Summer is almost here. Grab a bathing suit, sunscreen, and some friends, but don’t worry about anything else—these pools have more than lounge chairs and chlorine. We’re talking bottle service, full menus, craft cocktails, grown-up pool parties, happy hours. Heck, there’s even a weekly “dive-in” movie series. Find your favorite pool vibes—for day or night, relaxation or raucousness—right here.
Jump in with the hip crowd at the 25 meter long Weissmuller Olympic Pool open every day 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. This historic North Park destination can be upgraded with private cabanas. Their Summer Pool Party makes a splash on Sunday, June 10 ($40; starts at noon). You may as well just make planning your summer simpler by getting a 6-month swim club membership for $350.
Pearl Hotel
Soak up the midcentury vibes—and weekly movies shown on the 10-by-13-foot poolside projection screen at this Point Loma favorite. “Dive-in theater” movies tend toward cult classics, shown every Wednesday at 8 p.m. Still to show this month are Grease, Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, and Space Balls. Work up an appetite with all those cannonballs? See what Charles and Dinorah is whipping up.
The Rooftop by STK at Andaz San Diego
The reflections of downtown high rises sparkle on the surface of the Seventh Floor pool at this swanky boutique hotel. There’s no need to go anywhere for food, as the adjoining restaurant can take of that. Or to seek nightlife, because the club vibes come to you on the outdoor deck with Sol Sundays; $10 for the public. Happy hour is Sunday through Friday, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Level Four Pool Deck & Lounge sports 7,000 square feet of lounge space to enjoy small bites, cocktails, and summer weekends full of DJ sets and live bands. Bring your game face for Saturday Jenga and corn hole showdowns, plus happy hour tacos; Sundays are for chilling with umbrella drinks and relaxing tunes.
The Pool House at the Pendry
This rooftop lounge in the Gaslamp Quarter features daybeds, cabanas, and an indoor/outdoor space in case the sun gets a tad too hot. Every Sunday at 1 p.m., Pool House Sunday pops off with specialty cocktails, fresh juice, DJ sets, and pop-up events. The lounge is free and open to the public. Weekday happy hour is 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Pick your poison. Everybody has their favorite liquor, and San Diego is home to a vibrant and diverse bar scene, with many outposts specializing in a single type of booze. From record-setting collections of fine whiskeys to in-house distilled liquors and the wine cellars of your wildest dreams, join us on a tour through San Diego’s top establishments tailored to the most popular spirits.
Courtesy of The Whiskey House
Whiskey Bar in San Diego
The Whiskey House
For scotch enthusiasts and whiskey connoisseurs, The Whiskey House stands out as San Diego’s number-one destination. The bar, located in the Gaslamp Quarter, boasts the record for the world’s largest collection of purchasable whiskey, sourcing over 2,467 unique varieties from around the globe. You can sample a range with a whiskey tasting flight, which includes brands from San Diego, Kentucky, Ireland, and Japan. Join their Whiskey Club for monthly tastings and discussions with visiting distillers. | 420 Third Avenue, Gaslamp Quarter
Notable Mentions: Seven Grand, Aero Club
Courtesy of Mabel’s Gone Fishing
Gin Bar in San Diego
Mabel’s Gone Fishing
Cozy, Spanish-inspired seafood restaurant Mabel’s Gone Fishing lures locals for more than freshly shucked oysters and jamon iberico—they also have one of the best G&Ts in San Diego. Mabel’s and accompanying bottle shop, Bodega Rosette, offer an extensive collection of gin and a rotating gin and tonic of the month. For $75 per quarter, you can also join their gin club, which gets you curated deliveries of gins, tonics, and mixers, plus access to their exclusive release parties. | 3770 30th Street, North Park
Notable Mentions: You & Yours Distilling Co., Botanica Art & Cocktail Bar
Courtesy of 619 Spirits
Vodka Bar in San Diego
619 Spirits
