If the elevated POV isn’t enough to keep you entertained, learn a thing or two about San Diego’s storied local surf culture. The Rooftop Bar’s inventive cocktail menu is inspired by the famous breaks along the San Diego coastline—from Oceanside to Ocean Beach. Each cocktail is named for a local spot, many of which are hailed across the globe. So, sit back and relax. The only test is how it tastes.
The Break: Buccaneer is named for the beach just South of Oceanside Pier with the Buccaneer Café as the recognizable local landmark. The punchy beach break allows for some epic sessions at the right time of year.
The Cocktail: Uncle Nearest 1884 Whiskey, Cynar, Amaretto, sage and lime $17
The Break: Terramar in Carlsbad is a no-frills beach featuring one of five point breaks in San Diego. When the surf is small, it’s ideal for mellow longboarders. And when it’s big? It’s a magnet for local talent.
The Cocktail: One Vodka, Cointreau, Passion fruit purée, house made grenadine, lemon $17
The Break: Grandview is at the base of steep cliffs in Leucadia, a beach town with a “Keep it Funky” slogan. Pleasantly uncrowded, the beach staves off tourists with its steep staircase.
The Cocktail: Plantation 3 Stars, Bacardí Cuatro rum, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, cinnamon, orgeat, orange, lime $17
The Break: Stonesteps affords only rare windows of surf for the persistent or lucky. Tucked away in a residential area of Encinitas, it’s worth checking off your list—and getting a stair workout at the very least.
The Cocktail: Terramana Blanco tequila, guava, serrano, agave, lime $17
The Break: Moonlight, Encinitas. Year-round lifeguards and full-service beach amenities make this state beach North County’s most popular. It’s a front-row seat for SoCal style with throngs of local teens.
The Cocktail: Fords Gin, Mionetto Prosecco, strawberry, hibiscus tea, lemon $17
The Break: Seaside in Cardiff is a big wide beach, which makes it ideal to kick back and watch legend Rob Machado and local groms surf their home break. The playful wave is intermediate-advanced, ideal for regular surf contests here.
The Cocktail: Fords gin, Mionetto prosecco, strawberry purée, hibiscus tea, lemon $17
The Break: Windansea, made famous by Tom Wolff’s The Pump House Gang, and Andy Warhol’s subsequent visit, this La Jolla surf spot remains an icon. Sure, the waves are unique and fun. Yet the craggy cliffside beach remains a draw for more than surfing alone with unrivaled people-watching.
The Cocktail: Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Chareau aloe liqueur, Dolin Blanc vermouth, pineapple, cucumber, ginger syrup, lime $ 17
The Break: Bird Rock is a jewel box neighborhood south of La Jolla, and its thrilling break is mostly commandeered by locals. Beginners: Watch from the shore with Wayfarer croissants.
The Cocktail: Casamigos Blanco tequila, Giffard Pamplemousse liqueur, grapefruit, pomegranate, agave, lime $17
The Break: Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach is a consistently fun reef break with a smooth bottom and groomed waves (thanks to kelp beds). Bonus: Panoramic views of the bluffs and lagoons.
The Cocktail: Plantation 3 Stars rum, coconut, pineapple, cinnamon, lime $17