Enjoy Scenic Views from One of SLO CAL’s Rooftop Spots
SLO CAL (San Luis Obispo County) offers the perfect escape with an abundance of natural beauty, flavorful food and wine and exceptional hospitality. What better way to take in all SLO CAL has to offer than on a rooftop. Whether you want to watch the sunset over the glistening ocean, play a round of bocce ball, indulge in a tasty meal, sip on a craft cocktail or float carefree in a pool, SLO CAL has the rooftop that you didn’t know you were missing.
Instead of crowded skylines, the rooftops in SLO CAL are perfectly paired with views of green rolling hills, the blue Pacific, sunny skies and quaint city streets. Head over to one of SLO CAL's rooftop bars and sip on local wines and craft beer while you watch the sunset and let all your worries melt away. Slowing down and admiring these rooftop views is the perfect way to finish a day exploring the region.
Rooftop Bars & Restaurants
Back to Top of ListLooking for a quiet place to wine and/or dine with a view in SLO CAL? Check out these rooftop bar and restaurants:
High Bar at Hotel SLO
📍 877 Palm St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
View: Downtown San Luis Obispo and the surrounding mountains
What to Order: Blueberry mojito and truffle French fries
Local Tip: Head on up to High Bar on Mondays for half priced pizzas from Piadina (Hotel SLO’s on site Italian restaurant)
On the top of Hotel San Luis Obispo, you will find High Bar – one of SLO CAL’s rooftop bars. Admire the sweeping views of downtown San Luis Obispo and the rolling hills beyond. Serving up specialty cocktails and small bites, High Bar is the perfect rooftop to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand (try their popular blueberry mojito) before heading to your dinner reservation at one of the nearby restaurants. Or stay for a rooftop dinner with a view.
Can’t sit still? Don’t worry! High Bar has a bocce ball court that is first come first serve. The seating at High Bar is also first come first serve as they do not take reservations.
Esperanza on the Rooftop at The Ava Hotel
📍 944 Pine St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
View: Greenery, rolling hills and downtown Paso Robles streets
What to Order: Try a social bowl cocktail to share with friends and Queso Fundido for the table
Local Tip: On Tuesdays join Esperanza for Agave & Afterglow, which has happy hour specials from 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM and a live DJ
If you are looking to find sweeping views of downtown Paso Robles, look no further. Esperanza on the Rooftop, an onsite rooftop restaurant and bar at The Ava Hotel, describes their Baja coast inspired menu as vibrant dining. Their shareable plates are fresh and flavorful, and their drinks help to quench your thirst on a hot day. These coastal flavors paired with the view of wine country are a picturesque example of dinner with a view.
The Ava Hotel, a Curio Collection by Hilton, has a luxurious feel while still being warm and approachable. They also have a rooftop pool, but it is currently available to hotel guests only.
Tetto Rooftop Bar at Paso Robles Inn
📍 600 12th St, Paso Robles, CA 93446
View: Green rolling hills and the charming streets of downtown Paso Robles
What to Order: Paso Heat signature cocktail and a charcuterie board
Local Tip: Catch live music here by checking out the live music schedule on their website
Perched atop The Piccolo at Paso Robles Inn you will find Tetto Rooftop Bar. With views of the rolling vineyard hills and the charming square below, your eyes won’t be able to pick the best view. Seasonally serving local wines and beer, specialty cocktails and small bites and desserts, Tetto Rooftop Bar is the perfect spot to have a light bite, unwind on one of their couches and watch the sunset after a fun day wine tasting around Paso Robles.
If you plan ahead (or get lucky) you can even experience live music with a rooftop view. Check out the live music schedule by visiting their website. It is first come first serve seating at Tetto Rooftop Bar.
Eclipse at Cielo
📍 6400 El Camino Real, Atascadero, CA 93422
View: Glimpses of the Sunken Gardens and the surrounding green hills
What to Order: Midnight Lemonade and their House Potato Chips
Cielo is an Italian Restaurant located in the heart of Atascadero. Their rooftop bar, Eclipse, serves signature craft cocktails and small bites. Grab a drink and enjoy the expansive view of sunny skies and green hills or have a nightcap under the light of the moon.
Eclipse is perfect for before or after your reservation at Cielo or to simply stop by for a delicious specialty drink. All you have to do is sit back, sip, snack and enjoy. Rooftop bars don’t get much better than this. Eclipse is open seasonally, with first come first serve seating.
Take a Dip at These Rooftop Pools
Back to Top of ListWith moderate Mediteranean weather, everyday is a pool day in SLO CAL. So why not enjoy a pool with a view:
Headwaters at Hotel Cerro
📍 1125 Garden St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
View: Stunning downtown San Luis Obispo views and green rolling hills
What to Order: Spa Day cocktail and Tamarind Chili Wings
Local Tip: If the Headwaters bar is closed for the season, food and drinks are still available for purchase from The Oak Grill on weekends
The rooftop pool at Hotel Cerro is truly unique. Imagine panoramic views of the surrounding hills and quaint city streets in San Luis Obispo while relaxing in a poolside cabana. This is not just a fantasy; it’s the real deal. This rooftop oasis is referred to as Headwaters, with a rooftop pool and a rooftop bar to enjoy.
