What are the BEST Magic Shows (in San Diego) for 2024?

Posted: November 18, 2024

Everyone knows that San Diego is the baby bear to mamma bear L.A. and papa bear San Fran... everything is just right, including great magic with acts such as Nick Ivory, and The Prestige Magic Lounge. San Diego has so much going for it. Mild weather, sandy beaches, Balboa Park, great Mexican Food and the world famous San Diego Zoo, but it is also home to some fabulous places to see and experience magic. You'll find magic just around the corner. Whether it be a touring show, dedicated theatre, dinner show or something just for the kids, there is always San Diego magic happening in this well-loved city.

ALL San Diego Magic Shows TODAY

The Illusionists Magic of the Holidays

San Diego Civic Theatre
1100 Third Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

Thursday, December 26, 2024

Celebrate the holidays with the entire family at The Illusionists Magic of the Holidays, a mind-blowing showcase featuring jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. The Illusionists has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.

Age Restriction: All ages
Nick Ivory

Various Restaurants
San Diego, CA 92101

Wednesday through Sunday

Magician and mentalist Nick Ivory is a hard working illusionist who performs close-up magic at several restaurants in the San Diego area. Lunch or dinner, he has choices that fit your mood and schedule. Check his website to find locations, days and times for his live appearances. He even has a $50 gift card offer on his site if you plan to visit him at one of his restaurant venues (quantities are limited). He has worked extensively in Las Vegas and Chicago and now calls San Diego home. A popular entertainer with over 30 years experience.
The Prestige

The Prestige - San Diego
San Diego, CA

Monday through Saturday

A new magical dinner show opportunity is here. Here's what to expect. Upon arriving at The Prestige, you will be invited to the lounge with its grand firelplace, where you can enjoy a cocktail and some prestidigitation at the bar. Then a vintage cabaret style theatre is revealed, and a three course dinner is served, starting with a fresh seasonal salad, followed by a choice of entree and dessert. After dining, enjoy 45 minutes of magic presented by the world’s most accomplished magicians performed on The Prestige stage. A sumptuous evening of magic and entertainment awaits.

Show Duration: The evening is approximately 2.5 hours long.
Food and Drink: This is a dinner show. Food and drinks are served.
Age Restriction: Recommended for ages 8 and older.

Mystique Dining

Mystique Dining, La Jolla CA
915 Pearl Street Suite B
La Jolla, CA 92037

Tuesday through Sunday

This is a magic themed dining experience, located in La Jolla. With a grand dining chamber, gourmet food and butlers serving your every needs, you will certainly not go home hungry. But wait, what about the magic? After your dinner in the richly decorated dining room (with a theatrical flare), you will be entertained by some of the best magicians in the world. The 45 minute show is the perfect end to a fun, and dare we say "magical" evening. The restaurant seats 30 persons, and private events are welcome. Why not book the whole evening for you, your family, and friends.

Show Duration: The experience lasts approximately two and a half hours.
Food and Drink: This event includes dinner. Beer and wine also available.
Age Restriction: Recommended 13+. Under 8 strongly discouraged.

San Diego Magic History

magic shows in San Diego history — From left to right: J.C. Wagner, James Kellog Jr., Honest Sid Gerhart

Ah, San Diego. White, sandy beaches and ideal temperatures are just a few reasons this coastal "Birthplace of California" boasts a spot on nearly every top 10 list for tourists. This diverse border town has much to offer its visitors. The art of magic is an exciting part of the eclectic mix that is San Diego's art scene (and we're not talking about witchcraft or sorcery!). Things disappear. They reappear. Audiences are engaged and bewildered by sleight-of-hand entertainment and magicians that have spent a lifetime perfecting their craft.

One of the earliest magic clubs in San Diego started in 1948, the I.B.M. Ring 76. Early members were magic enthusiasts who met weekly to discuss and show off new tricks. Many balanced busy careers with their love of magic. It was often difficult through more turbulent years to keep the group thriving. A second magic group, a local chapter of the Society of American Magicians began meetings in 1956. Several of those members including Cecil "Sid" Gerhart decided that another night of sharing their love for magic was needed, and the original Ring 78 was revived. Honest Sid, as he was known, was an amateur magician well loved for his comedy magic act where he often played the part of a traveling medicine show salesman. He was dedicated to keeping the Ring going and sharing his love of magic with everyone, and Ring 76 is still going strong today.

