Enjoy Panoramic Views And Craft Cocktails At These 11 Rooftop Bars In Southern California
By Natasha Kayes|Published June 07, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
There is nothing like a great night out in Southern California, whether it means a secret hideaway, sunset at the beach, or the lights and energy of the city. Whatever mood you are in, if you are looking for a unique place to hang out for the entire evening or somewhere special to go after dinner, every one of these bucket-list-worthy rooftop bars in Southern California combines great drinks with outstanding views. The hardest part is picking which one to go to first!
Enjoy stunning views of the eclectic and lively Venice Beach boardwalk, DJs setting the music vibe, and delicious specialty cocktails, along with lovely bar bites to go with them. High (which is just high enough for great views, but not too high for people watching) has comfy lounging sofas with umbrellas for shade during the day and heaters to stay warm as the sun goes down.
With a lush, Bohemian ambiance that blends gorgeously with the beach it overlooks, The Rooftop Bar is incredibly inviting with plush cozy seating, natural colors and textures, fire pits, and lots of pillows. Breathe in ocean breezes while sipping on original recipe cocktails from the bar’s own mixology team.
If you haven’t heard of Perch before, I would be surprised. It has built a name for itself and it is very well deserved. The downtown Los Angeles bar on the 16th floor is said to “float along the Los Angeles skyline.” It’s like a treehouse but sitting among the skyscrapers instead of trees, an unusual and unexpectedly beautiful set of views, especially with the sun setting between the buildings - very metropolitan but somehow cozy and intimate as well.
A spectacular modern space with unbeatable views of San Diego’s Coronado Bridge, Point Loma, and that famous skyline, it is no wonder this place has become known as one of the city’s best rooftop bars. Enjoy delicious bar bites alongside an extensive selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.
Located on the roof of this colorful, eclectic boutique hotel, this unique bar in the heart of Hollywood features traditional stools around the huge square bar, cute and highly colorful tables and chairs, and epically spacious lounging daybeds full of pillows, just begging you to unwind with your favorite drink in hand. Oh, and the city views are outstanding.
There is more to Anaheim than Disneyland (no offense, Mickey.) Just across from the famous Disneyland resort, The Fifth is known for craft cocktails and beers, and a simple space to relax with unique views over the city and the theme parks. With some 5,000 square feet of space and huge sectional sofas with fire pits, this is a great place for groups, office parties, etc.
This warm and welcoming lounge on the 9th floor of Hilton’s Waterfront Beach Resort offers magnificent panoramic views of the Pacific Coast, which you will enjoy on plush seating in front of a fire. Need we say more?
Palm Springs is a premier vacation destination in Southern California’s desert, and the city’s only rooftop bar is a wonderful place to kick back and enjoy unique views of the palm-tree-filled landscape surrounded by majestic mountains. It is also an excellent spot to find delightful retro cocktails, craft brews, and seasonal quick bites.
Located in the little beach town of Goleta, just north of Santa Barbara, Roof Top Bistro and Bar is a cozy and modern space with unrivaled views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Enjoy craft cocktails, local beer and wine, and fresh California cuisine under lovely market lights from “sunset to stars.”
Excellent food and drinks pair perfectly with the 360-degree views from this strikingly pretty and unique rooftop bar and restaurant. Cozy areas that feel private, dining tables with long elegant sofas, eye-catching motifs, and lush green plants give the space a gentle and calming ambiance in the midst of the city.
Spire 73 is the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere, located on the InterContinental Hotel. This stunning modern space offers unique seating options, incredible craft cocktails, and city views that literally no other place can compete with. Who do you want to impress? Bring them to Spire 73.
There is something here for everyone. Which of these incredible rooftop bars in Southern California is calling you? Have you been to any of the places on this list, or have a favorite rooftop bar that we haven’t mentioned? Share with us in the comments!
We just love sharing our favorite hotspots, hidden gems, and unique places with you. Check out our entire collection of awesome places to eat and drink in SoCal.
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