Are you looking for the best party cities in the USA? We are here to help!
Whether you are planning a party vacation, a bachelorette party or just want to have fun, choosing the ideal destination is an important thing.
In this article, you will discover the American cities with the best nightlife. We’ve selected various places including famous cities and smaller party towns.
Wild nights, classy evenings… there is a bit of everything here but no matter what, you can be sure of one thing: you are going to have fun!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!
New Orleans, Louisiana
Located in Louisiana, New Orleans is one of the top party cities in the USA.
Although the city is beautiful during the day, with its French-inspired buildings and vibe, it’s at night that it truly starts to live.
The city is home to one of the most famous party streets in the USA: Bourbon Street.
Situated in the French Quarter, Bourbon Street is where you will find most bars, restaurants and clubs.
It’s also a great place to listen to live music. If you like jazz and local bands, head to Frenchmen Street.
Here are a few ideas of things to do in New Orleans at night:
- Pub crawl in the French Quarter. Perfect to discover the best bars in the area and have fun! See prices.
- Sing karaoke at Kajun’s Pub. If you are looking for something different and want to have fun with your friends, this karaoke will be perfect!
- Pub Crawl and Jazz Music in Frenchmen Street. This one is ideal for the party ladies and gentlemen who want to discover some hidden gems as well. See prices.
- Party Bike Bar Booze Cruise. This is a super fun thing to do in New Orleans. Have you heard of party bikes before? Well, that’s the same thing but in a boating version. See prices.
- Clubbing on Bourbon Street. Although it is pretty touristy, Bourbon Street is still an excellent place for people who want to go from one club to another.
- Grab a glass of wine at Bayou Wine Garden. If you want to start in a classy bar, this wine bar will be ideal for you.
Looking for something a bit different? Head to Erin Rose Irish, an Irish pub in the French Quarter, and order a Frozen Irish Coffee.
WHERE TO STAY: Homewood Suites By Hilton is a stunning hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter. It’s within walking distance from Bourbon Street which is very handy.
The amenities include a swimming pool, private parking and a garden. Click here to see the prices.
Key West, Florida
Located at the very end of the Florida Keys, Key West is famous for many things and partying is one of them!
It’s one of the most popular winter party spots in the USA. Although you can visit all year round, December to April is the best time of the year. It’s warm (perfect to avoid the cold of winter) and not humid yet.
Read more: Discover the best Bachelorette destinations in Florida.
The main street is called Duval Street. That’s where you will find most bars and restaurants. It’s a very unique place to discover as there is a bit of everything here. Irish pubs next to Texan Saloon… it’s very good fun!
Here are a few things to do to party in Key West:
- Grab a drink and enjoy the sunset celebration on Mallory Square.
- Pub crawl on Duval Street. This is the best place for bar hopping. You can choose to do it on your own or can join an organised pub crawl. See prices here.
- Sip cocktails. Duval Street is home to amazing cocktail bars you shouldn’t miss out on! You can also join a cocktail tour if you want. Prices here.
- Go on a party cruise. Florida is all about water and cruising is a popular activity. To start off your night, this party cruise is a great thing to do.See prices here.
- Go dancing! There are many clubs on Duval Street but the best thing about Key West is that you will feel very free. People dance in the street and no one cares! Do the same. Just relax and let the music carry you.
Want to learn more? Discover our ultimate Key West Itinerary. And if you were looking for the best party vacation spots in USA, the Florida Keys in general are a good spot. You can party in Key West and enjoy cool activities in the Keys during the day.
Las Vegas, Nevada
It would be impossible to talk about nightlife cities in the USA without mentioning Vegas.
This is the ultimate destination to party in the USA!
You will find most restaurants, bars and clubs on the strip but Vegas is also famous for its pool parties. If you want to get the full party experience, make sure to add this to your bucket list!
Here are a few fun things to do in Las Vegas at night:
- Sipping cocktails while looking at the beautiful views of the city from the rooftop of the Legacy Club.
- Bar Crawl On Fremont Street. This is one of the best places to go for drinks and dancing. You can hop from bar to bar on your own or join a local guide who will show you the best spots. See prices here.
- Club crawl. There are more clubs that you can count in Vegas and trying a few of them is a must do. If you want to get to visit 5 of them in the same night with skip-the-line tickets, consider joining a club crawl. This includes Hyde at the Bellagio, Omnia at Caesars, Hakkasan at MGM Grand and Light at the Mandalay Bay. See prices here.
- Pool parties & party bus. As previously mentioned, pool parties are big in Vegas. If you want to try a few of them as well as dancing in a party bus, you can easily do so! Check prices here.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAS VEGAS: Choosing your accommodation is one of the most important things in Vegas because it can truly enhance your party experience.
