One of the most captivating ways to experience Southern California this summer is from the heights of a San Diego rooftop bar, where you’ll find sweeping coastal views, indulgent cuisine, and vibrant craft cocktails. Cheers!
The Rooftop by STK at Andaz San Diego
Dine alfresco this summer with Andaz San Diego, where The Rooftop by STK will have you soaking up rays all summer long. This San Diego rooftop bar is one of the largest in Gaslamp Quarter, offering incredible sunset views from the top of the seven-story hotel, mouthwatering grub (think burgers, tacos, wings and more), refreshing libations and a DJ spinnin’ your favorite tunes. Unique from other San Diego rooftop bars, The Rooftop by STK is an open space that houses a fully retractable roof and walls in case the weather gets too chilly for guests. The Rooftop by STK is open Sunday to Thursday, from noon to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from noon to 11 p.m. For more information, visit hyatt.com.
Top of the Hyatt at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Perched on the 40th floor of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Top of the Hyatt provides one of the highest and most spectacular vantage points in Southern California. From here, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the city and the bay, making it a favorite for those looking to capture the perfect sunset or take in the ocean below. The San Diego rooftop bar’s refined ambiance matches its selection of upscale cocktails, fine wines and light bites, with an adults-only evening in store after 6 p.m. This stunning destination is open Monday to Sunday, from 3 p.m. to midnight. After 6 p.m., the venue is 21-plus only, with dinner service only available until 10 p.m. For more information, visit hyatt.com.
Cannonball
Enjoy sushi with a splash at Cannonball, the largest oceanfront San Diego rooftop bar. Overlooking the vast of the Pacific Ocean, this oceanic setting features a variety of sushi and Pacific Rim dishes on its chef-driven menu, perfect for sharing with friends as guests relax by one of the multiple fire pits and plush lounge areas. These include classic sushi rolls, sashimi, nigiri, and specialty rolls, including the Oishi Roll with fried oyster, avocado, tuna, cilantro aioli, red tobiko, and cilantro and the Shiromi Roll with crispy calamari, avocado, shiromi, yuzu oil, shishito pepper, and marinated salmon roe. This oceanfront restaurant is open Sunday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit cannonballsd.com.
Cococabana at The Brick Hotel
For a Caribbean-inspired escape, head to Cococabana, the rooftop bar atop The Brick Hotel in Oceanside. This vibrant spot offers sweeping views of Downtown Oceanside and the Pacific Ocean, all while serving up tropical cocktails and tasty small bites like plantain chips and guacamole, tenderloin skewers, tacos, and the staple Cococabana Burger. The bar’s relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal destination for unwinding after a day of exploring the area. Cococabana is open Monday, from 3 to 9 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, from 3 to 10 p.m.; Thursday, from 3 to 11 p.m.; Friday, from 11 a.m. to midnight; Saturday, from 10 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit cococabanaoside.com.
Garibaldi at InterContinental San Diego
A Mediterranean oasis on the third floor of the InterContinental San Diego, Garibaldi is a rooftop bar offering views of the calm waters of the bay below and the city’s bustling skyline. This setting is a prime spot for watching as sailboats glide by with an Aperol spritz in one hand and fresh oysters in another. In addition to fresh seafood, the menu at Garibaldi includes handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and other items inspired by Sicilian and Sardinian cuisine. The Mediterranean spot is open Thursday and Friday, from 4:30 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, from 4 to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, from 4 to 9 p.m. For more information, visit catchgaribaldi.com.
Pali Wine Co.
For wine lovers, Pali Wine Co. in Little Italy offers a charming rooftop setting to enjoy a glass of local wine and take in the vibrant neighborhood atmosphere. This family-owned winery brings a slice of California’s Central Coast to San Diego with a selection of wines from its various labels. The rooftop is a tranquil retreat where guests can relax with a glass of red while watching planes descend and the lively streets below. To enhance your visit, pair your glass with one of the many complementing eats, with options like the Smoked Salmon Bennie Bowl and Churro French Toast drizzled with a spiced orange sauce. This rustic winery is open Monday and Tuesday, from 4 to 9 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday, from 4 to 10 p.m.; Friday, from 2 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, from 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit paliwineco.com.
The Ocean Terrace at George’s at the Cove
The Ocean Terrace, located on the third floor of George’s at the Cove, is a popular rooftop bar in La Jolla for its comfortable year-round climate, stellar fare, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The rooftop’s relaxed vibe complements its Southern California-style menu, which features fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and sweet treats like the fan-favorite Frozen S’more, with chocolate semifreddo, toasted marshmallow, graham cracker, and hot fudge. George’s at the Cove is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit georgesatthecove.com.
Seneca at InterContinental San Diego
Seneca, a trattoria resting atop the 18th floor at InterContinental San Diego, is a Roman-inspired rooftop bar that offers an elevated dining experience with panoramic views of San Diego’s harbor. The bar’s maritime decor and open kitchen create a lively, bustling atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a cocktail or a meal while watching the boats sail by. The menu features a mix of traditional Roman dishes and local seafood, with options like truffle arancini, wood-fired prawns, and traditional takes on pizzas and pasta. This rooftop bar in San Diego is open Sunday to Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit senecatrattoria.com.
Born & Raised
Take a trip to Little Italy for a more lavish San Diego rooftop experience, where Born & Raised showcases the best of traditional Italian fare on its open-air patio. This luxe setting is as impressive as its gourmet menu, with soft string lights, climbing olive groves, gold accents, and marble tables. Born & Raised overlooks India Street, with twinkling skyline views as jets stream by. To eat, guests can indulge in plates from Executive Chef Charleen Sandoval, including the all-new otoro tartare made with locally sourced tuna, tomato confit, sherry gelée, and caviar; the chicken breast with mousseline, jus, beech mushroom, and shallot; and the lamb loin featuring eggplant-basil puree and mint chimichurri. Born & Raised is open Monday to Thursday, from 3 p.m. to midnight; Friday, from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, from 4 p.m. to midnight. For more information, visit bornandraisedsteak.com.