With a seemingly neverending stretch of coastline, year-round beautiful weather, and a culture rich in art and history, there lies the city of San Diego, California's southernmost gem. From its sandy beaches to the crystal blue water, San Diego mimics a mini-paradise just north of the border, where the day is filled with relaxation, and the nights are filled with fun. So when the sun goes down and the lights come up, there is an endless array of ways to enjoy the vivacious nightlife of San Diego.

To get the full effect of nightlife in San Diego, there's no better place to start than the historic Gaslamp district. Located downtown, the cultural and social epicenter of San Diego is loaded with dance-heavy nightclubs, award-winning restaurants, and laid-back bars and lounges, all within walking distance or a cheap cab ride away. Whether you're ready to get wild out on the town or are taking a low-key approach to the night, there's something for everyone in San Diego.

For the dancing queens (and kings), many nightclubs boast rooftop lounges, several rooms with a variety of music and VIP access for the heavy hitters with deep pockets. The newly-opened Ivy Hotel houses the four-level nightclub Envy, where San Diego's most fashionable go to mingle, dance and enjoy the cigar bar. A few blocks away you'll find On Broadway, where you can enjoy a variety of music, several bars, and then munch on some sushi in its Zen Lounge and Sushi bar when hunger strikes.

For the music lovers, venues like the House of Blues and recently renovated 4th and B (located, appropriately, on 4th Avenue and B Street) feature both big-name and smaller acts from all genres of music. Both venues also frequently host comedians, if you like a little laughter with your cocktail.

If you're lucky to catch a Padres professional baseball game at Petco Park, head over to one of the many sports bars and pubs that reside just blocks from the stadium. The camaraderie fills the air, especially after a victory -- just make sure to wear your Padres hat!

For the romantics, a pleasant ride on the Coronado ferry provides skyline views of the San Diego Harbor and downtown as you float to Coronado Island, where you can visit the Hotel Del Coronado, infamous for being the site where the Marilyn Monroe classic Some Like It Hot was filmed. The ferry departs every hour from Broadway Pier, and a round trip ticket is only $6.

If it's racing season, then head up north to the Del Mar Race Track, where you can enjoy the competitive horseracing that has become tradition in the beachy town. You can place bets on your favorite horse, dine on local seafood at one of the track's restaurants, and then hit the local bar scene on 15th Street where you can get an ocean view as you enjoy a cocktail.

For the young party animals, Pacific Beach is ripe full of college kids gone wild. Several bars line Garnet Avenue, most within walking distance of each other, and are jam-packed with boisterous bar-hoppers who know how to have a good time. PB Bar & Grill and Moondoggies are go-to hangouts for locals, but sites like Thrusters and Johnny V's are a slightly nicer and less rowdy scene.

For a classier approach, head just north of there to La Jolla, where you can dine at one of many award-winning cuisines off of Prospect Street. With Italian, Mexican, Japanese and more, La Jolla is the place to find a fine dining establishment to satisfy any palate. Afterwards, hop on over to the La Jolla Playhouse to catch the latest musical for which the notable venue.

And for the lucky visitors who come to San Diego in September, don't miss the Street Scene, a three-day party where costume-clad boys and girls dance the night away while listening to live music on multiple stages. Usually located on blocked off city streets in downtown, this annual event draws tens of thousands of people of all ages.

This tidbit of real travel advice was contributed by Jamie Barber.

Planning to hit up San Diego after hours? Don't forget to book a rental home where you can go once the bar closes to soak your feet, have a rest and be ready to do it all again the next night when the sun goes down! 

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