San Diego Series: ALTITUDE Sky Lounge
Perched 22 stories atop the Marriott Gaslamp and overlooking Petco Park in San Diego's Gaslamp District, ALTITUDE, the west coast's highest rooftop bar, is a swanky outdoor lounge that manages to hold on to a casual vibe. Good cocktails, cushy chairs to sink into, and sweeping downtown views attract the pretty people as well as the more sophisticated Padres fans grabbing a pre-game beer and eagle-eye peek at the stadium. DJs spin every weekend Fri-Sun and fire pits are fired up at night. Best of all, no cover.
Locals' tips: Sunset or evening game time is the best time to go. Even if there's a game starting, parking is pretty easy. Valet at the Marriott downstairs ($38/night), park in the lot on 6th and J St. ($15), or park in any lot further away (~$20) and walk through the Gaslamp. You'll also hit Happy Hour from 5-7pm then. Get the white sangria. It's summer in a glass. A small apps menu is available so plan to go for the drinks, not dinner. The later you go on the weekends the more clubby it gets so if loud music and lines to get in are not your thing, get there as early as possible.
Hey Locals! Other San Diego rooftop bars you love? Chime in below.
