Celebrate the Season With a Sky-High Soiree on One of These Trendy Rooftops
San Diego may be known for its laid-back surf scene and fish tacos, but the city is no stranger to a swanky rooftop rendezvous. For lucky San Diego dwellers, the selection of sky-high bars and restaurants is only expanding. From hotspots with beautifully crafted cocktails to those with unbeatable ocean views, we have you covered with a complete list of the most stunning and fun rooftops in San Diego.
5 oāClock Somewhere Bar at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter
Itās only fitting that the vibrant rooftop bar perched atop Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter gives guests full permission to sip and savor a frozen concoction that will transport you to paradise from day to night. Overlooking the Gaslampās urban cityscape, 5 oāClock Somewhere Bar feels more like a beach house with festoon lighting, live music and shady cabanasānot to mention cocktails that offer a taste of the tropics, like the Ocean Spritz and Coco Cabana.Ā
You cannot have a hotel called Margaritaville without a fantastic special on margaritas and their $5 house margaritas on Mondayās from 5-10 p.m. will cure your case of the Monday blues. And did we mention Yappy Hour? Bring your furry friend to the dog-friendly terrace on Thursdays from 4-6 p.m., and enjoy the views while your pup chows down on bites from the special doggy menu. If youāre considering a staycation, this urban oasis hotel is just as much for locals as it is for visitors. California, Nevada and Arizona residents can claim the exclusive Good Neighbor Offer, scoring a 25% discount on their San Diego stay!
Location: Gaslamp QuarterĀ Ā
Cannonball
Not only does Cannonball double as a two-level cocktail lounge with some of the best sushi in town, but itās also the largest oceanfront rooftop bar in San Diego. Hugging the Mission Beach coastline, this trendy, modern sushi outpost presents a swanky spread of Japanese fusion fare that ranges from sushi and sashimi to oysters and tuna. Sunsets are the highlight at Cannonball (aside from the omakase experience that features off-the-menu specialties) and are accompanied by the sweet serenades of local musicians at Acoustic Sunsets. This biweekly sundown affair will have you raising one (or two) glasses of Japanese whisky in a toast to a perfect day.
Location: Mission Beach
The Surf Club Oceanside
Live Music. Tacos. Oceanfront views. Sounds like a surf club to us! Locally owned and operated by two Oceanside residents, The Surf Club Oceanside is a true hidden gem with a community focus and a passion for supporting small brands. Pool tables and a full-service restaurant are housed underneath the rooftop lounge, where youāll find local artists performing live tunes during sunset hours. An order of shrimp ceviche, mahi mahi tacos or a TJ street dog is always recommended, each of which pairs perfectly with their rotating selection of local craft beer, canned wine and cocktails.
Location: Oceanside
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Pali Wine Co.
Itās no secret that Little Italy is a mecca for all things Italian fare, and Pali Wine Co. fits right into this chic, urban neighborhood. Embracing a grape-to-glass philosophy, youāll find this crew pouring some of the finest glasses of pinot noir and chardonnay on India Street. This impressive satellite outpost boasts a cozy tasting room tucked underneath a brightly lit rooftop deck, often overtaken by the sound of soulful vinyl sets. Mimicking a European farmers market, seasonal wine-friendly tasting plates like smoked baby artichokes and bluefin tuna tartare will have you wondering if you are in Italy. Donāt skip the Basque cheesecake!
Location: Little Italy
Borrego Rooftop at Hotel Indigo
Thrill seekers will find themselves enthralled by the views from Borrego Rooftop, gazing out over the city skyline and neighboring Petco Park. Perched on the ninth floor of Hotel Indigo, this high-rise wraparound rooftop bar combines luxe city dwelling with the relaxed vibe of SoCal living. Desert decor, geometric accents and lots of cacti resemble the state park that inspires its moniker. Drop by on Local Wednesdays for free chips and salsa and 20% off additional purchases! Might we suggest the Sonoran Sunset cocktail?
Location: Gaslamp QuarterĀ
Tequila Del Cielo Rooftop Lounge
Is it a rooftop lounge or a speakeasy? Itās both! Say hola to Tequila Del Cielo Rooftop Loungeāthe Gaslampās Tulum-inspired rooftop bar on the sixth floor of Mr. Tempo. This open-air speakeasy caters to the āGram with a disco jungle entrance, handmade Caribbean-style swings and walls of pastel florals. Latin and Asian seafood tapas graze the menu, with proteins on the Hibachi grill being a house favorite. As for drinks, few beverages compare to the Cielo Ferris Wheel, a glowing Ferris wheel spinning eight Lemon Drop and Mexican Candy shots. Things tend to get spicy after dark, with bachata and salsa classes held every Wednesday night.
