The historic Gaslamp Quarter in Downtown San Diego is a 16 block neighborhood, filled with culture, trendy boutiques, great restaurants and pubs, and a vibrant nightlife scene.
To both enjoy, and get above the buzz, head to one of the Gaslamp Quarter rooftop bars. With Victorian-era buildings and modern skyscrapers side by side, the area houses everything from rustic and charming terraces, to sky-high destinations with panoramic views.
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Here is our list of the best Gaslamp Quarter rooftop bars.
Be prepared to experience a breathtaking view when you enter the 14th floor of the Courtyard by Marriott Gaslamp in Downtown San Diego. Massive pillars create a frame as you sit down to panoramic vistas over the San Diego skyline, San Diego Bay and the Coronado Bridge.
This stylish and open-air rooftop bar & lounge is mostly famous for serving a great selection of modern, yet timeless cocktails, featuring a number of small batch spirits from San Diego. But you should not miss out on the delicious bar bites either.
The Nolen Rooftop is the perfect spot for a classy and fun night out with a group of friends, preferably starting with happy hour drinks and amazing sunset views. During weekends, you can also visit for rooftop brunch.
THE NOLEN
With its 4,500 square feet, The Rooftop by STK is the largest rooftop bar in the Gaslamp Quarter. Set on the 7th floor of the Andaz San Diego, here you can join several exciting happenings – from DJ sessions to food events.
Mixing dining tables with comfy lounge areas, the open space is perfect to enjoy the San Diego weather. But, there is also a fully retractable roof and a fire pit, where you can get comfy with your friends.
Surrounded with a magical 360-degree view of the San Diego skyline – this is the perfect spot to have sip signature cocktails, a craft beer or a glass of wine while watching the sunset. With a brand new food menu featuring shareable plates, you can taste So Cal flavors with your drink.
With their excellent service and expert event-planner, The Rooftop by STK guarantee you a memorable morning, day or evening.
THE ROOFTOP BY STK
Set in a two story building on Fifth Avenue, right in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter, Rustic Root blends a restaurant with a spacious rooftop terrace.
Hosting plenty of memorable evenings, the rooftop innvites to a sociable setting where you can mingle under the stars and enjoy happy hour cocktails, and 50% off on the wine bottles every Tuesday at the ‘Vino & Vibes’ event. With live acoustic music in the background, Rustic Root is the perfect venue to bring your colleagues or friends for a magical after work.
The Rustic Root menu also features New American Comfort Food, including reimagined regional dishes from around the country. The tasty dishes are perfect to pair with evening drinks, and is during weekend served as brunch.
RUSTIC ROOT
Found at the new Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter, and living up to the name – this rooftop bar is a place where both city dwellers and visitors meet to mingle and dine, no matter the time.
Filled with a relaxing lounge environment, the centerpiece of the rooftop is the glittering pool, surrounded by cabanas, lounge beds, dining tables and sweeping views of the city.
High above it all, here are all welcome to indulge in tasty light bites, tropical refreshments, specialty cocktails, local brews and a laid-back poolside vibe.
There is also a regular schedule of top entertainment, from music and comedy to magic.
5 O'CLOCK SOMEWHERE ROOFTOP BAR
The world-renowned chef Akira Back is the mastermind behind this energetic and upscale rooftop bar. Lumi is located just a step away from the San Diego Bay and offers a unique hangout with exceptional food.
Up here, the big focus is on innovative Japanese cuisine. Whether you are lunching or dining, you can share warm or cold plates consisting of well-composed dishes. For the sushi plates, Lumi suggests that you pair it with their signature Sake.
For other choices of beverages, there is a big selection of southeast Asian cocktails with tastes of cinnamon, thai basil and yuzu.
Blending traditional Japanese architecture with modern design elements, Lumi is open for dinner daily, as well as lunch and lounge vibes during weekends, all served with a side of San Diego views.
LUMI
Who would say no to an experience in a multi-award winning rooftop bar? Situated on top of San Diego Marriott, in the Gaslamp quarter, you get an overview of the beautiful sunsets of San Diego Bay, as well as the grand Petco Park arena where the baseball games are held.
At Altitude Sky Lounge you can get on board for some fantastic and elevated nightlife entertainment together with your friends. When the sun sets over the harbor – the happy hour starts, available Monday to Friday between 5pm and 7pm.
If you feel like taking the party further, Altitude Sky Lounge also offers bottle service, making sure you can enjoy a late night where you never get left with an empty glass.
For the baseball nights - get a good look at the game while you sip a draft beer or a house curated cocktail in this lively environment.
ALTITUDE SKY LOUNGE
Order drinks and tacos for the pre-party of a live concert or a baseball game at this laidback bar with turquoise tiles and marble tables.
The Fairweather Rooftop Bar is located a short walk from Petco Park, and with opening hours adjusted to the baseball team Padres home games – it is one of the prime spots for a pre-game drink.
From the menu you can order not only ‘the best tacos in town’, but also burgers, bites to share with your company, and 'drinks from sunny places'.
Placed in an alley inside The Legend Condominiums, Fairweather Rooftop Bar is a hidden gem in Downtown San Diego. Still, it’s good to be there early since they won’t do reservations for less than 20 people.
FAIRWEATHER
Float is a modern, vibrant and trendy rooftop hub with a pool and lounge area, set on top of the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, and surrounded by panoramic views over the Gaslamp Quarter.
Take the elevator up to the 4th floor and feel the rhythm of the music. In the evenings the rooftop turns into a nightclub with live DJs and a trendy crowd. If you are looking to find a party, Float is the place to be since they host events year-round for lots of different occasions.
During spring and summer, Float features their ‘Liquid Sunshine’ events with private cabanas, spacious lounge beds and a day club experience under the sun. Come dressed and geared up with your best pool party vibes.
FLOAT
Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.
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