Best theaters in California: find options near you

A remarkable experience! The venue was perfect for the concert, and the concert was epic! The sound system was infact BOOMING! Great parking, great layout more than enough room for people to walk around, dance and not step on ya toes.

It’s been ten years since I last visited this venue. Back in 2016, I saw my favorite DJ, ZHU, perform, and now in 2026, I got to see one of my favorite duos, Oh Wonder. The venue itself is historic and beautiful, both inside and out, with so many great details throughout.

First show I've been to here. Saw Hayley Williams. The staff were all great. Very kind, organized, and efficient. They came out to tell everyone waiting in line what to expect and when. Opened the merch table early (and it was open to anyone, including those without tickets) which was SO GREAT. I was there alone and I hate having to decide between waiting in line for a shirt or getting a better place in GA. I parked about a 5 minute walk away from the theater (near my airbnb) which, according to a bunch of people, can be pretty sketchy (there was a car right across the street from the theater that had been broken into). I was fine, though. There is a parking garage down the street that the theater works with, but I don't think they offer overnight parking, so I have no experience with it. Sound, ambiance, my ability to see the stage (I'm short) and staff earns this place 5 stars from me. I might be back. The parking situation is the only thing that stressed me out.

Vintage interior. Amazing sound system. Balcony seating and ample room to dance on the main level. Screens with projected video behind the artist while they perform. They sell ear plugs at the cost check, just in case.. a few tasty places to eat right across the street.

Great indoor venue for concerts! We went to The Midnight concert in May and loved this venue. Great interior, seats available in the balcony and a wide variety of drink selection at the bar. Highly recommend for concerts and shows. Service is top notch!

Came here to see Durand Jones & The Indications perform last night. What a GEM! This venue is in pristine condition. Very clean. Great staff. Seating in lodge area was very comfy, lots of leg room. The acoustics were top notch. Very nice venue to witness such a great concert. BRAVO 👏🏽 Keep up the good work Oakland! 🙌🏽

First time seeing a show at The Fox Theater! The staff are fantastic, the venue is super clean and beautiful! I especially love the idols on either side of the stage. The sound was great and there wasn't a bad seat in the house! We found easy parking in a garage close by and overall had a great night out! Thank you Fox Theater!

Great theater to see a movie. Excellent sound, the screen IMAX 70 was amazing. The theater itself was clean, the bathroom was clean. Great snack bar too. The seats were very comfortable.

We watched Jurassic Park at the Dolby Theater inside the Chinese Theatre and it was a great experience. I love movies, so seeing one in Hollywood made it special. The theater has a lot of classic Hollywood decor and photos that really add to the atmosphere. We went late at night, so there were no lines and it was easy to get our big popcorn and enjoy the movie. The service was good and overall it was a fun Hollywood experience.

TCL Chinese Theatre is an iconic, historic movie palace located on the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California. TCL Chinese Theatre orriginally opened in 1927. TCL Chinese Theatre is a world-renowned landmark. It is celebrated for its distinctive Asian-inspired architecture, opulent interior design, and its massive state-of-the-art IMAX auditorium. It serves as a central hub for major Hollywood film premieres. The front courtyard features concrete slabs preserving the handprints, footprints, and signatures of Hollywood's most popular stars from the 1920s to today.

I cannot comment on the interior as my family and I only walked a couple blocks to see the hand and footprints in front of the theater. What I can say is that we are not fans of the energy of the street performers, merchants, and tour guides. The people were aggressive and impolite and we managed to be there at just the right time to see a whole bunch of different types of motorcycles taking over the street and running their engines so loud it echoed off the buildings. The theater is a piece of history on Hollywood Blvd and it is unfortunate that it is surrounded in such an atmosphere. Can you tell we like a slower and quieter pace?!

This place is alive. So much going on,the good the bad and the ulgy. so many memories here and to see how far we have came seems it deserves more respect then whT it is getting. Hope to see us all get it together. Thanks a whole lot for all the memories, hope to see y'all again soon!!@@!!@@!!

Exotic Architecture designed by Mayer & Holler, famous for its beautiful pagoda and the imprints of famous artists that came from accidentally stepped into wet cement during construction make one of Hollywood Blvd most iconic theaters. You should mark it as a "place to visit" just for the wonderful architecture and you will not forget it , a masterpiece. It has one of the twenty five lmax 70mm in the United States and one of the three in Los Angeles. Please take a look , this is the best moment to visit. Went to see The Odyssey (which is a great movie) in the main theater in Imax 70mm. It had a great sound quality, wonderful room and hosts were very welcoming. Too bad the overall cleanliness was not up to standard and made us feel uncomfortable (sticky floor, stains everywhere…) Too bad that upstairs that has private boxes, historical office spaces isn’t open for public viewing.

