Want to sip a little something while watching the sun dip below the Pacific? You’re in the right place.
San Diego boasts a phenomenal collection of waterfront watering holes, ranging from casual coastal cantinas to high-in-the-sky lounges. Here are the best oceanfront bars in town — and if you’re lucky, you might just catch a glimpse of the elusive green flash.
The Marine Room
Established in 1941, The Marine Room is an iconic San Diego restaurant that’s more than just close to the ocean. At high tide, waves actually splash against the (very strong) dining room windows, giving you a front-row seat to one of the most amazing seaside shows on Earth. Enjoy a glass of wine from their menu of over 300 different options or try one of their signature mocktails and cocktails — like an Old Fashioned made with wagyu-infused whiskey.
1950 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla
Wonderland Ocean Pub
Locals will tell you that Wonderland is one of the best bars in Ocean Beach, especially if you prefer a laid-back vibe. Here, you can enjoy a million-dollar view without breaking the bank, thanks to Wonderland’s affordable happy hour every Monday through Friday, with $5 draft beers, $8 glasses of wine and $11 cocktails, plus a daily sunset toast.
5083 Santa Monica Ave., Suite 2B, Ocean Beach
Waterbar
There are plenty of bars in Pacific Beach, but Waterbar appeals to all sorts of patrons, from partying youths to brunchgoers in search of mimosas. Situated directly on the beach’s sandy shores, the California coastal bar and restaurant provides plenty of local San Diego craft beer alongside playful libations like a frozen lemonade and a Chasing Sunsets cocktail made with grapefruit vodka, rosé, Aperol and lemon juice.
4325 Ocean Blvd., Pacific Beach
Bali Hai
It doesn’t get more iconic than the Bali Hai. Widely considered to be the best tiki bar in San Diego, this Polynesian-themed paradise on Shelter Island slings some of the strongest drinks in town, including their signature Mai Tai served with a wedge of pineapple and a prayer. Over the restaurant’s 70-plus year history, they’ve served over 3 million Mai Tais and counting. After one sip, you’ll understand the hype.
2230 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island
Portside Pier
Where can you catch a glimpse of the famous San Diego-Coronado Bridge and USS Midway Museum and enjoy a cold beverage all at the same time? Portside Pier. This bayside collection of bars and restaurants has it all, from fresh craft beer at Ketch Grill & Taps to signature cocktails and plenty of wine at Brigantine Seafood. This is San Diego waterfront dining at its best.
1360 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero
George’s at the Cove
The view from George’s at the Cove in downtown La Jolla is as picture-perfect as a postcard. From the Ocean Terrace, guests can enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and watch passersby soak in the sunshine at one of the most beautiful spots in the world. Plus, their menu of non-alcoholic cocktails is as thoughtfully crafted as their full-strength options.
1250 Prospect St., La Jolla
Mister A’s
A San Diego institution for more than 60 years, Mister A’s is where midcentury glamour and one of the best views in the city meet. While it’s not right on the waterfront, the vantage point from the rooftop restaurant places you eye-level with planes coasting in to land at San Diego International Airport, and the breezy wraparound patio offers clear views of the city skyline and Point Loma peninsula. Don’t let the awe-inspiring sunsets distract you from the menu: cocktails here are all well-crafted and range from crisp and refreshing to spirit-forward, like the Mesquite Manhattan with barrel-aged smoke bourbon and black walnut bitters.
2550 Fifth Ave., Bankers Hill
Draft
Built between the beach and Belmont Park, the Mission Beach boardwalk has been a cornerstone of San Diego’s beach community for a century. Draft isn’t quite that old — it opened in 2014 — but the South Mission taphouse serves over 55 beers on draft alongside contemporary pub fare like burgers, fries, and a kid’s menu. It’s a crowd-pleasing destination ideal for post-park relaxing, especially after a few rides on the Giant Dipper roller coaster.
3105 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach
OB Brewery
This beachside brewery in Ocean Beach has earned quite a few awards for various brews over the years, but it’s not just the great craft beer that keeps people coming back: the rooftop patio overlooks bustling Newport Avenue and offers a great spot to catch a San Diego sunset. Happy hour runs weekdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., with rotating beer specials and regular collaborations.
5041 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach
Bay Club Bar & Grill
San Diego waterfront dining isn’t limited to the ocean — there are plenty of bayfront bars with equally spectacular views. Inside The Bay Club Hotel and Marina is one of them. The recently remodeled Bay Club Bar & Grill is a no-frills hotel bar beloved by guests and locals for their wallet-friendly (and stiff) drinks and view of San Diego Bay. An added bonus: there’s usually plenty of parking in the public lot just across the street.
2131 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island
Top of the Hyatt
Expect nothing but the best at this sky-high lounge at the top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Breathtaking views define this special occasion destination, where guests can drink in the gorgeous San Diego bayfront (and a few beverages) from 40 stories up. If you’re looking for one of the best date night bars in San Diego, Top of the Hyatt should be at the top of your list.
1 Market Place, Downtown
Sun Deck at the Hotel del Coronado
After a $550 million renovation of the historic hotel, the Hotel del Coronado is back and better than ever. Every inch of the grand dame exudes timeless luxury, and anyone aiming to live the high life need only head to the Sun Deck for uninterrupted views of the coast. It’s unquestionably one of San Diego’s best oceanfront bars — especially if you can snag a seat by one of the fire pits.
1500 Orange Ave., Coronado
