Best 11 Concert Venues in California in 2024

California's vibrant concert scene comes alive in this insightful guide, showcasing the top 11 concert venues across the state. From iconic spots like the Hollywood Bowl to hidden gems, each venue is uniquely celebrated for its history, ambiance, and unforgettable live music experiences. Whether you're a local or a visitor, this article is your passport to the best concerts in California, offering a deep dive into the places that make California's music scene truly spectacular.

1. Empire Polo Club, Indio, CA

The Empire Polo Club is a 78-acre polo club in Indio, California in the Coachella Valley of Riverside County, near Palm Springs. Founded in 1987, it has hosted international polo tournaments.

Address: 81800 51st Ave, Indio, CA 92201, USA
Phone: +1 760-342-2762
Founded: 1987

Empire Polo Club Reviews:

• Coachella Festival of Arts is held here. It is a magnificent place to visit during the event and it is beautiful year-round. I have even gone to see some of the polo horses play and that is so awesome. Those horses can really scramble after the ball. It is something to see if you have never seen a horse in action. They are awesome
• Wonderful time at the Coachella Music Festival. The rose garden smells so good and looks beautiful. The grounds were clean especially considering the music festival. So, this is inside a dessert bowl. It was windy. Very hot in the day. Very hot at night. Dust was everywhere. It was a cool time considering the festival, but I wonder if a wedding or a polo event would be like here.
• Attended Stagecoach Country music festival here. The grounds are enormous, the setup was amazing. Had a very fun-filled trip checking out the decorations and fountains. We are not able to attend a polo match, as the festival was here. The parking was set up amazing, traffic control couldn't have been better!
• I didn't really experience the Polo club but I will tell you this, it is a huge area with plenty of seating and space to watch whatever event is happening. I attended the Coachella music festival and there was plenty of space! Everything was amazing and I can only imagine what the Polo club really looks like because they had a C-section for people in wheelchairs, a slight Hill where you can see the fields and a great setup for restrooms and entrances.

2. The Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA

The Hollywood Bowl is an amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It was named one of the 10 best live music venues in America by Rolling Stone Magazine in 2018.

Concert tickets

Address: 2301 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068, USA
Opened: July 11, 1922
Capacity: 17,500
Phone: +1 323-850-2000

The Hollywood Bowl Reviews

• Great place, great experience. Went to see John Williams conduct the LA Phil Harmonic, it was a great time! Had far away seats but it was still spectacular even that far from the stage. Had a picnic in the picnic area as well and it was just a great time. At LA Phil Harmonic events like this one, you can bring your own drinks and food! Any drinks 😉 I highly recommend coming to a show here, it's a spectacular time! Everybody who is there for the concert is really cool, and I never really met anybody that had any problems or issues, as well as the staff. Designated smoking areas, good security, and an amazing show. Highly recommend.
• Just an amazing place to spend time with family and friends! There you get to see your favorite concerts or movies in this massive and beautiful venue.
  If you get there early (while it is still bright), you also get to see the beauty of the Hollywood Sign from a far distance.
  Also, I really like how we can buy or bring our own food to the venue. This way, we get to have a picnic while watching the show.
  It is definitely worth going!
• love the Hollywood bowl my only problem with it is years ago they had a pond in the front which helped with the sound system which I thought then was better than now but that's just a personal opinion people go there all the time and have a wonderful time. They also took the grassy area away from the rear of the stadium
  And it was fun to just relax back there you can still see the stage he could have a blanket to lay on just hold hands with your love but they took all that away and put more benches in and the benches are not all that comfortable so you might wanna ask 1st if you can bring a pillow.

 3. The Troubadour, West Hollywood, CA

The Troubadour is a nightclub located in West Hollywood, California, United States, at 9081 Santa Monica Boulevard just east of Doheny Drive and the border of Beverly Hills.

