Enjoy a Sea Breeze at These Scenic San Diego Hotspots

Summer’s comin’, which means the weather’s getting warmer, the cocktails are getting colder and the season for alfresco dining is here! Whether you’re looking to grab an après-surf bite on the sand or you prefer a cliff top view of the coast, San Diego is a mecca for dining destinations on the coast. With sweeping coastal vistas and deftly curated seafood menus, these San Diego restaurants with ocean views are as dreamy as they come.

 

Cody’s La Jolla

The quintessential spot for a meal with a view, Cody’s La Jolla will have you diving fork-first into their Chicken Biscuit Sandy faster than you can say “brunch.” Perched above La Jolla Cove’s sandy shores, scalloped umbrellas, wicker barstools and indoor palms make dining at this seaside cottage feel just like breakfast at home—but with an ocean view!

You can bliss out to live music on their rooftop patio while you sip and savor a spicy mango margarita. Their Awesome French Toast needs no further introduction, made from griddled, pillowy slices of challah bread. It’s hard not to be happy with these sparkling vistas. However, just in case you have a touch of the midweek blues, this La Jolla restaurant hosts happy hour every Friday and Saturday from 4-7 p.m. Don’t tempt us with the Baja shrimp ceviche or mini lobster rolls because we simply can’t resist.

 

Cannonball

For all our seafood and sushi connoisseurs out there, we’d like to introduce you to Cannonball. Located at Belmont Park, this is one of the largest oceanfront rooftops in San Diego! Cannonball is perched high above the Mission Beach boardwalk. It is the sushi and sunset dinner-date spot, featuring local San Diego musicians every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-8 p.m. Snag a spot around one of the fire pits during golden hour at this all-outdoor restaurant. Then, enjoy fresh sushi selections like the lobster roll with spicy lobster, yamagobo, tempura, avocado, jalapeños, spicy aioli and eel sauce.

Local Insight: Cannonball also offers a wide selection of beverages, including wine, sake, draft beer, seltzers, cocktails and over 10 different Japanese whiskies. To view the full menu, click here!

Location: Mission Beach

 

Sally’s Waterfront Dining

Sally’s Waterfront Dining has emerged from its glow-up with a sun-kissed swagger and a bold new identity rooted in Baja Med brilliance. Reopening as the crown jewel of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego’s sweeping transformation, Sally’s doesn’t just flirt with the waterfront — it owns it. Sally’s has embraced a fresh, open-air aesthetic that’s all about breezy patio hangs, sparkling harbor views and seafood that tastes like it was caught five minutes ago. The new terrace? It has sprawling bay views, a breeze that whispers “order one more mezcal,” and a front-row seat to the San Diego skyline.

“We’re honoring Sally’s legacy while creating something fresh and exciting for both locals and visitors to discover,” said Dena Roady, Area Vice President and General Manager at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego.

Chef Alvaro Garcia, whose culinary roots span Guatemala to Mission Bay, has crafted a menu that reads like a love letter to coastal California. From grilled Spanish octopus lounging on a bed of ayocote bean purée to a seafood tower that could moonlight as modern sculpture, the flavors are fresh, fearless and totally addictive. Guests can now raise a glass during their Wednesday night “Sunset Salute,” or sip petite cocktails at “Mini Hour” launching this fall.

And that’s not all! Sally’s Waterfront Dining now serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Highlights include the indulgent tres leches French toast, buttery lobster rolls with Meyer lemon aioli, and crispy fish and chips—all served with sweeping marina views.

Local Insight: Sally’s is dog-friendly and has a menu dedicated to keeping your furry friend’s tail wagging. Highlights include the frozen yogurt pawpiscle, turkey treat, and howlin’ good chicken.

Location: Downtown San Diego

 

Oceana Coastal Kitchen at the Catamaran Resort Hotel

One of the best things about San Diego is that no matter what time of year it is, you can almost always dine outside. That’s why at Oceana Coastal Kitchen, outdoor seating is an unequivocal no-brainer! With a salty breeze and the shore only a few steps away, this waterfront San Diego restaurant is a dream. 

Oceana doesn’t just serve lunch and dinner. If you come in the a.m., indulge in their breakfast and brunch offerings. Menu highlights include the Kalua pork Benedict, skillet cinnamon roll and tangy mimosas. Oceana Coastal Kitchen also has weekly specials, including their Maki + Sake deal on Mondays (5:30-7 p.m.). Another choice is their half-priced bottles of wine on Thursdays (6-9 p.m.) with live music. It’s the ideal spot for a first date, girls’ night out and everything in between.

