A Drink With a View? We’ll Take Two
Written By: Olivia Hayo San Diego Rooftop Bars
As America’s Finest City, there’s nothing like a San Diego summer. Long days, blue skies and stunning sunsets make it a shame to stay inside. Take your daily cocktail outdoors and experience the sights, sounds and sips at these nine swanky San Diego rooftop bars.
Sippin’ Seaside
Head to Oceanside’s Hello Betty Fish House to soak up the sun and sand, just steps from the pier, with local craft beers, cocktails, tempting tacos and a weekly Trivia Night under the stars. Cool off with a smoky Oaxacan Old-Fashioned or spice it up with a Ring of Fire margarita while you take in panoramic ocean views from the open-seating rooftop lounge.
Hello Betty Fish House
211 Mission Ave
Oceanside, CA 92054
760.722.1008
Can’t Say No(len) to a View Like This
Perched 14 floors above Downtown San Diego, this modern take on a turn-of-the-century cocktail bar will sweep you off your feet with expansive city views and dramatic open-air design. The Nolen is more than meets the eye with spirit-forward drinks featuring local small-batch distilleries and one-of-a-kind blends aged in American oak barrels. You’ll come for the drinks but stay for the food at their sunset hour featuring $6 select sips and snacks.
The Nolen
453 6 Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.796.6536
The Higher the Bar, the Closer to Heaven
Peer over the harbor to Coronado Island or onto the field of Petco Park from this upscale Gaslamp District rooftop lounge. You’ll want to cozy up near the fire pit with fine drinks and tasty flatbreads while you take in the stunning skyline from 22 floors up. Care to dance? Weekly live DJ events keep things spinning under the stars.
Altitude Sky Lounge
660 K St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.446.6086
This Place is Totally #Winning
Step back in time with Little Italy’s rooftop patio lined with intimate cabanas and tasteful nods to San Diego’s nautical past with award-winning design. Minutes from the Embarcadero you’ll feast on innovative dishes — big-eye tuna pizza, duck meatballs, shishito peppers — and savor thoughtful and dynamic cocktails by an award-winning bartender. Fancy more fun? Turn drinks into dinner inside with bay views and a rotating seasonal menu by Iron Chef competitor Brian Redzikowski.
Kettner Exchange
2001 Kettner Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101
619.255.2001
Date Night Done Right
At nine stories up, you’re in the middle of it all at Level 9’s Gaslamp District rooftop. Take in a summer sunset and sip a tropic-inspired cocktail to start your night off right. This relaxed rooftop is the perfect rendezvous with a full bar and daily happy hour specials happening through the week. Or stop in for their Sunday Funday with $6 mimosas and a killer burger-and-beer deal.
Level 9 Rooftop Bar
509 9th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.727.4000
Did Someone Say Day-Drinking?
Every day is a fiesta at El Prez’s boardwalk beach club overlooking Pacific Beach, where the only things they take seriously are tacos, tequila and sunsets. The vibes are as wild as the neon Mexican-styled decor and their house-made tortillas. With 18 brews on tap and popular Peach Better Have My Money cocktails, this sizzling rooftop is essential for way more than just a tan.
El Prez
4190 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
858.750.2512
Splish, Splash
Sunshine awaits at the Pendry’s poolside oasis above the Gaslamp District’s 5th Avenue where locals and hotel guests lunch on a bright contemporary rooftop. In true Southern California style, the menu boasts vegetarian options — coconut ceviche and smashed avocado toast — as well as fish tacos and a Maine lobster roll. Save the splashing for the weekends with exclusive cabanas, luxurious daybeds, and curated beats — be sure to reserve your spot for Sundays this summer.
The Pool House
550 J St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.738.7030
Gossip Girl-Approved
Where the Gaslamp District meets the East Village, take a private elevator to Upper East Bar’s peaceful by day seductive by night cosmopolitan oasis. Sip and savor handcrafted recipes like the Flower Child cocktail — hibiscus flower infused vodka, tangy lime, and fizzy ginger beer — and Yellowtail Ceviche with coconut, citrus, and fiery chili. Book a cabana any day to enjoy refreshing treats poolside to make this spot a summer retreat.
Upper East Bar
435 6th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
619.819.9500
Yoganna Love This Bar
Topside Terrace Kitchen + Bar, Hotel Republic San Diego
Nestled amongst the skyscrapers of downtown’s Columbia neighborhood this open-air lounge delights with bold black and white accents and teak touches. Try the Topside margarita that’s spiced with local chilis and a tajín-dipped rim to go along with the Republic breakfast tamale. Find your flow Saturday mornings with a complimentary rooftop yoga session. Ready, set…ohm.
Topside Terrace Kitchen + Bar, Hotel Republic San Diego
421 West B St
San Diego, CA 92101
619.398.3100