The 5 Best Rooftop Bars in San Diego

Rooftop bars are quite the trend west of the Mississippi, from Las Vegas to San Diego and everywhere in between. The stunning views, open-air atmosphere, and overall unique bar experience make these bars a popular option for those who want to try something a little different. Whether you’re just visiting or you live in the city, these five rooftop bars are simply the best in the city; offering stunning views and magnificent drinks lists to keep you happy all night long. Keep reading to learn more!

1. The Pool House

What better way to beat the heat and enjoy the serene atmosphere of downtown San Diego than relaxing at a rooftop poolside? This San Diego rooftop bar offers an excellent view of the city and a relaxing pool experience unlike at other. Swim under the clear sunny skies of sunny California while enjoying your favorite drinks in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter at the Pendry Hotel.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing poolside seat or your own private cabana, The Pool House is able to meet all of your poolside needs. Don’t let the heat get you down, pull up a seat or float along in peace at The Pool House.

The menu offers light dishes such as chips and guac, chicken wings, and more. You can also order entrees like burgers or chicken, and for your cocktail tastes, the choices are endless. Choose from fresh mojitos, a “wet sand” frozen drink, and more. There’s no better way to relax than by combining the leisure of pool time with the fun of specialty cocktails, and The Pool House executes both with style.  

2. Level 9

Hotel Indigo has something to offer the casual visitor to the city of San Diego. If you enjoy rooftop bars, Level 9 is about as good as they come. Featuring a stunning view of the Gaslamp Quarter, this rooftop bar is a must-see for tourists and residents alike. With locally crafted beers and cocktails to please every preference, Level 9 combines quality service with an excellent menu and an ambiance all its own.

Enjoying the sweeping views of the city below as you sip on your favorite margarita, or have a seat at a table and enjoy the night air with your favorite person. Enjoy $5 domestics and select wines during happy hour, from 4-7 pm Sunday through Friday. If you’re looking for an unforgettable rooftop experience, you’ve found it at Level 9.

3. Altitude Sky Lounge

Widely regarded as one of the best rooftop lounges in the city, The Altitude Sky Lounge isn’t your typical rooftop bar. Twenty-two stories up above the historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego, Altitude is truly reaching for the sky in both height and its incredible service. A blazing fire-pit will help you relax, while the stunning view of the night sky and the city below will take your breath away.

Altitude opens daily at 5 pm, but opens at 3 pm for Sunday home games, so you can enjoy the game high above the rest of the city. With DJ performances, a sweeping menu filled with delicious entrees, signature cocktails, and craft beers, The Altitude makes a name for itself among the Gaslamp’s numerous bars and nightclubs.

The Altitude has received numerous accolades from newspapers, magazines, and online outlets for its atmosphere and unique view of the city. If you’re just visiting the city for the weekend, be sure to mark down this rooftop bar as one of your top destinations to visit. There’s simply no better way to wind down after a day of exploring!

4. Cannonball

Boasted as San Diego’s largest waterfront rooftop restaurant and bar, The Cannonball offers not only sweeping views of the city below but also of the beautiful San Diego Bay and the seemingly endless ocean beyond. Enjoy excellent sushi and tasty entrees, signature cocktails and local beer, and much more at this popular rooftop hangout.

The bar is open from Monday to Sunday from 11 am to 9 pm, making it the perfect lunchtime destination for tourists or beach-goers. The establishment continues to receive accolades from both customers and critics alike, and once you visit for the first time, you’ll know why. Every Tuesday and Thursday offers an acoustic live set for you to enjoy, and fire pits and plush seating will ensure maximum comfort throughout your stay.

5. Top of the Hyatt

Seated atop the Hyatt Hotel in San Diego, over forty stories up, the Top of the Hyatt Bar is one of the highest bars in the city; if not one of the best. Handcrafted signature cocktails dot the menu, accompanied by light eats to help you fill your belly. Enjoy sweeping views of both the bay and of East Village.

With a relaxed atmosphere, impressive drinks list, tasty eats, and an unparalleled view of both the ocean and the city below, Top of the Hyatt is simply one of the best rooftop bars in the city. The bar is open Monday through Sunday from 3 pm to 1:30 am.

The Best of the Best

No visit to or extended stay in San Diego would be complete without visiting one or more of these five rooftop bars. The city is famous for its stunning views, and it would be a shame to miss seeing them in such style! Whether you’re looking for a poolside or an outdoor atmosphere, each of these five offers something different.