The rare San Diego bar producing its own vodka, 619 Spirits was one of the city’s first craft distillery and tasting rooms to hit the scene in 2012 before expanding into a full-fledged bar and restaurant. Located in North Park, this under-the-radar watering hole offers unexpected farm-fresh vodka infusions, including pickle, coffee, rose petal, and scorpion pepper. You can order shots, pick up a whole bottle, or opt for a mixed drink (though, if you’re seeking complex craft cocktails, be aware that it’s all about the vodka here—libations are simple and spirit-forward). | 3015 Lincoln Avenue, North Park
Established in 1996, El Agave is home to the largest selection of tequilas in the US, with over 2,000 unique brands of tequila and mezcal (they call it their “tequila museum”), including their own award-winning spirit, Agave Artesanal. Attend one of their various tequila-tasting events on their lively outdoor patio overlooking Old Town. Or, if you really feel like treating yourself, opt for a shot of rare 1800 Colección for just over $185. | 2304 San Diego Avenue B, Old Town
Notable Mentions: Cantina Mayahuel, Tahona Bar, La Puerta, Quixote
Courtesy of Tanuki Sake Bar
Sake Bar in San Diego
Tanuki Sake Bar
One of San Diego’s only sake bars, Tanuki (the Japanese name for cute canids called raccoon dogs), is a must-visit for patrons seeking tough-to-find brands of Japanese rice wine. Located in Kensington, Tanuki offers over 100 junmai daiginjo, nigori, ginjo, and sparkling sake flavors from Dassai, Shinsei, and other major exporters. Keep an eye out for their omakase events, ticketed multi-course dinners thoughtfully paired with sakes. | 4191 Adams Ave, Kensington
Notable Mentions: Beshock Ramen, Cloak and Petal
Courtesy of The Rose Wine Bar
Wine Bar in San Diego
The Rose Wine Bar
Housed in the renovated 1927 Rose Grocer building, the Rose Wine Bar bar is a laid-back locale ideal for enjoying some of the city’s best natural wines. Relax with a glass of white and a charcuterie board on their dog-friendly patio or pop by the accompanying bottle shop for the finishing touch on a home-cooked Italian dinner. Membership in the bar’s wine club includes up to four bottles of wine of your preferred type per month and discounts on bottle shop purchases and tastings. | 2219 30th Street, South Park
Perched in the Gaslamp Quarter, Havana 1920 is inspired by Ernest Hemingway’s time in Cuba (it’s where he wrote The Old Man and the Sea). You can party like the famous author and daiquiri downer with one of our city’s most robust rum collections, from traditional agricole rhum to imported bottles from Barbados, Jamaica, Bermuda, Guyana, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico. | 548 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
Notable Mentions: False Idol, Raised by Wolves
Courtesy of Womwood
Absinthe Bar in San Diego
Wormwood
From the shores of the French Riviera to the mountains of Switzerland, bar-goers can sip their way through a world tour of absinthe and pastis at Wormwood in Normal Heights. The dreamy French bistro serves the “green fairy” over a sugar cube, as many famous writers and artists enjoyed it, but they also mix the anise-flavored spirit into balanced cocktails like the A La 30th, a blend of absinthe, rye whiskey, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters. | 4677 30th St, University Heights
Notable Mentions: Noble Experiment, The Lion’s Share
Courtesy of Realm of the 52 Remedies
Japanese Whisky Bar in San Diego
Realm of the 52 Remedies
For a taste of single-malt goodness, visit Realm of the 52 Remedies, an apothecary-themed Convoy speakeasy packed with traditional Japanese artwork and more than 20 whiskys from the Land of the Rising Sun. Order your favorite straight, or try a cocktail inspired by Japanese treats and even pop culture like anime and manga. Plan your visit in advance, as reservations for this underground spot are extremely limited and only available two or more weeks in advance. | 4805 Convoy St, Kearny Mesa
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
What does “HTTP” stand for? What is Hermione Granger’s Patronus in Harry Potter? What is the least common zodiac sign? If you love a good trivia night, San Diego has plenty of ways to test out all the random facts and knowledge you’ve stored up over the years—while also enjoying a great craft brew.
We put together a list of the best bars and breweries offering trivia in San Diego where you can win fun prizes like t-shirts, free shots, tasty food, and most importantly, team pride.
Courtesy of Duck Foot Brewing Co.
Duck Foot Brewing Co.
