Summer Sips & Sunset Spots: San Diego’s Best Speakeasies and Waterfront Bars
Nothing says summer like a sip of your favorite concoction at a cool bar on the San Diego waterfront! From our favorite local beach bars to cool, secret San Diego speakeasies with a fun vibe, and other popular waterfront establishments with the best sunset views – summer along the San Diego waterfront is definitely the place to be for the best summer sips and sunset spots!
As a guest of the Best Western PLUS Island Palms Hotel, you'll be close to all the best spots in San Diego to enjoy the best summer sips, speakeasies, and sunsets in SoCal.
Best Bars in San Diego with Water Views
Blue Wave Bar & Grill (Onsite at the Hotel)
Located onsite here at the Best Western Island Palms Hotel; the Blue Wave Bar & Grill is a great (and convenient) place to relax and catch a beautiful West Coast sunset. Located next to the Shelter Island Marina, our Blue Wave Bar & Grill offers a selection of tropically-inspired dishes and signature cocktails, with breathtaking sunset views of Point Loma.
Humphreys Backstage LIVE (0.3 Miles to Hotel)
Just across the bay at our sister property, Humphreys Half Moon Inn, you’ll find the lively Backstage LIVE— a waterfront bar and lounge serving up great drinks and even better vibes. Sip on a handcrafted cocktail while enjoying live music from local and touring artists, all set against the scenic backdrop of the marina. It’s the perfect spot to wind down and soak up the San Diego spirit.
South Beach Bar & Grill (3.8 Miles to Hotel)
Sunset views are the best at this popular Ocean Beach bar and grill. Known for their amazing Mahi fish tacos, 40 beers, and 22 tequilas, grab a seat at the wooden bar and watch the sun set behind the view of ocean waves at South Beach Bar & Grill. It’s also a great place to check out your favorite college and pro sports teams with 10 TVs and plenty of food and drink specials.
Wonderland Ocean Pub (3.9 Miles to Hotel)
Building on the unique culture and history of Ocean Beach, Wonderland Ocean Pub is a laid-back beach bar where you'll always be treated like family. Enjoy a coastal-inspired menu with unparalleled ocean and sunset views, plus the best cold local craft brews, cocktails, and fresh seafood.
Best San Diego Speakeasies Near the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel & Marina
False Idol (5.2 Miles to Hotel)
Enter through a secret door at Craft & Commerce for an evening at one of the most fun and unique Polynesian tiki experiences you won’t soon forget. Relax at this hidden San Diego speakeasy amongst the tropical décor that includes a volcano and indoor waterfall! Get island-inspired tiki-bar drinks that include rum-based bar options that range from a classic MaiTai to flaming sharable cocktails in festive tiki bowls, and don’t forget your tiki souvenir glass from False Idol to take home!
The Grass Skirt (7.8 Miles to Hotel)
You have to be a smart one to find the entrance through the refrigerator door to the foggy tunnel made from lava rock that leads you to this popular tropical-themed speakeasy in San Diego! Grab a booth or fire pit table at the Grass Skirt and order a boat drink that includes all of your favorite tropical libations or a gigantic, spiked punch bowl to share with friends. Nosh on an Asian-inspired menu including dishes like bao and poke bowls. Reservations are suggested since this is one of the most popular San Diego speakeasies.
Raised by Wolves (13.7 Miles to Hotel)
One of the most popular speakeasies in San Diego, Raised by Wolves is hidden behind a bottle shop at an outdoor mall and is so much fun to find and visit! The award-winning San Diego speakeasy offers an intimate atmosphere with a dark, brooding décor that we are definitely here for! Enjoy an evening of handcrafted cocktails from the bar’s exquisite reserve list of rare spirits while relaxing on a velvet chair under the intoxicating emerald glass dome.
Nearby Beach Bars in San Diego
Cannonball (5.6 Miles from Hotel)
Cannonball next to Belmont Park is a fun place to grab a cool craft cocktail at their amazing rooftop bar, the largest in San Diego. This Mission Beach oceanfront beach bar also offers a fresh selection of sushi and sashimi, and a variety of unique cocktails served with some of the best ocean views in San Diego.
Miss B’s Coconut Club (6.8 Miles to Hotel)
This Havana-themed Mission Beach establishment is the place to be along the San Diego waterfront for happy hour this summer! Choose from over 20 local and microbrews on tap, and plenty of rum concoctions that range from tropical punch to Chester Copperpot, a fun, shareable treasure chest drink. Enjoy happy daily hour and delicious snacks including Cuban sandwiches and jerk wings.
World Famous (7.6 Miles to Hotel)
Best happy hour around from 4pm to close every Monday – Thursday at this popular Pacific Beach establishment. Enjoy award-winning coastal cuisine and unique handcrafted cocktails served with one of the most amazing views in San Diego. This iconic beachfront restaurant along the San Diego waterfront is a long-time favorite beach bar of locals and visitors!
Are You Ready to Have the Best Room in Town for Summer Sips and Sunset Spots at the Best Western Plus Island Palms Hotel?
Plan an exciting stay at the Best Western PLUS Island Palms Hotel in San Diego and be close to all the popular San Diego speakeasies, beach bars, and sunset views the area has to offer! Our Shelter Island hotel offers the best accommodations with resort-style amenities, an onsite marina, and planned activities for guests. And don’t forget to explore our Packages and Special Offers, designed to help you book now and enjoy more…for less!
