Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

Top of the Hyatt

Raise your glass and sip in style with a spectacular view 40 stories above San Diego Bay atop the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer dramatic, panoramic views of the city, Coronado Island and beyond.

Where: 1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA  92101

Harbor & Sky

Sip cocktails overlooking the bay at Harbor & Sky, the in-house bar at the Residence Inn San Diego Downtown/Bayfront hotel. At what’s described as “San Diego’s chillest rooftop bar and lounge,” guest can enjoy flatbreads, sandwiches and salads with a craft cocktail in hand.

Where: 900 Bayfront Court, San Diego, CA 92101

Layover

The food and beverage offerings at the chic Intercontinental San Diego hotel are boundless, and Layover is no exception. With the place’s prime views of San Diego International Airport, you can watch planes take off and land from the comfort of this fourth-floor hideaway.

When: 901 Bayfront Court, San Diego, CA 92101

Rustic Root

Rustic Root showcases a dynamic, rustic American cuisine where dishes are rooted in tradition yet have an inventive, modern flair. The signature drink menu concentrates on timeless cocktail classics, with creative options for playful drinkers such as the craft cocktail shots — sip-size versions of the originals finished with curated garnishes.

Where: 535 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Float

Nestled in an oasis-like setting atop the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, Float has it all: the fire pits and pool, the gorgeous views, amazing cocktails, copious amounts of flat-screens, non-stop action, and private cabanas.

Where: 207 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

The Rooftop by STK

The exclusive Andaz San Diego is home to downtown's largest and one of the best rooftop bar. Whether you want to shake it all night to the beats of hand-picked guest DJs or relax by the pool against the stunning backdrop of the San Diego skyline, the Andaz's The Rooftop by STK has you covered. Ramp it up a notch and order bottle service delivered to your private cabana.

Where: 600 F St, San Diego, CA 92101

The Nolen

From high atop The Nolen, take in panoramic views of downtown, the Coronado Bay Bridge and Petco Park while sipping on a craft cocktail and nibbling on comfort food-inspired plates with a selection of greens, flatbreads and snacks.

Where: 453 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Leave of Absence

At the Kimpton Alma Hotel, you’ll find Leave of Absence, which boasts “the best rooftop pizza in town.” Their menu also offers diners margaritas, mimosas and cocktails such as the Morning Ritual, made with Irish whiskey, Spanish cordial, cold brew and coconut rum cream.

Where: 1047 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

5 O'Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar

Located on the fourth floor of the rebranded Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter (formerly the Kimpton Hotel Solamar), the 5 O'Clock Somewhere Bar – named for a signature Jimmy Buffett song – is a rooftop oasis with an inviting beach-y vibe, a sparkling pool and great views of the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter.

Where: 435 6th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101

The Pool House

Boasting beautiful views of the Gaslamp Quarter, The Pool House at Pendry San Diego is a rooftop lounge embodying the essence of the Southern California lifestyle. Light, contemporary, and open-air, the indoor/outdoor space is perched above the Gaslamp’s famed 5th Avenue and plays host to relaxed daytime and evening events featuring a signature bar and cocktail experience for poolside guests.

Where: 550 J Street San Diego, California 92101

East Village/Petco Park

Altitude Sky Lounge

Living up to its name in more ways than one, Altitude Sky Lounge lays claim to being the highest of all San Diego's rooftop bars and maybe one of the best rooftop bars, especially if you are a Padre fan. Perched atop the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter at 22 stories above street level, Altitude offers fantastic views of downtown, San Diego Bay, and Petco Park. It's the ideal place to sip a cocktail while watching a Padres game or relax with a beer and take in the sights.

Where: 660 K St, San Diego, CA 92101

Borrego

The Hotel Indigo's version of a rooftop bar comes in the form of Borrego. It's actually the picture-perfect place to begin a night out on the town, because nothing goes better with cocktails and conversation than a stunning San Diego sunset.

Where: 509 9th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Fairweather

Nestled in the East Village above the restaurant Rare Form, Fairweather's patio bar pays homage to San Diego's amazing climate with "drinks from sunny places" including daiquiris and piña coladas, mai tais and zombies.

Where: 793 J St, San Diego, CA 92101

Little Italy

Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar

Nestled on the 3rd floor rooftop of the Hotel Republic San Diego in Little Italy, this bar is a visionary fusion of extraordinary cocktails and glittering views. Here you'll find an ambience that combines coastal chills and downtown thrills with cozy fire pits and laid-back lounging space. Make the night special with friends in a private cabana and toast to the nightly sunset ritual by the bonfire.