Here are some recommendations of places to stay in Vegas.
- Wynn Las Vegas is one of the most luxurious resorts in Vegas. It’s perfect for people who want to experience everything Vegas has to offer. You’ll find waterfalls, pools, a spa and even 2 of the most famous nightclubs on the strip. See prices here.
- The Venetian Resort is one of the most famous hotels in Las Vegas. It’s an excellent base for party people. You will have access to everything you may ever need. On top of that, you will discover some very unique features such as the Venetian gondolas. See prices.
Miami, Florida
When it comes to the best places to party in the US, Miami sets the standard.
It’s the perfect destination for people looking for sunshine, heat, cocktails on the beach and pool parties.
Although there are nice places in Downtown Miami, it’s Miami Beach that is particularly well known for its nightlife.
You will find many bars and restaurants along Ocean Drive and the art deco district.
If you are looking for a cool and hipster place to grab drinks, you can head to Wynwood. This district is famous for street art but also has loads of quirky cocktail bars.
Here are some ideas of things to do in Miami at night:
- Evening boat tour with champagne. You can go on a private boat tour in the evening and enjoy the bay while sipping champagne. How cool is that? See prices here.
- Dancing at Do Not Sit On The Furniture. This cozy boutique club is one of the best and most unique clubs in Miami.
- Wynwood Graffiti Bar Tour. If you are spending the evening in Wynwood, you should opt for the pub bike. It’s such a fun thing to do! You will be biking around the district, discovering the murals while enjoying drinks. It’s a great activity to try with friends, on a bachelorette weekend or even as a solo traveler. See prices here.
- Salsa & Mojito night. This is the perfect thing to do in Miami at night as it is such a tropical activity. You can book a Salsa and Mojito night which includes both lessons and drinks. See prices here.
- Go to a pool party. There are many pool parties all around Miami Beach so make sure to check out what is on and give it a go!
READ MORE: Discover the best photo spots in Miami here.
New York City, New York
There isn’t much that you can’t find in New York City and bars, clubs and restaurants are definitely something you will find in quantity.
NYC is one of the cities with the best nightlife in the US and if you love to party, you will be in for a treat!
You can find amazing bars and clubs everywhere you go in the city but there are a few neighborhoods particularly known for their nightlife.
They are The East Village, West Village and Lower East Side in Manhattan and Williamsburg in Brooklyn. The Meatpacking District is also worth a visit.
Here are some more ideas of things to do in NYC at night:
- Nightlife tour of the Meatpacking District. Discover more about this hipster neighborhood with a local guide. You’ll get a drink in each bar you stop at! See prices.
- East Village Happy Hour tour. You will explore the best parts of Manhattan for nightlife, sip on cocktails and discover some micro distilleries. See prices here.
- Pub Crawl in the West Village. You’ll discover the best bars in Greenwich Village. The tour includes drinks, and places with ping pong, karaoke and live music. See prices here.
- Partying on a rooftop. There are many rooftop bars and clubs in NYC and they should be on your bucket list. You’ll get to admire the city skyline while drinking delicious cocktails. A.R.T. SoHo in the West Village is a cute rooftop bar, worth your time. You can also join a rooftop tour of NYC. See prices.
- Speakeasy tour of NYC. New York City is famous for its speakeasies, especially the historic ones that date back to the 20s. If you want to do something a bit unique and meet new people, this will be perfect.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is the perfect destination for people who want to enjoy the nightlife but not necessarily party hard.
Although you can party hard in SF, there are better places for that (like Las Vegas for example).
San Francisco offers a broader range of activities for people who want to party but in a more relaxed way.
Wine bars, beer bars, quirky restaurants… There is a bit of everything here and that’s why it’s considered one of the best nightlife cities in the US.
Here are the best neighbourhoods in San Francisco for nightlife:
- Union Square for cocktails.
- Mission for dive bars. Head to Valencia Street to discover the local bars. There usually is live music here.
- SoMa for clubbing. 11th Street is home to many clubs where you can dance all night long!
- Embarcadero for wine. If you’d rather have a good glass of wine instead of hard core partying, the Embarcadero will be the perfect spot for you.
- Polk Street for bar hopping. There are many bars all along the street and it’s very hood fun to go from one to another
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is known as the capital of country music. Through the years, it has been home to some of the most famous country artists in the world, including Johnny Cash, and is still a paradise for musicians.
It is such a fun place to visit and one of the best US cities for nightlife.
Nashville is quite different from the other American party cities mentioned in this article. Whereas most places “only” offer clubs and bars, Nashville has much more in store.