Multiple locations
Duck Foot’s portfolio of gluten-reduced beers means you can have your trivia and beer too, without the gluten levels found in a typical craft beer. Both of their locations offer weekly trivia nights, as well as long tap lists and food trucks for the full experience.
When: Wednesdays in Miramar from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Leucadia from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to drink: Their limited releases give patrons a chance to try something new, but I’m partial to their Duckzilla Double White IPA, a mashup between a White Ale and Double IPA.
8920 Kenamar Drive, Suite #210 | 978 N. Coast Highway 101
Black Plague Brewing
Multiple locations
Arrive early to snag a seat at the heavy metal-themed brewery’s trivia nights in all three of their taprooms—it gets pretty packed in all of them. Black Plague’s Purgatory Lounge in Escondido and Oceanside tasting room both have Full Metal Burgers to supply plenty of brain food, and the Dearly Departed taproom in North Park’s full kitchen offers omnivore and vegetarian-friendly fare as well.
When: Tuesdays in North Park from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Oceanside from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. | Thursdays in Escondido from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to drink: Stay hoppy with one of Black Plague’s IPAs, like their Dearly Departed Cold IPA, brewed with three hops for a tropical and citrus-forward refresher.
2899 University Avenue | 2550 Jason Court | 239 E. Valley Parkway
Kilowatt Brewing
Oceanside
See if you can beat Trivia Tim every Tuesday during Trivia Night and Music Bingo at Kilowatt’s Oceanside taproom. Can’t make it on Tuesday, or trivia not your thing? Check out the hidden speakeasy The Space Pad, a psychedelic journey through space and time (open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday). Reservations recommended.
When: Tuesdays from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
What to drink: With 25 taps to choose from, Kilowatt offers everything from hazy IPAs to hard seltzers. But I prefer to keep my wits sharp for trivia night, so a low-ABV option like a tangy Berliner Weisse is best.
406 Mission Avenue
Pali Wine Company
Little Italy
Bring a friend to Pali’s free trivia nights every Thursday in Little Italy. Their breezy, modern tasting room is the perfect spot to sip wine, shout answers, and share some small plates like charcuterie, oysters, and yellowtail tuna crudo.
When: Thursdays starting at 7 p.m.
What to drink: Not sure what to start with? Try a curated flight of five different wines, ranging from seasonal favorites to more esoteric natural wines from across California wine country.
Helix Brewing Co. is nestled next to car repair shops and dispensaries, but don’t be fooled by the gritty surroundings. Their indoor/outdoor patio is one of the best-kept secrets in East County and their weekly trivia nights are the perfect chance to come check it out.
When: Thursdays from 6 pm to 8 pm
What to drink: The Commercial Street location is actually home to two concepts: Helix and Sourworx, their wild and sour beer counterpart. Try a little something from both, but their Dark Sour beers like Animals in the Night and Betting On Stars are as complex as they are funky.
8101 Commercial Street
Resident Brewing
Downtown
Pop inside The Local every Wednesday to try your hand at Resident Brewing’s trivia night, paired with brews made by local brew icon and head brewer Bill Lindsay. The space gets pretty lively as the night goes on, so arrive early to stake out a good spot.
When: Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
What to drink: It’s a tie between No-No Joe, their West Coast IPA collaboration with Joe Musgrove, and their Gaslamp Porter, a malty, smooth, and wildly drinkable robust porter. Or, of course, you could just try both.
Enjoy $2 off cider flights during Bivouac’s own Sunset Trivia nights on Wednesdays at their North Park location. Don’t skip their food menu, either—from a Mediterranean meze platter to a chimichurri-smothered steak, this is beyond basic bar food.
Beth Demmon is an award-winning writer and podcaster whose work regularly appears in national outlets and San Diego Magazine. Her first book, The Beer Lover's Guide to Cider, is now available. Find out more on bethdemmon.com.
As a resident UTC Westfield shopper, I know my way around the mall like the back of my hand, even through the significant renovations it has undergone over the last decade. Of course, nothing works up an appetite like a shopping spree, which is why I’m grateful for UTC’s growing number of dining options.
