Best New Years Eve Parties in San Diego 2024

Exciting times await this New Year’s Eve in San Diego! See which grandiose celebrations are worth attending if you’re looking to see bring in 2024 in style.
Todd Sarouhan
Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means if you make purchases through them, I may be compensated at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
New Years Eve in San Diego
Ring in the New Year
Top 7 NYE Parties
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Featured Hotel
Tours & Adventures

Ring in the New Year in San Diego

Big Night San Diego New Years Eve PartyCRSSD Proper New Years Eve & New Years Day Party

For some, the New Year is a time for reflection and a chance to think about both the past and the future. For others, it’s a reason to party like it’s the end of the world. We tend to prefer the party option, ourselves!

Luckily, there’s no shortage of celebrations and bashes taking place all over San Diego during New Year’s Eve 2024, and even a few on New Year’s Day too. From massive festivals to more low-key, cozy gatherings, you’re sure to find a party that suits your preferences if you’re in San Diego at the end of the year.

Tipsy Crow NYE Party
Tipsy Crow NYE Party

If you’re looking to party this New Year’s, San Diego has you covered. Check out local concerts with huge rosters of performing artists, or try out a bar crawl that spans multiple of San Diego’s hottest venues. Other options include themed parties filled with dancing and refreshing drinks served all night long.

There are even a few events that offer a more scaled-back approach to New Year’s celebrations, like cruising around the bay. We love this vista of the city and this option to close out the year in style. And don’t forget about all the ways to make the first day of the near year feel truly special that are unique to San Diego!

Want to keep the party going all year long? Check out A Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego for more suggestions covering each holiday season.

Local Tips
Fireworks over San Diego Bay!
Certainly! If you're celebrating New Year's Eve 2024 in San Diego, California, one helpful tip is to plan your evening around the city's beautiful waterfront. Consider heading to the Embarcadero area or Seaport Village for a spectacular view of the fireworks over San Diego Bay.

Celebrate the Right Way with the 7 Best New Year’s Eve Parties plus 2 Bonus New Years Day Ideas

Dance, drink, and watch the ball drop at some of San Diego’s most beloved party venues this New Year’s Eve.

Be sure to stick around to the end of our list for two bonus ways to celebrate on New Year’s Day like a local, too!

Big Night San Diego New Years Eve Party
Big Night San Diego New Years Eve Party

1) Big Night San Diego at Hilton Bayfront

Hotel: Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Date: Dec 31, 2023
Starts at 9pm.

If a lively party filled with music, dancing, and huge crowds of revelers is your dream New Year’s Eve celebration, you can’t go wrong with Big Night San Diego. Held at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, this massive party has an ecstatic energy. Best of all, it’s simple to book a room right at the hotel so you won’t have any transportation worries.

As the biggest midnight countdown event in San Diego, Big Night easily earns a feature on our article A Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego, which is filled with ways to celebrate the holiday season all around the city.

Ticket options include Main Event tickets for the 11:00 pm countdown, all-inclusive tickets with entry at 9:00 pm, VIP tickets, and Velvet Rope tickets which come with numerous premium upgrades. All tickets offer access to an open bar, including a champagne toast at midnight, while VIP and up tickets also include top-shelf drinks and an hors d’oeuvres buffet.

As of Dec 29, 2023 there are still tickets available for the VIP with food and drinks included as well as 9PM entry with only drinks included as well as 11 PM entry with only drinks included.

Buy Tickets to Big Night San Diego
Capitan's Quarters Bar in Pacific Beach
Capitan's Quarters Bar in Pacific Beach

2) Ring in the New Year at Captain's Quarters

Neighborhood: Pacific Beach

Welcome to a dazzling New Year's Eve celebration at Captain's Quarters in Pacific Beach, San Diego! Brought to life by the same creative minds behind The Grass Skirt, this themed bar / restaurant offers an unforgettable night. This themed bar / restaurant depicts a literal captain’s quarters of 17th-century ships. Featuring Gin as the main alcohol of choice that was used to to stave off sea-born illnesses. The star-studded menu features inventive gin concoctions, alongside creative takes on rum, mezcal, bourbon, tequila, and vodka cocktails crafted by expert bartenders.

As the clock ticks towards a new year, immerse yourself in the lavish and lively atmosphere of the roaring twenties theme.

Captain's Quarters kicks off with soul-stirring live music from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, setting the stage for a night filled with elegance and excitement. As the music transitions to a DJ from 9:30 PM until 1:30 AM, the energy soars, perfectly complementing the night's glitz and glamour.

Book Reservation
CRSSD Proper New Years Eve & New Years Day Party
CRSSD Proper New Years Eve & New Years Day Party

3) CRSSD Proper New Years Eve / New Years Day at Petco Park

San Diego Theaters & Venues: PETCO Park
Date: Dec 31, 2023 & Jan 1, 2024
Starts at 3pm on Dec 31, 2023

Live music fans flock to FNGRS CRSSD’s Proper concert each year to ring in the new year with incredible tunes and an even better atmosphere. Featuring four stages and dozens of music acts, this 21+ event spans two days, beginning from the afternoon of New Year’s Eve all the way to midnight and starting up again on New Year’s Day.

