Complete guide

Rooftop bars San Diego

2023 update
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Rooftop grade 8/10
Rooftop Bar San Diego
Courtesy of The Nolen Rooftop Bar

San Diego Rooftop Guide

By:Rikard Fredricson
Updated:September 2, 2023
San Diego rooftop map

With a year-round warm climate and relaxing oceanside vibes, San Diego is pretty much a perfect rooftop city. But which is the best rooftop bar San Diego?

This compete guide will help you find out, packed with all the info you need about each elevated venue: opening hours, dress code, pics, maps and much more. From stylish rooftop lounges in the Gaslamp and Downtown district, to relaxing terraces in La Jolla and Pacific Beach. Just scroll down and find the San Diego rooftop bar best suited for you.

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The list

21 best rooftop bars in San Diego

Rooftop bar San Diego The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific in San Diego
1

The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific
$$$ | 6th floor | Oceanside
  • Highlights
  • Coastline views
  • Sultry sunsets
  • Live DJs

Found just by the beach in Oceanside, on the sixth floor of Mission Pacific Hotel, The Rooftop Bar invites to expansive views and gorgeous sunsets. Experience lounge seating, a vibrant pool deck, service by the bottle, craft cocktails and Mediterranean-isnpired small bites. Savor the sounds of live DJs and vibrant music as you marvel at Oceanside's coastline with a drink in hand. Everything is possible at this rooftop clubhouse, open from day to night.

Everything you need to know
Rooftop bar San Diego The Nolen Rooftop Bar in San Diego
2

The Nolen Rooftop Bar
$$$ | 14th floor | Gaslamp Quarter
  • Highlights
  • Crafted cocktails
  • Panoramic sunset views
  • Relaxed & stylish

Modern and trendy, The Nolen rooftop bar offers spectacular city views, from the Coronado Bridge to Point Loma. Located 14 floors up in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego, The Nolen specializes in stunning and well-crafted cocktails. A true paradise for cocktail-lovers, with selections ranging from timeless classics to Nolen Originals. Complemented with a set of delicious bar bites, beautiful in design, and a sophisticated and swanky lounge in ambience, this is a perfect spot for a fun night out with a group of friends.

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Rooftop bar San Diego Cannonball in San Diego
3

Cannonball
$$$ | 2nd floor | Mission Beach
  • Highlights
  • Signature cocktails
  • Ocean views
  • Sushi

San Diego's largest oceanfront rooftop and a fantastic venue, especially if you are a fan of great sushi and panoramic ocean views. Located right on Mission beach, the rooftop terrace might only be two floors up, but it still offers one of San Diegos best ocean views. Spacious and modern, Cannonball rooftop offers lots of different seatings, from regular dining tables to cosy lounge areas with fire-pits. Casual, relaxing and fun in vibe, this rooftop almost feels like a beach club, and some evenings local live bands play.

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Rooftop bar San Diego Seneca Trattoria in San Diego
4

Seneca Trattoria
$$$$ | 19th floor | Downtown
  • Highlights
  • Roman trattoria
  • Panoramic views
  • Lush terrace

Floating high above San Diego, Seneca Trattoria invites to a true Roman holiday, with panoramic San Diego Bay views. Elegant, timeless and lush, the indoor-outdoor rooftop aims to merge the dogmatic approach of Roman cooking with the amazing abundance of ingredients available in San Diego. This means classic Roman dishes with a modern flair served as lunch and dinner, complemented with crafted cocktails, local beer and a fine selection of wines.

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Rooftop bar San Diego The Rooftop by STK in San Diego
5

The Rooftop by STK
$$$$ | 7th floor | Gaslamp District
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop pool
  • Panoramic views
  • Restaurant + bar

Located on the 7th floor of Andaz San Diego, The Rooftop by STK offers an absolutely magical 360-degree view of the San Diego skyline. Both rooftop restaurant and bar, offering American fare with a creative SoCal twists from breakfast and onwards, along with a wide range of signature cocktails, local beers on draft, wines and bottle service. Relaxing and elevated lounge on weekdays, while on weekends the space transforms into a high-energy, chic nightclub. Also home to one of San Diego's best rooftop pools, available to hotel guests or by renting a cabana.

