Nightlife

As the glorious California sunshine starts to dim for the night, you will find plenty of ways to keep the heat cranked up high. Theme parks tend to go neon-bright, with open-late rides and light-the-night spectacles. Adjacent shopping and dining areas, most notably Downtown Disney and Universal CityWalk Hollywood, shift into vibrant nighttime mode with lots of family options, including entertainment. Iconic spots like the San Diego Zoo and San Francisco’s Exploratorium offer after-hours experiences, as do many museums. 

The Golden State’s grown-up options have a sizzle all their own. Visit West Hollywood’s famed Sunset Strip to see the latest bands and dance in legendary clubs. (Keep an eye out for celebrities elbowing up to the bar to order another round.) The performing arts are huge in California, with world-class theater companies, symphony orchestras, dance troupes, and more throughout San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area. You’ll also find thriving restaurants, brew pubs, and comedy clubs, all around the state, as well as bustling neighborhoods that offer rooftop bars and a bustling scene that extends into the wee hours.