Location: Mission Bay

 

The Marine Room

For a front-row seat to the crashing waves in La Jolla, reserve a table at The Marine Room. This coastal restaurant in San Diego is known for its fine-dining atmosphere, exquisite seafood creations and floor-to-ceiling windows that give way to breathtaking sunset views. With their seafood, produce and meat all sourced locally, The Marine Room serves up a dining experience truly worth every penny. Feast on local bluefin tuna and Peruvian crudo as the coastal views take your breath away.

Local Insight: Don’t miss The Marine Room’s High Tide Dinner Series during the summer! You’ll get a front-row seat to the waves illuminated by a full moon.

Location: La Jolla

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Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, perched on San Diego’s harbor, is a picturesque dining spot that upholds family heritage and serves high-quality seafood selections. Established in 1971 by founder Tom Ham, this waterfront restaurant in San Diego is a well-known favorite. Ham’s family still runs the restaurant, and their renowned seafood brunch on Sundays is a must when in San Diego. Grab a table by the window for epic views of San Diego Bay! Try eggs Benedict with cured ham and buttermilk biscuits. Or, get your fill at the made-to-order pasta station or a raw seafood bar.

Location: Harbor Island

 

George’s at the Cove

If panoramic views of La Jolla Cove and hand-crafted cocktails are up your alley, you need to check out George’s at the Cove. Perched high on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, this multi-level restaurant is the epitome of dinner with a view. With a mind-blowing craft cocktail menu (we love the Citrus Spritz with aperitivo, gin, prosecco and citrus!) and a variety of fresh seafood dishes, George’s at the Cove is well worth a visit.

Local Insight: If you want one of the best seats in the house, book online and choose the Premium Seating option.

Location: La Jolla

 

Dockside 1953 at Bahia Resort

Looking for brunch bites and an unobstructed view of Mission Bay? Snag a table at Bahia Resort’s Dockside 1953. This nautical-inspired restaurant sits practically on the sand and features a beautiful patio with cozy fire pits. Menu highlights include baked crab cakes, coconut snapper ceviche ceviche and a seafood tower that’ll take your breath away. Pair your sea-to-table bites with an imported beer or craft cocktail. We suggest the Bahia Mai Tai for a tropical twist to your evening. With live music, weekly specials and seating just steps from the shore, this waterfront San Diego restaurant offers a true taste of the good life.

Location: Mission Bay

 

Serea Coastal Cuisine

For a true ocean-to-table dining experience, Serea Coastal Cuisine, anchored at the famous Hotel del Coronado, is your best bet. Soak in unparalleled views of Coronado Beach from the two-tiered patio and feast on Chef JoJo Ruiz’s sustainable seafood creations. Start with a round of Kalamata Dirty Martinis, followed by the house focaccia and charcoal grilled octopus. Then, savor a delicious spread of oysters, tuna tartare and caviar (if you’re feeling fancy).

Local Insight: Chef JoJo Ruiz has earned Serea an “Ocean Friendly” certification from the Surfrider Foundation due to his persistence in using eco-friendly supplies. These include biodegradable paper straws and compostable silverware and to-go containers.

Location: Coronado Island

 

VAGA Restaurant & Bar

With dramatic views of the surf and a menu centered around Spanish-style cooking, Encinitas’ VAGA Restaurant & Bar is the escape you’ve been craving. Executive Chef Ananda Bareño’s masterful and meticulously curated menu features an adventurous assortment of shareable starters, steak and seafood entrees, inventive sides and decadent desserts. A window seat here will grant you epic views, but the chef’s counter offers a glimpse into the exhibition kitchen.

Location: Encinitas

 

Bali Hai Restaurant

Bali Hai is a top-tier choice for authentic Polynesian food and mai tais. Enjoy a clear view of San Diego Bay and its vibrant skyline. The decor here leans on the kitchy side, with tiki accents and tropical touches. However, we love the island soul of this Shelter Island haunt. And with small bites like their OG Bali Hali tuna poke, ginger lime coconut shrimp and spicy seasoned Bali fries, Bali Hai will surely set your watch to island time.

Local Insight: Bali Hai has sold over 2.8 million mai tais since it opened in 1954!

Location: Shelter Island

 

JRDN Restaurant

On the ground floor of Pacific Beach’s Tower23 Hotel lies JRDN. This open-air restaurant features an expansive outdoor patio just steps from the sand. In addition, it has a cocktail bar that faces the crashing waves. Diners are spoiled with a prime view of the coastline and the buzzy Pacific Beach boardwalk. Plus, chili mango margaritas and a mouthwatering menu of sushi rolls, steaks and more is at your disposal. The restaurant also offers a stellar happy hour, Monday-Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. Come enjoy $18 glasses of Veuve Clicquot, $13 specialty cocktails and $5 draft beers.

