You won’t notice it from street level but once you take the elevator up to the 14th floor above Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Gaslamp/Convention Center, The Nolen offers sweeping views of downtown, Coronado and Point Loma. The Nolen makes house-batched, barrel-aged cocktails that are aged in oak for a minimum of two months. They also have cocktails on draft, beer cocktails (aka “hoptails,”) and bar bites. While Sunday brunch is a popular time to visit The Nolen, happy hour delivers deals on select cocktails and bites for only $7. Happy hour runs Monday to Wednesday from 5-7 p.m. and Sunday from 3-7 p.m.—perfect timing for a sunset toast!
With nearly perfect weather year-round (72 degrees and sunny is a frequent forecast), San Diego is best experienced outdoors – preferably near the water, on a rooftop, with libations. Thankfully there’s no shortage of rooftop bars spread throughout the city, ranging from casual vibes to party scenes. We’ve got you covered if you’re looking for live music, dog-friendly haunts or fire pits; in the mood for craft cocktails, micro brews or wine; or prefer poolside locales, romantic ambiances or happy hour specials.
Read on to see our list of the best rooftop bars in San Diego, spanning from Oceanside to the Gaslamp Quarter. Several of the bars are located within local hotels, but each are open to the public. If you need other recommendations while in America’s Finest City, be sure to check out our lists of the best restaurants, best beaches, best bars, best breweries, and best things to do in San Diego. Consider your research done.