Top 17 rooftop bars in San Diego
Discover our curated list of top-ranked rooftop bars in San Diego, compiled from extensive research across reputable websites and blogs. Explore outstanding options like The Nolen, Altitude Sky Lounge, Fifth & Rose, FLOAT Rooftop Lounge, Latitude Lounge. Let's explore together!
- 1. The Nolen
- 2. Altitude Sky Lounge
- 3. Fifth & Rose
- 4. FLOAT Rooftop Lounge
- 5. Latitude Lounge
- 6. Birdseye Rooftop Restaurant and Bar
- 7. The Rooftop by STK
- 8. Harbor & Sky Rooftop Bar and Lounge
- 9. Table 509 Bar & Kitchen
- 10. Cielo Rooftop Lounge
- 11. Fairweather Rooftop Bar
- 12. Level Four Pool Deck & Lounge
- 13. Borrego Kitchen & Cocktails
- 14. 5 o'Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar
- 15. Drift La Jolla
- 16. Rooftop Bar
- 17. Terrace Bar and Grill
1. The Nolen
Offers a retractable roof for year-round enjoyment

The staff at this establishment are known for being cool, professional, and providing excellent service to their customers. The cocktail selection is extensive and features exceptional drinks, although some may find the prices to be on the higher side.
Moving on to the positive aspects, the drinks and food offerings are truly delightful, making for a great dining experience. The atmosphere is classy and fun, with a stunning view to match. One particular cocktail, the 13th floor, is highly recommended for its well-balanced and delicious flavor profile.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Dinner
- Weekend Dining
2. Altitude Sky Lounge
Offers breathtaking sunset views over the city skyline

The sunset views at this location are truly stunning, providing a beautiful backdrop to any visit. While the service is generally good, the music may not appeal to all tastes, as it seems to be aimed at a younger crowd. One standout aspect of the experience was the spicy margarita, which was particularly enjoyable.
In terms of the atmosphere, the rooftop bar is a sensational spot to take in the surrounding area. The view is impressive regardless of the time of day, whether it be during daylight hours, at sunset, or when the night lights are twinkling. Despite the cold weather in February, there were plenty of heaters and a large gas fireplace to keep visitors warm. The staff also contributed to the overall positive experience.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Happy Hours
- American Cuisine
3. Fifth & Rose
Extensive wine list, impressive cocktail menu

The Pendry San Diego's Fifth & Rose is a classic cocktail bar with an elegant and chic atmosphere. The comfortable room invites guests to stay and enjoy bar fare, engage in conversation, and savor the perfect cocktail. This sophisticated watering hole is the ideal place to relax and unwind.
Fifth & Rose, located in the Pendry San Diego hotel, offers a classic setting for a fitting drink. The elevated bar fare is a highlight, making it the perfect place to indulge in delicious food and drink. With its comfortable and elegant ambiance, this cocktail bar is a must-visit for those seeking a sophisticated and relaxed environment. Linger over the perfect cocktail and enjoy the company of others at Fifth & Rose.
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Social Gatherings
- Mid-Range
- Rooftop
4. FLOAT Rooftop Lounge

FLOAT is a lounge located on the 4th floor of the Hard Rock building in downtown, overlooking Harbor Drive and the entrance to the Gaslamp. The drinks are a bit pricey, but this is to be expected in a downtown location. Overall, FLOAT is a nice place to lounge if you're willing to pay the price.
I attended the opening night of FLOAT, which is apparently called "FLOAT" on Thursday nights. My initial impression of the lounge was positive - I found the setup to be nice and the space to be spacious. After 10pm, the lounge began to fill up with people quickly.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- Rooftop
- Weekend Dining
- Happy Hours
5. Latitude Lounge

Among San Diego's rooftop bars, Latitude Lounge holds a special place in my heart as the ultimate hidden gem. Strong drinks, unbeatable views, and cozy fire pits create the perfect setting for a memorable evening. While the vegan options may be limited, the vibrant atmosphere and top-notch service more than make up for it. For a night of indulgence and relaxation, Latitude Lounge's exquisite bar menu and captivating ambiance are sure to leave a lasting impression.
TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
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6. Birdseye Rooftop Restaurant and Bar

TOPICS
- Asian Cuisine
- Downtown Spots
- Social Gatherings
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7. The Rooftop by STK
Offers breathtaking views of the city, signature cocktails and VIP bottle service

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Rooftop
- High-End
8. Harbor & Sky Rooftop Bar and Lounge

Harbor & Sky Rooftop Bar and Lounge is a popular spot known for its great atmosphere, delicious food, and exceptional service. The venue offers a magnificent view, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy drinks, snacks, or dinner. Servers Caleb, Brett, and Dwayne have received high praise for their attentiveness, making guests feel welcome, and providing professional, friendly, and efficient service.
In particular, Dwayne stands out for his great sense of humor and ability to make guests feel at ease. Many visitors come to Harbor & Sky a couple of times a week to experience the top-notch service and enjoy the offerings. The combination of the stunning view, tasty food, and excellent servers, including Dwayne, contributes to a memorable and enjoyable experience for all who visit.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Waterfront
- Holiday Celebrations
- Late Night
9. Table 509 Bar & Kitchen

TOPICS
- Social Gatherings
- American Cuisine
- Budget-Friendly Eats
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10. Cielo Rooftop Lounge

🫤 My boyfriend and I decided to try this new rooftop on Friday, July 28, 2023. It's right across the street from where we live and a block from where we work and we always see the sign so we thought we should give it a try. The atmosphere is VERY pleasant and very cool. Beautiful flowers and... People often mention bartender, told, toro, cranberry, San Diego, United States × Loading... Go search around me Home United States California San Diego County San Diego Cielo Rooftop Lounge
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Weekend Dining
- Mid-Range
- American Cuisine
11. Fairweather Rooftop Bar
Scenic city views, upscale ambiance, and sophisticated drinks

Fairweather Rooftop Bar is a unique spot located in San Diego's East Village, offering a hidden gem of an experience with impressive views of Gallagher Square. The outdoor seating area and pleasant atmosphere make it an ideal location to relax and enjoy drinks and food.
Fairweather Rooftop Bar can be found on the second floor of a building in the Gaslamp Quarter's J Street alley. From this intimate and laid-back terrace, you can enjoy stunning views of the stadium and the Park at the Park's greenery.
TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Affordable Nightlife
12. Level Four Pool Deck & Lounge
TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Happy Hours
- Rooftop
13. Borrego Kitchen & Cocktails

Borrego is an excellent location for both regular dining and group events, offering a fun and enjoyable atmosphere. The venue boasts delicious food and great cocktails, with the added bonus of a stunning view, especially when overlooking the baseball game's fireworks, making for an unforgettable experience.
Adrian, the manager, went above and beyond to ensure an exceptional visit. The view of Petco Park was incredible, and the bar offered a wide selection of beers and top-shelf liquors, adding to the overall enjoyment of the evening.
TOPICS
- Fusion Cuisine
- Rooftop
- Mid-Range
14. 5 o'Clock Somewhere Rooftop Bar

TOPICS
- Downtown Spots
- Dinner
- Late Night
- Affordable Nightlife
15. Drift La Jolla

TOPICS
- American Cuisine
- Mid-Range
- Downtown Spots
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16. Rooftop Bar

TOPICS
- Rooftop
- Happy Hours
- Social Gatherings
17. Terrace Bar and Grill
TOPICS
- Mediterranean Cuisine
- Rooftop
- Dinner
- Personal Celebrations