Another San Diego magic legend was J.C. Wagner. J.C. performed great magic tricks in his teens at Disneyland. His love of magic became well-ingrained, and after a stint in the air force in the 60s, he returned to San Diego to start a life in magic. Working as a bartender, J.C. often got a chance to do bar magic. After many day-trips up to L.A. to hang out with magic greats at the Magic Castle, J.C. eventually perfected his bar magic routine, and was one of the original owners of the once well-known magic bar The Magic Lounge which opened in the 1970s. It was known as a hip and lively place to hang out, get a drink and see some up-close magic.

The City of San Diego is dedicated to preserving its history and is a focus of arts and culture. Magic is no exclusion. Shops and theaters big and small, and magicians generations long have become staples in the community, thrilling patrons and bedazzling audiences with their love of this ancient art.

PAST San Diego Magic Shows

Anthony the Magic

Welk Resort Theatre
8860 Lawrence Welk Drive
Escondido, CA 92026

Anthony Hernandez has been performing magic throughout Southern California for the past 3 decades. Hernandez made his name in local amusement parks, where he was voted as a "Top Five Best Performer" by IAAPA representing over 4500 amusement parks in 90 countries. Anthony was the promotional magician for the movie, "Oz, the Great and Powerful". Anthony and his partner, Dawn, can be heard on their own Sirius XM Radio Show, "The Magic Word".
Smokus Pocus

Tenth Avenue Arts Center
930 Tenth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

Ben Zabin has a passion for weed and weed inspired magic. Billed as the Dopest Show around, this cannabis themed magic show is for those straight and high alike, and even if you are not stoned during the show, you will leave on a magical high. So for a boatload of Dank Debauchery and a barrel of Trippy Tricks, join Ben (ex pot dealer and all around cool guy), at this 420-themed attraction.
The Clairvoyants

Sycuan Casino
5469 Casino Way
El Cajon, CA 92019

The Clairvoyants with their holiday spectacular tour will bring mesmerizing wonders and enchantment to you and yours. They promise to dazzle and captivate audiences with a breathtaking array of new acts. From mindreading to illusions, they and their adorable friend Mr. Koni Hundini, will be bringing joy and laughter to all, transporting you to a realm of wonder.
Red Spade Theatre

Red Spade Theatre
B, 2539 Congress St,
San Diego, CA 92110

The mainstay of the Red Spade Theatre is the show Intimate Miracles with Sebastian. This 60 minute show is for adults 18 and up, and makes for a fantastic date night or way to celebrate any occasion. One Sunday a month, you will find something for the whole family, including kids 5 and up, with the Family Magic Show. Check the website frequently to see when special guests will be performing, if you wish to catch something different. The Red Spade Theatre provides some great choices for seeing magic in San Diego.
Illusions Theatre and Bar

Illusions Theatre and Bar
827 Fourth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

An upscale theatre of magic. The evenings highlights includes an intimate close-up show, as well as some pretty spiffy decor. Come for the fun and mystery, and then hang out afterwards for a drink in the lounge area. There are two shows times per evening at 7:00 and 9:00pm. Feel free to arrive 30 minutes early to give yourself time to have a cocktail. Created by the Kellogg family, which includes 3 generations of magicians, the video below features James Kellog Jr., performing some great parlour magic with lots of audience participation.
The Clairvoyants

California Center for the Arts
340 N Escondido Blvd
Escondido, CA 92025

The Clairvoyants are the duo Amalie van Tass and Thommy Ten, originally from Austria. They wowed American audiences in 2016 on America's Got Talent and almost grabbed first place! They came in second, but they certainly had a huge number of people voting for them. Their talents include mentalism and illusion, and their show The Clairvoyants will have you believing their powers are real. See the show to decide for yourself if they really can read minds!
Penn and Teller

Agua Caliente Casino, Rancho Mirage
32-250 Bob Hope Dr
Rancho Mirage, CA 92270

The "bad boys of magic" have been wowing audiences for several decades. Why bad boys you say? Well, they have the bad habit of revealing how it's done! But it never seems to take away from the amazing wow factor of what they do! Their act is surprising, clownish, and well... unconventional. They have been making headlines for years with their many TV shows, Broadway performances, and sold out runs. The chemistry between this duo is magical. They love to meet their fans, so don't miss the "meet and greet" after the show. If you miss them in San Diego, they regularly perform a Vegas illusion show.
Lance Burton

Pechanga Resort and Casino
45000 Pechanga Pkwy
Temecula, CA 92592

Lance Burton is one of the 20th centuries most famous magicians. As far as stage magicians go many think of him as the best, after ruling the Las Vegas scene for over 30 years! Lance officially retired in 2010, but often performs for charity. Now Lance returns to the stage for a few special shows. So although this show is not specifically in San Diego, we think this one is totally worth checking out. If you love magic, you'll want to be able to say, "I saw Lance Burton!"