10 Best Cities for Nightlife in the United States

You do not have to travel around the world to find a destination with a great nightlife. The United States’ has vibrant cities that offer anything from swanky hotel lounges to hip dance clubs to some of the best dive bars. But some destinations cater to the night owls better than the others. How did we rank these cities? We took into consideration the number of entertainment options, and factors like uniqueness and accessibility. Well, we do not want you to have to wait any longer… Here are the Best Entertainment Cities in the U.S.

10. Boston, MA

boston, massachusetts

When you think of Boston, you think of bean town. We the many breweries such as Samuel Adams, Harpoon, and Trillium, Boston is one of the best cities for beer lovers. But do not just stop there, Boston has a lot more to offer. You can stop into wine bars and other historic taverns in Boston’s Little Italy and downtown area, then you can head to get your laughs at a comedy club or take in an opera at the Citizens Bank Opera House.

9. San Diego, CA

san diego, california

San Diego may not be the first city you think of when it comes to nightlife, but the city has a surprising number of nightclubs, bars, and event venues that appeal not only to the residents but tourists as well. You can make your way down to the Gaslamp Quarter and you will find flamenco dancing, live music, and you can even catch a burlesque show. With the amazing year-round weather, you can enjoy one of the many roof-top bars while admiring the picturesque natural beauty of the oceanfront.

8. Austin, TX

austin, texas

The unofficial name for Austin is “Live Music Capitol of the World.” Live music is strong and alive here with the many different music venues. If you are looking for an excellent bar scene, then head down to Sixth Street. Just off the main thoroughfare you will find any type of bar you want from cocktail lounges to speakeasies to Texan cowboy bars. When the University of Texas Austin is in session, prepare for a heightened and more exuberant experience.

7. Chicago, IL

chicago, illinois

The Windy City is not called this because of the strong winds that blow down the streets, but it received the nickname due to the amount of gossip that is spoken throughout this Midwest city. Home to many music venues and some of the greatest theatrical performances, which brings Chicagoans and tourists from all over the world. Chicago has its fair share of booming clubs, swanky hotel bars and rooftop lounges, but most of the locals prefer a night out at a local neighborhood bar. In the warmer summer months, the city fills up with beer gardens and festivals at least once a week somewhere in one of the neighborhoods. When the weather decides to turn and become bitter cold, you can choose one of the many venues that has a cozy fireplace and warm drinks.

6. San Francisco, CA

san francisco, california

You can find a spot in San Fran that fits your preferences, due to every neighborhood in this major city has its own scene. Though downtown San Francisco is where you will find the biggest parties and nightlife experience. The Mission District is where all the hipster’s hangout and get together to have a great time. If that is not your scene, then travel along Embarcadero where you will find high end restaurants and other fine dining. If you are a little on the wild side or want to experiment with something else, San Francisco is home to some of the best and most popular gay bars in the nation. You can catch anything from a piano bar, drag show or something else entirely. You will be able to find whatever floats your boat when it comes to entertainment.

5. Los Angeles, CA

los angeles, california

If you are looking for the most stylish and see-and-be-seen spots in the nation, then Los Angeles is your destination for nightlife. You can hit up Hollywood for some unforgettable nights out, drink and have fun in swanky rooftop spots, or hit up some classic speakeasies in Beverly Hills or West Hollywood. If you are looking for something a little lower key, then you will want to seek out the exquisitely crafted cocktails in Santa Monica or Silver Lake. Now if you want to take your partner out for a night of dancing, then you are going to want to head downtown LA and experience the music and dance seen. You will be able to find dance clubs ranging from EDM to pop to Latin. The choice is yours, and you will have a night to remember.

4. New York City, NY

new york city, new york

No other city in the nation has the variety of nightlife than The Big Apple. You can visit cocktail lounges in SoHo and one of many rooftop bars in Midtown Manhattan. If you enjoy pub crawls, then the East Village is the best area for you. Brooklyn is known for beer gardens. There are so many ways to enjoy a great night out in New York City. Do not forget that you can catch up on all the top Broadway musicals and catch some of the best concerts in the city. If you want to have a long night of partying with your friends in the City that Never Sleeps, well you are in luck because most bars and clubs here are open until 4 a.m.

3. New Orleans, LA

new orleans, louisiana

Now this is the city that knows how to party! New Orleans has a distinct identity of its own. The French Quarter is known for its rowdiness, especially during Mardi Gras, a night here can reach into the early morning hours. Mardi Gras is not only what this southern city is known for, you can go a relax and listen to some jazz while taking in some drinks. Head to one of the many jazz clubs on Frenchmen Street to take in some local jazz musicians jam out.

2. Miami Beach, FL

miami beach, florida

This Florida beach destination is not only for spring breakers, though during spring break this part of Florida is booming. The days may be crazy but at night is when it heats up. The famous South Beach is known for its nightclubs, hotel lounges and high-end clientele. If you can not find what you are looking for on Ocean Drive, then you must have your eyes closed. If you are looking for a more refined night out, then you will want to hit up one of Miami Beach’s many rooftop bars. Just remember it is expensive to have a night out here, just watch your wallet when it comes to the cover charges and costly cocktails.

1. Las Vegas, NV

las vegas, nevada

Are you really surprised that Las Vegas is the number one nightlife city? Sin City has earned its reputation as “America’s Adult Playground.” The Vegas Strip is lined with some of the best hotels and casinos, and inside them you will find some of the top ranked nightclubs. DJs and performer flock to Vegas for shows and live events. There is never a dull moment in Las Vegas, you can walk the strip and find anything from concerts to comedy shows to an acrobatic show. The price tags are high in a lot of these venues and you will be mesmerized by all the glitz and lights. It is easy to clean out your wallet here. If you want to take a break from the strip you can visit Fremont street and you will have just as much of a thrill here.