Visiting TCL Chinese Theatre was a memorable Hollywood experience. The architecture of the theatre is truly iconic, blending traditional Chinese-inspired design with the glamour of classic Hollywood. The grand entrance, decorative details, red columns, and beautiful façade make it one of the most recognizable landmarks in Los Angeles. The most exciting part was seeing the famous handprints and footprints of legendary actors outside the theatre. Walking through this historic place feels like stepping into the history of cinema. The surrounding Hollywood atmosphere is lively and full of energy with street performers, lights, and tourists from around the world. Inside, the theatre feels elegant and cinematic, preserving the charm of old Hollywood while still offering a modern movie experience. A must-visit place in Los Angeles for movie lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to experience the spirit of Hollywood.

Such a lovely experience visiting the Dolby Theater for Paley Fest and attending the 50th anniversary reunion of the cast of Charlie's Angels. It was such a neat experience and the theater was very spacious and clean! Staff was fantastic, as well.

The tour is short but very cool if you love the Oscar's…our guide was a little rushed, and we felt like it could be more to see, but being in the Dolby Theater was fun and enjoyable none the less!

A dream come true. Its so beautiful. All our favorite stars and films have had their film premiere here so its quite a treat to be in this theatre. To be apart of the history is a great reason to come visit as well as many other historic places in Los Angeles and the whole USA. The theatre was clean, beautiful and the people were all very nice and gappy to be there.

Memories made @Dolby, thank you! Amazing time at Persona Live 2026: Awakenings – was the first U.S. show of the Persona Music Experience series, that included the full cast from Japan; debuted at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, California January 2026.

I recently attended the AFI Lifetime Achievement Award and dinner for the amazingly gifted Eddie Murphy. The tribute was magnificent. The Dolby Theater is a beautiful and grand venue with top-tier professional stage and sound. Also known as the home of the Academy Awards, any event held at this venue will be a night to remember.

A relaxing place to sit back and relax and enjoy people watching as you sip on your favorite beverage. The selection is very good. People are always happy and friendly.

The Dolby Theatre in Hollywood is a truly magnificent venue that captures the glamour and prestige of the entertainment industry. Known as the home of the Academy Awards, it offers visitors an unforgettable glimpse into Hollywood’s rich history and artistry. The architecture is stunning, with elegant interiors and a grand atmosphere that makes every event feel special. The acoustics are exceptional, delivering crystal-clear sound that enhances concerts, performances, and ceremonies alike. The staff are professional, welcoming, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for every guest. Located right on Hollywood Boulevard, it’s surrounded by iconic attractions, making it a perfect stop for tourists and locals. Whether you’re attending a live show, taking a guided tour, or simply admiring its beauty, the Dolby Theatre stands as a symbol of Hollywood excellence and creativity. A must-visit landmark for anyone exploring Los Angeles!

Amazing experience at the El Capitan Theatre! We went to see Toy Story 5 and had a great time. Parking was easy and affordable validated parking is only $3 for 4 hours at the Ovation Hollywood parking structure across the street. Be sure to bring your parking ticket to the theater for validation; the validation station is located across from the concession stand. I recommend arriving about 40 minutes early. Between finding parking, waiting in the concession line (which took about 15 minutes), and taking photos, the extra time goes by quickly. Before the movie started, there were previews followed by a fun live performance featuring the Toy Story characters, which made the experience feel extra special. The theater offers adorable (but pricey) Disney- and movie-themed concessions, and I appreciated that there is a gender-neutral/ family restroom available. There are also free booster seats available for use. If possible, buy your tickets in advance so you can choose premium seats. For reference, my view from seat D108 was excellent. As you exit the theater, you'll pass the Ghirardelli Disney Store, which was carrying Toy Story 5-themed merchandise during our visit. It's a fun way to end the experience. Overall, this is much more than just a movie theater, it's a Disney experience. Highly recommended, especially for families and Disney fans!

