I have been to the beaches, but never Downtown/Gaslamp, so have no idea where the fun, hot spots are?  
I tend to gravitate towards casual bistros and lounges, maybe a good Irish bar...local spots, not franchises.
Suggestions??

thanks!
Clair

http://www.cafesevilla.com/sanDiego/index.php

Ride the bull at Double Deuce

Then walk up n down 5th ave ... You'll get into plenty of trouble !!
XO

Make sure you strap in your ta-ta's because I've had a wardrobe malfunction Everyone cheered but the management team didn't seem too enthused...

Hehehe...

Sadaf is a Persian restaurant that I used to go to all the time when I worked downtown. Awesome food!

The Local is this strange surf themed bar, but I have never had a hard time finding a fun conversation there (at least, a convo!)

The Star Bar is just this complete divey bar, but it's been there forever and the drinks are STRONG and cheap. And the bartenders are fun.

Neighborhood is this great hamburger bar with craft beers.

If I promised you something before Clair, remind me

Really freak em out!!!

Really excited to be getting in the car!  
I researched rooftop bars and wowza, Gaslamp is the Queen!
AND you have an OCEAN....sigh.  
Vegas Grrl here, ya know?
We have everything...exceptl oh ya, trees and water!!

Again, thank you, and hope to meet both the Ladies and the gents....
...and make SD my designated Escape from Vegas.

Humm...sounds like a series!

xoC

Dublin Square - 4th ave.
Henesseys - 4th ave.
Shakespeares - India ave

Éirinn go Brách

whish I could indulge you with a tall dark one my dear!

-- Modified on 3/12/2013 8:53:25 PM

Please contact me for a superior Town Car Service as well as top contact for entry into local bars

XO
Roxy

FOOD:
* Searsucker - Malarkey is SD's celebrity chef and this is probably his flagship.  Inventive food and this place always feels like where it is at.
* Craft & Commerce - this place feels like the hip locals-only pub/food place you find in Brooklyn.
* Cucina Urbana - this has been an SD favorite for italian for a few years now.
* Prado - this one is worth visiting just to see Balboa Park with good to match.

DRINKS:
* Vin de Syrah - basement dwelling for drinks has an Alice in Wonderland feel to it.
* Noble Experiment - hidden speakeasy vibe bar hidden in back of Neighborhood.  Great cocktails.  But, be sure to text for reservations.  Very small venue.
* Prohibition - similar speakeasy hidden entrance.  Dress code higher.  Live jazz +.
* Side Bar - turns into club feel late night, but prefer going earlier in the night for lounging/drinks.

CLUBS:
* Fluxx - great shows. closest thing to Vegas experience.
* Stingaree - One of the bigger places in SD.  Several different venues, so you can find what you want, although I have personally found hit or miss.
* Ivy (rooftop) - this tends to be a little bit more laidback (which can be good), with great views of the cityscape.

Have fun!

If you're into the lively club scene and have a little extra to spend...I suggest

Stingaree [club/dining. go on Friday or Saturday]
Sidebar [club. go on Thursday]
Belo [club. go on Saturday]

For dining...

Blue Point [dining and cocktails. go any day.]
Ghirardelli [for dessert]
Bandar [for fine middle eastern cuisine]
Monsoon [delicous Indian cuisine]

Misc.
Fumari [after dinner hookah sesh. avoid weekends.]

If you want to do some shopping, I guess you could go to Horton Plaza. Just a heads up....you'll probably get lost. =)