Nightlife

California’s cities pulsate with energy long after the sun has set. In fact, it’s not until streetlights blink on throughout the metropolitan areas that some of the state’s most dynamic venues—blues bars, comedy clubs, dance halls, martini lounges—spring to life.

We've Got Much, Much More...

The nightlife opportunities in California are endless. If you're in search of countercultural and edgy or family-friendly, you can find it in every corner of California. Here's a tip: in all major metro areas, an even in some smaller cities, you can find alternative weekly newspapers that review and list a multitude of options.

Live Music

Some of the world’s most famous musical acts—from the Beach Boys to Green Day and Chris Isaak to The Pointer Sisters and Glenn Campbell—got their start in California venues. Drop by a club—obscure or world renown—and who knows what up and coming star you may catch?

• To understand the history of music in San Francisco, check out the legendary Fillmore. It is simultaneously a music museum (take in the psychedelic posters advertising ’60s-era shows by the Grateful Dead, the Doors, and Janis Joplin) and a rockin’ venue where you can hear today’s top acts.
• Or, to drink, dance, and hear bands rock the house, you can party with celebs and regular folks at the dim, loud, and intimate Viper Room in Los Angeles.

Dance the Night (and Sometimes the Morning) Away

Cuban, techno, salsa, hip hop, ballroom, contra dancing—the list goes on and on. Whatever type of dancing you crave, you can find it here. It stands to reason that because California has such a large and diverse ethnic mix, that the dancing choices are just as endless and exhilarating.

• Dance with LA’s beautiful people to the newest DJ tracks at immense, Indonesian-themed Mood, while the glitterati bask in the glow of the bar area’s hundreds of candles.
• Dust off your salsa shoes or catch a hot flamenco show at Café Sevilla found in Downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.

A Laughing Matter

California has been the launching pad for some of the most successful comedians out there, including Steve Martin, Chevy Chase, Robin Williams and George Lopez. Many others, like Will Ferrell, Janeane Garofalo, and Julia Sweeney got their start with the comedy troupe, The Groundlings. Outside of Second City in Chicago, no United States comedy troupe has graduated more comedians to the big-time.

• Check out the landmark building that once served as the Marx Brothers’ offices; now it’s the performing home of Chris Rock, Roseanne, and the funniest people you’ve never heard of — yet. Comics have been cracking up audiences at the Laugh Factory in Los Angeles for almost three decades.