Belly Up Tavern Solana Beach: Live Music Since 1974

By the Yacht Rock Radio crew · Details checked against official sources Nov. 9, 2026

Belly Up (long known as the Belly Up Tavern) has been the North County San Diego music room since 1974, when it opened in Solana Beach with a couple of microphones and no stage. It’s on Cedros Avenue in the seaside town of Solana Beach, and it’s regularly voted San Diego’s best live venue.

Belly Up at a glance

What to expect musically

• Blues legends played here early on, including John Lee Hooker, Etta James and B.B. King.
• It’s known for underplays, when big acts like The Killers and Red Hot Chili Peppers play a small room.
• Belly Up also books shows at The Sound, at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. Those listings say “not at Belly Up,” so check the address on your ticket.

Tips for your visit

• Seated shows are marked on the calendar. Everything else is general admission.
• Make a day of it: the Solana Beach coastline is minutes away.

Set the mood before you go: listen to Yacht Rock Radio live, free, 24/7, or browse more of the best beach music venues in the USA.

How we checked this

We confirmed the address, hours, website and social accounts on the venue’s own site where it has one, and with the sources below, on Nov. 9, 2026. Hours and lineups change, so check the venue’s site or socials before you travel. Spot something out of date? Tell us and we’ll fix it.

• Belly Up official site
• Solana Beach Chamber listing