When it comes to party activities, you will be spoilt for choice!
You can find below some ideas of fun and unique party things to do in Nashville:
- Watching a show at Grand Ole Opry. This is one of the most famous country music venues in the world and a must do while visiting Nashville. See prices here.
- Party Tractor Tour. This one is such an unusual activity but if you love to party, you will want to do it! Whereas most places in the world have party buses, there is a party tractor in Nashville. It includes a dance floor and bar onboard. Super fun! See prices here.
- Pub crawl in Nashville. With all the bars and local beers available in the city, there is a lot to discover. To make it easy, opt for a pub crawl with craft beers and cocktails. Prices here.
- Golf Bar Game. This is a fun way to start your night. Instead of going straight for a bar, you can go to a golf bar. You’ll get to play golf and sip on a few drinks. See prices.
- Party Bus. This is perfect for visitors who want to explore the city and party at the same time. You’ll be at the back of a roofless party bus where you can dance, drink and sightsee at the same time. See prices.
- Line dancing. The last but not the least. Who says country music says line dancing! Not only is it great fun but it’s also a bucket list item that shouldn’t be missed. See prices.
Chicago, Illinois
When it comes to party cities in America, Chicago is still a pretty underrated destination.
It’s not as famous as some of the other cities mentioned in this article but it’s still one of the best places to party in the USA.
In Chicago, you will find delicious food (hello deep dish pizza!), an impressive range of bars and some of the best nightclubs in the USA. Unlike NYC or Miami, you won’t find that many fancy rooftop bars.
It’s more down-to-earth and authentic here.
Now, let’s talk about the best places to visit in Chicago at night:
- River North is the most famous neighborhood in Chicago for nightlife, especially Hubbard Street. You’ll find more bars and clubs that you can count here and it is super lively. You are in for a wild night here.
- Wrigleyville is another all-time favourite amongst both locals and visitors. You will find an impressive number of bars here, perfect for a pub crawl.
- Milwaukee Avenue is the perfect place for people looking for something a bit different. Hipster bars, cocktail bars… there is a bit of everything here.
WHERE TO STAY IN CHICAGO: River North is the best area to stay in Chicago for nightlife. It’s likely to be the neighborhood where you will spend the most time and it’s also a pleasant area during the day.
San Diego, California
San Diego is one of the best beach party vacation spots in America.
Famous for its proximity to Mexico, beautiful beaches and attractions, San Diego is the ideal destination for a group of friends who want to take a real vacation on top of partying.
It’s also an excellent place for a bachelorette party.
The best neighborhood for nightlife in San Diego is Gaslamp Quarter. It’s home to hundreds of bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
No matter what you are into, you will find it here. It’s also worth noting that all these places are gathered into 16 walkable city blocks which is particularly convenient.
Here are some ideas of things to do in San Diego at night:
- Start off your night with a sunset cruise. This is a great way to “warm up” as you will get some drinks and can watch the beautiful sunset from a boat. See prices.
- Pub crawl in Gaslamp Quarter. You will discover the best venues with a local guide. Drinks are not included but you’ll get to skip the lines which is always a great thing. See prices.
- Try local beer at Polite Provisions. It’s a very unique bar with a retro style and delicious drinks on the menu.
- Order a cocktail at The Grass Skirt. This tiki bar with Polyneasian decor is perfect for people who want to start the night in an unique venue.
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is known in the entire world for being one of the biggest party cities in the US.
If you are looking for a destination where you can party hard, go to the beach and have fun in the theme parks, L.A. will be your paradise.
West Hollywood and Beverly Hills are the best neighborhoods when it comes to nightlife. That’s where you will find all the rooftop bars and trendy cocktail spots.
If you want something a bit more laid-back, head to Santa Monica or Silver Lake.
Here are some ideas of cool things to do in Los Angeles at night:
- Club crawl in Hollywood. Discover the best nightclubs in Hollywood with this local tour. It includes skip-the-line which is very handy. See prices.
- Going to a latin club. Downtown LA is home to many latin clubs where you dance all night. It’s super fun and nothing beats the atmosphere of a latin bar!
- Club crawl in Downtown LA. Downtown is also home to many EDM clubs. Opting for a club crawl is ideal for people who want to discover the best clubs and not have to wait to go in. See prices.
Looking for something a bit different and classy to do during the day? Opt for a hippie VW tour of Malibu with wine tasting. See prices here.
Austin, Texas
Let’s head to Texas now! Not only is Austin the capital of the state but it’s also home to some of the biggest universities in the country making it one of the best party vacation destinations!
If you love live music and friendly locals, you will be in for a treat here as Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World”.