This isn’t your typical food court fare. UTC has embraced global cuisine, hidden speakeasy gems, and elevated establishments and transformed into a gastronomic haven, drawing in food enthusiasts as eagerly as it does folks on the hunt for a new pair of shoes.
So the next time you need a break from browsing shelves—or are seeking a dining destination in its own right—try one of these 14 food and drink spots at Westfield UTC.
Courtesy of Lucrezia
Lucrezia
When it comes to Italian cuisine, I’m a discerning critic, but Lucrezia managed to surpass all of my expectations. Among the freshest additions to UTC’s culinary scene, this coastal Italian spot captivates with an ambiance that transports you to the Mediterranean, and servers, while attentive, allow guests to savor their meal without feeling rushed. The memory of the exquisite cacio e pepe and grilled baby lamb chops lingers, and I eagerly anticipate my return to explore their pizza offerings.
Courtesy of Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung
I frequently daydream about the xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung, and the constant line and the scarcity of available reservations on OpenTable serve as a testament to the fact that I’m not alone in my admiration for this UTC gem. If you’re lucky enough to snag a table, try the vegetable and pork dumplings, chicken spicy wontons, and tantalizing noodles with spicy sauce. Your taste buds will thank you later.
Courtesy of Javier’s
Javier’s
Javier’s Cantina reigns supreme among dining experiences that effortlessly convey you away from the bustling mall environment. The decor inside Javier’s will make you feel like you’re entering a high-end eatery in Cabo. This is one of my go-to picks for a date night, birthday dinner, or special event, thanks to the restaurant’s perfectly shaken margaritas and steamy empanadas. Tyr their fresh seafood dishes like aguachile del rey made with callo de hacha, camaron and pulpo or signature plates like the chile negro made with braised angus short ribes in chile negro sauce.
Courtesy of Ramen Nagi USA
Ramen Nagi
If you go to Ramen Nagi, be prepared to do some waiting. While standing in the serpentine line that winds its way through an exterior courtyard, though, you’ll receive a customizable ramen order sheet to tailor your bowl precisely to your preferences—right down to the desired quantity of oil, garlic, and spice. If you’re in the mood for a more traditional soup, the Original King is an excellent choice. Seeking a spicier adventure? The Red King beckons. Beyond the realm of ramen, make room for the crispy karaage chicken.
Courtesy of Haidilao Hot Pot
Haidilao Hot Pot
At this hot-pot hot spot, you’ll choose up to four broths in which to cook an array of meats, seafood, and veggies, including harder-to-find proteins like tripe, sea cucumber, and duck tongue. Spring for access to the sauce and seasoning buffet to kick all your selects up a notch. Futuristic robots traversing Haidilao‘s add a quirky and entertaining dimension to your dining adventure.
Courtesy of Queenstown Bistro
Queenstown Bistro
This restaurant’s menu may be New Zealand–inspired, but the décor of its outdoor bar and bistro embraces the laidback SoCal spirit. Queenstown Bistro sits in the heart of UTC Mall, offering an indulgent baked brie, a delightful soup and sammie combo, and the Hogs & Heifers burger (a grass-fed beef patty with bacon, edam cheese, and tomato chutney), plus an ever-evolving selection of wines, beers, and cocktails.
Courtesy of Raised by Wolves
Raised by Wolves
When you cross the threshold of the hidden-in-plain-sight speakeasy Raised by Wolves, you’re ushered into a chair flanking a fireplace that pivots to bring you into the inner sanctum of the bar. While the initial journey can feel like the entrance into an amusement park ride, the energy inside more closely resembles a Victorian gentleman’s club. My drink of choice here is the Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, a blend of blanco tequila and Aperol with strawberry, habanero, and lime.
Courtesy of Silverlake Ramen
Silverlake Ramen
One Silverlake dish is that has left an indelible mark on my taste buds is the garlic truffle ramen, a flavor bomb featuring a creamy pork and veggie broth blend with thick noodles, kale, mushrooms, and the soup’s titular garlic and truffle oil (that said, it’s not a great date night choice). In addition to its delectable ramen offerings, Silverlake Ramen offers savory rice bowls and chicken, pork, and Impossible meat bao buns.
