The sounds of live music in La Jolla are here to amplify your summer by the sea.

Photo by israel palacio on Unsplash

If you’re in San Diego and looking for a great place for live music, head to La Jolla! Located just a few miles from downtown San Diego, La Jolla’s beautiful seaside town is home to many incredible restaurants, bars, and events that offer live music. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a chilled-out acoustic set or an energy-packed rock and roll show, the sounds of live music in La Jolla will perfectly complement your night out. Read on to discover some of the hottest spots for live music in La Jolla, both this summer and all year round.

11 Places to See Live Music in La Jolla

1) Beaumont’s Eatery

In the heart of Bird Rock, Beaumont’s invites you to eat, drink, and vibe. This laid-back go-to neighborhood spot has a full bar, nightly happy hours, and incredible food. Known as the “heart and soul of Bird Rock,” it’s a must-visit in La Jolla, especially in the summer.

They have live music on weekends with bands that rock! There’s a $5-$10 cover at the door. See their full event schedule here.

2) Duke’s La Jolla

Duke’s La Jolla is filled with the spirit of aloha. It’s known for its Hawaiian coastal theme, named after legendary surfer Duke Kahanamoku. As far as food, Duke’s serves up traditional Hawaiian-inspired dishes, classic American fare, and fresh seafood. The ocean views are stunning, with inviting outdoor seating.

They have live music almost every night, with music that brings the beachy vacation feel, playing Hawaiian, surf rock, ukulele, reggae, and more.  See their live music schedule here.

3) Nautilus Tavern

Photo by Gio Bartlett on Unsplash

The Nautilus Tavern in La Jolla is a lively, high-end sports bar. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends to watch the game, chow down on their famous wings & burgers, and enjoy a refreshing beer from their huge selection. On weekends, Nautilus invites you to stay as they transform into “Club Nauti,” where they have live music and dancing. Enjoy live music from Thursdays through Saturdays. Keep up with Nautilus Tavern here to see who’s performing next.

4) Mustangs & Burros

Mustang’s & Burros is al fresco dining at its finest. Located on the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa property, Mustangs & Burros offers a relaxed and whimsical dining experience with a spacious brick patio, fireplaces, and mood lighting. They have live music every Tuesday through Saturday featuring local artists playing a variety of genres from R&B, Pop, Folk, Hawaiian, and more. See their live music schedule here.

5) La Valencia Hotel

La Valencia is situated in the heart of La Jolla. It’s a vibrant restaurant, bar, and historic luxury hotel. The ambiance of La Valencia is reminiscent of the classic Spanish style with a Mediterranean flare, and it has been a popular destination for locals and visitors since the 1930s. 

From stunning views to delicious food, La Valencia provides an unforgettable experience. If you want to listen to live music in La Jolla, you’ll certainly want to check out La Valencia. Every Thursday through Sunday, they feature talented musicians playing classic tunes from every genre, from classic rock to modern hits and everything in between. See the full schedule here.

6) Trilogy Sanctuary

Photo by Trilogy Sanctuary

The Trilogy Sanctuary is a unique venue that promotes health, healing, and community. They serve delicious vegan food at their restaurant, refreshing drinks, and offer a relaxing place to get away on their open-air rooftop. It’s a great place to gather with friends and enjoy live music in La Jolla during those hot summer nights. You can check out their summer of sunset sounds here.

7) Manhattan of La Jolla

Cozy up at La Jolla’s New York-style Italian steak and chop house. It’s got the Italian charm and elegant feel that transport you to the romantic side of The Big Apple. The restaurant is in the Empress Hotel in the village of La Jolla. For those looking for live music in La Jolla that makes them feel like they are in a different time and place, check out Manhattan on Wednesday through Sunday evenings for the great atmosphere, incredible food, and timeless, classy tunes. Learn more here. 

8) Hennesey’s Tavern

If you enjoy a pub-style night out, head to Hennesey’s Tavern in La Jolla. This popular Irish pub and restaurant is in the village of La Jolla. Hennesey’s is known for their lively atmosphere, gourmet burgers and other pub fare, and signature drinks. They typically offer live music on weekend nights playing rock-n-roll and blues. To find out what’s coming up, keep up with them here.

9) Kiwanis Concerts by the Sea

The Kiwanis Club of La Jolla makes live music in La Jolla better by welcoming the community to their free summer concert series at the Ellen Browning Scripps Park. This annual summer tradition has been held at Scripps Park since 1984. It’s a great way to stay cool, enjoy the coastal views from the park, and dance with friends to local bands playing for all musical tastes, from rock-n-roll to country/western and more. The summer series starts on Sunday, July 16. Check out their schedule here. 

10) The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library

The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library is a cultural institution that is both a library and venue for live music in La Jolla. The library was established in 1899 and has a rich history of supporting and promoting the arts in the community. This is a place to learn and appreciate music and art history and enjoy intimate performances encompassing various genres, including jazz, contemporary, and experimental. See their calendar of upcoming events here.

11) The La Jolla Music Society

The La Jolla Music Society offers world-class music performances and concerts that feature a wide range of genres, including classical, jazz, and contemporary. So if you want to make music the main event of the evening, check out their full calendar of concerts and events here.

Tips for Viewing Live Music in La Jolla

Ticket Purchasing

Most venues in La Jolla, be it a restaurant or bar, offer live music to complement your evening as you enjoy dinner and drinks. However, some venues may charge a cover for specific events. Venues like the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library and the La Jolla Music Society typically require advanced ticket purchases. 

Parking

When heading out to enjoy live music in La Jolla, give yourself plenty of time to get into town to find parking. Street parking is available throughout the village of La Jolla and in nearby neighborhoods or within designated paid parking lots. 

For even more events happening in La Jolla, see our events page.