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Rooftop bar San Diego Level 9 Rooftop Bar in San Diego
6

Level 9 Rooftop Bar
$$$ | 9th floor | Gaslamp Quarter
  • Highlights
  • Signature cocktails
  • Petco Park views
  • Fire pits

Currently closed for renovations, set to relaunch April 1.

A classic and lovely lounge spot, located on the 9th floor of Hotel Indigo in the Gaslamp Quarter of downtown San Diego. From the the stylish terrace you get a spectacular view of the city skyline and PETCO Park stadium. The wooden deck rooftop is open-air and very charming, decorated with a mix of classic lounge sofas and bar stools, cosy fire-pits and a cool outside bar. Here you can order delicious and imaginative signature cocktails, exciting crafted brews and some tasty bar bites.

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Rooftop bar San Diego Lumi Rooftop in San Diego
7

Lumi Rooftop
$$$ | 4th floor | Gaslamp Quarter
  • Highlights
  • Japanese-inspired
  • Vibrant
  • Artful

Lumi Rooftop brings an artful, energetic and elevated rooftop restaurant and bar experience to the heart of downtown San Diego. The spacious venue mixes covered dining tables and al fresco lounge seating with colorful murals, fire-pits and pink neon lighting. In a glamorous setting, here you can indulge in creative Japanese fare created by the Michelin Star Chef Akira Back, along with a selection of unique Japanese-inspired cocktails and an extensive array of sake. Come for a stylish after-work dinner and drinks, or really vibrant weekends.

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Rooftop bar San Diego ALTITUDE Sky Lounge in San Diego
8

Altitude Sky Lounge
$$$ | 22nd floor | Gaslamp Quarter
  • Highlights
  • Fire pits
  • Petco Park views
  • Vibrant

Altitude is a stunning San Diego rooftop bar, that with its double-terrace setup offers one of the most impressive views the city has to offer. From one terrace you can catch beautiful sunsets over the ocean and Coronado Island, and also see into the Petco Park arena, and from the smaller terrace on the opposite side you get lovely vistas over the skyline. Decorated with lounge sofas, cosy fire-pits and front row bar stool seats, the rooftop has a vibrant, sophisticated atmosphere, perfect for fun after works, weekend vibes or just some relaxed lounging.

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Rooftop Bar Garibaldi in San Diego
9

Garibaldi
$$$ | 3rd floor | Downtown
  • Highlights
  • Italian-inspired
  • Rooftop restayrant & bar
  • Speakeasy style

Located on the San Diego waterfront, at the InterContinental San Diego, Garibaldi comes with Mediterranean vibes and fantastic views over San Diego Bay. The speakeasy-style rooftop bar and restaurant offers both food and drinks filled with Italian inspiration. From handmade pastas and local seafood, to crafted cocktails, a selection of Italian beer and regional wines. Trendy yet relaxing atmosphere, the rooftop is open most nights for dinner and drinks, and during spring and summer also for weekend brunch.

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Rooftop Bar Catania in San Diego
10

Catania
$$$ | 3rd floor | La Jolla
  • Highlights
  • Italian restaurant
  • Sunset views
  • Great atmosphere

A charming and genuine Italian rooftop restaurant and bar, located on top of the La Plaza shopping center in La Jolla. Stylish and modern in decor, the indoor reastaurant expands to a lovely rooftop terrace with both dining area and a more narrow part with a cool, dual indoor-outdoor bar. Open seven days a week, Catania offers authentic Italian coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner, an Italian wine & craft beer program and cocktails like 'Santa Maria' and 'Amalfi Coast'. Complemented with ocean views and a relaxed and friendly vibe.

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Rooftop Bar SKA Bar in San Diego
11

SKA Bar
$$$ | 4th floor | Normal Heights
  • Highlights
  • Laid back
  • 360° views
  • Craft cocktails

Located in the lively and trendy Normal Heights neighborhood, SKA Bar offers cocktails, food, vibes and views over several levels. While the ground floor dining room and bar is open and airy, the real al fresco vibes are found an elevator ride away, up on the 2 500-square-foot rooftop terrace. Surrounded with amazing and panoramic 360-views, this is a laid back and urban oasis where you can indulge in a large selection of signature craft cocktails, crafted beers and an Asian-inspired menu of small plates.