Courtesy of Pacific Catch
Pacific Catch
Inside Pacific Catch’s breezy, wood-paneled UTC space awaits a diverse spread of sustainably sourced seafood. Fish is rolled, raw, into sushi; fried and tucked into tacos or beside fries; and served grilled in bowls or next to sides like kimchi fried rice, blistered shishito peppers, and broccoli brushed with miso butter. I’m partial to the crispy Baja shrimp taco with avocado-tomatillo salsa.
Courtesy of Board & Brew
Board & Brew
Few sandwich places in San Diego compare to Board & Brew. I used to trek to their original location in Del Mar to get my hands on the coveted Turkado (turkey breast, jack cheese, and avo on sourdough) with the shop’s cult-favorite secret sauce. Over the last few years, the chain has expanded across San Diego, OC, and Tempe, adding a location in UTC. If sandwiches aren’t your jam, Board & Brew also offers a winning cobb salad and a grilled Baja chicken wrap loaded with spicy jalapeños.
Courtesy of Tocaya Modern Mexican
Tocaya Modern Mexican
After a Mexican-food feast, I typically find myself wishing for more forgiving pants, but Tocaya presents a refreshingly light twist on Mexican cuisine. They have a robust lineup of vegan offerings, and you can customize protein options (including plant-based meats) for nearly every dish. I can’t get enough of the plantain chips and guac, and the Fajita del Rey bowl—featuring sautéed peppers and onions, rice and beans, and dairy-free chipotle crema—is my go-to order.
Courtesy of Wushiland Boba
Wushiland Boba
This tea spot is a great place to meet up with a friend before hitting the shops—but don’t come hungry. Wushiland is all about the drinks. They offer refreshing sips like grapefruit green tea and the floral Four Seasons tea, as well as creamier picks such as a red bean black tea latte. I like a classic milk tea with a scoop of ice cream inside, like a richer version of a float.
Courtesy of True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen
Nationwide chain True Food is the kind of spot that manages to strike that ideal balance between scrumptious fare and a lighter, more health-conscious approach. Though their seasonally rotating menu makes brilliant use of less-common ingredients like sea moss and sweety drop peppers, my favorites are deceptively simple: the Tuscan kale salad shines with lots of lemon and garlic (add salmon to make it a meal), and their nostalgia-inducing flavored lemonades remind me of carefree childhood days.
Molly Delmore is a freelance writer and content creator from San Diego. When she’s not checking out San Diego’s newest restaurants, bars, and shops, she’s planning her next trip to the mountains to snowboard or a new country to explore. Her work has been featured in San Diego Magazine, Mashed, and Tasting Table.
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
Your last minute, no-ticket-necessary guide to what to do before, during, and after the fireworks
The Big Bay Boom
By Chase Scheinbaum
You’ve been too busy enjoying the end of June gloom (fingers crossed, anyway!) to make detailed plans for the Fourth. No matter. We’ve cobbled together a handful of the best hassle-free things to do before, during, and after the moment that things go boom (which happens at 9 p.m., by the way.) See our exhaustive list of fireworks shows all around the county to make sure you have the best view possible.
Walk, bike, or ride the ferry to the traffic-jammed island, where festivities—a run, a swim, art at Spreckels Park, and live music from the Coronado Community Band—supplement the parade. Starting at 10 a.m., the parade makes its way down Orange Avenue from 1st Street to Churchill Place. Find a place on the sand or the golf course for the island’s 9 p.m. fireworks show.
Bub’s @ the Beach
In addition to their tater tots, look for half-off wing specials all day, $4 beers and shots, and a newfangled patriotic cocktail called Merica Mule—a mix of honey whiskey, lime, bitters, and ginger beer—at this Pacific Beach establishment.
Union Kitchen & Tap Gaslamp
Want an early start? Wake up with bottomless mimosas from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Want to whoop it up until the wee hours? Get your groove on with sounds from a live DJ from 10 p.m. until close. Want to maximize the entire day? See above.
The best venues around town for catching every “Gooaaallll!”
By Chase Scheinbaum
The World Cup is here. That means the wait to care about soccer again is over—and so is the wait for another excuse to grab a seat (and bites and drinks) at the bar. The world’s best will duke it out on the pitch for another month, giving you plenty of opportunities to make it to these joints for a match or two.
