America’s Best Rooftop Patios — Sky-High Hotel Finds Worthy of a Trip

Texans have the patio game down strong. In fact, brunching on piazzas, terraces and rooftop bars has become a sport. So when traveling on a summer getaway, why not seek an alluring oasis of sustenance, libations and panoramic views in different climes?

America’s best rooftop patios are worth traveling to experience. Here are the seven must-see and be-seen rooftop patio retreats.

4 Saints and High Bar at Kimpton Rowan

Palm Springs, California

4 Saints and High Bar offers Palm Springs’ only rooftop pool, bar and restaurant with tranquil views of the San Jacinto Mountains and the desert landscape. Plus, it’s in a prime location anchoring the center of the revitalized Downtown Palm Springs.

The property opened in November 2017, with only 153 rooms in an urban oasis that blends rugged, desert beauty with high style and sleek, timeless glamour. 4 Saints, the rooftop restaurant, is an intimate hideaway serving chef-driven cuisine under the direction of executive chef Stephen Wambach along with an extensive cocktail, beer and wine program.

Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills (A Four Seasons Hotel)

Beverly Hills, California

Debuting on National Rosé Day earlier this summer (June 9), the iconic Beverly Wilshire unveiled the ultimate rosé over Rodeo experience for visitors to delight in throughout the summer. In honor of the storied hotel’s 90th anniversary, guests are transported to a summer escape through an unmarked door that leads to the Secret Rosé Garden on the Rodeo Terrace.

Overlooking Rodeo Drive, rooftop-goers may enjoy a lounge area under a pergola encircled by cascading vines with roses. Guests can select from a curated menu that includes light summer bites along with blushing rosé varietals. Keeping it farm fresh, there is also an herb garden on the roof that supplies garnishes and ingredients for the menu.

While sipping rosé, it will be raining rose petals amidst the sunny California sky.

Wade at The Camby

Phoenix, Arizona

Wade Poolside Bar at The Camby is known for impromptu games of ping pong, and of course a refreshing pool. With toastier temperatures than Texas, a poolside experience is a must.

This rooftop escape included an expansive sun deck, outdoor games and of course a bar to keep hydrated while soaking up the sun. And come nightfall, the hotel offers classic and modern movies projected on the skywall of the rooftop.

Chef creations to accompany movie night include street tacos and hand-wrapped ice cream sandwiches.

Fire Terrace at the ART

Denver, Colorado

Denver is an ultra-popular destination for Texans as it’s a close mountain retreat. This arty hotel offers a multi-sensory experience, especially atop on its rooftop dubbed Fire Terrace.

One can enjoy bird’s eye views of downtown Denver from the open-air rooftop, while sipping on signature artistic craft cocktails and lounge menu items. By night, cozy up in a cabana, wrapped up in a blanket by the outdoor fire pits. Yes, you’ll need a blanket. In summer.

Surrounded by masterful art pieces and twinkling lights, you can continue the experience by exploring the hotel’s breathtaking art collection of more than 50 pieces of gallery-worthy modern and contemporary artworks.

The Peninsula Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

The Peninsula Chicago is home to Z Bar, overlooking Chicago’s iconic Michigan Avenue. The lounge offers innovative cocktails, thoughtfully curated wines and beers, as well as an internationally inspired food menu. With indoor and outdoor seating (necessary with Chicago’s chilly winter temps), the hotel united chefs and mixologists to create a seamless experience atop the city.

The Disco Fever is one of the most popular drinks, and can even be served for a group in a rotating disco ball. And to please any cravings, one of the speciality menu items is a fancy version of tater tots, filled with bone marrow and Bordelaise.

The Betsy-South Beach

Miami Beach, Florida

Miami Beach is an undeniable hotspot for sun, pools and sips. The Betsy-South Beach has a new 3,200 square foot rooftop complex with a swimming pool, which flaunts unhindered views of the ocean, the Art Deco District and the Miami skyline.

In addition to the pool happenings, the space often hosts sunset events on the Skyline Deck, located on the tip-top point of the new art deco wing of the hotel. Guests may enjoy the poolside experience underneath the toasty sun or sparkling star with a transitional starlit lounge, light fare, refreshing smoothies and a full-service bar.

Grace Vanderbilt

Newport, Rhode Island

Venturing to the northeast for a reprieve from Texas heat, guests of Grace Vanderbilt may enjoy some of the best views of the Newport Harbor from Grace Vanderbilt’s famed rooftop. This summer, the rooftop introduced a new crudo bar, serving fresh oysters and seafood all summer long.

Visitors also get to bask in the sun and relish in sunsets, as they indulge in the seafood and glasses of bubbly. Grace Vanderbilt’s robust beverage program is helmed by baker-turned-cocktail mixologist Christina Mercado.

Everything from the drinks’ textures, flow of flavors and Instagram-worthy presentation makes this rooftop a must for the cocktail connoisseur. Be sure to request the rosewater-infused drink with edible roses, or a hand-latticed dried rhubarb garnish that takes more than two hours to make.