The Best US Cities To Visit If You Enjoy A Lively Nightlife Scene

There are so many great places in the U.S. to visit if you are looking for a plethora of evening entertainment options, no matter your definition of nightlife. However, the best scenes offer it all — dancing, drinks, cuisine, theater productions, concerts, festivals, casinos, art exhibits, people-watching, good old-fashioned partying, and more. So, if it is a night out on the town you seek, you will be glad to know that the possibilities are practically endless and there is undoubtedly something for everyone.

Often, major cities are the common go-tos for good time-seeking travelers. But, no two destinations are alike, and the collective social scene in the U.S. is ever-evolving, which sometimes makes narrowing down one's options slightly difficult. So to help you find the perfect spot on the map for a fun-filled getaway that is everything you could imagine and then some, here are the best U.S. cities to visit if you enjoy a lively nightlife scene.

Yet another U.S. city that knows how to keep the party going is none other than New Orleans. Home to Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, and Bourbon Street, this lively destination knows how to have a good time. In the Big Easy, visitors will find countless music and jazz clubs, Frenchmen Street, sports bars, night tours, gay bars, late-night restaurants, dance halls, casinos, and so much more.

In many respects, New Orleans is a choose-your-own-adventure kind of destination. So regardless of whether you want to enjoy a nice dinner, art, and an evening of jazz in the Arts/Warehouse District, after-hours fun in the Uptown Garden District, the funky nighttime vibe of Mid-City and Esplanade Ridge, or late-night eats, dancing, and music clubs in the Faubourg Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods, you definitely will not tire of this nightlife scene. The Big Easy also has an electrifying burlesque arena and quite a compelling theater scene for visitors craving a thrilling and even more performative night on the town.

Of course, the Big Apple is another contender when it comes to legendary nightlife. With so many boroughs, panoramic bars, pubs, trendy lounges, music venues, nightclubs, and then some, visitors will definitely have a riveting time when in New York City. In fact, with so much ground to cover, figuring out what you prefer to do ahead of time is a must, especially in "the city that never sleeps."

That said, visitors can cross more than a few exciting activities off their to-do list while visiting nightlife gems such as ART NoMad (Arlo Rooftop at NoMad), Magic Hour Rooftop Bar & Lounge, 230 Fifth, Darling, Refinery Rooftop, and Berry Park. Here, nightlife lovers can immerse themselves in New York City's overall culture and vibe while enjoying music, cocktails, people-watching, incredible city views, dancing, sightseeing, delicious apps, and more. And after delighting in the many bars/lounges/rooftops in the Big Apple, you can absolutely switch it up a bit by indulging in New York City's famous restaurant scene, checking out the countless events (award shows, art exhibitions, celebratory happenings, and premieres) or catching an awe-inspiring production on Broadway, perhaps.

Yet another major city that does not disappoint is Chicago. With a robust comedy scene, nightclubs, concerts, breweries, patio bars, cocktail lounges, festivals, the Navy Pier, and more, the Windy City definitely delivers. So, if your ideal getaway involves embarking on a different adventure every night that you are in town, then Chicago is the place for you.

Comedy fans, of course, should spend an evening at The Second City for laughs, standup, and improv sketches. Drunk Shakespeare is also another great venue for light-hearted theater performances. For travelers who are all about a city's arts, beats, and eats, spots like Andy's Jazz Club, the House of Blues Chicago, and Chicago Magic Lounge are all excellent choices. For the nightclub crowd, on the other hand, high-energy go-to's here include the Debonair Social Club, 439 Nightclub, Le Nocturne Chicago, Spybar Chicago, and the Smartbar — all of which are totally worth staying out till 4 a.m. Chitown visitors can also enjoy a night at the theater, check out late-night museum exhibitions, and, weather permitting, enjoy a beautiful sunset cruise.

The city of Austin is so many things to so many people — an artsy college town, a live music mecca, and a hipster haven. But no matter what Austin is to you, one thing is for sure, this energetic place is brimming with fun and eclectic things to do in the evening. For Austin visitors who are interested in checking out this all-encompassing music scene, there is truly no shortage of venues, festivals, events, genres, concerts, or live entertainment here.If you prefer, however, to branch out and see what else makes this city's nightlife so special, ample opportunities await. 

From night kayaking, bat-watching, and ghost tours to wonderful performances at the acclaimed Paramount Theatre Austin and line dancing at the Broken Spoke, there is always something thrilling to do after dark in this haven for hippies. For instance, visitors can take advantage of all that the famous Rainey Street offers in the way of late-night eats, arts, and pub crawls. Likewise, travelers who have come to party can head to Sixth Street for almost every kind of nightclub you can imagine. And while on Sixth, do not forget to check out Alamo Drafthouse for films and drinks, The Velveeta Room for comedy, and The Dizzy Rooster for dancing. 

Likewise, Portland, Oregon, is another wonderful destination for bar-goers, music lovers, comedy enthusiasts, and of course, nightlife connoisseurs. Known as a place that comes alive after dark, Portland visitors have an abundance of activities, evening events, and live entertainment, plus incredible spots for cocktails, late-night bites, dancing, and more all at their disposal here. Portland also has a delightful bar scene filled with themed pubs, unique speakeasies, patio lounges, swanky hotel bars, and more than a few Irish and sports pubs. 

For travelers interested in savoring them all, countless pub crawl tours are available and cover everything from history and Portland's haunted past to the city sights. There are also numerous party spots, including the Doug Fir Lounge, the Holocene, the White Owl Social Club, The Goodfoot, and The Fixin' To. What's more, Portland's Entertainment District is legendary and worth visiting if you opt to join in on all the fun here. The City of Roses also has robust theater, karaoke, art, and adult arcade scenes — so don't be shy, spend some quality time in Portland — it's not likely that you'll regret it. 

Seattle also has a unique and lively nightlife scene. With ample entertainment venues, night sightseeing tours, and late-night outdoorsy activities like skating, biking, and then some, travelers cannot go wrong here either. From dinner cruises, the theater, and nightly museum happenings to partying till the sun comes up, the Emerald City's night scene is action-packed.

Popular pubs and nightclubs here include the Bathtub Gin & Co., The Cuff Complex, Kremwerk Timbre Room + Cherry Complex, Neighbors Nightclub, and Q Nightclub. Also known for its sophisticated bars and alluring lounges, Seattle is the last place you want to call it an early night at. In the Ballard neighborhood alone, visitors will find an array of options, including The Tractor Tavern and Sabine Café. Likewise, districts such as Capitol Hill, Belltown, and Denny Triangle are infused with trendy spots for cocktails, tapas, music, and so much more.

Last but definitely not least, San Diego's nightlife takes the cake. With over 16 walkable blocks of high-spirited downtown fun, also known as the Gaslamp Quarter, visitors will have the time of their lives in America's Finest City. From nightclubs, pubs, lounges, and rooftop bars to late-night dining, comedy clubs, and adult arcades, this city has all the makings of a getaway to remember.

That said, there are many ways to experience this laid-back scene. But, it is highly recommended that you go big here by starting early with an evening activity of your choosing, followed by a few drinks, fine dining, a savory San Diego lounge experience, moonlit relaxation via a rooftop bar, then top it all off with some dancing. And once the music stops, countless late-night eats are waiting with open arms. Ultimately, no matter where you decide to vacation next in the U.S., San Diego or any of the cities mentioned above all have lively nightlife scenes worth experiencing.