Fancy a good laugh after a day on the beach? Well, San Diego has you covered with side-splitting entertainment for people of all ages. For this post, we've covered where to go for some knee-slapping entertainment, whether you're a toddler or a grown-up.
For youngsters there isn't anywhere more quaint than the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater and the puppetry shows they perform ($5 a person and children under 2 are free). Located on the south side of Balboa, the Puppet Theater was founded in 1940 and has been a long time tradition in San Diego. For a light-hearted laugh you can see different puppet troupes perform year round in a quaint, old theater. Children, from toddler age to around 10, and the adults who tag along with them, will be charmed by the historic theater and giant, antique puppets.
The theater offers two or three morning shows depending on the time of the year from Wednesday to Sunday. Check their calendar for details.
San Diego's longest running show, The National Comedy Theatre's 'MainStage Show,' a world famous improv team. Each show is made up of impromptu scenarios created by the performers based on suggestions of the audience, so every 100-minute show is completely unique. The MainStage Cast's first performance was in 1999, and they have since clocked in over 4,300 shows in San Diego, as well as Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Known not just for keeping their audience in stitches, this group also performs a clean comedy show so feel free to bring the tweens and teenagers. Thursday's 7:30 pm show is $12 and Friday's two show's (7:30 and 9:45pm) are $17 for adults and $12 for students, seniors, and military.
For a truly unique experience in improv, check out the wildly popular Twistered: The Wickedly Ridiculous Wizard of Oz. The Saturday evening show was in such high demand they added more performances and it will now run through May 2nd. Twistered is a fast-paced retelling of the classic story of The Wizard of Oz using seven actors and audience participation. Each performance begins with a 25 minute 'warm up' from a different Californian improv teams. Shows are ages 18 and up, and for less than the price of a movie ticket ($10) you will be treated to a hilarious night of acted-out comedy.
The famed Comedy Store from Hollywood has an outpost in gorgeous La Jolla and will provide plenty of belly laughs. The Comedy Store prides itself on finding the most talented comedians, both locally and internationally. All shows require a two-drink minimum, but with reasonable prices and inventive drinks, it's never hard to fill the order. Wednesday and Thursday feature a 'Best of San Diego' program ($8), where the city's best comedians perform. Friday and Saturday are reserved for the world's finest headliner acts ($20). All shows are 21 and up and be sure to give your self extra time to park, as it's street parking only.
There are so many options that will tickle your funny bone. Start your holiday off right with a stay in Mission Bay, basking in the sun during the day, and spend your evenings roaring with laughter. With such a diverse and talented city, a hilarious time is guaranteed. Comedy in San Diego? It's a laughing matter.
