Summer is almost here and that means the scorching temperatures are about to chase desert dwellers to cooler and coastal places. San Diego is a great destination, not just for its idyllic weather and ocean breeze, but for a booming downtown rooftop scene filled with chic bars, interesting eats, splashy hotel pools and stunning views. Here are six rooftop spots to take your summer escape to new heights.
Leave of Absence
Settle into vacay mode at Alma Hotel’s poolside oasis, where bright poolside lounges, handcrafted cocktails and wood-fired pizzas await. Whether you’re relaxing in a cabana, enjoying a lively dinner with friends or munching on a mushroom pizza and Aperol spritz with your sweetheart, this spot is a hidden slice of heaven just outside of the historic Gaslamp Quarter.
5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar
It’s always island time at this laid-back rooftop bar at the Margaritaville Hotel. True to its name, 5 o’Clock Somewhere invites guests to forget the clock and unwind with tropical cocktails, casual eats, live entertainment and sweeping views of downtown. The poolside menu includes nachos, tacos, burgers and more. Specialty cocktails like the Changes in Latitude or Texan Conga Line are like summer in a cup. Wasting away in Margaritaville sounds a lot better than literally wasting away in the Phoenix heat.
Seneca Trattoria
On the 19th floor of the InterContinental San Diego is a vibrant Roman-style trattoria delivering major Amalfi Coast energy. Expect wood-fired pizzas, authentic pasta dishes, fresh salads and a lineup of small plates and stylish libations. The atmosphere is glamorous without being stuffy and a must-visit spot for foodies and those who live by the mantra “phone eats first.” Posting pics of this rooftop wonder will make your obnoxious coworker and judgmental sister-in-law green with envy. Come for the carbs, stay for the sunset views, bragging rights and European-inspired ambiance.
Tortuga Pool Bar
Located in Omni San Diego, just steps from Petco Park, Tortuga Pool Bar is a breezy, Baja-inspired hangout where poolside cocktails meet stadium-style eats. Enjoy poke bowls, fish tacos and fresh ceviche before catching a Padres game. Omni even has a private skybridge into the stadium for guests. Whether you’re pre-gaming or just soaking up the sun, this spot hits a home run for those enjoying America’s pastime in America’s finest city.
Coco Maya by Miss B’s
A lush, tropical escape in the heart of Little Italy, Coco Maya buzzes with coastal charm and bold flavors. The menu features Spanish-style meats, creative takes on American fare, Italian-inspired dishes, seafood and inventive cocktails like the Marquesitas Espresso Martini and mezcal-forward Side Piece. From caviar-topped eggs at brunch to lobster poblano gnocchi at dinner, this rooftop is equal parts culinary hotspot and nightlife magnet, complete with beautiful urban views.
The Pool House
Nothing embodies the Southern California lifestyle more than laid-back luxury and rooftop pool lounging. The Pool House is perched above the iconic 5th Avenue in the Gaslamp Quarter in the Pendry San Diego hotel. It boasts stunning views and a menu that ranges from acai bowls to Maine lobster rolls to crispy chicken sandwiches. Order a round of rooftop spritzes or Don Sandias and plan to stick around for the Sunday pool parties, featuring live DJs.
