Northern California
San Francisco’s Rise Over Run and Top of the Mark
At Timbri Hotel San Francisco, Rise Over Run captures the essence of the Mediterranean with its Saudade-inspired menu. The rooftop features live local DJs during happy hour and intimate fireplaces, making it a cozy spot for date nights and year-round enjoyment. Since 1939, Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins San Francisco has offered breathtaking views of San Francisco. This legendary cocktail lounge is rich in history with traditions like the “Squadron Bottle” tradition that dates to World War II and allows active service members and veterans to enjoy a drink courtesy of their comrades.
The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House: Cozy Bites and Sonoma Views
Surrounded by panoramic vineyard views, Sonoma County’s The Rooftop at Harmon Guest House and Roof106 at The Matheson offers seasonal cocktails, local wines and wood-fired dishes. The relaxed, intimate settings are perfect for unwinding with friends while soaking up the serene Healdsburg ambiance and local flavors.
Downtown Napa’s Wine, Views, and Vibrant Ambiance
Downtown Napa’s rooftop bars, like Mercantile Terrace at Andaz Hotel and Sky & Vine at Archer Hotel, offer cozy fire pits, live music and stunning views. Mercantile Terrace charms with cabanas and standout happy hour bites like warm pretzels, while Sky & Vine delights with outdoor games and panoramic sunsets. Feast it Forward provides an expanded garden for private tastings with 360-degree sights of the Oxbow district overlooking the famous Napa Valley Wine Train downtown station.
Tuolumne County Rooftops: Mountain Views and Elevated Eats
The rooftop patio at The Armory in Sonora blends Sierra foothill breezes with upscale dishes, craft cocktails, wine and local brews. The historic Sonora Inn’s updated rooftop terrace provides a serene escape above the historic Gold Rush town. In Jamestown, Perch at Chicken Ranch Casino Resort offers fine dining with sweeping Yosemite views, while the casino’s floor-to-ceiling windows create a unique, smoke-free gaming atmosphere.
Azotea Brings Rooftop Dining to Livermore Wine Country
Discover Livermore's only rooftop dining destination at Azotea Cocina & Cocktail Club. The third-floor gem offers picture-perfect panoramas of downtown, serving modern California comfort food with Latin flair. Arrive before dusk to experience the downtown's transformation from day to night. Insider tip: Reserve outdoor seating in advance, especially during peak weekend hours.
Namaste Cafe in Ukiah: Juice Bar with Rooftop Respite
Namaste Cafe surprises with a rooftop oasis offering fresh juices and smoothies beneath sailcloth shades. Overlooking Ukiah’s charming downtown and surrounding hills, it’s a peaceful escape from the city bustle. The cafe shares a building with a yoga studio, creating a holistic retreat perfect for unwinding.
Central California
MOXI’s Sky Garden: Interactive Fun with Scenic Views
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation in Santa Barbara blends panoramic mountain and ocean views with interactive exhibits like the Weather Orchestra, which creates a wind-, sun- and human-powered symphony, and Whitewater, a hands-on water feature. Guests can walk the glass Sky Deck or attend happy hours under the stars. Family-friendly by day and perfect for adult exploration by night, MOXI’s rooftop delivers educational fun and scenic tranquility.
Cozy Rooftops in Monterey Peninsula: Drinks with a View
LindaRose Rooftop Bar & Grill at Hotel 1110 offers intimate views of Monterey Bay and Old Fisherman’s Wharf, perfect for evening drinks. Carmel-by-the-Sea’s only rooftop bar, The Star Bar at Vesuvio, is a lively Italian restaurant serving homemade limoncello and Chef Pepe’s local favorites, making for a lively rooftop dining experience.
Southern California
Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles: Eclectic Eats with Downtown Views
Housed in the historic The Commercial Exchange Building in Los Angeles, Broken Shaker, atop Freehand Los Angeles, blends handcrafted cocktails like the mezcal-based “Up On The Roof” with bites such as carne asada fries and fish tacos. Through March 31, the hotel is offering LA residents displaced by the fires a special package for stays of 4+ nights, including flexible rooms, weekly housekeeping, waived fees and a welcome drink at Broken Shaker.
Coastal Views and Vibrant Vibes in Oceanside
Oceanside’s rooftops offer spectacular sights of the pier and coastline. Cococabana at The Brick Hotel transforms into a weekend party spot with DJs, tropical drinks and vibrant bites, while weekend brunches and rooftop yoga provide a relaxing alternative. For sunset enthusiasts, Mission Pacific Beach Resort’s rooftop features comfy lounges, a vibrant pool deck and prime views.
