local sustainability champions Chula Seafood for a one-night-only Swordfish Dinner. From Sea to...
Papalo La Mesa
Papalo, the brainchild of Executive Chef Drew Bent and the City Tacos crew, is back and better than ever, with international flair meets smoky goodness....
Peter Seidler Dia de los Muertos Altar
Old Town’s getting a touch of Padres magic this Día de los Muertos. Casa Guadalajara, that beloved Mexican spot we can’t get enough of, is...
Halloween in San Diego: Events, Food, Drinks, & Fun Happenings around town
We’re diving headfirst into Halloween madness, San Diego style! From ghostly galas on the beach to spine-tingling sips in the Gaslamp, our sun-soaked city is...