I had the pleasure of visiting this historic iconic theater. This theater is celebrating 100 years in business! We were enthusiastically greeted. I had tickets for the Devil Wears Prada 2. We got there earlier and took advantage of all the photos opportunity this theater had to offer. The sound system is amazing and all of the old world charm is still intact after all these many years. Fresh popcorn was popping upon entering the theater. The seats are comfy and they do not recline (old world nostalgia). There are three floors to this theater. Restrooms are located on the lower floor, the main floor and balcony. There was a red carpet photo opportunity on the lower level as well. Walking through the glass double doors to the gift shop. Parking is available at the plaza. Be sure to get your parking validating before leaving. This theater is more than just a theater. It’s California history!!

Wow, what a way to watch a movie. This is a trademark & landmark of Hollywood. Classic of oldie theater era. Love the architecture and detail of the decors both inside and outside. Just breathtaking and fantastic to the see it. The lobby is small but enough space for confession area. Downstairs are the restrooms and an area for selfie or cocktails area in the golden years. There is upstairs too. There is organ/piano music playing live prior to the show. Just wonderful. If you got a chance, come and check it out, so worth it. Yes, the tickets can be expensive but trust me, once you’re inside you just feel like you’re back in the golden era.

I loves this place! The vibe and the atmosphere is amazing. The maze to concessions is a little frustrating but it makes sense based on logistics. The acoustics in the theater are fantastic and the screening is very clear. I want to come back here a hundred times more at least!!

This is one of the best theatres I’ve ever been to. It’s beautiful inside and out. You must come here and experience it. Special events where they have a live 25-minute performance on a special occasion.. El Capitan still has an organ that they play before the movie. Come early so you can see the organ being played live. Beautiful.

My husband and I had a movie date night at El Capitán Theater for the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2 and this was our first time there. We had an amazing night. The theater was well organized for this event, all the employees were very nice. Theater and restrooms were very clean. An amazing experience for sure and can't wait to go back and take our son to the premiere of Toy Story 5. If you haven't been to a premiere at El Capitán Theater I highly recommend. The ticket price is worth it!

Really Cool Spot. Great Place to See A Movie and Go To Ghirardelli Right Next Door For Some Ice Cream Treats and Chocolate. Right On Hollywood Blvd. Come Heck Out The Stars. Oscars was a Blast.

This was the 1st LA theater that I attended back in 80s and was introduced to the famously "The Phantom of the Opera" and I came back for 3X more after that. Since then I had seen the theater got it few upgraded and few facelifts. I saw Miss Saigon, Oklahoma, Doubt, plenty of Matthew Bourne magical shows, Mandy Patinkin & Patti LuPone, Once Upon the Mattress, Old Friends, and others. Plus saw Sting here in a musical before COVID. The Also I introduced my kid to his 1st show here, "Peter Pan Goes Wrong". I had sat the last row way up in the balcony to the box seats (really like it), to the front row and everything in between. It is very modern venue with super fantastic staffers and plenty of expensive refreshments spot for your refreshments. Definitely going back for more. -OLD

Mamma Mia was awesome! We did the Sunday matinee and it wasn't crazy crowded, and even though we were in the "cheap seats" we could see and here just fine. Although, contrary to everything I had read online about it being cold inside the theater–it was not. I was wishing I hadn't worn long sleeves.

Had a good time watching Kim's convenience at the Ahmanson Theatre tonight. The Theatre still looks good after all these years. The seats were nice and the staff are friendly and helpful.

We’ve been here twice to watch &Juliet and Mamma Mia. There’s a great selection of broadway musicals on rotation at this theatre. Most of the seats have a decent view of the stage, although the seats are pretty narrow so you’re almost elbow to elbow with the person sitting next to you. It does get a little warm in the theatre too and I wish they’d lower the temperature of the AC a couple of degrees. Parking is usually pretty easy at the music centre garage for $10 but do arrive early as the line to get into the garage can get backed up.

A nice theater! Love how parking is so close and they offer lotteries and discounted tickets here! Makes me come back more and more since I know how nice and easy things will be here. The staff is always helpful and theater is a good size so really wherever you sit is good. Even from the balcony you can still see everything perfectly. The outside area is also very beautiful and nice to roam around while waiting for a show. Love how they always have little photo ops for the shows at the theater as well!