To start off your night, head to Rainey Street. It’s the perfect place for bar-hopping. You’ll find a row of old houses that were converted into bars, it’s so cute!
Then head to Sixth Street in Downtown Austin. This is the ultimate nightlife street and is known as the entertainment district. That’s where you will find all the clubs and bars.
Finally, if you want to do like the locals and discover hidden gems, make sure to go to East Austin for a few drinks.
Here are some ideas of party things to do in Austin:
- Go to a rooftop bar. Nothing better than rooftop bars to enjoy the views of the city. If you are looking for something a bit unique, head to Upstairs at Caroline and order their Key Lime Fizz.
- Go on a Austin Speakeasy Cocktail Tour. You will discover the best speakeasy bars in town including some hidden gems! See prices here.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
If you are looking for a smaller Vegas alternative on the East Coast, look no further. Atlantic City will be perfect for you!
It’s one of the best small party towns in the USA. Home to many casinos and shops, Atlantic City is also a popular bachelor party destination.
Finally, it’s a great weekend getaway from New York City.
Here are some ideas of things to do in Atlantic City at night:
- Grab a pint at The Irish Pub. As the name suggests, this is an Irish pub. It’s a great place to start the night and get a few drinks.
- Dancing at Boogie Nights. This is the ideal place for people who like disco nights. This old school nightclub is so much fun! You’ll feel like you are back in the 70s/80s.
- HQ2 Nightclub. This one is completely different as it is a fancy nightclub. If you are looking for somewhere high-end, that will be the perfect choice.
Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis is famous in the entire world for being the home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
It was the home of Elvis Presley and a lot of famous singers were born in Memphis (including Justin Timberlake!).
Music is in Memphis’ soul and that’s why the nightlife is so great.
If you are looking for the best summer party cities in the US, make sure to consider Memphis as you will not be disappointed.
The most famous nightlife street in Memphis is Beale Street. It’s a bit of the equivalent of Bourbon Street in New Orleans. That’s where you will find most bars, restaurants and clubs.
As a general thing, the whole of Downtown is a good nightlife spot here so you’ll have many options.
And if you are looking for some fun things to do at night, check these out:
- Pedal Tavern Pub Crawl in Downtown Memphis. This is so much fun. You will be on a pedal bar and will make your way around downtown while enjoying your drinks. See prices.
- Haunted pub crawl. If you love both ghost stories and pub crawls, this will be perfect for you! You get to do both at once. See prices.
- Brewery tour. If you want to start the evening easy, you can opt for a bus tour of the local breweries.You will discover three local craft breweries and a drink in each. See prices.
Tampa, Florida
Located in central Florida, Tampa is one of the best beach party cities in the US.
It’s very lively and the locals are always down for some fun.
The best places for nightlife are the Riverwalk, Downtown and Ybor City.
Ybor City is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets. It’s known for its Cuban influence and is a great place to go to if you like bar hopping. Authentic Cuban restaurants, cocktail bars, dive bars, Italian bars… There is a bit of everything here.
Here are a few things you can do in Tampa to enjoy the nightlife:
- Drink martinis at Bernini in Ybor. Located on the main strip of Ybor, Bernini offers $3 martini during their happy hour (until 7PM). Not only are they delicious and cheap but the selection is also huge. Coconut, espresso, chocolate… you name it, they have it!
- Play a game of cornhole on the Riverwalk. The Riverwalk is full of bars with huge outdoor space (this is Florida after all, we spend most of our time outside!). A few of them have outdoor games that you can play like cornhole. It’s very good fun.
- Tropical Party Cruise in St Pete or Clearwater Beach. The great thing about Tampa is that it’s ideally located near two of the best party towns in the US: St Pete and Clearwater Beach. Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, these 2 locations are also known for their party cruises. See prices here.
READ MORE: 22 Best Day Trips From Tampa, Florida
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts and is particularly famous for its amazing nightlife.
Ideally located near some famous universities such as Harvard, there are a lot of students in Boston and who says students, says nightlife.
As well as being one of the best nightlife cities in US, Boston is also a beautiful place to explore during the day. Cobble stones, local markets… it truly has it all and will be perfect for a weekend getaway.
Here are some ideas of things to do in Boston at night:
- Going for drinks in Downtown Boston. You will find all sorts of bars here, perfect to start the night.
- Brewery tour of Boston. This is a nice way to start your evening since you’ll get to sample 12 beers and learn plenty about the most famous breweries in Boston
- Cocktails & Rum Evening Cruise. What better way to enjoy Boston at night than going on a cocktail cruise in Boston Harbor. You’ll get to enjoy some lovely drinks and look at the lights while listening to music and having fun with your friends.