For New Years Eve & New Years Day 2024, CRSSD Proper NYE event will be held at Petco Park in the Gaslamp Quarter. Famous for being the home of the Padres, it’s as exciting to watch bands play in the stadium as it is to attend a game or take a tour with discounted ticket costs through the Go City San Diego pass.

Bands play from 3:00 pm-12:30 am on New Year’s Eve, and from 1:00 pm-10:00 pm on New Year’s Day. Performances by 59 different musical guests are planned for this year.

This event is sold out as of Dec 29, 2023. However there is a waitlist to get tickets. Go to the official website FNGRS CRSSD’s Proper concert and fill out the Request Tickets form.

Buy Tickets to Proper Concert
Sunset on a Harbor Cruise in San Diego Bay
Sunset on a Harbor Cruise in San Diego Bay

4) New Year's Eve Dinner Cruise

San Diego Tours: 13 Best San Diego Harbor Cruises & Boat Tours
Date: Dec 31, 2023
From 3pm to 5:30pm

If you’re seeking something a little more low-key compared to the huge parties, but you still want to get out and try something new, book your ticket on a New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise.

Featuring a themed four-course holiday meal, live music, and views of the bay, this cruise is an elegant option for celebrating the end of the year.

Options include a gourmet brunch that sets sail in the early afternoon or a dinner cruise later in the evening. This is one of the better family-friendly options for New Year’s Eve, with a more laid-back atmosphere and free passage for kids under 3 years old, netting it top marks on our Complete Guide to All the Holidays in San Diego page.

Buy Tickets to the New Year’s Eve Dinner Cruise
Tipsy Crow NYE Party - Girls Having Fun!
Tipsy Crow NYE Party - Girls Having Fun!

5) Hollywood Glamour this New Year’s Eve at the Tipsy Crow in Downtown San Diego

Neighborhood: Gaslamp Quarter
Date: Dec 31, 2023
From 6pm to 2am

The Tipsy Crow is one of the premier bars in the Gaslamp Quarter neighborhood of Downtown San Diego. It draws large crowds no matter the season, but on New Year’s Eve, the venue transforms into one of the biggest parties of the year.

Each New Year’s Eve party has a unique theme. Gussy yourself up in the final hours of 2023 to attend this year’s themed event centered around Hollywood Glamour. Dress to impress and feel like a real star as you experience a party sure to make you feel like a real celebrity.

Doors open at 8:00 pm and the party continues all night long. Be sure to buy a ticket in advance and arrive before 10:30 pm to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the fun. In addition to champagne specials, The Tipsy Crow also serves appetizers and other small bites.

Buy Tickets to the NYE Party at the Tipsy Crow
Kettner Exchange Fireplace Next to Bar
Kettner Exchange Fireplace Next to Bar

6) Celebrate NYE at Kettner Exchange for Fine Dining and Jazz

Neighborhood: Little Italy San Diego

Celebrate New Year's Eve at Kettner Exchange in Little Italy, San Diego, for an unforgettable evening of fine dining and jazz. Savor a meticulously crafted five-course menu by the award-winning Chef Brian Redzikowski. Enhance your culinary experience with optional wine pairings expertly selected by Serene Murray, promising a harmonious blend of flavors. This five-course dinner is priced at $175 per person, offering an exceptional value for a night of gastronomic delight.

After indulging in the culinary masterpieces, the evening continues with vibrant entertainment. Enjoy the soulful melodies of Erika Davies' 4-piece jazz band, followed by the dynamic beats of DJ duo Susio & Blue Jade, ensuring a lively atmosphere to ring in 2024.

Kettner Exchange, renowned for its striking architecture, awarded the Orchid & Onion, beautifully echoes San Diego's nautical heritage. The venue features two levels of indoor/outdoor dining spaces, including a main dining room and a captivating open rooftop patio. This New Year's Eve, immerse yourself in the elegance and excitement at Kettner Exchange, where culinary artistry and festive music create a memorable start to 2024!

Book Reservation Now
Grabbing a Beer on the Brothels Bites and Booze Tour
Grabbing a Beer on the Brothels Bites and Booze Tour

7) Crawl 'Til The Ball Falls: San Diego NYE Bar Crawl 2024

San Diego Tours: 10 Best San Diego Food & Beer Tours
Date: Dec 31, 2023
Starts at 8pm

Bar crawls are a time-honored tradition for adults during the holiday season. With dozens of breweries, pubs, clubs, bars, and other spots to get a drink, the nightlife scene of the city is an unbeatable location for the Crawl 'Til The Ball Falls: San Diego NYE Bar Crawl.