San Diego’s Best Rooftop Dining and Drinking Spots
San Diego’s rooftop scene offers diverse experiences, from vibrant nightlife to serene wine tastings. Tortuga at Omni San Diego brings a Baja coastal vibe with fresh, flavorful dishes. Lumi and Cannonball provide lively atmospheres with Japanese-inspired menus and breathtaking scenery, ideal for sunset dining. Rustic Root, Borrego Rooftop at Hotel Indigo and Born & Raised steakhouse deliver cozy rooftop settings with comforting American fare and signature cocktails. For Mediterranean flavors, Garibaldi and Seneca in the InterContinental Hotel offer stunning waterfront and harbor views paired with Sicilian and Roman-inspired dishes. Wine enthusiasts can unwind at Pali Wine Co. in Little Italy, while sports fans enjoy upgraded views and premium lounges at Petco Park’s Western Metal Supply Co. Building renovation.
Carlsbad Ocean Views and Village Vibes
Carlsbad’s rooftop venues offer a mix of vibrant atmospheres and breathtaking ocean views. Tower39 provides the best seaside vistas, while The Deck at 264 Fresco is a village favorite for cocktails and hearty plates. Crackheads brings quirky fun with rooftop brunches, and VUE at Omni La Costa overlooks lush golf course greens.
Glamorous Panoramic City Views in West Hollywood
Merois at Pendry West Hollywood blends Japanese, Southeast Asian and Californian flavors with a romantic setting. Harriet’s Rooftop at 1 Hotel West Hollywood delivers 360-degree views with signature drinks. E.P. & L.P. combines rooftop dining with an outdoor movie experience, while Skybar at Mondrian is a lively nightlife hotspot. Catch LA dazzles with its retractable roof and celebrity crowd, and Petit Ermitage offers an exclusive, artistic retreat. Play rooftop pickleball at La Peer Hotel or enjoy a game of tennis on the roof at Le Parc at Melrose, while savoring breathtaking views. Whether sipping cocktails at The Roof at The EDITION or soaking in old Hollywood glamour at The Formosa Café, West Hollywood's rooftops provide the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable visit.
High Rooftop Bar at Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach
Hotel Erwin’s High Rooftop Lounge captures Venice Beach’s eclectic spirit with laid-back vibes, oceanfront views and bold cocktails. Best visited at sunset, this rooftop is perfect for soaking in coastal colors while enjoying handcrafted drinks and fresh California-inspired bites.
Elevated Desert Views at Sugar High Rooftop at Azúcar and Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Sugar High Rooftop Lounge inside the La Serena Villas is one of downtown Palm Springs’ rare rooftop lounges with breathtaking San Jacinto Mountain views. Open on weekend nights, it’s the ultimate place for sipping seasonal cocktails and indulging in locally sourced dishes. At Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs, 4 Saints and High Bar offer sweeping Palm Springs views, Michelin-level dining and a lively rooftop scene.
Catalina Island Rooftops: Stunning Vistas and Cozy Vibes
Topside by NDMK, perched above the Catalina Island Conservancy Trailhead, leads Catalina’s rooftop scene with panoramic harbor views, craft cocktails and a welcoming fire pit for sunset lounging. For a quieter experience, The Avalon Hotel’s rooftop offers serene sights of Avalon, perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks, while Bellanca Hotel’s deck provides a relaxing spot to unwind with scenic water views.
Santa Monica’s Coastal Rooftops & Sunset Spots with Style
From The Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel’s luxurious Pacific ocean views to Calabra’s relaxed coastal atmosphere atop the Proper Hotel, Santa Monica’s rooftops are prime for drinks and dining with stunning backdrops. Élephante delivers coastal Italian flair, while LouLou provides bohemian vibes overlooking the iconic pier.
Dana Point’s Oceanfront Views at 180blu
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s cliffside bar and lounge, 180blu pairs panoramic Pacific Ocean views with handcrafted cocktails and small plates. Guests can spot breaching whales and dolphins, especially during California gray whale migration season, making it a remarkable place to relax year-round.
Halo at Fairmont Breakers: Long Beach’s Rooftop Jewel
Fairmont Breakers, the first luxury hotel in Long Beach, opened in late 2024 after a $150 million restoration, returning the nearly 100-year-old building to its former glory. In addition to restaurants, bars, a jazz lounge and a spa, Fairmont Breakers is home to rooftop bar Halo, with 360-degree views of Long Beach, Catalina Island and downtown Los Angeles. Ideal for handcrafted cocktails and festive celebrations, it’s especially popular during holiday fireworks and stunning year-round sunsets.
Beverly Hills Rooftops: Luxury Above the City
The Peninsula Beverly Hills’ rooftop offers a luxurious retreat featuring panoramas of the city, relaxing cabanas and refreshing cocktails. The rooftop oasis combines sophisticated dining at The Roof Garden with a serene poolside experience. Nearby, the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills is home to The Rooftop Beverly Hills with rooftop cabanas, state-of-the-art wellness treatments and more.