Plays in San Diego

Dive on in to enjoy one of the many incredible plays in the coastal city of San Diego. A wide range of ticket discounts are available for those who qualify!
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.
Plays in San Diego
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Remarkable Plays
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The Ultimate Guide to Seeing the Best Plays in San Diego

The best part about the Theatre Community in San Diego is that it’s everywhere! No matter what type of play you’re hoping to see, San Diego is the place to be.

Scattered throughout the coastal city of San Diego are numerous venues where you can experience the artistic talents of the theatrical arts. While there are dozens of places to see plays, here are a few that guarantee to provide an incredible experience:

  • La Jolla Playhouse
  • Old Globe Theatre
  • Cygnet Theatre
  • The La Jolla Playhouse and Cygnet both embrace eclecticism, providing a wide range of entertaining shows you can choose from.

    The Old Globe Theatre is a replica of the Old Globe Theatre in England. Therefore, it is a Shakespearean Theatre, recreating classic plays, as well as contemporary plays.

    Each one of these theatres has neighboring restaurants. With choices from the classic burger to delicious seafood or fine dining, you will have access to diverse options of satiating foods.

    La Jolla Playhouse is located in La Jolla about 25 minutes north of the Old Globe Theatre which is located inside Balboa Park. Cygnet Theatre sits less than 10 minutes west of Balboa Park in Old Town San Diego.

    If you want to make this adventure a weekend trip, why not get an All-inclusive San Diego Pass through the Go San Diego Card? This will save you up to 55% when you visit just two attractions per day.

    You could make it a weekend to explore the arts! When you’re not attending the plays, check out the Museum of Making Music, as well as the Museum of Art! Both Museums are in Balboa Park, so they’re not out of your way. In fact, Balboa Park has 17 museums within the park.

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Bear Witness to Remarkable Plays on Award-Winning Stages in San Diego

Since a part of the San Francisco Theatre community has expanded to San Diego, there is an array of plays you can see. Some of them to name are:

  • Taming of the Shrew
  • Guilty Pleasure
  • Mean Girls
  • A variety of Broadway Musicals
  • And many more

Of course, you will have to check to see the showtimes and the locations of the play you prefer.

San Diego is home to dozens of award-winning stages, including La Jolla Playhouse and Old Globe Theatre.

Local Tips
Theatrically-rich City
There are over 150 stages in San Diego. With genres as diverse as the venues, on any night, you could choose between a rollicking musical, a thought-provoking drama. There's something for every visitor. Don't forget to use our Go San Diego Pass!

Enjoy One of the Four Locations Offered by La Jolla Playhouse!

La Jolla Playhouse has won 38 Tony Awards, including an award in 1993 for the Outstanding Regional Theatre. This theatre has also sent over 33 plays to Broadway.

Also, it’s a recreational home to several Hollywood luminaries, including Vivian Vance, Groucho Marx, and the lovely Eve Arden.

La Jolla Playhouse operates four different venues:

  • Mandell Weiss Theatre
  • Mandell Weiss Forum
  • Potiker Theatre
  • Shank Theatre

With so many theatre locations, you’re most likely to catch a play here without the hassle of running into sold-out shows. However, you do want to purchase tickets as soon as they’re on sale to secure your seat!

Old Globe Theatre

Just as the La Jolla Playhouse, the Old Globe Theatre has won 13 Tony awards, and sent over 20 productions to Broadway!

It is home to many Shakespeare fans! This San Diego location hosts one of the largest Shakespeare festivals in the Nation.

The Old Globe operates three stages, including one that is outdoors. The unique outdoor theater allows you to take in a play while enjoying the fresh air and warm sunshine at the same time.

Cygnet Theatre

If you are looking for a more intimate experience, this 246-seat theatre may be just what you’re looking for.

Cygnet considers itself a friendly rival of the Old Globe Theatre, hence the name.

They strive to produce thought-provoking, adventurous plays. They are also considered one of San Diego’s leading theatre companies.

Art Lovers Bundle & SAVE!
San Diego Museum of Art
San Diego Museum of Art
Experience art from around the world at San Diego's oldest art institution! Visitors enjoy 19th and 20th Century American paintings, in addition to Spanish, Italian and Asian artwork. Don't miss the sculpture garden and floral displays!
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Local Tips
What kind of deals does the Go City San Diego pass offer?

The Go City San Diego pass gives visitors the ability to save up to 55% on attraction admissions.

Combine our exclusive 5% discount to save even more and consider the All-Inclusive pass to maximize your savings. 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 5%!

Enjoy the San Diego Plays in the Summertime

While plays happen year-round here, summertime is an ideal time to come down for a fantastic Shakespeare Festival.

People come from all over the USA to enjoy the Shakespeare Festival at the Old Globe Theatre. This festival takes place from the middle of June to July. The plays will occur on one of the three stages.

Whether you are an indoor or outdoor person, you will have the option as to which stage you want to attend. However, the tickets sell fast. In March, they will announce when the tickets will go on sale.

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Get Your Tickets As Soon As Possible

To ensure you get the full theatre experience, you need to purchase your tickets as soon as they go on sale. Tickets tend to sell out fast! Below are the details for getting tickets but make sure to check directly with the theater for any last-minute updates or specials.

La Jolla Playhouse

La Jolla Playhouse offers a variety of ways to save on their ticket prices. Under 30 years old? You get 2 tickets for $20. Are you a senior, or active duty military? Great! You get 50% off the regular ticket price.

Old Globe Theater

You can attend a lay at the beautiful Old Globe Theatre for varying prices depending on your seats. The prices range from $300 to $55 for adults and $190 to $18 for children.

Cygnet Theatre

Cygnet offers prices starting at $20 for show previews and $25 for performances. You will not find a better deal anywhere else for high-quality, eye-capturing plays anywhere else in the San Diego area!

Tips for Your Trip to the Theater

Here are a few tips to make your trip the best it can be!

  • Purchase tickets in advance
  • Arrive at least 1 hour before showtime
  • No food or drinks in the theaters
  • Turn off your phone
  • Each theatre operates from Noon until 6:00 PM
  • Always double check operating hours and ticket prices as they are subject to change

Be ready for a beautiful San Diego theatrical experience!

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This Month's Forecast
May
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Partly Cloudy in May
Jun
62°F / 76°F
Partly Cloudy in June
Jul
66°F / 81°F
Sunny in July

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