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Rooftop bar Rustic Root in San Diego
12

Rustic Root
$$$ | 2nd floor | Gaslamp Quarter
  • Highlights
  • Traditional & creative tastes
  • Friendly & buzzing
  • Weekend brunch

Rustic Root is a buzzing and friendly San Diego rooftop bar and restaurant, located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Set in a two story building on Fifth Ave, here you can enjoy a food- and drink menu that is rooted in tradition, yet has a modern and creative flare and features high-quality ingredients. Either inside or up on the modern yet whimsical rooftop terrace. Gather some friends and enjoy happy hour cocktails, late night vibes or a weekend brunch.

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Rooftop Bar Mister A's in San Diego
13

Mister A's
$$$$ | 12th floor | Bankers Hill
  • Highlights
  • Fine dining restaurant
  • Panoramic views
  • Sunday brunch

Located in downtown San Diego, just west of Balboa Park, this may very well be the best place in the city to combine fine dining with views to die for. Long time runner and famous for it’s attentive service, fantastic food and beautiful views, the terrace at Mister A's also offers a chance to catch the airplanes landing and taking of from San Diego airport. Serving crafted cocktails, a top-rated wine list and modern American cuisine as dinner, Friday lunch and Sunday brunch, Mister A's is a great spot for celebrating special occasions.

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Rooftop Bar Born & Raised in San Diego
14

Born & Raised
$$$$ | 2nd floor | Little Italy
  • Highlights
  • Upscale
  • Steakhouse
  • Crafted seasonal cocktails

Found in the Little Italy area of San Diego, Born & Raised is one of the most impressive spots in town to enjoy dining and drinking. From the ground floor dining room to the top floor rooftop terrace. The glamorous interior comes packed with classic elegance, and the lantern-lit rooftop is not far behind. Velvet chairs, plaid booths and a marble bar sets the tone, overlooking the Little Italy rooftops. The restaurant serves modern Steakhouse dishes of the highest class, while the rooftop bar is a great option to enjoy selections of crafted seasonal cocktails just about as good as the food.

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Rooftop bar Upper East Bar in San Diego
15

Upper East Bar
$$$ | 4th floor | Gaslamp Quarter
  • Highlights
  • Rooftop pool
  • Signature cocktails
  • Newly re-styled

Both a relaxing poolside lounge and a trendy rooftop bar, perched on the 4th floor of the Kimpton Solamar Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. Aiming to be an exclusive VIP-destination, but in the friendliest and most accessible way possible, this spacious roof terrace is now one of the more stylish San Diego has to offer. Open daily and decorated with stylish lounge sofas, cosy fire pits, private cabans and a beautiful rooftop pool. Enjoy a full day of lounging or visit for signature cocktails, bites from the ground floor restaurant Jsix and outdoor games.

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Rooftop bar Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar in San Diego
16

Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar
$$$ | 3rd floor | Downtown
  • Highlights
  • Contemporary cocktails
  • Topside yoga
  • Weekend brunch

Located at the Hotel Republic San Diego, not on top, but as a spacious 3rd floor terrace. Specializing in happy hour, small bites, and weekend brunch, this rooftop lounge is a relaxing oasis in the heart of downtown San Diego, offering cool views amid the city sky scrapers. Open daily and to all, Topside Terrace is trendy in decoration with its lounge couches, fireplaces and cabanas. Relaxing and chill in vibe, this is a great spot for a pre dinner cocktail, long and loungy hours in the sun or for a great rooftop brunch.

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Kettner Exchange in San Diego
17

Kettner Exchange
$$$ | 2nd floor | Little Italy
  • Highlights
  • Handcrafted cocktails
  • Great ambience
  • Weekend brunch

Great in design and atmosphere, Kettner Exchange is a trendy and chic rooftop bar and restaurant, located in the Little Italy part of downton San Diego. Boasting two levels of outdoor and indoor drinking and eating, the views are not panoramic, but location near the airport means can catch airplanes flying over the terrace, which is cool. Maybe not reason enough to visit, but the wide-range food menu o new American dishes and cocktail list of hand-crafted and creative creations sure are. Beautiful and trendy, but managing to also be fun and friendly.