Explore some of San Diego’s hottest venues as you travel between different bars, sampling specialty and themed drinks at each one. Tickets cover the cost of a wristband for entry into these select venues, so no cover charges are required. Simply enjoy the party and mingle with your fellow attendees to get the night started off on the right foot.

The Crawl ‘Til The Ball Falls 2024 event will take place on December 31st from 6:00 pm to 2:00 am. All participants must be 21 or older.

As of Dec 29, 2023 this event is officially sold out.

Buy Tickets to the Crawl 'Til The Ball Falls
Statue at El Prado at Balboa Park
Statue at El Prado at Balboa Park

8) BONUS 1: Visit a Museum or Two on New Year’s Day

San Diego Attractions: Go City San Diego Pass
Date: Jan 1, 2024
Generally 10am to 5pm

Most holiday celebrations for the new year take place late on December 31st, but there are plenty of ways to celebrate on New Year’s Day itself, too! One suggestion we like to share is heading to Balboa Park on January 1st to visit a museum or two. This is a great way to include the whole family in your New Year’s celebrations.

Balboa Park has museums that appeal to just about everyone. Our favorite picks for families are the San Diego Natural History Museum, also known as theNAT, and the Fleet Science Center for kids with an interest in STEM. If you’re a fan of superheroes, plan a trip to the Comic Con Museum. Exhibits at the San Diego Museum of Us are an excellent way to learn about history and anthropology, while The San Diego Museum of Art is filled with breathtaking works from various art movements.

If you’re planning on visiting multiple museums, you’ll want to get a Go City San Diego pass using our discount code (GVSD5OFF) for additional savings on admission to San Diego’s best attractions!

Get Discount Tickets to Balboa Park Museums
Relax at North Pacific Beach
Relax at North Pacific Beach

9) BONUS 2: Spend New Year’s Day at the Beach

San Diego Tours: 5 Best San Diego Surf Lessons & Rentals
Date: Jan 1, 2024
All Day

After a night of partying, what could possibly be better than spending the next day by the seaside? This New Year’s Day, why not plan a trip to the beach? There are few places where it’s warm enough on January 1st for a beach trip, which makes this such a uniquely San Diegan way to commemorate the changing of the year.

You have your choice of beaches to visit, too. We suggest walking along the pier at Pacific Beach, sunbathing on the shores of Coronado Central Beach on Coronado Island, or even going surfing at Stone Steps Beach in Encinitas.

Few people can say they spent the first day of the year next to the ocean, so hitting any of San Diego’s beaches is a surefire way to make lasting memories this holiday season.

Cruise and save BIG!
San Diego Harbor Cruise by Hornblower Cruises
San Diego Harbor Cruise
All aboard a Hornblower Cruise of the San Diego Harbor with your All-Inclusive Go City Pass! Choose from a North Bay or South Bay tour, and check out San Diego landmarks from the ship. Learn from the Captain's commentary and sit back and relax!
Buy Now
Local Tips
What is a Go City San Diego pass?

The Go City San Diego pass allows visitors to experience more attractions while simultaneously saving money.

With the pass, you can visit San Diego’s top attractions like the San Diego Zoo or LEGOLAND, all while saving up to 55% off on admissions. Plus, the pass gives you the ability to skip the line when visiting select attractions.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra

A Local’s Suggestions for Celebrating New Year’s Eve in San Diego

How Early Should You Start Planning?

For most New Year’s Eve parties, the rule of thumb is the earlier, the better. Some events have tickets that increase in price as the event approaches, so you’ll want to buy them as soon as you’re certain you want to attend.

Also, you’ll want to make plans for traveling to and from the event. More on the best ways to travel this New Years Eve below.

How Can You Get Around the City?

After a night of drinking, the last thing anyone wants to worry about is transportation! Luckily, you won’t need a designated driver if you take advantage of San Diego’s excellent public transport options. These include rideshare services and cabs, buses, the Coaster, and the trolley.

What Are the Best Hotels in San Diego for a Celebration?

Staying at a hotel within walking distance of your New Year’s Eve party of choice is an even better way to ensure you stay safe this holiday season. Plan ahead and book your stay in advance, as these hotels fill up fast.

Staying at a hotel like Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is a great way to keep the party going. For other suggestions, see our lists for the best San Diego hotels, including options for staying by the cruise port if your party is near the bay or rooms near the convention center or airport if you’re in the Downtown area.

Featured Hotel
Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Pool at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Bayfront
Bayfront
Conventions
Conventions
Families
Families
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
Count on 4 star luxury, a spectacular pool, central location and incredible customer service when you stay at the family-friendly Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
Prices Starting at $185
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Tours & Adventures
San Diego Harbor Cruise
San Diego Harbor Cruise
$36 per person
Buy Now
Coronado Bay & Beach Walking Tour
Coronado Bay & Beach Walking Tour
$55 per person
Buy Now
Looking for Something Different?
More Holidays in San Diego