Location: Pacific Beach

 

Wonderland Ocean Pub

Fall down the rabbit hole into Wonderland Ocean Pub in the breezy seaside community of Ocean Beach! With a laid-back bar setting paired with California classic cocktails, this tavern is a genuine oasis. On the menu you’ll find traditional bar bites, seafood specials and a variety of craft and imported beer. The views here are easy on the eyes. You’ll want to go for Mussel Up Mondays (5 p.m. to close), where you can enjoy a pound of local mussels for just $10! Wonderland sits in a breezy upstairs space that overlooks the Ocean Beach Pier. Its one of the best waterfront restaurants in San Diego.

Location: Ocean Beach

 

Birdseye

If views could talk, Birdseye would be shouting “La Jolla forever!” from the rooftop. This elevated gem at the Cormorant Boutique Hotel serves up sweeping coastline scenes, swaying palms and cocktails so crisp you’ll forget about your inbox. The vibe is casual-chic, with plenty of outdoor seating and a cocktail list that favors bold margaritas and fresh-poured wines. As for the food? It’s the kind of coastal-cool menu you’d want to share with friends: empanadas, calamari, flatbreads and just enough spice to keep things interesting. Arrive before sunset, claim a shady spot under a striped umbrella and enjoy your front-row seat to one of La Jolla’s most iconic views.

Location: La Jolla

 

Pacific Coast Grill

If your idea of oceanfront dining involves your toes basically in the sand, Pacific Coast Grill checks every box. This beloved spot in Cardiff has been a local go-to since the ’90s, thanks to its two-level deck seating, award-winning seafood and a menu that reads like a coastal comfort food playlist. Standouts include the Dungeness crab guacamole (yes, it’s as good as it sounds), miso-glazed Chilean sea bass and seared ahi with coconut forbidden rice. Whether you’re brunching with bottomless mimosas, sipping an El Jefe margarita at golden hour or tucking into baby back ribs while watching the waves roll in, this is the place to pause, breathe and eat something unforgettable with the Pacific as your backdrop.

Location: Cardiff-by-the-Sea

 

Poseidon Restaurant Del Mar

Long before the farm-to-table buzzwords and craft cocktail renaissance, there was Poseidon. Perched on the edge of the sand in Del Mar, this iconic eatery has been winning over locals and visitors for decades—thanks in no small part to its unbeatable ocean views and solid seafood game. Lunch is laid-back: think shrimp tacos, fish ‘n’ chips and beachy burgers. By dinner, the vibe shifts just a little more upscale, with globally inspired seafood entrees that blend Mediterranean, Mexican and Pacific Rim flavors. The sustainable seafood ethos here isn’t just for show—it’s the core of the menu, making every bite feel like a small victory for the ocean. Add in a salty breeze and a soundtrack of crashing waves, and you’ve got yourself a classic night out with unbeatable ocean views in San Diego.

Location: Del Mar

 

Garibaldi

Transport yourself to the Amalfi Coast—without ever leaving downtown San Diego. Garibaldi at the InterContinental San Diego oozes Mediterranean elegance with its tangerine-toned decor, breezy terrace seating and glittering marina backdrop. This sky-high gem specializes in Sardinian and Sicilian-inspired dishes—think white sea bass with lemony herb butter or pillowy Sardinian gnocchetti tossed in rich tomato sugo. The cocktails lean coastal and creative (the Amphora-Aged Negroni is a vibe), and happy hour hits just right with $7 plates of calamari and $2 oysters on the half shell. Come for the view, and stay for the Euro-summer energy.

Location: Downtown San Diego

 

Portside Pier

If Portside Pier were a person, it’d be the extrovert in your friend group—lively, good-looking and always up for a rooftop beer. This 42,000-square-foot waterfront destination houses a handful of restaurants and some of the most panoramic bay views in San Diego. The MVP? Brigantine Seafood and Oyster Bar, where locals gather for fresh-shucked oysters, fish tacos that never disappoint and house-brewed drafts from Ketch Brewing. You’ll also find Miguel’s Cocina dishing out killer jalapeño white sauce and street taco platters, Ketch Grill & Taps for beers and breezy hangs, Topsail for fireside cocktails and Portside Coffee & Gelato for a sweet seaside finale. Bonus: there’s a public viewing deck, dock-and-dine access and enough patio seating to catch golden hour in full, uninterrupted glory.

Location: Downtown San Diego