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Rooftop bar Fairweather in San Diego
18

Fairweather
$$$ | 2nd floor | Gaslamp Quarter
  • Highlights
  • Park-views
  • Intimate & laidback
  • Crafted cocktails

Located just by Petco Park, the intimate and laidback Fairweather rooftop bar is somewhat a hidden gem. Mediterranen-styled in decoration, the rooftop terrace is a great and relaxing spot to enjoy the warm San Diego climate and cool views over the stadium and the greenery of the Park at the Park. The rooftop bar offers unique and hand-crafted cocktails, as well as a gastropub style food menu. A top venue for pre- or post baseball game drinks, but also just about anytime for fine vibes, cocktails and views

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Rooftop bar Ocean Beach Brewery in San Diego
19

Ocean Beach Brewery
$$ | 3rd floor | Ocean Beach
  • Highlights
  • Brew pub
  • Ocean views
  • Vibrant & rustic

The vibrant Ocean Beach Brewery occupies a three story building on Newport Avenue, where the real gem is the top floor rooftop deck. The charming and rustic terrace offers some fantastic panoramic views over the ocean, the Ocean Beach Pier and the surrounding neighborhood. While trying one of the unique OB brews is almost mandatory, the menu also includes a large selection of wine and cocktails, as well as tasty, pub-style food. If you want to go out with your loved ones, going to some of the best California beach resorts for families is a great way to spend quality time while enjoying the beautiful beaches and numerous family-friendly activities.

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Rooftop bar San Diego Float in San Diego
20

Float
$$$ | 4th floor | Gaslamp Quarter
  • Highlights
  • Night time DJs
  • Rooftop pool
  • Festive atmosphere

Perched on the 4th floor of the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, this large rooftop bar overlooks the Gaslamp Quarter's. The terrace comes with a stylish rooftop pool, private cabanas and a lounge area with comfy sofas and fireplaces. A stylish oasis during daytime, where you can lounge poolside or rent private cabanas for rooftop swimming. Higher vibes with live DJs and a trendy crowd during evening, and also during the summer Saturday's 'Liquid Sunshine' pool party.

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Rooftop bar San Diego Level 4 Pool Deck and Lounge in San Diego
21

Level 4 Pool Deck and Lounge
$$$ | 4th floor | Downtown
  • Highlights
  • Pool parties
  • Great cocktails
  • Summer hot-spot

Spacious and stylish terrace, complete with one of the best rooftop pools San Diego has to offer. Located at the Hotel Palomar in downtown, the pool is open year round to guests staying at the hotel, while the rooftop bar is seasonal, and a real summer hot-spot. Four levels up, the terrace is surrounded by sky scrapers and decorated with a mix of comfy sun beds and stylish lounge furniture. The rooftop bar offers delicious and well-made cocktails along with tasty bites along with weekend vibes under the San Diego summer sun.

Everything you need to know
Rikard Fredricson
Rikard Fredricson

Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.

San Diego Rooftop Map
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City info

Rooftop bar San Diego

Rooftop-grade: 8/10

Prime season: all year

Residents: 1,3 millions

Climate: subtropical steppe

Which are the best rooftops in San Diego? This complete guide will help you find the best rooftop bars in San Diego. The temperature here is between 15-25 degrees celsius all year round, resulting in that the best rooftop bars in San Diego can stay open all year.

The downtown San Diego rooftop bars are often luxurious, with magical views of the city skyline. From some terraces the view is often over the baseball stadium, so you might actually catch a glimpse of some live baseball.

Given the nice climate, the city's skyscrapers and the fantastic atmosphere in California, San Diego is a superb city regarding rooftop bars.

The roof terraces in San Diego are very popular, and you do best in booking a table in advance when trying to visit any of these view spots.

At our map on this site you can find the best rooftop bars in San Diego that are closest to your location. A typical San Diego rooftop is located at a hotel or restaurant, with a locely ocean view.

About San Diego

San Diego is located in southwestern California right on the Pacific Ocean and the border with Mexico. It counts as America's 8th largest city. Given the proximity to Mexico, the Mexican culture has put a bit of a mark on the city. In the southern parts of the city, Spanish is the most common language.