This year, ring in the 20s as you like—with delectable dishes, yacht cruises, unforgettable parties, even family fun. There’s something here for just about any vibe, from quiet night to baller status.
Dining
Mad Hatter New Year’s Eve Ball
Send the entire family down the rabbit hole! This kid-friendly celebration will feature a delicious buffet, dancing to DJ-supplied tunes, costume contest, games, 21+ area, and complimentary midnight toast. Tickets available here or by calling (760) 827-2800.
Where: The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
When: Dec. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to January 1 at 12:30 a.m.
Price: $150 per adult, $85 per child ages 13-17, $65 per child ages 4-12, free for children under 3
5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
A.R. Valentien New Year’s Eve Gala
Dine on the A.R. Valentien patio or its elegant dining room while enjoying a five-course prix fixe meal, courtesy of Executive Chef Jeff Jackson. Call (858) 777-6635 for tickets.
Where: The Lodge at Torrey Pines
When: Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $135 per person or $185 with wine pairings, $70 for children under 12
11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
Animae
Photo by Dustin Bailey
NYE Opulence at Animae
San Diego’s newest hotspot will be offering a four-course prix fixe menu to start your year off right. Reservations for the first seating take place between 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. while the second seating kicks off at 8 p.m. and continues until close. The second seating includes a midnight toast. Reservations—highly recommended!—can be made here.
Where: Animae
When: Dec. 31, times above
Price: $95 to $115
969 Pacific Highway. San Diego CA, 92101
The Grill’s New Year’s Eve Feast
Toast to the new year at The Grill at Torrey Pines. Pick between a savory three-course prix fixe meal or their à la carte menu. Optional beer or wine pairings. Call (858) 777-6641 for details.
Where: The Lodge at Torrey Pines
When: Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $60 per person, $75 with beer pairings and $85 with wine pairings, $35 for children under 12
11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
Corner Drafthouse’s East Coast Toast
Forget midnight madness! Head to Corner Drafthouse for bites, brews, and a pup-friendly patio. At 9 p.m. Corner Drafthouse will have an East Coast Toast, for all you Eastern Standard Time transplants out there. Doors close at 11 p.m.
Where: Corner Drafthouse
When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.
Price: Varies
495 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101
Dine and Dance
Head to Pacific Beach to chow down on a prix fixe menu at JRDN. Then dance the night away at Tower23.
Where: Tower23 and JRDN
When: Dec. 31 with seating at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Doors to Tower 23 open at 10 p.m.
Price: $85 per person
723 Felspar Street, San Diego, CA 92109
Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant’s Celebratory Dinner
Raise a toast to the new year with a delicious prix fixe dinner. Options include roasted salmon, filet mignon, pan-seared scallops, and whipped sweet potatoes. Make a reservation here or by calling (619) 231-0222.
Where: Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant
When: Dec. 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Price: $65 per person, beverage pairings for $32
2202 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Bier Garden
Start the new year early at Bier Garden. From the comfort of Encinitas, at 9 p.m., the restaurant will watch the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square. Doors close at 11:30 p.m.
Where: Bier Garden
When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.
Price: Varies
641 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
NYE Dinner and Drinks
With a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, Madison will serve an upscale Mediterranean and Southern California inspired three-course prix fixe dinner. The menu will highlight dishes like tuna tartare, Madison’s famous double-cut sesame crusted pork chop, filet mignon, and gluten-free vegan ravioli. Reservations can be made on their website or at OpenTable.
Where: Madison on Park
When: Dec. 31 with seating from 5 to 7 p.m. and from 8 to 11 p.m.
Price: $65 per person, $19 for wine and cocktail pairings
4622 Park Boulevard, University Heights
Vistal
AUDA
InterContinental’s 3- and 5-Course Dinners
Enjoy panoramic views and live music by Taryn Donath while feasting on a three or five-course prix fixe menu. Chef Amy DiBiase will craft yellowtail crudo, juniper-brined duck breast, seared scallops with caviar butter, and wagyu rib eye cap, to name a few highlights.
