North County San Diego isn’t just known for its stunning beaches and vibrant surf culture—it’s also a hotspot for live music lovers. Whether you’re visiting for a relaxing getaway or looking to spice up your evenings, the towns of Solana Beach, Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, and Oceanside offer an eclectic mix of venues and musical styles to explore. Here’s your guide to catching live music while vacationing in these coastal gems.
Solana Beach
1. Belly Up Tavern – 143 S Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
The Belly Up is a legendary venue in Solana Beach that has hosted big-name artists and emerging talent since 1974. This intimate space features everything from indie rock to reggae, blues, and even comedy shows. Located just steps from the Cedros Design District, it’s a perfect spot to end a day of shopping and dining. The venue’s top-notch acoustics and cozy atmosphere make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. Check their calendar for nightly performances and don’t forget to grab a signature cocktail at the bar!
2. Saddle Bar – 123 Plaza St, Solana Beach, CA 92075
The Sadddle Bar is a long-standing small tavern near the beach drawing crowds with happy hour specials, DJs & open-mike nights. This is the spot to go if you want to watch the 49er’s game!
Encinitas
Located along six miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, Encinitas is an unspoiled reminder of the historic Highway 101 beach culture that thrived in the mid-1900s. The city’s eclectic downtown has long drawn surfers and hippies with its unique and dynamic blend of San Diego’s top surf shops, coffeehouses and record stores.
3. The Kraken – 2531 S Coast Highway101 Cardiff By the Sea, CA 92007
The Kraken is a legendary dive bar and live music venue in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California, renowned for its intimate, authentic vibe and commitment to showcasing live music. The Kraken offers an ever-changing roster of live bands, featuring everything from blues and rock to surf music and indie acts. It’s the kind of place where you can discover local gems and enjoy classic covers in a lively, unpretentious atmosphere. Check out the calendar here.
4. The Roxy Encinitas – 517 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
If you’re looking for a time-machine back to the 1920’s, be sure to check out The Roxy Encinitas for a fun, jazzy atmosphere, classic cocktails, and live music seven days a week. They recently remodeled their building to resemble the look and feel of a classic 1920’s speakeasy. The menu is designed to create a sense of community between friends, family and neighbors. Click here to check out the music schedule.
5. Mr. Peabody’s – 136 Encinitas Blvd, Encinitas, CA 92024
Mr. Peabody’s is a family owned restaurant that has been operating in Encinitas since the 70’s! This is the place to be for large portions, affordable prices and a casual atmosphere. Check it out for dining, drinks and live music every night! Click here for the music lineup.
6. 1st Street Bar – 656 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
1st Street Bar is a popular longtime local watering hole with a retro vibe offering a full bar, live music & billiards. If you’re looking for a classic bar scene, this is the place. Click here for the music calendar.
Carlsbad
Carlsbad, California, is an ideal destination for live music lovers. This coastal city blends a laid-back beach vibe with a thriving arts and entertainment scene, offering plenty of reasons to visit for live performances. From acoustic sets and jazz nights to indie rock and reggae, Carlsbad’s music offerings span genres. Many local venues prioritize featuring emerging talent alongside established musicians, making it a hub for discovering new sounds.
7. Carlsbad Landings – 2198 Palomar Airport Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92011
A local secret, located at Carlsbad Palomar Airport, The Landings is a truly unique concept, offering locally-sourced craft beer & cocktails, a well-curated wine list and a pub-inspired menu. Every seat in the restaurant has a panoramic view of the tarmac to watch planes take off, land and taxi by. They offer live music five days a week, happy hour and weekend brunch. It is fun for the kids and the adults too! Click here for more info on their live music.
8. Le Papagayo Carlsbad – 660 Carlsbad Village Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Located in the Carlsbad Village, Le Papagayo offers a unique fusion of Mediterranean and New American coastal cuisine along with nightly live music all wrapped up in a quaint art gallery style casual dining establishment. This is also a great spot to watch sports as there are multiple TV’s throughout the restaurant. Click here for the live music calendar.
9. Black Rail Kitchen + Bar – 6981 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, CA 92009
Located in La Costa, Black Rail Kitchen + Bar is a vibrant and unique neighborhood gathering space serving inventive California global fare crafted by renowned Michoacán-born executive chef Moises Hernandez.
Cozy up next to one of their expansive patio’s many fireplaces and enjoy deliciously prepared dishes, daily happy hour and “last hour happy hour” before closing, craft beverages, a glorious sommelier-driven wine list, local beer and live music from some of the area’s top jazz musicians and Black Rail Kitchen + Bar’s very own house band. Click here for the music lineup.
Oceanside
Oceanside, California, is quickly becoming a top spot for live music lovers. With its vibrant arts scene, coastal charm, and a variety of venues, the city offers a unique blend of music and atmosphere. Oceanside’s historic downtown and beautiful waterfront provide the perfect backdrop for a music-filled getaway. After the show, explore the picturesque harbor, visit the Oceanside Pier, or take in the historic buildings and murals around the city.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a day trip, Oceanside offers a variety of live music experiences with a relaxed beach vibe and friendly community. It’s the perfect place for music lovers to enjoy both up-and-coming talent and established acts in an unbeatable coastal setting.
10. Coomber Craft Wines – 611 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92054
Maureen and Skip Coomber began producing wine in Santa Barbara in 2009, purchasing grapes from carefully-chosen high-end vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast. They were pleased to open this Winery and Wine Tasting Room in the friendly beach-side community of Oceanside in 2009. They have live entertainment nightly and are now serving artisan pizza nightly as well. Check out the music and events calendar here.
11. Pour House – 1903 S Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
The Pour House was opened by longtime Oceanside residents David and Emily Rassel in 2014 on South Coast Highway 101. It is one of Oceanside’s most prolific music venues and the restaurant features an upscale bar menu with items like seared salmon. Customers are welcome to dance the night away on the floor in front of the music stage! They offer up live music nightly along with TV’s and a pool table. To see who is is playing and when be sure to check the Pour House event calendar here.
12. Black Plague Brewing – 2550 Jason Ct, Oceanside, CA 92056
Established in 2017, Black Plague Brewing is an award-winning craft beer brewery offering quality hand crafted beer with a memorable taproom experience. They are open 7 days a week with live music on Fridays & Saturdays. The tap room is kid and dog friendly as long as both are on-leash (haha) as there are also arcades, a big theater screen TV, and plenty of space to hangout and be comfortable. Along with live music is Family Feud Night on Wednesdays and Trivia Night on Thursdays. Check out the calendar here.
Insider Tips:
- Plan Ahead: Check the venues’ online calendars for schedules and ticket availability, as popular shows can sell out quickly.
- Go Local: Many coffee shops, breweries, and farmers’ markets in North County also host live music events—perfect for a more relaxed vibe.
- Transportation: If you plan to enjoy drinks, consider using rideshare services or the Coaster train to safely get around.
Whether you’re into big concerts or cozy acoustic sets, North County San Diego has something for everyone. Make your vacation unforgettable by exploring the local live music scene—you might even discover your new favorite band!
