After the sun goes down, San Diego's titillating venues heat up. Whether you're out to lock lips, savor sips, or move your hips, this is the place to do it. Hit up any of the many rooftop bars, swank lounges, or electrifying dance floors -- but if you only want to experience the city's hottest scenes, study our list below.
1. Envy. The Ivy Hotel has upped the standard for much in San Diego, and nightlife is no exception. This multi-level venue likely does evoke jealousy for other nightclub operators with its special effects (partiers descend a spiral staircase through a wall of fog), dramatic flourishes (giant photos of fishnet-clad legs), big-name DJs, and sexy dancers. (www.envysandiego.com).
2. Stingaree. Named for San Diego's red-light district that existed in the late 1800s, clubby Stingaree, with its eye-catching crowd, might also inspire sin. In a revamped warehouse in the Gaslamp Quarter, it attracts A-listers like Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, and Josh Duhamel -- all of whom likely took advantage of the bottle service, private cabanas, and rooftop VIP area. Upscale decor is emphasized on all three levels, what with floor-to-ceiling waterfalls and translucent staircases. Drinks are pricey but strong; try the "One-Night Sting." (www.stingsandiego.com).
3. Altitude Sky Lounge. This aptly named open-air rooftop bar atop the Marriott Gaslamp Quarter Hotel provides vertigo-inducing views from 22 floors up. Take in the 180-degree view of downtown, Coronado, the bay, and the Padres' Petco Park, or just drink and lounge beside the lava-rock fire pit. (www.altitudeskybar.com)
4. Bar West. Formerly called Margarita Rocks, this Pacific Beach outlier (most PB bars are beachy and casual) was treated to a sophisticated makeover to become a happening dance spot with occasional big-name DJs, bottle service, VIP booths, and plasma TVs for those who don't want to miss the game. Drinks are overly expensive, but to get your money's worth, try the ginger mojito or the raspberry cheesecake martini. Your best chance for a great time is on a Sunday night. (www.barwestsd.com)
5. Living Room. Live it up at the W San Diego's energetic bar, which features DJs, dancing, and some of the city's best people-watching, especially on the weekend. If you need fresh air, head up to Beach, the hotel's hip, new rooftop lounge; it's complete with heated sand, cabanas, a fire pit, and surf-themed movies projected onto the wall. (www.whotels.com and www.wbeachbar.com)
6. The Casbah. This much-loved indie-and-alternative-rock outlet tends to showcase musicians on the verge of hitting it big. If you'd been here at the right time, you could have seen Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Ben Harper, Alanis Morissette, and Liz Phair perform. There's live music almost nightly, an enclosed smoking patio, strung lights, a cozy feel, and a game room stocked with pool tables, pinball machines, and classic video games. Drinks and cover charges are invitingly affordable, too. (www.casbahmusic.com)
7. JRDN. Simultaneously breezy and too cool, just like Tower 23, the beachfront hotel it's in, JRDN (pronounced "Jordan") is a more stylish beach bar than most. With its indoor-outdoor appeal and thought-through modern decor, it draws Pacific Beach's classiest clientele. (www.jrdn.com)
8. Confidential. Go undercover at this Gaslamp Quarter lounge, in which The Bachelor's Andrew Firestone is a major investor. It's a gathering place for well-heeled 20-somethings scoping out likeminded singles. The scene is completed with white furnishings, a brick-walled loft, a social patio, and some of California's hottest DJs. (www.confidentialsd.com)
9. Universal Hillcrest. In LGBT-friendly Hillcrest, this club, true to its name, is universally accepting. That is to say, it's not strictly a gay bar, but every neighborhood resident, regardless of orientation, is likely to feel comfortable with the eye candy and the bold, bright design here. It opened in April; a big draw since then has been the elevated dance floor onto which artsy images are projected. There's also an outdoor lounge with two fire pits. (www.universalhillcrest.com)
Tip: For many of the hotspots located in hotels (like Envy), if you're a hotel guest, you may be able to avoid waiting in the often intimidating lines -- and sometimes won't have to pay cover, either. Ask about this when making your reservation.
This article is featured as a Travel Gem on Uptake.com.