Wonderful theater. I won some tickets to the play paranormal activity. The acoustics were fantastic. The visuals and the set dressings were well done. The play itself was hohum. Very slow scenes and in the end it was just depressing. Walked out of there feeling very sad but the performers did an excellent job. The theater is nice and big with large balconies on each side. We sat in the mezzanine level and had a great view. Seats were comfortable, but a little cramped. Intermission of 15 minutes so the lines to get a cocktail or any food were pretty long, but they went fast. Nice sized bathrooms so didn’t have to wait there. My only complaint is when I waited in line. I grabbed a little tiny tray of cheese and crackers for $20 and the gal had me look at the screen to accept a tip and the lowest was starting at 15%. You couldn’t do custom or other amount. This just gets my goat. I literally picked up the cheese box carried it, and I got charged three dollars for that. I don’t think they deserve a tip for doing absolutely nothing and if they do get a tip, it should be my decision and I should be able to enter the amount I want. We wandered into the Mullen bar on the grounds right before the show for a cocktail and the staff was friendly and service was quick. Other than that all the staff are really friendly and it was a lovely experience.

We went to see Paranormal Activity and it was INCREDIBLE. The cast, the stage production, and the absolute terror! Never felt so scared in a theater before. There was nervous laughter from the audience to "process" the intensity of what we were witnessing. Beyond the show, the theater is wonderful, barely any lines for parking, bathrooms, etc. The audio for some special effects was a bit too loud though, and the regular speech a bit too quiet, at least from where we were seated. Also the line for deinks was way too long. Other than that fantastic experience in a lovely community oriented theater!

Visited the Wiltner Theater for the Bethel concert and really enjoyed it. The theater is stunning—classic architecture and a true LA landmark. Parking is convenient since there are several nearby garages shared with local businesses. You don’t have to purchase parking with your ticket, and honestly, the underground theater garage is extremely small unless you’re VIP. VIP guests get to enter directly from the garage, which is nice, but otherwise I’d recommend parking elsewhere for easier access. Inside, the theater sells snacks and drinks, but they don’t allow water bottles into the theater as they want u to buy drink inside. The only thing to keep in mind is timing—arrive early because foot traffic, security lines, and parking all get busy quickly. Overall, a beautiful and memorable venue with a classic charm.

First time ever going to this concert venue and I really enjoyed it. We got parking nearby & it wasn’t difficult to walk to the venue at all. Line went by pretty fast as well. It’s very stunning inside, gives vintage theatre vibes. I also liked that they had a marquee sign to take photos with. Seat pathways are a bit narrow but nothing too bad. I came here for LA night 1 to see Hayley Williams with my fiancé. Such a good show, I love my girl!! I’d definitely come see another show at this venue again.

Great concert venue. I was in GA, which meant pretty close, but standing only. Nice to be able to see your favorite artist's face without binoculars! Parking was quick, easy, safe, and a 1-minute walk to the theater. The architecture and interior is super cool, though you're not looking at that once the music starts. There's a decent, overpriced bar, if you need a drink. Dress cool–it can be a bit warm. Today was my third visit here, and if a great band shows up again, I'll go again.

Came here to see Anri! The venue is definitely on the more vintage side of things, but honestly for it being a small venue they packed a lot of people in here. I had relatively close seats which made seeing Anri nice since I had a view with a chair. Service was great a woman came around to offer us drinks or snacks to buy so we wouldn’t miss the show and I made two friends while I was there. I would definitely spend the extra money to come here again. ANRI 2026!!!!

Old school proper theater vibes with a nice updated decor. Venue – older type of seating but it's a nice vibe – intimate venue so pretty much every seat is pretty good Food -there is room for growth here. The selection was just okay 2.5/5. Nachos were simply chips and cheese. Other items just seemed standard. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO EAT SOMEWHERE ELSE. Drinks -They do serve drinks and alcoholic beverages (see picture of the menu) Service -All of the staff were friendly! Overall a nice cozy theater! Recommended

Seeing That Was Us Live at The Wiltern was an incredible experience from start to finish. The venue itself is stunning with classic Art Deco architecture, beautiful lighting, and great sightlines that make it feel both intimate and grand at the same time. The event was well run, the energy in the room was fantastic, and the audience engagement made it feel special and communal rather than just another live show. Sound quality was strong, staff was helpful, and the overall vibe of the night matched the emotional depth and warmth people love about the show. From the iconic marquee outside to the atmosphere inside the theater, this was one of those nights that really sticks with you. If you get the chance to attend a live event here, especially something like this, it is absolutely worth it.

Went here for the Drawn to Dawn concert! And it was great! Staff are mostly friendly and the place is very clean, just be aware once the show ends they will try getting you out as fast as possible. So make sure you know where your belongs are if you bring them inside the venue.

