Few things say vacation mode like lounging on a rooftop with a cocktail in hand and the city glowing beneath you. Across the United States, hotels are stepping up their rooftop game with bars that offer panoramic views, luxury vibes, and unforgettable experiences – no Uber required.
From coast to coast, these are some of the best hotels with rooftop bars worth booking your trip around!
Found at the intersection of Michigan Avenue and Wacker Drive, LH Rooftop offers breathtaking views of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan.
The space has three levels, and serves classic cocktails with a modern twist. In the summertime, this is a lively space to enjoy with friends and a must see for those in the Windy City!
Westlight is the rooftop bar perched atop this Williamsburg hotel. It is a glass wrapped bar that allows for incredible views of the Manhattan skyline.
The cocktails lean creative (think Thai basil gin fizzes) and the small plates have global inspirations. The space is upscale, but never pretentious – maybe that's why it's a great venue for dinner dates or casual nights out.
Very few rooftop bars will bring that typical West Coast cool vibe like the High Rooftop Lounge. It looks out over Venice Beach and is one of the best outdoor bars that is not only loved by travelers but locals as well.
With DJs, blankets on those chilly nights, and local brews to sip on, it is easy to understand why people flock here for sunsets.
Looking for tropical drinks with a marina view? The rooftop bar at The Perry Hotel delivers. Live music, ocean breezes, and laid-back vibes set the tone, especially during sunset happy hours. It’s not as well-known as other rooftop bars – which, in our opinion, is exactly the charm.
A true hidden gem, Harriet’s Rooftop offers a breathtaking look at the Brooklyn Bridge and Lower Manhattan. This eco-conscious hotel pairs sustainability with luxury, and the bar serves fresh, seasonal cocktails using locally sourced ingredients.
Many rooftop venues like Harriet’s were recently highlighted in a roundup of the best hotel rooftop bars in the US, showing just how much travelers value a skyline with their stay.
Located in the trendy Gulch neighborhood, this rooftop bar combines Southern hospitality with downtown energy.
L.A. Jackson offers unbeatable views of the city and a menu full of Southern-inspired bites and bourbon-forward cocktails. Weekends get busy, so show up early for sunset.
This newer entry into the rooftop scene in Atlanta surprises with Art Deco charm and sophisticated cocktails. What makes By George unique isn’t just the skyline – it’s the Southern take on a Parisian-style rooftop, blending live jazz nights with charcuterie boards and craft spirits.
Yes, it’s technically in Mexico—but it’s so popular with U.S. travelers that it deserves a spot here. The only rooftop bar in Cabo San Lucas, this lounge offers views of El Arco and the Pacific, especially dazzling at sunset. It’s a luxurious way to wind down after a day at the beach.
Make the most of your rooftop experience with these practical, evenly sized travel tips:
Time your visit around golden hour or early evening when the lighting is ideal and the crowds are still manageable for sunset views and relaxed vibes at the bar.
Ask the concierge if hotel guests receive exclusive access, priority seating, or reservation perks during busy hours to avoid disappointment when the rooftop starts filling up fast.
Check the dress code before you go, as many rooftop bars require smart casual attire and may not allow athletic wear, hats, or sandals during evening hours or special events.
Make a reservation in advance if possible – especially on weekends or holidays – to guarantee a good seat with a view, and avoid long lines at popular rooftop venues in busy cities.
Use local apps like LivingSocial or HappyHopper to spot happy hours and rooftop events while traveling. However, you’ll likely need to verify your account with a U.S. number, and if you're traveling internationally, you might run into roadblocks. Just look up how to get a US phone number from outside the US, and you’ll be good to go!
Hotel rooftop bars have the power to influence your entire trip, so they're more than just a lovely view. These locations offer atmosphere and experience, whether it's the late-night jazz in Atlanta, the city lights in New York, or the ocean breezes in California.
Think bigger (literally!) the next time you're making a hotel reservation.
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