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5 Best Rooftop Bars in San Diego

Summer is in full swing, and warm weather calls for cold drinks and nights out with friends. What better place to enjoy both than a stylish and scenic rooftop bar? Your choices are endless if you are lucky enough to be in the San Diego area. We have you covered whether you are looking for unbeatable ocean views or craft cocktails.  Sun-drenched San Diego has some of the most exquisite and fun rooftops.  Check out our list of favorite top 5 Rooftop bars.

5th & Sky Rooftop Gardens & Lounge

Located on the rooftop of Theatre Box in the Gaslamp Quarter, 5th & Sky is surrounded by stunning views of downtown San Diego and the Coronado Bridge.  5th & Sky offers an elevated dining and bar experience in a Japanese garden setting.  Guests will walk through a rose tunnel and enter a picturesque setting under cherry blossom trees, bohemian lanterns, fire pits, and next to one-of-a-kind hand-painted murals by famous artist Kahori Maki.

Your dining experience is highlighted with fresh sushi and signature small plates. From the Gaslamp roll to the Smoker roll, smoked filet carpaccio toast, and Hawaiian bigeye tuna poke, your tastebuds will dance with delight.  Choose from their perfectly curated wine list and local craft beer to pair with your favorite dish.

If you are looking for some late-night energy, 5th and Sky will set the mood with live DJs Thursday thru Sunday nights.  Relax and take in the stunning views with over-the-top cocktails and friends.

The Rooftop by STK

Located on the 7th floor of the spectacular hotel Andaz San Diego, The Rooftop by STK has the most significant rooftop space in the Gaslamp Quarter and a 360-degree view of the San Diego skyline.  The Rooftop is a rooftop restaurant and bar offering American fare with a SoCal twist.  From breakfast/brunch through dinner, The Rooftop offers a large selection of signature cocktails (by glass or pitcher) alongside local beers, wine, and bottle service.

The Rooftop is perfect for simple, sunny lunches or drinks at sunset.  On weekend evenings, The Rooftop transforms into a high-energy, chic nightclub. The fully retractable roof and walls make this the perfect place to socialize and dine no matter the weather.  You may choose to spend hours by their dining tables or lounging in one of the numerous lounge areas.  And since The Rooftop is located on Andaz San Diego’s terrace, you will be able to rent one of the private cabanas near the pool.

If you are looking for a place to relax with amazing views and a modern flair-The Rooftop is the place to be.  Be sure to dress to impress. Their “upscale casual” dress code is strictly enforced on the weekends.

Park 101

Park 101 is just a few blocks from the beach in the heart of the Village in Carlsbad.  It is described as a unique answer to community dining, lounging, and sipping in style.  They have something for everyone.  Park 101 features a multi-level, plaza-style dining experience. With both indoor and outdoor spaces, kick back, dance, or play games.   They have an old-fashioned walk-up window for those that want to grab a bite and go.  Park 101’s plaza includes their Garden Pub, where you can sit and sip from 32 local tap beers or a selection of local and regional wines. Their menu is host to BBQ meets Cali cuisine, most of which is prepared on their in-house smoker.   Upstairs on their Tamarack View Deck, you can lounge with a cool drink around a fire pit, play cornhole and foosball, and enjoy the view of Carlsbad Village.

Bring the whole family, including the dog, play a few games, have a drink, and check out their signature BBQ, ready-made juices, fresh espresso, ice cream, and handmade doughnuts.

Altitude Sky Lounge

Perched 22 stories above the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Altitude Sky Lounge is an elite double-terrace, rooftop bar in San Diego.  Altitude offers a view like no other.  From the large main terrace, you can enjoy Coronado Island, the Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, and Petco Park for a perfect view of a Padres game. And from the smaller terrace, you can enjoy the sunset over the San Diego skyline.   Paired with these incredible views are a sleek, modern atmosphere, fire pits, a fine wine selection, beer, cocktails, and bottle service.

Altitude Sky Lounge is the highest rooftop bar on the west coast making it the perfect place to lounge with friends underneath the garden trellises and enjoy a signature cocktail or your favorite drink.  You can lounge and relax on one of many sofas or grab a bar stool right at the railing.  It’s perfect for fun after work or a Saturday night out.

Live DJs boost the weekend atmosphere, and the Padre fans pack the railing for a glimpse of the game on game days.

Altitude Sky Lounge has been honored as one of the “Top 50 Bars” in the world by Conde Nast and the “#1 Rooftop Bar” in the Western United States by Sunset Magazine and remains to be the place to see and be seen in all of San Diego!

Rustic Root

The Rustic Root is a rooftop restaurant and bar located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter.  It sits atop a two-story building on Fifth Avenue and offers dining and drinking streetside at the indoor restaurant or up on the modern, whimsical rooftop terrace.

The Rustic Root is the perfect place to socialize with friends and strangers alike.  Enjoy a weekend brunch, happy hour, dinner, or just a late night with a few drinks. Here, you can taste a timeless cocktail (served with a garnish to complement and in the traditional glassware), have a craft cocktail shot, or seasonal specialty, or try a dish rooted in tradition with a modern and creative twist.

A buzzing atmosphere and excellent service make the Rustic Root the place to gather your friends, enjoy cocktails and late-night vibes, and go wherever the evening takes you.

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