California knows how to set the scene, and nowhere is that more obvious than on a rooftop with a cold drink in hand. From San Francisco’s foggy skyline to the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles and San Diego, the state is packed with elevated bars that make it nearly impossible to leave after just one round.
The views are stunning, the vibes are electric, and the cocktails are dangerously good. Here are nine rooftop bars across California that have a sneaky way of turning a quick drink into a full-blown evening.
Charmaine’s – San Francisco, California
Perched atop the Proper Hotel in the heart of San Francisco, Charmaine’s has a way of making time disappear. The moody lighting and plush seating pull you in, while the sweeping views of the city skyline make it hard to look away.
Craft cocktails here are bold and creative, perfectly matching the upscale-yet-relaxed vibe. Show up for happy hour and you might just find yourself still there when the stars come out.
Top of the Mark – San Francisco, California
Standing on the 19th floor of the InterContinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, Top of the Mark has been charming visitors since 1939. Soldiers heading overseas during World War II would stop here for one last look at the Golden Gate Bridge before shipping out.
That same emotional pull still works today. Order one of their famous cocktails and watch the fog roll over the bay.
History, views, and great drinks make leaving feel almost disrespectful.
Perch – Los Angeles, California
Downtown Los Angeles looks completely different from the 15th floor, and Perch takes full advantage of that. The French-inspired rooftop terrace is dressed up with string lights and cozy seating that makes every visit feel like a special occasion.
Happy hour crowds tend to linger long past their planned departure time, thanks to well-priced drinks and one of the best skyline views in the city. Come for one cocktail, stay for the sunset you did not plan on watching.
Harriet’s Rooftop – West Hollywood, California
Harriet’s at 1 Hotel West Hollywood is the kind of place that makes you feel like you are living in a music video. Lush plants, warm wood tones, and a pool that catches the afternoon light set a scene that is genuinely hard to walk away from.
The cocktail menu is thoughtful and seasonally inspired, and the views of the Hollywood Hills are nothing short of cinematic. One drink turns into three because honestly, why would you rush this?
E.P. & L.P. – West Hollywood, California
E.P. & L.P. splits its personality between a downstairs restaurant and an upstairs rooftop bar that has become a West Hollywood staple. The Asian-inspired cocktail menu is creative and approachable, making it easy to keep ordering just one more.
On a clear night, the views stretch across a wide swath of Los Angeles, giving you that big-city feeling without the chaos below. The energy here is social and buzzy, which is exactly why nobody ever seems to leave early.
Spire 73 – Los Angeles, California
At 1,000 feet above street level, Spire 73 holds the title of the highest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Sitting on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, the views are so jaw-dropping that conversations tend to stop mid-sentence.
The cocktails are polished and priced to match the altitude. You will likely arrive planning to stay 45 minutes and end up watching the entire city light up below you for hours.
Kettner Exchange – San Diego, California
Nestled in San Diego’s vibrant Little Italy neighborhood, Kettner Exchange brings serious energy to its rooftop scene. The exposed brick walls and warm Edison bulb lighting give the space a cool, industrial feel that somehow also manages to feel cozy.
Craft cocktails and a rotating seasonal menu keep regulars coming back, while the partial views of San Diego Bay add a laid-back coastal touch. Order your first drink at sunset and you will absolutely be there for a second and a third.
The Rooftop – Los Angeles, California
The Rooftop at The Wayfarer hotel in downtown Los Angeles leans fully into the pool-party-meets-rooftop-bar concept, and it works beautifully. Cabanas, a sparkling pool, and a cocktail menu full of colorful drinks make the whole setup feel like a mini vacation.
Weekend afternoons here have a festive, sun-drenched energy that makes it nearly impossible to pack up and head home. One frozen cocktail leads to another, and suddenly the afternoon is gone and you are perfectly fine with that.
Bar Lis – Los Angeles, California
Bar Lis at Hotel Figueroa brings a slice of the Mediterranean coast to downtown Los Angeles, and the combination is surprisingly magical. Mosaic tile details, lush greenery, and warm lantern light create an atmosphere that feels like you have been transported somewhere far more exotic.
The cocktail list draws inspiration from southern Europe, with herbaceous and citrus-forward drinks that pair perfectly with the breezy rooftop air. One sip in and you will already be scanning the menu for your next order.