Location: Gaslamp QuarterĀ
The Rooftop by STK
Perched on top of the seventh floor of the Andaz San Diego, The Rooftop by STK boasts the largest rooftop space in the Gaslamp Quarter with stunning views of the San Diego skyline. Grab a table and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and delicious dishes from a menu specially created by Executive Chef Jaime Olivares. We love the Lobster Benedict for brunch (best enjoyed poolside!), but if youāre visiting after hours, the prosciutto artichoke flatbread and short rib tacos make for the perfect afternoon snack or evening appetizer. Pair your pick with one of their signature cocktails, like the cinnamon-spiced Canella Mule, or try the Mighty Midori Sour made with Midori, Chambord, lemon, pineapple and egg white. This starry nightlife spot will sweep you off your feet with its crafty cocktail program and delectable bites. Other highlights include stunning sunsets, beat-slinginā DJs and 4,500 square feet of open space.Ā
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Beach Resort
The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Hotel is Oceansideās sky-high hot spot. This elevated oasis is dressed with bohemian decor and boasts views of rippling blue barrels. Perched above the Oceanside Pier, Mission Pacific Beach Resortās sixth-floor terrace is where guests can enjoy cocktails and light bites from sunrise to sunset. With wellness activities by day and DJ performances at night, youāre in for a memorable day of sun and sippinā. Relax under a cabana around the rooftop pool and choose from a selection of coastal cocktails. Named after the most beloved surf breaks in San Diego, Mission Pacificās The Rooftop Bar makes handcrafted libations that are sure to elevate your seaside experience. Whether enjoying a drink under the sun, watching waves roll in during golden hour or dancing the night away, The Rooftop Bar turns simple pleasures into remarkable experiences.
Location: Oceanside
Garibaldi at InterContinental San Diego
Live out your European dreams without ever leaving San Diego at this waterfront San Diego rooftop. Perched on an open-air terrace at the InterContinental San Diego, Garibaldi provides an al fresco dining experience overlooking the marina. Orange decor and candlelit seating paint a picture of the Italian coastāitās the perfect backdrop for a sunset spritz! For a unique experience, try the Italian Amphora Aged Negroni with Bottega Bacur Gin, Campari and Sardinian sweet vermouth.
Location: Downtown San Diego
Techo Beso at AC Hotel
Ring, ringāTulum is calling! Keeping things cool, stylish and bubbly with beachy textiles, sun loungers and tropical cabanas, Techo Beso at AC Hotel is a slice of paradise in San Diegoās backyard. Rising eight stories above the Gaslamp Quarter, the propertyās wraparound rooftop deck is only the beginning of an exquisite night out. This flirty cocktail bar comes to life with live music from the DJ booth Thursday through Sunday, so you can get down with a view. As for the drinks, housemade syrups are skillfully combined with prosecco and Aperol in creative cocktails like The Envious Angel and Yucatan 75.Ā
Location: Gaslamp QuarterĀ
Rustic Root
Rustic Root turns busy cityscapes into a charming dinner date with brick detailing, cozy fire pits and glowing string lights. The sweeping city views are perfect for enjoying a cocktail or two alongside comforting classics like the Louisiana shrimp and grits and the 28-day dry-aged ribeye. Come back for weekend brunch to try their pancake specialties or unwind on a Tuesday with live acoustic music and half-off bottles of wine. Go ahead and make a reservationāthis is somewhere youāll want to plant roots.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Seneca Trattoria at InterContinental San Diego
Indulge in Italian elegance at San Diegoās top-tier and top-floor urban hideaway. Inspired by old-school cinema and the upscale Italian lifestyle, Seneca Trattoria serves up handmade pastas and classic Negronis in a breezy, open-air setting. As you exit the 19th-floor elevator at the InterContinental San Diego, step into a star-studded room, where youāll find a pair of doors that lead to a lush lounge with tropical greenery, striped awnings and endless bay views. Order from a selection of Italian classics, but donāt leave without ordering the tableside hand-stretched mozzarella.
Location: Downtown San Diego
The Pool House at Pendry San Diego
Between the chic canvas cabanas and the sweeping Fifth Avenue views, there isnāt a more stylish rooftop in the Gaslamp Quarter. The Pool House, located on the top floor of the Pendry San Diego, embodies the essence of the Southern California lifestyle with its open-air design, shimmering pool and chic bartop. Enjoy DJ beats and sunbathing on Sundays or attend The Pool House at Night events on Fridays and Saturdays for dancing and drinks.Ā
Whether youāre a sun-seeker or a night owl, this downtown hotspot offers all the vibes you crave. And in addition to boozy libations and beats, The Pool House also features both a daytime menu of light bites and an after-hours selection of shareable plates. Snack on dishes like crispy seasoned fries, lollipop chicken wings and Maine lobster rolls under the sun and palate-pleasers like Baja shrimp cocktail, big eye poke tartare and the crispy chicken sandwich at dusk. Thereās no better place for a sky-high soiree!
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Birdseye at Cormorant Boutique Hotel
Birdseye at the Cormorant Boutique Hotel is considered to be among the finest jewels of La Jolla, and thanks to the sweeping ocean views and refreshing cocktails, itās easy to see why. Thereās plenty of outdoor seating with the option to lounge under shady umbrellas, and the swaying palm trees and bright blue water set the perfect scene. Enjoy bites like beef empanadas, fried calamari and flatbreads, along with a crisp glass of white wine or a zesty margarita while you enjoy a birdās-eye view of the sweeping La Jolla coastline.Ā
Location: La Jolla
Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge
From the panoramic glass windows to the cozy fire pits, the rooftop at Firehouse in Pacific Beach is the ultimate place to people-watch while taking in coastal views. No matter which time of day you visit, the rooftop can get pretty rowdy, making it a great place to let loose and sip on a Firehouse FrosƩ. Celebrating something special? Book bottle service and dance the night away while enjoying a crisp ocean breeze.