El Chingon
Cancel all your plans for the next month: This “Bad Ass Mexican” restaurant in the Gaslamp is showing World Cup games from the first kickoff through the final match. Watch on high-definition TVs while enjoying specials on food and drinks from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., including $5 micheladas and regular menu items like elote and chicharrones.
Bluefoot Bar and Lounge
Bluefoot isn’t just a soccer bar during the World Cup. It’s a full-time soccer bar where footy-fans can always flock for no-frills viewing in the heart of North Park. Their calendar is stocked with World Cup games over the next month, plus their usual pints of micro and macro brews and specials like weekday happy hours of $1 off everything all day until 7:30 p.m. Expect a rabid crowd on June 24 for Colombia versus Poland.
Mavericks Beach Club
With more than three dozen flat-screen TVs (and five bars) spread around its 15,000 square-feet, this new indoor/outdoor Pacific Beach haunt will let you enjoy San Diego weather while watching the World Cup and probably a few other sporting events simultaneously.
O’Brien’s Pub
This Convoy Street establishment doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: an Irish pub with a bias toward European (and European-style local) beers, sandwich melts, and soccer. What more could you want for a proper World Cup experience?
World Cup Final Game Watch Party in North Park
Sunday July 15, 8 a.m.
Whether or not your team is in the World Cup final, you’ll want to flock to North Park for the biggest outdoor game-watching party on the West Coast, complete with a beer garden and food trucks. A Jumbotron will show the game as thousands of fans pack a viewing area on 30thStreet and University Avenue. The last party, in 2014, drew 10,000 fans, so get there early—game time is 8 a.m.—to set up shop.
SeaWorld dazzles with a drone show, big-name entertainers, new animal adventures and more
By Partner Content
Nights are heating up at SeaWorld San Diego. The quintessential summertime staple on Mission Bay is transforming into a destination for unforgettable day-to-night adventures, bringing back some of its most popular Summer Nights programming and introducing exciting new experiences sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
The 2026 Summer Day to Night at SeaWorld San Diego is the park’s most ambitious season yet. SeaWorld has planned a highly anticipated entertainment lineup that features nine weeks of throwback concerts featuring R&B and hip‑hop favorites from the ‘90s and early 2000s, including Jordin Sparks, Too $hort and Warren G, Ashanti, and an array of boy band heartthrobs performing together as part of the Pop 2000 Tour.
New this season is perhaps the park’s most visible update: a nightly drone show, Ocean of Dreams, which illuminates the sky with hundreds of synchronized sparklers. Drones form sea otters, sharks, dolphins, and a majestic orca that tell a breathtaking 12-minute story of marine life and underwater ecosystems. The show culminates with a spectacular electric neon finale celebrating hope, wonder, and ocean stewardship.
Nighttime visitors are also in store for animal adventures that fuse education with high-energy fun and the dreamy ambiance of nighttime. The park has launched two all-new animal presentations: Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night and Dolphins: Touch the Sky. Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night features vibrant lighting, music, and dynamic choreography that celebrates the power and beauty of killer whales. Dolphins: Touch the Sky showcases playful bottlenose dolphins and the special connection between humans and the natural world. And back by popular demand is fan-favorite Sea Lions Tonite. See the charming pinnipeds splash, play, and parody pop culture in this refreshed crowd-pleaser.
More must-sees: a newly reimagined Shark Encounter, one of the country’s more immersive exhibits highlighting 11 different species up close, SeaWorld’s beloved BMX Blast! stunt show, and high-seas escapade, Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. And don’t miss the park’s all-new Deep Sea Disco, which encourages guests to dance the night away under the glow of the SkyTower, and vibrant closing time laser light display Laser Reef Summer Spectacular.
Amp up the nighttime vibe with local craft beers, curated cocktails, and nostalgic theme park treats with $1 beer all summer long. SeaWorld is the place for day to night summer fun. When the sun goes down, SeaWorld lights up, and inspires guests of all ages to embrace their inner whimsy and see why generations of San Diegans head to SeaWorld to make memories they’ll never forget.