Concert tickets

Address: 9081 N Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, USA
Opened: 1957
Capacity: 500
Genres: Folk, singer-songwriters, rock, heavy metal

The Troubadour Reviews

• The Zombies performed an amazing concert. It is great to see their revival and that they are touring again. They are also drawing increasingly larger crowds and playing in larger venues. Check out their website to see their upcoming concerts. For younger adults who were not born yet to appreciate their music in the late sixties, put this band on your bucket list.
• Troubadour is an institution. Only 500 capacity. Not a bad venue. Old but has character. Everyone should catch a show at the Troubadour at least once in their life. Worth a visit and can catch some great live music for a bit more than the price of a movie
• Great Venue! Not too small, not too big. Perfect for intimate music scene! Every spot in the place is a good spot. Standing room and bar. You can find great parking just down the street walking distance (like 5 minutes or less).

4. The Greek Theatre, Berkeley, CA

The William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre, known locally as simply the Greek Theatre, is an 8,500-seat amphitheater owned and operated by the University of California, Berkeley in Berkeley, California, USA.

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Located in: University of California, Berkeley
Address: 2001 Gayley Rd, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
Capacity: 8,500

The Greek Theatre Reviews

• The energy of the crowd reacting to Weird Al was amazing, as he did many crowd responding moves. The 1/2 circle shape of the Greek Theater makes the roar of the crowd.... Like nothing I have experienced. Word to the wise: if you are sitting on the concrete steps, be sure to bring a stadium seat or cushion, as the concrete is well worn and bumpy. Ditto for a warm jacket even on a summer night.
  Room for improvement: there is only one jumbo screen. My view of it was blocked by the lights. Simply duplicating the screen adjacent to the screen would have solved the problem. It takes a long time to fill the Greek Theater. Come prepared to sit around while it fills. Go to the bathroom before you arrive. This is a very difficult venue for the physically challenged, as much walking, hill climbing, and stair climbing are involved. Basically, this Theater is very old and should be rebuilt to today's standards.
• Extremely fond of all the shows here - hands down, it's definitely one of the top outdoor music venues I've been to (the only one I can think of that's better is Red Rock Amphitheater in Denver). What I like about this place is the amazing acoustics - it's better than a lot of the indoor music halls around the bay area.
  Parking can be bad around Berkeley. If you are driving, you'll likely need to park far west off campus and walk to the venue. The alternative is to BART in and walks across Berkeley campus (~15 min). Unless the weather is bad, it's an enjoyable stroll.
• This is my favorite venue in the Bay. Though an open-air venue is always subject to weather issues, I've never had any problems. For concerts, the variety of seating options can't be beat. Though the hill is fairly steep, it is still pretty comfortable. Highly recommend parking somewhere a bit farther from the venue and then walking; the roads can get pretty packed after events.

5. Great American Music Hall, San Francisco, CA

The Great American Music Hall is a concert hall in San Francisco, California. It is located on O'Farrell Street in the Tenderloin neighborhood on the same block as the Mitchell Brothers O'Farrell Theatre.

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Address: 859 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94109, USA
Capacity: 470
Phone: +1 415-885-0750

Great American Music Hall Reviews

• We all came together on this night to honor, remember, and say goodbye to an amazing man. Freddie Herrera AKA Keystone Freddie. The venue was beautiful the staff was kind and attentive. I was in awe of the amazing details and the ornate carvings. Everything was beautiful fit for the King and Queen Sandi and Freddie are and will always be. We were are there where the music was that where I will always look for you
• This is my favorite music venue hands down! The floor level boasts open area to dance and get up close and the second level, opera style, is the best view with area to have a private moment. Get this, besides full bars on both floors, you can order great food! I mean this has everything and if I could choose I would want all my favorite bands to play there! You’ve got to try it!
• If you are looking for a fun slash chill slash energizing night this is the spot! Lots of awesome acts come here and the music hall is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. They also serve food! If you purchase the dinner you can watch the show from above which is always fun. It's even better to be part of the crowd on the ground and get super close to the action.

You can find tickets for concerts in California at all of these venues on our site.

6. Walt Disney Concert Hall, Downtown Los Angeles, CA

The Walt Disney Concert Hall at 111 South Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles, California, is the fourth hall of the Los Angeles Music Center and was designed by Frank Gehry. It opened on October 24, 2003.

