Cool off at the following hotel pools where outsiders are welcome, are free of charge, and might even provide a discounted drink or two!
Hotel Solamar
A little-known secret (although probably not anymore) is that Hotel Solamar’s rooftop pool area — recently reopened as Upper East — is open to the public. Go to a discreet elevator located inside Jsix Restaurant takes guests upstairs and order from Upper East’s newly debuted menu featuring craft cocktails, Veuve Clicquot Champagne specials, and tasty bites created by Jsix Chef Anthony Sinsay.
Hotel Palomar
Also located Downtown, this hotel offers a chic rooftop pool space for those seeking refuge from the heat. Level Four Pool Deck + Lounge has kicked off its Island Summers specials, which feature Half Day Fridays: where guests can enjoy half-priced bubbles, select beer, and drink specials from 1-5pm. Saturdays offer drink specials DJs spinning tunes all afternoon, while Sundays feature live bands, tiki cocktails, small bites, and a chill atmosphere — all with free admission!
Hotel La Jolla
Visit the Hiatus Lounge inside Hotel La Jolla for free pool lounging. Tiki Saturdays kick off this summer with island beats and a throwback cocktail menu featuring tropical favorites like the Poolside Mai Tai, Mr. Lee’s Epic Mudslide, Frozen Sangria, and Caipirinhas. Show your appreciation for the gratis pool access by ordering a drink, or purchasing some of the poolside bites created by Chef Ingrid Funes.
Pendry San Diego
Cool off at a rooftop pool and lounge area that’s open to the public on their Rooftop Social and Pool House Sundays. Monday through Friday from 5pm-7pm, guests can enjoy a rooftop happy hour featuring wine, beer, and cocktail specials, as well as $1 oysters and half-off appetizers. Every Sunday beginning at 1pm, the party begins with celebrity guests, flavorsome bites, as well as specialty cocktails. Best of all: no cover charge.
Hard Rock Hotel
Infamous for its summer Intervention parties — which will return for the 4th of July and Labor Day weekends this year — The Hard Rock Hotel’s Float Rooftop Bar offers cabana rentals, a full bar, and plenty of lounge space. It’s open every day to the public, free of charge, except on Saturdays.
The Pearl Hotel
For a low-key, nostalgic pool experience, visit the groovy Pearl Hotel in Point Loma. This 1960s boutique hotel has a saltwater pool that’s free and open to the public from 10am to 6pm daily. Pro tip: This summertime brunch is incredibly popular, so reservations are strongly recommended.