We love to take advantage of their special pricing on Tuesday. The main theater is gorgeous and we always have a pleasant experience when we watch a movie there. Parking is easy to find at the nearby parking garage.

this complex has an amazing lobby and the famous historic main theater. the other theaters are small but still very comfortable. the screens and sound are both excellent and all the theaters offer plenty super comfy recliner chairs (LUX Recliners). staff is great and the concession stand super efficient. the only reason I'm not giving this place 5 stars is that they really only show mainstream films these days. they were never much for art films but they did used to show more obscure films and reruns occasionally but no more. if you want to see something off the beaten path you're going to Piedmont or Grand Lake. such a shame given the beautiful decor and film history here.

Purchased tickets to see the new screening of minions and monsters. When I arrived, I was greeted by an employee checking for tickets. You would assume they would know where to send you to. I was sent to the wrong showing, in the middle of the movie, and had an awkward interaction with another patron over the seats. Came back out, and had to notify the guy checking tickets that he had sent us to the wrong movie showing. Please train your employees to verify they are sending patrons to the correct showing. I will stick to AMC

Ever since they reopened in 2008, my daughter Elizabeth, my son Sawyer, and I have loved going to comedies, thrillers, and more all at this local theatre. Elizabeth and Sawyer are 13 now, and they've enjoyed the theatre for almost seven years now. Thank you for having a great theatre in town, close enough that Sawyer and Elizabeth won't fight for shot-gun!

Gorgeous theater with amazing architecture. Prices almost feel vintage too 😅 $15 tickets. $5 tickets on Tuesdays. Very friendly staff. Special shout out to John for giving a free history lesson 🫶

I want to like this movie theater, but it keeps disappointing me. It’s a beautiful space and I enjoy and appreciate the value it brings to the community. But the reality is, it is very badly run from a technical perspective. Twice now I’ve gone to see a movie there and it’s technically been a fail. The first time they couldn’t even get the movie to play and after sitting there for an hour, they told us the movie was broken. They couldn’t figure out how to give me a refund, though, since I bought the tickets online, which was particularly frustrating and added to my wait. More recently, I went to see Project Hail Mary in the big grand Theatre there. But again the technical aspects failed them. They couldn’t get the surround sound on, and so the big screen experience was much more like watching it at home. All the sound was in the front of the screen significantly diminishing the impact of this big budget space epic. Until they commit to having the technical aspect of the theater run properly. I recommend you stay away.

It's normally perfect but today seemed like the AC wasn't working properly. I love going here because there's a variety of movies for everyone!

I loved every moment at this theater. It's not like the significant, super-chained, extra-comfy, branded places. It had a feeling like when I was a kid. It's a perfect setting for movies that don't need the high-end sound and video technology. Overall, a great experience in a clean atmosphere. The snacks were tasty and reasonable, too.

This is not just a movie theater. The Grand Lake is a historic Movie Palace. You MUST see a movie here on the main screen on a Friday or Saturday evening and catch a performance from the live organist. Buy some popcorn, bring a date, and step back in time to the golden age of cinema. 500/5 stars.

Visited the Grand Lake Theatre and absolutely loved the experience. There’s something special about this place—the classic, old-school charm combined with a lively atmosphere makes it feel more than just a regular movie night. It’s a beautiful historic theater, and you can really appreciate the character the moment you walk in. So glad to have a spot like this in the area. Definitely a place we’ll keep coming back to for movies and the experience!

It's just a beautiful classic movie theater. They have locally brewed carbonated drinks too on fountain, not your basic coke and Pepsi. Delicious ginger beer. Also saw they had root beer too but didn't try it. I recently saw the wood st encampment documentary there. The seats are comfortable. The sound is great and the view is good no matter where you sit. I was in one of the last rows in the back on the right and my view was excellent. I'm so happy the grand lake theater is still here and hope we are lucky to continue to have it forever!

Absolutely fantastic place to see a movie. Staff are super friendly, theatre is gorgeous both aesthetically and technically. The way movies are meant to be seen. Cannot recommend enough. Even if you’re not from the area it’s absolutely worth a visit.

Renovated, and really looking nice on both the outside and inside. Heads up – if you are in the lodge or balcony, you will be walking downstairs to use a bathroom – though there is a nice bar upstairs. The front row, center, of the lodge is an excellent place to sit for shows at this theater.

Great venue! The staff were really kind and helpful. Something that seems to be so rare when it comes to concerts. I will say, I know its a concert, but the speakers where a little too loud. So loud it almost made it drowned out the music. And CMAT was incredible! What a performer. She's got incredible talent and stage presence.

