San Diego is a city in California along the coast of the Pacific Ocean. Tourism is a booming industry in San Diego owing to its favorable weather, beautiful beaches, and several amazing attractions like San Diego Zoo, Belmont Amusement Park, Balboa Park, and Seaworld San Diego, among many more. The local craft brewing industry also attracts many visitors for beer tours and in particular the yearly San Diego Beer Week in November. In fact, San Diego is popularly known as America’s Craft Beer Capital. Over the years, rooftop bars have grown to be popular among many, and now every city boasts a variety to choose from. Gaslamp Quarter has definitely not been left out. Barhopping in this charming city is an enjoyable experience for sure. Check out this list of the best rooftop bars in Gaslamp Quarter, California.
What to look forward to:
- If you're in the city with friends or family, head to The Escape Game San Diego, located in Gaslamp Quarter itself, for a fun game. Select from themes such as prison breaks and secret agent missions for your adventure, after which you'll be locked in a room with clues that you have to piece together in order to escape within the set time.
- Families with kids should consider adding a visit to New Children’s Museum to their itineraries. This interactive museum uses art as a medium to encourage kids to be creative while also educating them.
1. Altitude Sky Lounge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Come enjoy the happy hour at Altitude Sky Lounge, a gem nestled 22 floors high on top of San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter. With panoramic views over Coronado Island and Petco Stadium, Altitude Sky Lounge is the place to be. This rooftop bar boasts an amazing balcony with walls of glass, luxurious furniture, and a cozy fire pit. The menu features beer and a selection of the best wines, and you can be sure to find your favorite cocktail included too. No doubt this is a stunning destination to hold birthday celebrations, bachelor or bachelorette parties, and many more special occasions that require a sleek and modern venue.
Saturdays are the official days for DJs, playing great music to complement the vibe of the place. The establishment enforces a dress code.
Altitude Sky Lounge
Address: 660 K St #7036, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Altitude Sky Lounge
Opening hours: 5pm - 1am (daily)
2. Rustic Root
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We're closed for dinner service tonight for a private event but our rooftop lounge will reopen for post dinner cocktails later tonight! ?
Posted by Rustic Root on Thursday, 21 February 2019
Rustic Root boasts amazing American cuisine with meals prepared with a traditional touch yet retaining creative modern styles. The signature drink menu consists of the very best iconic classics with wonderfully made cocktails that you will no doubt enjoy on any day. Welcome to socialize with friends or perhaps just mingle with everyone else as you dine and relish your favorite drinks while gazing at the stars from Rustic Root’s expansive open rooftop bar. With everything said, this is really an amazing place to enjoy your outing in San Diego.
For every mouth-watering lobster pappardelle bought by a customer, Rustic Root donates a meal to one San Diego based child through the Kid’s Foundation.
Rustic Root
Address: 535 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Rustic Root
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 9am - 2am; Mon - Fri: 4pm - 2am
3. The Pool House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoy tranquility and luxury at The Pool House located at Pendry San Diego. This amazing outdoor recreation spot overlooks the city’s famous Fifth Avenue in Gaslamp. At night, The Pool House turns into a mesmerizing open-air entertainment scene with local DJs playing lively tunes. The rooftop is open to the public and not only hotel guests, so get up there and enjoy the breathtaking views of the glittering skyline as you enjoy your drink with friends.
The Pool House
Address: 550 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: The Pool House
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
4. The Nolen
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Nolen is a rooftop bar found on the 14th floor of the new Convention Center in Gaslamp. This entertainment destination is named after John Nolen, a renowned city planner who did the mapping of San Diego in the early days. Local revelers and visitors only need to jump into the elevator and get to the top to enjoy their time while marveling at stunning views of downtown.
This is a perfect place to hang out with friends for an enjoyable sunset happy hour as you watch the city lights go up. The drinks and snacks are remarkably great, and the view is an absolute beauty. The beautiful interior design with a sophisticated setup and a communal fire pit brings forth the right ambiance to match the exterior view.
The Nolen
Address: 453 Sixth Ave #7007, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: The Nolen
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 12am; Fri - Sat: 4pm - 1am; Sun: 11am - 12am
5. Upper East Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Patio weather is in full effect!! Be sure to join us tomorrow night from 5-8pm for this months Brews on the Roof with...
Posted by Upper East Bar on Thursday, 27 June 2019
Upper East Bar is a trendy poolside lounge and rooftop bar nestled on the fourth floor of Kimpton Solamar Hotel in Gaslamp Quarter. Newly branded in 2017 complete with a change of name from LoungeSix, Upper East Bar is the place to be in the city. Whether you wish to experience the sunlight while holding a glass of your favorite drink or just watch the booming city get alive at night, Upper East Bar offers it all. The bar, which opens daily, is stylishly decorated with comfortable lounge sofas and boasts a blazing fire pit to keep everyone warm on chilly days.
There is a lot to do here, including enjoying outdoor games, unwinding in private cabanas sipping on some classic cocktails, and dining on delicious dishes. The charcuterie, as well as rosemary French fries, among others, has most coming back for more.
Upper East Bar
Address: 616 J St #101, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Upper East Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 11pm
6. Float at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Voted the best rooftop bar in San Diego, Float at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego boasts the best sweeping views of Gaslamp Quarter. While away your afternoon under the sun in style by the poolside while holding your glass of wine in one hand. At night, the lounge transforms into a high-energy environment with blazing fire pits and lovely music intended to satisfy all of your partying impulses. You will never find a better venue to hold your next party. This amazing spot offers panoramic views over the harbor and the historic downtown.