- Going to a nightclub in the Theater District. This is one of the best places for nightlife in Boston. You can find all the theatres, many music venues and of course nightclubs to finish the night dancing.
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
While Pittsburg might be a bit underrated by most visitors, it is still one of the best cities to party in USA.
Whether you want to drink, dance or just enjoy live music, you will find everything you need in Pittsburg!
East Carson Street is the main hot spot when it comes to partying in Pittsburg so this should be your first port of call.
Here are some ideas of things to do in the city at night:
- Discovering the speakeasies. There are quite a few Prohibition-themed bars on East Carson Street and these are always good fun. Perfect for people who love cocktails!
- Brewery Tour. If you love beer and want to start the night in a more unique way, this brewery tour of Pittsburg will be perfect for you. You’ll sample 12 beers at 3 different breweries.
- Pittsburgh Bar Hunt. This is an excellent way to discover the party scene in Pittsburg, especially if it’s your first time. You’ll be with a local guide who will take you on a super fun bar crawl around the city.
- Clubbing in the Strip District. You will find many nightclubs there and it’s the perfect place to end the night.
Washington DC
Most people wouldn’t think of Washington DC as the best party city in USA but yet, it has a lot to offer.
Usually what comes to mind when we think of DC is the White House and all these international organizations and of course that’s true but it also means it’s a very international city with a lot of expats.
And expats always enjoy partying. For this reason, DC is a very lively city at night.
Adam’s Morgan and H-Street Corridor are two neighborhood that are particularly well known for being a cool night out.
Here are some ideas of things to do there:
- Going to the bars in H-Street Corridor. Here you will find cool little bars and restaurants, perfect to start the evening.
- Ghost tour Pub Crawl. If you like to do unique and fun activities, this ghost tour / pub crawl is a great way to discover spooky stories as well as cool drinking spots.
- Bar hopping in Adam’s Morgan. You will find many pubs, dive bars and speakeasies in this area. Also, if you want to go dancing, make sure to head to Habana’s Village, it’s a cool Cuban dance club.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is mainly known for its history and being the birthplace of the Philly cheesesteak but it’s also one of the US cities with best nightlife.
From cool bars, Irish pubs to dance clubs, it truly has it all!
Center City is one of the best area in Philly for nightlife but Old City, Midtown Village and Fishtown have also a lot to offer.
Here are some recommendations of things to do there:
- Get a pint at McGillin’s Old Ale House. This is the oldest continuously operating tavern in Philly and one of the best places in the city to drink beer.
- Discover the secret bars. There are a lot of secret speakeasies in Philly so if that’s something you’re interested in, make sure to join the secret bar tour. It’s a lot of fun and you’ll discover places you would never have found otherwise.
- Listen to live music at World Café Live. They have two floors of live music available, perfect if you want to start your night with a cool atmosphere and some music.
- Clubbing at NOTO. This is the largest nightclub in Philadelphia and the perfect place to go dancing.
Seattle, Washington
Let’s head to another part of the country to discover another one of the best party cities in USA, Seattle!
Famous for the Space Needle, Grey’s Anatomy and its coffee culture, Seattle is also an excellent place when it comes to the best nightlife in the USA.
Capitol Hill is the number one area for bars and restaurants but Belltown, Downtown, Ballard and Georgetown also have a lot to offer.
Here are some ideas of things to do on a night out in Seattle:
- Bar hopping in Capitol Hill. You’ll find loads of unique bars here as well as the Q Nightclub which is one of the largest in the city. If you are a music fan, make sure to go see the Jimi Hendrix statue as well.
- Cocktail Cruise. This is the perfect way to start your night if you are visiting Seattle for the first time, you’ll get to discover all the sights while sipping on some cocktails.
- Ghost and Pub tour. This is a unique thing to do in Seattle and you’ll discover 3 bars in Seattle while the guide tells you a lot of spooky stories about the city.
- Discover the underground scene in Belltown. This area is famous for the grunge movement and there is very much a rock-and-roll vibe here. A lot of famous bands have performed in bars here including Nirvana.
Final Thoughts: Best Party Cities in America
Now that you know everything about the cities with best nightlife in US, the only thing left to do is to book your trip!
Bear in mind that each city is different and offers nightlife experiences that are unique.
If you like big cities and speakeasies, NYC is the place for you. If you’d rather a full on party vibe with music festivals, Las Vegas will be better.
Also don’t forget that you can also opt for some of the best small party towns in USA such as Key West.
They offer more relaxed vibes (especially the Keys since there are so many beaches around) but still have everything you need for the ultimate night out.
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