Tonight's reopening was fabulous, especially with David Haggerty, the long time organist being sainted by the Sisters of Perpetuoant Indigenous as "The Phantom of the Castro," after he rose from the pit on the new organ. The tent like ceiling was amazing in restoration and brilliant colors, chandelier as well. One draw back was the theatre floor and the new seats, not a fan, but sitting in the balcony felt like old times. Concession bar has mostly alcohol, popcorn ran out, they need more popcorn machines and butter! But overall, happy to be back and knowing the theatre will be around for another hundred years.

I was there this evening to see a movie. I'm happy to see the Castro Theatre reopened after a successful renovation but there are so many corners cut in the experience that it becomes a distraction. As others have mentioned the poor sound quality and I second that. It's one channel coming from the front and so, mixed dialogue gets jumbled and loudness even gets distorted. The seats have all the comfort of a departure gate. They're horrible. The popcorn was stale – likely because they premade dozens of bags, presumably before they opened the doors and so there was nothing fresh about it. Nice touch with the organ coming up from the stage but in every way, this is a digital pipe organ. Sounds great – just not authentic. The concessions were as expensive as a mega-theatre. That was a surprise. If you're looking for the ultimate American theatre experience, visit The Stanford Theatre in Palo Alto. That's how it's done.

Wonderful venue. The entrance process could improve. One guest got screened at a time and had to go through multiple rounds of security screens. Once inside it’s lovely. New bathrooms (shared genders and single stall). Big bar with good cocktails. Comfortable seating and feels really clean. Oh and Jonathan Van Ness is fabulous 🤩

Gorgeously grand ceiling details! Caught a silent film with live music accompaniment. Really delightful evening in a bustling little neighborhood!

Visited the Castro Theatre recently (Sam Smith concert) and it was an amazing experience. The building is absolutely beautiful and full of history. From the classic architecture to the unique atmosphere inside, you can really feel the character and legacy of this place. The ambiance, charm, and historic vibe make it a must-visit spot in San Francisco. Truly a gem that captures the spirit of the city.

Absolutely love the Balboa Theatre. Recently we visited to see RBG and it was an amazing production. Located downtown Fourth and E street, Gaslamp San Diego, (not in Balboa Park) parking can be difficult as most spots are street metered. Arrive early so you can enjoy a drink or snack that they have available on most floors. This building has so much history including one of the oldest Wonder Morton Organs still in use today.

Balboa Park is one of the most beautiful places to walk around in San Diego. I recommend that if you’re gonna be in San Diego take a walk-through Balboa Park. It has so much to offer from our architecture water features restaurants picnic areas, bike trails theaters you can even catch a show in the park, sometimes depend on the time of the year Panama 66 restaurant was amazing. You must see it at night the way they have strategically place lights makes you feel like you’re in another place another time. It is a very romantic place.

Went here for an Ichiko Aoba performance and the acoustics were great. I didn't realize that the theater is over 100 years old until I went and saw the signs saying as much. It's a really nice venue.

Excellent show! Very streamlined and the process of entering and finding your seats is simplistic. Small venue but really nice, comfy and intimate. Great customer service, friendly staff and a beautiful place. First time here and will definitely return. Recommend this place.

A nice looking theater, although some of the hallways are a bit narrow when there's a full house. The balcony and the mezzanine are really the same, with the balcony simply being further back and higher up the incline, versus being its own third tier/level of seats. If you want a good overall view of the whole stage, try and pick up seats at the very front of the mezzanine. On busy days, I recommend that you pre-purchase nearby parking.

Beautiful concert venue! To save on parking, we parked in the neighborhood above Little Italy and walked about 20 minutes down to the venue. It was way less stressful than trying to find a parking spot downtown! Our concert started at 8:00pm and even though the ticket distributor recommended arriving at 7:00, we walked up to security around 7:45 and there was no line, no wait, and a super easy walk up to our seats. The staff and security kept walkways clear and flow of traffic smooth. Our seats were way up in the nosebleeds but we didn’t mind! The sound quality was still great and we had a wonderful time. If you are sensitive to loud noise/heavy bass, bring a pair of ear plugs because it gets LOUD! Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained. We thought getting out from the very top balcony of the venue would take forever, but with the many exit options, it only took about 20 minutes to get outside. Great work Balboa Theater team! We hope to visit this venue again sometime soon.

I’ve been to this theatre several times, and always had a good experience. It’s beautiful, and a somewhat smaller, intimate venue compared to the Civic Theater in San Diego. They have a small bar in the lobby during certain performances. The only drawback I’ve experienced is having to go down a lot of stairs to get to the restroom.