Swimsuits and flip flops are the uniform to keep in mind for summers in America’s Finest City. Here’s where you can find the best pool parties in San Diego.
By Lisa Kelley
Westgate’s French Riviera Soiree & Swim
June 11, July 9, Aug. 13, Sept. 10. You may be sitting in sunny San Diego, but anyone can take a quick “vacation” to the French Riviera by visiting The Westgate Hotel’s exclusive poolside on the second Saturday of each month. Relish the swim club ambiance from modern chaise lounges and cabanas, enjoy poolside cuisine and a raw bar, and sip from a lineup of refreshing cocktails. $25/pp. 3-8 p.m. 1055 Second Ave., downtown, 619.238.1818. westgatehotel.com
Rooftop600 at Andaz
May 29, July 3, Sept. 4. Summer holidays are best spent keeping cool, so for Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day, head to RoofTop600 at Andaz San Diego. The rooftop venue will feature shaded cabanas, inflatable pool toys, beats provided by local DJs and plenty of signature cocktails for sipping. $15/pp. 1-7 p.m. 600 F St., downtown, 619.849.1234. rooftop600.com
Sunburn at Hard Rock Hotel
Saturdays ongoing. Enjoy a pool party in the heart of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter at Hard Rock Hotel’s rooftop pool destination, FLOAT. Sunburn happens every Saturday, featuring daybeds, cabanas, flat screens, music, BBQ bites, sips and more, starting at $10/pp. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.702.3000. hardrockhotelsd.com
SummerSalt at Hotel Palomar
Weekends ongoing. Keep those Monday-blues at bay by looking forward to poolside weekends at Hotel Palomar’s SummerSalt pool and lounge. After Memorial Day, enjoy “Half-day Fridays” with half-off bottles of bubbly and flatbreads from 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, enjoy drink specials and DJ beats all afternoon, with no cover. “Reggae Sundays” welcome live bands, tiki-style cocktails and small bites with a relaxing atmosphere that makes Monday seem so far away… 1047 Fifth Ave., downtown. hotelpalomar-sandiego.com
Dive-In Theatre at The Pearl Hotel
Wednesdays ongoing. Catch a free weekly “cinema social” at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma. The retro-style hotel and its restaurant EAT’s poolside lounging area create a fun atmosphere to watch a flick on their 10’x13’ projection screen. Showtime is from 8-10 p.m., with the bar open until 11 p.m. The swimming pool is free for hotel guests and available for all others with a drink purchase. 1410 Rosecrans St., Point Loma, 619.226.6100. thepearlsd.com
Dive at Harrah’s
Weekends ongoing. Head to North County to enjoy fun after the sun goes down at Harrah’s Resort’s Dive After Dark every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Enjoy live bands and DJ performances at this poolside venue and grab a drink from the swim-up bar. Admission is free with a total rewards card (available at the front desk). Reggae Sundays, enjoy traditional reggae-rock bands from noon-6 p.m. for $30/pp. 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center, 760.751.3100. harrahssocal.com
WaveHouse
Ongoing. Switch back and forth between poolside and sandy beaches at the oceanfront WaveHouse in Mission Beach. The huge venue boasts outdoor tiki bars, fire pits, cabanas and the world-famous FlowBarrel wave machine. If you’re feeling adventurous you can try flow-boarding the 10-foot wave, or instead sit back with a tropical cocktail in hand and soak up some sunshine. 3125 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach, 858.228.9283. belmontpark.com
Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows
Weekends Ongoing. Soak in the “Summer of Love” at the historical Lafayette Hotel with special poolside events and entertainment most weekends. Towel service is for hotel guests only, though can also be purchased at Frank’s General Store. Most events are from noon-5 p.m. with $20/pp cover. See website for full event schedule. 2223 El Cajon Blvd., North Park, 619.296.2101. lafayettehotelsd.com
