San Diego is a great destination for soaking up the sun and admiring the city's stunning views. Whether you're looking to take in the pink hues of a picturesque winter sunset or bask in the summer heat, here are the 10 best rooftop bars in San Diego you need to visit. From the city's skyline to the ocean's waves, there are plenty of rooftop bars worth checking out during happy hour and beyond. The Altitude Sky Lounge, located on the roof of the Marriott San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, is one of the most popular rooftop bars in San Diego.
Most rooftop bars in the area are located in either the Gaslamp Quarter or Little Italy, so if you're looking for rooftop bars elsewhere in the city, your options are limited. Techo Beso, Cococabana, Seneca, Coco Maya, Kitchen with Rooftop Terrace & Bar, Lumi by Akira Back and Ska are some of the top-rated rooftop bars in San Diego. Cannonball is a great spot for tourists and offers an unobstructed view of the beach – perfect for people-watching. Catania is a romantic date spot that serves up some of San Diego's best coastal Italian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking downtown La Jolla.
Top of the Hyatt offers 3 hours of free parking when you park in the Grand Hyatt San Diego lot. The view of San Diego has been improved even further after Mister A's recent remodeling, which includes an additional sunken bar with seating for 18 people and an indoor/outdoor lounge with capacity for 72 people. Ocean Beach Brewery is one of the more casual rooftop bars in San Diego. The menu features classic cocktails made with local San Diego liquors as well as a wide selection of local and imported wines and beers.
Their creative handcrafted cocktails are worth fighting for a spot at the bar to order them, but keep in mind that the atmosphere changes drastically between dinner service and nighttime. Rooftop bars in San Diego are very popular, so I recommend booking a table ahead of time if you want to dine at one. Even if it's not the most impressive decor-wise, I understand why people consider it one of the best rooftop bars in San Diego. The last few times I was in San Diego, I lived close to this rooftop bar, so it quickly became my favorite place to grab a drink with friends at sunset.