Where: Vistal Bar + Restaurant
When: Dec. 31, early seating from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., late seating from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Price: $70 for three-course plus $35 for optional wine pairing, $120 for five-course dinner plus $60 for optional wine pairing
901 Bayfront Court Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92101
Parties
NYE Beachfront Bash
Feast, drink, and dance from beach to rooftop at San Diego’s hottest beachfront party on the Mission Beach boardwalk. With multiple venues and DJs, live music, and a champagne toast, it’s the perfect way to ring in the new year. Er, decade.
Where: South Draft Mission
When: Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to January 1 at 1:30 a.m.
Price: Range from $49 to $195
3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
Fluxx
FLUXX Nightclub: Masquerade Party
Join other partygoers in the Gaslamp this year! A masquerade-themed celebration with live music by veteran Las Vegas DJ Wellman, masquerade-themed drinks, décor, and—for those who dare—lace masks. Buy tickets here or make a reservation by calling (619) 328-0138.
Where: FLUXX Nightclub
When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: $40 to $80 per person
500 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
The Westgate Hotel’s Latin NYE Party
What better way to ring in the new year than with a Latin buffet and dancing? Salsa into the Westgate’s Versailles Ballroom for food, live music by Julio De La Huerta, a champagne toast, and a balloon drop. Cocktail attire required. Tickets available here.
Where: The Westgate Hotel
When: Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. to January 1 at 12:30 a.m.
Price: $165 per person
1055 Second Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
NYE Masquerade Party
This New Year’s Eve, step inside the intoxicating Realm of the 52 Remedies. This speakeasy-style bar attached to Kearny Mesa’s Common Theory Public House will feature a night of live music, punch bowls, tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and a midnight champagne toast. Cocktail attire required.
Where: Realm of the 52 Remedies
When: Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to January 1 at 1 a.m.
Price: General admission at $95 per person
4805 Convoy Street, San Diego, California 92111
Kids’ New Year’s Eve at Legoland
Sleepy already? Midnight comes early for families at Legoland, where the theme park will recreate the Time Square ball drop with—what else?—a giant Lego brick. Party hats and special glasses will be available while viewing fireworks.
Where: Legoland California Theme Park
When: Dec. 31, countdown at 6 p.m.
Price: Admission included with purchase of park ticket
One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Big Night San Diego New Year’s Eve
No need to bring your wallet: this event is all-inclusive! Drinks, food, and access to 10 different party zones are included. (Don’t forget your ID, though!)
Where: Hilton San Diego Bayfront
When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: Varies
1 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
619 Spirits
Photo by Chris Brake
Silent Disco in North Park
Say hello to 2020 at North Park’s award-winning distillery and tasting room. Enjoy 619’s regular food menu, line-up of premium handcrafted vodka, midnight champagne toast, and a silent disco beginning at 7 p.m. Reservations can be made here.
Where: 619 Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room
When: Dec. 31
Price: Varies
3015 Lincoln Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
Boat Rides
Bahia Belle
Bahia Resort NYE Cruise
Cruise through Mission Bay on the Bahia Belle as you enjoy an appetizer buffet, live DJ, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast.
Where: Mission Bay and Bahia Resort Hotel
When: Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Price: Cruise at $30 per person, overnight at hotel varies
998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
Black and Gold New Year’s Eve
This New Year’s Eve, the historic steam ferryboat Berkeley will be transformed into a glamorous lounge with dessert, dancing, party favors, and, at the stroke of midnight, a toast with some bubbly.
Where: Maritime Museum of San Diego
When: Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Price: $60 per person
1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
The 17th Annual New Year’s Eve Yacht Party
This year celebrate by stepping onto the Spirit of San Diego: a 146-foot long, three-level luxury yacht with outdoor decks, lounges, and dueling dance floors. This event has sold out 16 years in a row—just sayin’—so get your tickets here.
Where: Spirit of San Diego Yacht
When: Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to January 1 at 12:45 a.m.
Price: $149 per person
990 North Harbor Drive, Dock #3, San Diego, CA, 92101
New Year’s Eve Roar Into the 20s Dinner Cruise
Don your best 1920s attire for a night of dinner, dancing, live music and glamour, with bottomless champagne and a four course dinner. Tickets available here.
Where: Hornblower Cruises
When: Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to January 1 at 12:30 a.m.
Price: $225 per person
1800 N. Harbor Drive, Pier 1, San Diego, CA 92101
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Diego 2020
Photo: Shutterstock.com