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Address: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, USA
Capacity: 2,265

Walt Disney Concert Hall Reviews

• Simply one of the greatest concert halls in the world, period. Acoustics and sightlines were designed specifically for symphonic music. The seats are super comfortable with wide rows, making it easy to get in and out of your seat. Each floor has multiple stations that serve premium wines, beers, soft drinks, and coffee. The exterior is visually STUNNING. This is a fitting home for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the greatest symphony orchestras in the world.
• The acoustics of the theater is phenomenally designed! I hope more artists perform here, rather than some other popular stadiums. I LoVe the intimate feeling this theater offers.
  I also enjoyed the "natural" lighting from the rooftop as if the sun was peeking in.
  There is no drinks or food allowed inside, although inconvenient, it's beneficial to keeping the seating area clean and well taken care of. It adds to a more pure and focused experience.
  I'm excited for my next visit!
• The best venue for enjoying concert in state of California. This place has great opportunities for photography. This is very near to Famous Grand Park. If you are visiting this place at the time of Concert you will not be allowed entry. This place is a must place to visit. The architecture needs a great appreciation. Visit this venue and you will never regret.

7. The Fillmore, San Francisco, CA

The Fillmore is a historic music venue in San Francisco, California. Built in 1912 and originally named the Majestic Hall, it became the Fillmore Auditorium in 1954. It is in Western Addition, on the edge of the Fillmore District and Upper Fillmore neighborhood.

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Address: 1805 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
Opened: 1912
Capacity: 1,315
Phone: +1 415-346-6000

The Fillmore Reviews

• Love this venue. Historic vibes abound. The chandeliers, the floor surrounded by bars, the balconies and the Poster Room. It's just too cool and I can't wait to go back. We saw Lukas Nelson and The Promise of the Real. Super awesome and they played really late. Oh yeah the neighborhood is cool too. We had sushi one place and beer at another, all within a block. Yeah, I was impressed. Go.
• This was my very first time going to The Filmore. We went to see Devin Townsend. He was opening up for Avatar. We also saw Dance With The Dead, also opening.
  I LOVED this venue so much. It's beautiful, filled with amazing history, the staff is super friendly, and we were amazed that they have people come into the crowd to take drink orders & then deliver them! That is no small feat. I'd drop them if I attempted that. Haha I think the only negative is that there isn't convenient parking. That's just San Francisco for ya, though. I'd definitely recommend this venue, and I'll be going again the next opportunity that comes along!
• I've been coming here for many years and this is pretty much the best place to see a concert. There's a bar quick to hand from just about anywhere in the place. Not a bad seat in the house, and the cafeteria has one of the best cheeseburgers in town. Last one I saw here was Robin Trower!

8. Crypto.com Arena (Staples Center), Los Angeles, CA

Staples Center, now known as Crypto.com Arena, is a multi-purpose arena located in Downtown Los Angeles, California. Opened in 1999, it is famous for hosting home games of several professional sports teams, including the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers, the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, and the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks. The arena is a popular venue for concerts, boxing matches, and other entertainment events. With a seating capacity of around 20,000, it has hosted numerous high-profile events like the Grammy Awards. The arena is part of the larger L.A. Live development, which includes restaurants, movie theaters, and a hotel.

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Address: 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA
Capacity: 21,000

Staples Center Reviews

• Had a great time going to the big 3 championship game. The staff was friendly and courteous. The seats are comfortable. Of course everything is pricey but it comes with the experience. You will definitely see celebrities! I would definitely come back.
• The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California is an excellent sports, concert, and other social event venue and location. There are numerous nearby dinning options in most every price range and quality level. Foodie options are okay, but most dinning options tend to cater to a sports venue menu and quality level. Paid parking is convenient and prices are in line with a city center sports and other event venue.
• Most concert venues close off the stage view, making the balcony seats on the sides impossible to see anything. Whether it was a smart set up by the musicians team or the venue design itself, I’m not sure, but my side view seats have me a fantastic view of the concert. Everything was very clean, and security was well organized in a way that made it quick but also left me feeling safe.