At the bar, order food such as fresh salads and sandwiches, as well as craft beer, local wine and specialty cocktails. Headwaters uses fresh items from their edible gardens in the cocktail garnishes and pressed juices. Sip on a crisp cocktail, bask in the sun and get comfy in your cabana with poolside service.
The best part? You don’t need to be a hotel guest to utilize these dream worthy amenities. Pool and cabana passes are available for purchase to the public year-round. The Headwaters bar is seasonal, open to the public from May through September.
Cypress Beach House at Inn at the Pier
📍 601 Cypress St, Pismo Beach, CA 93449
View: The sparkling blue Pacific and Pismo Beach Pier
What to Order: Cypress Floridita cocktail and Steak Frites
Local Tip: Check out the upcoming events calendar on the Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach website, they often hold events on the roof
Paradise is found atop the Inn at the Pier Pismo Beach, a Curio Collection by Hilton. Discover Cypress Beach House, a rooftop heaven with panoramic views of the glistening Pacific, as well as the lively Pismo Beach Pier. Not only does Cypress Beach House have incredible views, you’ll also find a splash pool and a restaurant and bar, all on the rooftop!
Accompanying the rooftop pool are cabanas available to the public to rent. Enjoy the true SLO CAL coastal experience by relaxing in a poolside cabana and treating yourself to delectable food and drink. Everything you need is waiting for you at Cypress Beach House.
The open air dining on the rooftop has a chic coastal ambiance, representing SLO CAL’s vibrant flavors, fresh seafood and meat, locally sourced wines, signature cocktails, craft beers and unforgettable coastline. Visit during sunset and enjoy dinner with a view.
Rooftop-Like Spots Worth Mentioning
Back to Top of ListThese next spots, although not proper rooftops, still contain the beautiful views from above and outdoor spaces that are well loved.
Take to the Sky
If rooftops aren’t high enough in the sky for you, try seeing SLO CAL from above in a hot air balloon! Balloons Over Paso offers sunrise hot air balloon rides that float above the vineyards of Paso Robles. And Banner Airways scenic biplane rides over Oceano and Pismo Beach.
Dorn’s Breakers Cafe
📍 801 Market Ave, Morro Bay, CA 93442
View: Unobstructed views of Morro Rock
What to Order: Fish and Chips
This family-owned establishment has breathtaking views of Morro Bay on their outdoor patio. Enjoy watching the water sparkle and admire Morro Rock while you dine at Dorn’s. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, you can’t go wrong.
Schooners
📍 171 N Ocean Ave, Cayucos, CA 93430
View: Cayucos Beach and Pier with spectacular ocean views
What to Order: Try the Legendary Bloody Mary and Surf and Turf Dinner
Local Tip: Visit the Schooner’s website to find their live music schedule
Grab a seat on the second level at Schooners in Cayucos, an iconic beachfront destination. Enjoy the open air dining overlooking Cayucos beach and pier while you eat fresh seafood and sip on a refreshing cocktail. There is often live music on the weekends, and there are always laid-back coastal vibes. You don’t want to miss out on this spot!
Rooster Creek Tavern
📍 200 E Branch St, Arroyo Grande, CA 93420
View: Quaint downtown Arroyo Grande streets
What to Order: Cock-A-Doodle-Drop cocktail and the Rooster Nachos
Local Tip: The Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge is the only one of its kind in California, and it is a historical landmark!
In Arroyo Grande, get comfortable on the outdoor patio at Rooster Creek Tavern. Take in the views of downtown Arroyo Grande and enjoy tasty American fare, local wine and craft cocktails. After your meal, a short walk will take you to the Arroyo Grande Swinging Bridge, a California historical landmark.
Joe Momma's Rooftop Coffee House at Inn at Avila Beach
📍 256 Front St, Avila Beach, CA 93424
View: Avila Beach and Pier with unobstructed ocean views
Local Tip: This rooftop is only open to guests staying at Inn at Avila Beach, for a public coffee shop nearby check out Kraken Coffee Co
The pride and joy of Inn at Avila Beach is their rooftop cafe. Joe Momma’s Rooftop Coffee House is open in the mornings for pastries and coffee, and the rooftop space stays open during the day for guests to enjoy. Savor the views of sunny Avila Beach and keep an eye out for dolphins passing by. However, there is a catch. The roof deck at the Inn at Avila Beach is available to hotel guests only.
Include Rooftops in Your SLO CAL Itinerary!
SLO CAL is the perfect destination for rooftop relaxation – with endless sunshine, coastline views, rolling hills and relaxed coastal vibes, the rooftop bars are calling your name. Or rent a cabana next to a rooftop pool to soak in extra sunshine.
Explore both the downtown rooftops and the coastal rooftops for the full SLO CAL experience. This is your chance to see SLO CAL from above, without the effort of hiking on one of SLO CAL’s various hiking trails.
Plan your next rooftop experience in SLO CAL - you won’t regret it. Whether you are looking to explore rooftop bars, rooftop pools or want a dinner with a view, SLO CAL has you covered. What are you waiting for? It’s time to shout from the rooftops and finally take that much deserved vacation.
