San Francisco is built on hills and wrapped by water, so a drink with a view is almost a requirement. Because of the wind and fog, many of the city’s best “rooftop” bars are actually glassed-in lounges on the top floors of hotels, which means you can enjoy the skyline year round. A few open-air rooftops are perfect on warm, clear evenings.
In this guide
This guide is part of our San Francisco nightlife hub. For the classics at street level, see our best bars in San Francisco.
Hotel lounges with the best views
- Top of the Mark, InterContinental Mark Hopkins: a 19th-floor lounge on Nob Hill that has been a San Francisco institution since 1939, with views in every direction and live music on some nights.
- The View Lounge, San Francisco Marriott Marquis: a 39th-floor bar near Union Square with a fan-shaped window looking over downtown.
- Starlight Room, Beacon Grand: a glamorous 21st-floor lounge on Powell Street with a long history of dancing and shows.
Open-air rooftops
- El Techo, Mission District: a lively rooftop on Mission Street with Latin American food, margaritas and views toward downtown. The Mission’s sunnier weather makes it one of the few rooftops that is often warm.
- Charmaine’s, Proper Hotel: a rooftop bar with fire pits and views down Market Street, near Civic Center.
Open-air rooftops can close for weather or private events, so check before you go.
When to go
Sunset is the best time, especially in September and October, when the evenings are clearest and warmest. In summer, fog can roll in quickly in the late afternoon, so a glassed-in lounge is the safer choice. Weekends are busy, and some lounges have a cover charge or minimum on nights with music.
Tips
Smart casual is a good rule for hotel lounges. Bring a jacket for any outdoor rooftop, even on a warm afternoon. Cocktail prices at view bars are higher than at street level, so think of it as paying for the view. For more ways to see the skyline, see our best views in San Francisco.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most famous rooftop bar in San Francisco?
The Top of the Mark at the InterContinental Mark Hopkins on Nob Hill, open since 1939.
Are there open-air rooftop bars in San Francisco?
Yes, but fewer than in warmer cities, because of wind and fog. El Techo in the Mission is a favorite.
What should I wear to a San Francisco rooftop bar?
Smart casual, and always bring a warm layer.
When is the best time for a rooftop drink in San Francisco?
Around sunset on a clear evening, especially in September and October.
Photo credits
Featured image: BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0; When to go: Cgbriggs19 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.