Staying Elevated: San Diego’s Best Rooftop Bars

8 places to enjoy the view from above in California’s scenic beach city

It's no secret, rooftop bars and restaurants are a must when visiting any new city. Thankfully, in San Diego, there is no shortage of options when it comes to open space rooftop experiences. So, we went out and did the legwork for you, so in this article, we could share every local's favorite elevated spots around town!

Cannonball in Mission Beach has always been a popular tourist destination, with its unobstructed view of the beach for people watching. The seafood menu will keep you satisfied at all hours, with sushi rolls, crab legs, oysters, and sashimi, plus the Cannonball Burrito in a sesame soy wrap with shrimp tempura, crab, tuna, avocado, cream cheese, cucumber, cilantro, green onions, and spicy mayo. The beverage menu highlights classic cocktails with beach-inspired ingredients, local draft beers, delicious wine by the glass or bottle, and a Japanese whisky.

George's at the Cove is notorious for its panoramic views of La Jolla Cove, but it also offers stunning cocktail menus with summery drinks from margaritas and mojitos to micheladas. Visit around lunchtime for yellowtail tacos on heirloom corn tortillas or George's famous black bean soup, made fresh each day using all locally sourced ingredients from San Diego.

Altitude is the highest open-air rooftop bar in San Diego, which means you'll have better views of the city here than anywhere else. Next door to Petco Park, so if it's baseball season, you can relax into watching a game from here. Additionally, Altitude is just outside Coronado Bridge with a stunning backdrop of Point Loma, too!

Firehouse has become a Pacific Beach favorite by offering an excellent boozy brunch during the day (churro French toast and frosé!) and bringing the dance vibes at night. You can always relax with a drink in hand while taking in some gorgeous views of San Diego from the scenic rooftop!

When visiting Born & Raised, the adjective "elevated" will likely come to mind. The entire experience is luxurious yet eccentric; the decor is ornate and seemingly inspired by the roaring '20s, but with a splash of pop culture references. Imagine framed photos of Eazy-E on the walls and the waiters wearing Chuck Taylors with white dinner jackets. The menu reflects that eccentricity, like the giant chocolate macaron emblazoned with the Wu-Tang logo. Come prepared for one of the best food and beverage experiences of your life.

Perhaps one of the most hyped-up additions to the San Diego foodie scene, Lumi is high-energy, high-end, and very high up! Colorful murals, geometric flooring, and pops of neon bring the Lumi to life, offering guests a funky yet refined dining experience. The unique menu, spearheaded by acclaimed celebrity chef Akira Black, features a collection of Peruvian-Japanese Cuisine, including fresh takes on sushi, ceviche, and tempura.

North County is a hidden treasure trove of exciting places to visit. There are many things close by and worth seeing in North County, like the Oceanside Pier. Just one block away from the beach, Hello Betty presents stunning views of the Oceanside Pier. Be warned this local hot spot can get crowded with people throwing back oyster shooters and beers, but the unparalleled surf and sunset views make it worth the wait.

When architects design rooftop spaces, they often sacrifice atmosphere to make a location appear chic. Far too often, a rooftop will look fabulous but the vibe will be a bit ritzy. That's definitely not the case at El Prez. Every Tuesday, everyone comes from all sides of San Diego to enjoy the sunset, tequila, and tacos at El Prez! If you're looking to maintain the easy-going beach vibe and have a good time, this is the spot.