Take in the SoCal Sunsets Like a Local
Written By: Diego E. Gaxiola Best Orange County Rooftops
With the seemingly endless amount of places to take in gorgeous views around Orange County, it can be a challenge deciding what spot to explore next. Check out our list of seven locations sure to astound anyone in the need for the quintessential Orange County rooftop experience.
Best Orange County Rooftops
Meet Me by the Pool
This luxury Irvine apartment community is home to an alluring third floor deck of high-end amenities. Residents can lounge on stylish couches while enjoying outdoor beats and picturesque views of the sunset and city skyline. Whether you socialize with neighbors by the pool and spa, unwind in the fitness studio, or spend a day of dining and shopping at South Coast Plaza, Astoria offers the amenities you desire and an address you want.
Native Knowledge: If your preferred mode of transportation happens to be by helicopter, the two higher rooftop areas are helipads so you can arrive just like James Bond.
Astoria at Central Park West
401 Rockefeller
Irvine, CA 92612
949.385.6074
Spice Up Your Life
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Located in the heart of Laguna, Mozambique offers a versatile menu inspired by the mouthwatering cuisine of the South African coastline. One of Mozambique’s signature ingredients is Peri-Peri, a spice created from chiles found in multiple countries in Africa. Aside from the delicious food and drink menus, Mozambique offers a stunning rooftop dining area with romantic views of the Pacific Ocean. Date night every night?
Native Knowledge: A big favorite off the menu, according to staff, are the Peri-Peri Prawns, served with a fresh and fruity salsa!
Mozambique
1740 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.715.7777
I Sea You
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Ideally located in Downtown Laguna, Skyloft boasts panoramic views of the beach and beyond. The California barbecue-style menu offers an array of shared plates, hearty sandwiches—all about that brisket—and fresh salads. Need something to chow down on while taking in the views? Go for the stuffed avocado appetizer, complete with chilled shrimp, mango peppers and cajun aioli black sesame seeds.
The Skyloft in Laguna
422 S Coast Hwy
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.715.1550
#InstaGoals
Located within the luxe grounds of the Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach, Tanner’s sophisticated, modern design and uber-hip atmosphere distinguishes this location as a must-see rooftop in Orange County. The menu features Southern California-inspired classics, including the drool-inducing fried calamari dish, served with sriracha, apricot jam and pickled Fresno chilis. You can even take in the early morning glow via their breakfast menu, which starts at 7 a.m. We’re talking grub like French toast with Nutella. On our way!
Native Knowledge: Watch the sun say goodnight next to one of the fire pits to keep warm.
Tanner’s
21080 Pacific Coast Hwy
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
714.698.6130
Best Orange County Rooftops
Uh Huh, Honey
Hive & Honey is Irvine’s newest rooftop bar, located on the 16th floor of the beloved Marriott Irvine Spectrum. From the cozy fire pit lounge area to the unparalleled views of the ever-expanding Irvine skyline, this rooftop is spectacular. If you’re feeling hungry, check out the turkey meatballs topped with buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles. The cocktail list is nothing to ignore either. Sip on a classic Aperol Spritz or one of their craft drinks, like The Bee and the Monk, with vodka, honey syrup, lemon juice and carbonated turmeric-coconut water. Cheers!
Native Knowledge: Worried about expensive hotel parking? They’re valet only, but Hive & Honey offers parking validations upon request.
Hive & Honey
7905 Irvine Center Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
949.759.0200
Best Orange County Rooftops
Drink Up!
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Located in historic Downtown Santa Ana, Native Son Alehouse is all about kicking back, relaxing and taking in some “you” time, complete with exciting views of the buzzing Fourth Street scene, which some might call the main artery of Downtown Santa Ana. Native Son’s tap selection includes 27 rotating taps, featuring some of the finest local craft beers in Southern California. We’re here for the El Segundo Brewing Co.’s sips or the Nitro Stout from Modern Times Beer.
Native Knowledge: If you want something other than beer, have no fear. By popular demand, they brought back the “Spanish Coke,” which is a frozen concoction that straddles the line between a Sangria and Vermouth.
Native Son Alehouse
305 E 4th St, Ste 200
Santa Ana, CA 92701
714.204.0337
Best Orange County Rooftops
High Five
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Upscale modern digs meet R&R at The Fifth, a five-thousand square foot, open-air rooftop restaurant and bar with phenomenal city views, and the only of its kind in Anaheim. The diverse menu consists of noms from loaded ahi street tacos to California bruschetta. Before heading over, be sure to check out The Fifth’s online calendar to see what exciting talent is set to perform during your next night out on the town. Guests love Wine and Whiskey Wednesdays from 5-11 p.m. The deal includes $25 whiskey flights and 50 percent of bottles of wine. And if cocktails are more your jam, the night also offers $2 off whiskey-based drinks.
Native Knowledge: Thanks to the Fifth’s close proximity to The Disneyland Resort, those enjoying the restaurant and bar can also admire the firework show the theme park hosts nightly around 9:30 PM. And a word to the wise, they’re closed on Mondays.
The Fifth
1650 S Harbor Blvd, Ste G
Anaheim, CA 92802
714.772.0899