In a region known for abundant sunshine, the later part of day is elbowing its way into the spotlight. Concierge.com, the travel website of Conde Nast Publications, included San Diego in its 2008 "It List" of 10 premiere, global destinations. Let's explore chic lounges, late-night eateries, and live performance venues which help raise the profile of San Diego as one of the "Its".

Rooftop Views
Adjoining districts in downtown San Diego, such as the historic Gaslamp Quarter, with several Victorian-era buildings dating back to the 1870s, and East Village, a former warehouse district, together host more than 40 bars and nightclubs, boutique hotels, and nearly 100 restaurants (gaslampquarter.org for more information).

Relax bare feet on the heated sands of W San Diego's rooftop Beach Bar with fire pit and cabanas.  Or cool down at the 4th floor pool deck of Hotel Solamar's Jsix bar.  Some of the newest players downtown include Hard Rock Hotel, where celebrity sightings are commonplace, and the rooftop Eden Lounge at The Ivy Hotel.

Theatrically Speaking
Get same-day, half-price and discounted tickets to dance, music, and theatre performances by contacting ARTS TIX at sandiegoperforms.com.  Operated by San Diego Performing Arts League, this is your access to live performances representing 130 organizations - from La Jolla Playhouse to California Center for the Arts in Escondido and Balboa Park's Old Globe Theater - there's something for everyone tonight.

It's An Art Thing
It's A Thursday Night Thing (TNT) kicks off at 7pm on the first Thursday of the month at Museum of Contemporary Art's downtown location.  TNT features lounge themes fused with art exhibits, live music, and mixed media experiences for a suggested donation of three dollars and appropriately priced drinks.  Check mcasd.org for more information on upcoming events.  On the second Saturday of each month from 6 - 10 pm, Ray at Night art galleries in North Park San Diego present open houses, with specials from participating restaurants, and live performances.  For more on this neighborhood's happening cultural program, visit rayatnightartwalk.com.

Listen to The Band
From upstart bands to well-known touring groups, San Diego's venues host a variety of live music experiences.  Lauded as one of the west coast's hottest clubs by Rolling Stone Magazine, Belly Up in Solana Beach draws intimate crowds to its surf-themed venue with a capacity of 500 people.  Chula Vista's Coors Amphitheatre draws a 20,000-strong audience for top, touring acts.  Enjoy concerts by the waterfront, at Humphrey's by the Bay hosting just over 1000 people.  In addition to gambling features at Native American casinos, Sycuan Casino Showcase Theater's 500 seat-venue books well-known touring bands.

According to San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau, there are about 100 unique neighborhoods in the county where residents and visitors alike can explore the nightlife of each microcosm.  This means travelers to the region may want to consider extending their stay - to 99 more nights.