From the archives: December 31, 2009
Most of the New Year's Eve parties downtown cater to the stiletto-wearing, Jager-drinking crowd, but there are some low-key options around town for people who are ready to ring in 2010 without buying drinks at $14 a pop. We've found ways to celebrate the dawn of 2010 for singles, couples and even as a family.
On this page: For Singles, For Couples, For Families.
Report AbuseFor Singles
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Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Read Reviews1 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
The annual all-inclusive Big Night San Diego event will be at the brand new Hilton Bayfront this year. Partygoers break out the glitzy Vegas gear for this massive party featuring six dance floors and popular local acts Discopimps and Lady Dottie & the Diamonds. Tickets start at $109.
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Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina
Read Reviews1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
Kaskade and Mark Farina are headlining the New Years Eve Extravaganza (General $55; VIP $110) at the Sheraton on Harbor Island. Stay at the hotel for a second day of drinking and dancing at the daytime pool party.
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Marriott San Diego Del Mar
Write a Review11966 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130 (map)
More than 20 DJs will spin in two ballorooms, a restaurant/lounge, and an outdoor pool lounge at this hotel party. An all-day, poolside Resolution Day Party follows from 8am-10pm. Tickets for the NYE party are $50; Resolution Day is $35.
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W San Diego
Read Reviews421 West B Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
A line-up of hip San Diego DJs Gabe Vega, Adam Salter and Erick Diaz will provide some of the entertainment at this five-room hotel party downtown. Tickets are $50, room packages are also available.
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Bondi
Read Reviews333 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
One of the better deals in the Gaslamp Quarter, cover is just $10 at this Aussie-themed bar. Find champagne tasting, $5 margaritas, and DJs spinning hip hop and dance music.
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Bar Pink
Write a Review3829 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (map)
Bring in the New Year with a sea of plaid shirts and skinny jeans at this North Park nightspot. Live music starts at 10pm with The Night Marchers and Dan Sartain. Cover is $20.
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The Local
Read Reviews1065 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
For a $35 cover, the downtown dive bar offers an all you can eat appetizer menu, midnight champagne, $5 drink specials, and a more relaxed vibe then you’ll find at the bigger hotel and club parties.
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The Shout! House
Read Reviews655 4th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
The dueling piano bar’s party gets sold out every year. The $35 cover includes party favors, a champagne toast, and souvenir champagne glasses. Get ready for drunken 1:30am renditions of “Sweet Caroline” and “Walk This Way” with your new BFFs at the bar.
For Couples
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Anthology
Read Reviews1337 India St, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
The Little Italy music lounge ushers in 2010 with Motown Eve, an ultra-classy night of dinner (choice of roasted turbot filet or kobe beef cap steak), champagne, party favors, and a live Motown revue show. Good for couples and small groups. Packages are $165-175; show-only is $45.
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The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Write a Review11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 (map)
Wow your date with dinner at the lodge’s signature restaurant, A.R. Valentien, where Chef Jeff Jackson is presenting a five-course, $120 prix fixe menu that includes oysters, lobster risotto, roasted duck and poached pears. For less of a splurge, make a reservation at The Grill, the hotel’s more casual eatery, for the $45 prix fixe menu.
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USS Midway
Write a Review910 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101 (map)
Couples in suits and gowns will board the aircraft carrier for an 8pm-1am gala with live music from The Big Daddy Orchestra. The $159 tickets include an open bar and catering from Peartrees Catering. Black-tie optional.
For Families
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California Center For The Arts
Write a Review340 N Escondido Blvd, Escondido, CA 92025 (map)
Twelve stages of entertainment and a midnight fireworks show bring families to First Night Escondido for a safe, inexpensive celebration. You’ll also find puppet making, face painting, balloon artists, and a food court with hot dogs, funnel cakes, and BBQ ribs. Tickets are $10 in advance, $20 at the door. Kids under 6 are free.
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Legoland
Read ReviewsOne Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 (map)
Forget Times Square. In this tiny world, midnight strikes at 6pm with fireworks and a huge Lego brick dropping 22 feet. The party festivities start at 3pm, when attendees receive glow necklaces and noise makers for the afternoon shindig with headliners Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players.