9. The Casbah, San Diego, CA

The Casbah is a nightclub and music venue located near downtown San Diego, California.

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Address: 2501 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA
Opened: 1989
Phone: +1 619-232-4355

The Casbah Reviews

• One of the best music venues I’ve ever been to. Bands make great music in this place - the atmosphere is fantastic. Props to the doorman for being totally cool letting us buy tickets to a sold out gig - hugely appreciated.
• Gotta be the best spot in San Diego for "bigger" acts coming through. It's small, a little divey, and has a great vibe. Seems to get a lot of hate from people who don't like tight venues and getting bumped into. If you've been to the Ottobar in Baltimore, 9:30 club in DC, or Churchill's in Miami, you'll like it.
• Numerous evenings of music and good times at Casbah! A highlight of seeing X (a rock and roll musical group) or Fleet Foxes (a folky musical group) many years ago. Never an unwelcome experience. Get a Cold One and enjoy the musics!

10. The Wiltern, Los Angeles, CA

The Pellissier Building and adjoining Wiltern Theatre is a 12-story, 155-foot Art Deco landmark at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Western Avenue in Los Angeles, California. The entire complex is commonly referred to as the Wiltern Center.

Concert tickets

Address: 3790 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010, USA
Capacity: 1,850
Phone: +1 213-388-1400

The Wiltern Reviews

• This is the first time I ever been to this venue. I like it. It's not too big or too small. I sat in the mezzanine section and the seats are comfortable. The view to the stage is great. The acoustics are spot on. The aisles and walkways and wide and accessible. The staff were friendly and helpful. The show which featured Skillet, Sevendust, Pop Evil and Devour the Day was awesome!! I will definitely be coming back to the Wiltern to see another show. I really enjoyed the whole experience.
• A classic art deco live music and more event space. Named for its mashed up cross streets, Western and Wilshire, it stands tall over the intersection in an instantly recognizable off blue. Inside is just as well appointed and of the style. Tall arches and high ceilings show murals and more. Photos of previous performers adorn the walls. Five bars and downstairs restrooms provide much needed to relief to any attendees. Sound is very good and the seats are comfortable for a hour or so, then your butt starts to hurt! Overall a great venue and a piece of Los Angeles history.
• Wiltern theatre is beautiful inside and out. It has convenient parking, a large lobby, and a nice bar area. I like the balcony seating inside, they are very comfy. The acoustics was great and the staff was very friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed the experience and will definitely be back.

11. Whisky A Go Go, West Hollywood, CA

Whisky A Go Go, an iconic concert venue on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California, opened in 1964 and quickly became a landmark in the music industry. Famous for launching the careers of bands like The Doors, Janis Joplin, Led Zeppelin, and Guns N' Roses, it epitomized the rebellious spirit of the '60s and '70s rock scene. Known for its go-go dancers and vibrant atmosphere, the venue has adapted through decades, hosting glam metal in the '80s and '90s, and continuing to attract diverse musical acts into the 21st century. Despite renovations, it retains its classic rock vibe with neon signs and memorabilia-laden walls. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006, Whisky A Go Go is a symbol of Los Angeles' dynamic music history, embodying the legacy of live rock music.

Concert tickets

Address: 8901 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069, United States
Phone: +1 310-652-4202

Whisky a Go Go Reviews

• Such an iconic place! Enjoyed a Jack * Coke (actually Dr Pepper) and chatted with the Bartender while there. Very courteous and knowledgeable of the sites History. Hope I get more opportunities to visit this iconic night spot especially when Live entertainment is scheduled! 😎 Someone was also filming "B-roll footage while I was there! Quite a different environment being in Hollywood fo sho!
• Iconic place to be. Went there only twice for a show. Amazing place, great sound. We had a blast. Thank you for hosting Ukrainian artists
• Saw Lob Lobos for their 50th anniversary tour here, had a wonderful time! Music was loud, entry allowed ins and outs, there is food you can buy at the bar. Parking was easy but expensive. Had a great time!