Float at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Address: Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Float at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego
Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)
7. Level 9 Rooftop Bar
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Just as the name suggests, Level 9 Rooftop Bar is perched on the 9th-floor rooftop of Hotel Indigo. Level 9 Rooftop Bar undoubtedly has a unique way of showcasing the true vibe of Gaslamp Quarter. It is a vibrant scene and a perfect place to watch the sun go down in San Diego as you start your night out. With incredible views over the town and a comfortable lounge area exuding elegance, this venue invites you to sit and just relax at the end of a tiring day.
Level 9 Rooftop Bar
Address: 509 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Level 9 Rooftop Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 5pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 5pm - 1am
8. The Rooftop by STK
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Perhaps all you want is to watch the night slowly cover the city from a rooftop table or a place to sit and relax after a long day exploring San Diego. The Rooftop by STK located atop Andaz Hotel has you covered. It is one of the best dining venues in San Diego, where you can savor delicious American cuisine or sip your favorite cocktail as you absorb the breathtaking views of some iconic attractions like Coronado Bridge. With a happy hour every weekday from 3:30pm to 6:30pm, you are assured of a place to enjoy your evening after work.
The Rooftop by STK
Address: 600 F St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: The Rooftop by STK
Opening hours: 6:30am - 11pm (daily)
9. Fairweather Rooftop Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Fairweather Rooftop Bar offers great views of Petco Park in San Diego. Its signature handcrafted cocktails include the sugary Oh Captain My Captain and the honey-and-lime-flavored King Bee, among others. You are welcome to pick your favorite and relax on the comfortable sofas to enjoy it. Bask in the amazing San Diego weather while sipping on a local beer at a sunny spot. This is the perfect place to have a pregame drink with your friends to get you all in the mood.
Fairweather Rooftop Bar
Address: 793 J St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Fairweather Rooftop Bar
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11:30am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11:30am - 10pm
Nearby rooftop bars in San Diego
10. Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar is another American dream come true in the heart of San Diego on top of Hotel Republic. Famous for its bottomless bloody mary and margarita cocktails, it is also known for its kitchen expertise. The bar food comprising deep-fried avocado fritters along with excellent kids’ food options make it a cozy spot for a family get-together on the San Diego skyline. Kids can tuck into the al dente penne pasta or the oozy cheese quesadilla, while the elders have the best cocktails the city has to offer.
Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar
Address: 421 W B St, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Topside Terrace Kitchen & Bar
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 4pm - 11pm; Fri: 4pm - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 3pm
11. Kettner Exchange
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
To enjoy the evening out in Little Italy, without a doubt, Kettner Exchange is the idle bar is the right destination for you. Though it does not come with wonderful views of the cityscape, it is one of those bars that has a hip, trendy hangout vibe. You can book a cabana if going out in groups to get a bottle offer service. Chef Brian Redzikowski, with years of experience working at some of the most famous restaurants in the world, makes sure that the food is perfect, service is top-notch and the cozy, yet modern ambiance ties everything together. The dinner comes in two offers - as small and large plates - with desserts to make for a memorable dining experience to remember for a long time.
Kettner Exchange
Address: 2001 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Website: Kettner Exchange
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 5pm - 12am; Thu & Fri: 5pm - 2am; Sat & Sun: 11am - 12am
12. Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge is a local legend in San Diego, having excellent natural lighting accompanied by great architecture for the best beach views. Even the entrance will enthrall the visitors with its Japanese shou sugi ban wood. And the intermittent mirror installations which juxtapose the shou sugi ban wood reflect the rising tide of the Pacific Ocean. Leisurely sip on a wide range of cocktails, have a hearty meal and view the Pacific tides; Firehouse is the idle bar in San Deigo that has it all.
Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge
Address: 722 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Website: Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge
Opening hours: Sat - Wed: 10am - 12am; Thu - Fri: 10am - 2am
13. Ocean Beach Brewery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Enjoying the sunset from atop the Ocean Beach Brewery sipping their famous craft beer is an experience beyond words. It is the reason USA Today votes them as the best brewpub in the whole of America. The beer wings, chicken wings soaked in house beer and fried till crispy and golden, to go along with said beer are as tasty little nuggets of heaven. Everything that they serve-up is made in-house by their talented chefs and brewers. So don’t miss out on this amazing brewery and eatery for a great time!
Ocean Beach Brewery
Address: 5041 Newport Ave, San Diego, CA 92107, United States
Website: Ocean Beach Brewery
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri: 11am - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 9:30am - 10pm
14. Cannonball
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Coastal Cuisine at its finest! Located on the boardwalk of Mission Beach at Belmont Park. #coastalcuisine #sushi...
Posted by Cannonball on Monday, 10 February 2020
Being San Diego’s largest oceanfront rooftop restaurant, Cannonball provides the best view of the beach on any given day. This picturesque Southern California establishment enthralls its guests with its splendid view of the Mission Beach Boardwalk. It also has the best Californian cuisine and scintillating sushi. Children can enjoy the kids’ burger that contains lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and it comes with a side of free fries. When it comes to excellent views, fresh ocean breeze, and great food, this establishment has got you covered on all fronts.
Cannonball
Address: 3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109, United States
Website: Cannonball
Opening hours: 11am - 11pm (daily)
Indulge in a barhopping experience in San Diego
If you are looking for an amazing bar with stunning views while on your tour of San Diego, then these rooftop bars should make it to your itinerary. Check out this list of the best rooftop bars in the area and have the best experience. With great views and wonderful cocktails, these places indeed have got you covered!
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