Where: 421 West B St, San Diego, CA 92101

Glass Door

Perched atop the Porto Vista Hotel, Glass Door offers an assortment of craft cocktails and beers to complement a full menu of seafood and other cuisine, inspired by the worldly flavors of culinary capitals from around the world — all served with a panoramic view of San Diego Bay.

Where: 1835 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101

Kettner Exchange

This Little Italy open-air rooftop lounge offers a unique variety of libations including boutique wines, craft and classic cocktail decanters and self-serve beer taps located right inside private cabanas.

Where: 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

Born and Raised

While you are waiting for your table or just looking for drink, head up the stairs of Born and Raised for local cocktail and gorgeous panoramic views of Little Italy.

Where: 1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101

Coco Maya

Palm trees, tropical touches and top-notch cuisine reign at Coco Maya. The place’s menu offers Latin-inspired classics in a hip, open-air environment.

Where: 1660 India St. San Diego, CA 92101

Above Ash Social

This rooftop lounge at the boutique Carte Hotel offers guests and visitors an intimate space to sip cocktails fireside while enjoying shareable bites such as Black Garlic Hummus and Crispy Pork Belly.

Where: 401 Ash St. San Diego, CA 92101

Hillcrest/Uptown

Mister A's

An elegant rooftop experience, Mister A's offers panoramic views of Downtown, Balboa Park and San Diego Bay. Known for great food, stylish ambience and a buzz-worthy happy hour, Mr. A's is a fine spot to enjoy a romantic night out. Mister A's is a classy, upscale restaurant and one of the best rooftop bars and dining places in San Diego. They now have a lovely bar area too with rooftop access and specialties, making this rooftop restaurant very unique and one of a kind.

Where: 2550 5th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103

Kairoa Brewing Co.

For Kiwi-inspired eats served on a lush rooftop, a visit to Kairoa is a must. The brewery/restaurant offers plenty of beers to wash down their mouthwatering menu of shareable bites and hearty main courses. Don’t skiptheir vegan spring rolls, served with a tasty Thai peanut sauce.

Where: 4601 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92116

La Jolla

George's at the Cove

Considered one of San Diego's best rooftop restaurant and dining locales, George’s is a great place to grab a bite alfresco and enjoy the Ocean Terrace overlooking picturesque La Jolla Cove. House specialties include a range of unique vodka infusions and new twists on the traditional, including the seasonal Caipirinha.

Where: 1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Dukes La Jolla

Treat your guests to some of the most spectacularly sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean overlooking the La Jolla Cove at Duke’s. A variety of menus are available, all featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, sustainable seafood and premium steaks.

Where: 1216 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Catania

Located on the top floor of the redesigned La Plaza center in La Jolla, Catania dishes up authentic Italian coastal cuisine, Italian-inspired cocktails and fine wines in a relaxed, yet elevated setting featuring panoramic ocean views of La Jolla Cove.

Where: 7863 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037

Mission Bay & Beaches

Cannonball

Besides the delicious California cuisine, Pacific Rim influences and sushi, this oceanfront restaurant at Belmont Park serves up some of the best views in Mission Beach. Sip on refreshing, seasonally inspired craft cocktails while soaking up the essence of this bustling, beautiful San Diego boardwalk oasis.

Where: 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109

Pacific Beach Ale House

Located in the heart of Pacific Beach, Pacific Beach AleHouse epitomizes the Southern California lifestyle, with great music, a stylish and relaxed atmosphere, spectacular sunset views over the Pacific Ocean, and of course a full suite of craft beer selections brewed onsite by the AleHouse’s in-house brew masters.

Where: 721 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

Amplified Ale Works

Also in Pacific Beach, Amplified is an ocean-view gastropub and craft brewery serving fresh, Mediterranean-inspired dishes alongside craft beer and wine. This San Diego restaurant has a rooftop deck with sunset views.

Where: 4150 Mission Blvd, Unit 208, San Diego, CA 92109

Ocean Beach Brewery

The third floor is the crown jewel at Ocean Beach Brewery, with a rooftop deck that affords panoramic views of the ocean, the OB Pier and the surrounding Ocean Beach and Point Loma landscapes. This San Diego rooftop oasis was designed to be the highest point in Ocean Beach, and provides a spectacular view unmatched in the neighborhood.

Where: 5041 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107

El Prez

El Prez is just the place to enjoy a rooftop view of the Pacific while chowing down on gourmet tacos made with fresh local ingredients and served in house-made tortillas. Make sure to grab a drink from the El Prez bar, which features a large selection of tequilas and 18 beers on tap.

Where: 4190 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109