Location: Pacific Beach
Park 101
Since its 2017 debut in downtown Carlsbad, Park 101 has remained one of San Diegoās go-to spots for stiff drinks and good times. This multi-level restaurant and bar boasts 8,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor space to sip, snack, kick back, dance or play gamesāwhatever your vibe may be, Park 101 has it. This impressive venue is just a few blocks from the beach and features two bars, several fire pits, a rooftop with sweeping views and games like cornhole and foosball. Park 101 also boasts an impressive menu of BBQ-meets-Cali cuisine, most of which is prepared using the restaurantās in-house smoker. Feast on favorites like the loaded BBQ mac and juicy pulled pork sandwich, and be sure to check out The Trap Shack for chicken tendies, lobster rolls and more.
Location: Carlsbad
Lumi by Akira Back
Perhaps one of the most eye-catching additions to the San Diego foodie scene, Lumi by Akira Back is high-energy, high-end and high up! The Gaslamp Quarter venue plays host to a 5,000-square-foot rooftop constructed from large granite boulders. Colorful murals, geometric flooring and pops of neon bring the space to life, offering guests a funky yet refined dining experience. The inventive culinary program, spearheaded by acclaimed celebrity chef Akira Back, features an assortment of Japanese dishes, including fresh takes on sushi, ceviche, tempura and more. Lumi is an open-air culinary adventure worth every penny.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Born and Raised
When it comes to grandeur, this high-rolling steakhouse in Little Italy just about takes the cake. No expense was spared when creating this shi-shi 10,000-square-foot space, which happens to house a glass-enclosed dry-aging room and butcher shop. Oh yeah, the rooftopāoops, we almost forgot! After admiring the interior masterpiece that is Born and Raised, saunter upstairs to discover the restaurantās lantern-lit rooftop thatās complete with velvet chairs, plaid booths, climbing trees and brass accents. This city-meets-garden enclave will make you feel like a member of the Hollywood glitterati. Letās just say sexy is an understatement.Ā
Location: Little Italy
Cococabana at The Brick Hotel
We promise youāll feel elite when you sip tropical elixirs in the luxe pink jungle that is Cococabana. Located in Oceansideās historic Brick Hotel is a Caribbean-inspired cocktail bar that opened its doors in the summer of 2022. Enjoy a soft ocean breeze while savoring dishes like fresh-catch ceviche, mojo pork tacos and cocktails like the Pablo Discobar served in, you guessed it, a glittering disco ball. Plus, weekends are made even better with live music and brunch specials. You can even level up with bottomless mimosas or bottomless espresso martinis! Try the Cajun omelette and beignets for breakfast, and thank us later.
Location: Oceanside
The Nolen Rooftop
Situated 14 floors above San Diego, The Nolen Rooftop is an elevated, swanky watering hole with timeless cocktails and breathtaking skyline views that reach as far as the Coronado Bridge. Just a quick elevator ride up to the terrace of the Courtyard Gaslamp will bring you to this open-air lounge, which serves up seasonal food and drinks youāll love. The laid-back yet modern atmosphere makes The Nolen a wonderful spot for a date night or drinks with friends.
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Kettner Exchange
This two-story hub in Little Italy features a rooftop patio lined with intimate cabanas, which are perfect for private parties and smaller celebrations. Industrial lighting, along with wood and nautical accents, create a fashionable yet rustic warehouse vibe. The globally inspired bites and zippy drinks stem from a menu that leans heavily on scotch, mezcal and infused tequilas. If youāre feeling frisky, order the Dirty Verde, made with tequila blanco, poblano chile liqueur, cucumber, lime and paprika oil.
Local Insight: Reserve a cabana for a VIP experience, which includes boutique wines and classic cocktails, along with chefās menu creations.
Location: Little Italy
FLOAT at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
FLOAT is a hip, fourth-floor oasis set atop the Hard Rock Hotel in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Come nighttime, this poolside San Diego rooftop matures into a sophisticated lounge, complete with fire pits, cabanas, flatscreen TVs and scenic views. FLOAT also knows how to host an epic day club experience with their Saturday series called Liquid Sunshine, where everyone is treated like a VIP. With beats, bites, cocktails and plenty of space to soak up the sun, thereās a reason this party has racked up the awards. Gather your crew and cozy up under the stars at this urban lounge in the heart of downtown.Ā
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Georgeās at the Cove
If youāre looking for a beachy-casual experience, head to the ocean terrace at Georgeās at the Cove for panoramic views of La Jolla Cove. This modern seaside restaurant features a full-service bar and daily food and drink specials. Snack on tasty offerings like mussels, seared yellowtail, flat iron steak and more. Look up sunset hour on any given day in La Jolla, then book your reservation accordingly so you can melt into the coastal scenery.
Location: La Jolla
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
