01 May 2020
Black Diamond's Guide to the World's Most Beautiful Sundowner Spots

Black Diamond

Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur, California

High atop the Big Sur cliffs, offering breathtaking views is Sierra Mar, located at Post Ranch Inn. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean the award winning Sierra Mar Restaurant, which is for guests of the hotel only, serves world-class cuisine in an awe-inspiring setting, and is also winner of Wine Spectator's prestigious Grand Award. Wine enthusiasts can spend hours reading the acclaimed wine list from the vast Grand Award-winning wine cellar, with over 15,000 bottles and 3,200 selections. www.postranchinn.com (Photo credit Kodiak Greenwood)

Edgewood Restaurant, South Lake Tahoe, California

Edgewood Restaurant in South Lake Tahoe is as stunning as it gets - floor-to-ceiling windows, an alpine lodge atmosphere, striking views of mountains, pines, and the glistening sapphire lake whilst kicking back with a cocktail, a diverse wine list and some delicious seafood. Be sure to reserve a table just before dark to catch the best show Tahoe has to offer—the vibrant Sierra sunset. Edgewood Restaurant's lounge and bar are open for food and drinks an hour before and after regular dining hours. www.tahoesouth.com (Photo credit Edgewood Resort).

Tusks Bar, Mammoth Mountain, California

Where better to soak up the beauty and fresh air of California's High Sierra than on Mammoth Mountain's slopeside bar and sundeck Tusks Bar. Watch the action whilst enjoying one of the many locally brewed craft beers - you might even catch a glimpse of the U.S. Olympic ski team training on the slopes if you're lucky. Weekends host live music. www.visitmammoth.com 

54thirty Rooftop at Le Meridien Denver Downtown - Denver, Colorado

54thirty Rooftop, located on the 20th floor of the Le Meridien Denver Downtown hotel, is the highest rooftop bar in Denver. Guests can enjoy a range of craft cocktails, as well as a small plate menu with dishes including spicy shrimp lettuce cups and soy braised short rib, whilst basking in the cityscape views. www.denver.org  

Cielomar Rooftop at Viceroy Los Cabos - Los Cabos, Mexico

Located along the Gulf of California is Viceroy Los Cabos, an architecturally stunning property which offers cinematic views at every turn. The Cielomar Rooftop is the only place to be seen at sunset, where crowds gather to indulge in fresh seafood, delicious cocktails and unbeatable ocean views. www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com 

Harriet's Rooftop at the 1 Hotel West Hollywood - West Hollywood, California 

Perched atop the recently opened eco-conscious 1 Hotel West Hollywood, Harriet's Rooftop is an elevated cocktail lounge offering breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles. The indoor/outdoor rooftop space features deep burgundy awnings, tasseled umbrellas, dark green and white striped furniture, string lines and greenery framing sweeping windows, and is the perfect spot for a nightcap whilst watching the sun go down. www.visitwesthollywood.com (Photo credit Visit West Hollywood)

Wilson Winery, Sonoma County, California

Sipping on a glass of red doesn't get much better than this! Award-winning Wilson Winery in the hip town of Healdsburg, Sonoma County, has one of the best tasting spots in the state - guests can relax with a flight of wine on the patio and enjoy breathtaking views of Dry Creek Valley. Booking is required for the patio experience. Flights start at $25 per person, and waived with the purchase of a bottle of wine. Even more reason to make this your new favourite drinking spot! www.sonomacounty.com (Photo credit Sonoma County Tourism) 

The Nest at Thompson Seattle, Seattle

The Nest rooftop bar offers breathtaking views over Elliott Bay, Pike Place Market and downtown Seattle, and the Olympic Mountain Range, which makes it one of few rooftop bars in Seattle with both city and nature views. The hand-crafted cocktail, wine, and small snacks menu is oriented toward seasonal produce, highlighting the ever-evolving Pacific Northwest landscape. www.visitseattle.com (Photo credit The Thompson Seattle Hotel)

Departure Restaurant + Lounge - Portland, Oregon 

Located on the 15th floor of the Nines hotel in downtown Portland, award-winning pan-Asian restaurant Departure has previously been named one of the hottest hotel rooftop bars in North America. Guests can enjoy some of the traditional signature dishes including grilled kushiyaki selections, kobe meatballs and maguro karai honey sushi rolls whilst soaking up the incredible views of the city, including Mount Hood and the Willamette River in the distance. travelportland.com 

Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge - Huntington Beach, California

Located on the 9th floor of The Twin Dolphin Tower at The Waterfront Beach Resort, Offshore 9 Rooftop Lounge is Orange County's highest coastal rooftop lounge, offering hand crafted speciality cocktails, as well as a selection of fine wines and champagne. Witness a magnificent Southern California sunset whilst enjoying beach views. www.surfcityusa.com

Agora Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel & Spa Beer Garden, Kyushu

Located in a residential area of Fukuoka, Agora Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel & Spa offers a luxury beer garden showcasing a fantastic view of the city. The bar offers delicious foods and an exquisite drinks menu. Enjoy watching the sunset over the twinkling city lights and a glass of Heineken Extra Cold in a luxurious, stylish setting. www.japan.travel/en/uk/

The Living Pavilion by Aman

Aman Kyoto's Living Pavilion restaurant & bar complements its beautiful natural setting, with Kyoto cuisine reflecting the seasons with its constantly changing menu.This convivial space rests at the heart of Aman Kyoto, offering elegant interiors and a bar arranged around a central fireplace. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto an ornate terrace, with beautiful views of the surrounding gardens and forest. Open throughout the day and into the night, the restaurant serves both home-cooked Kyoto-style cuisines, and innovative drinks. www.japan.travel/en/uk/

Bar Hurricane, The Islands of Tahiti

Enjoy getting a speedboat after dinner to Bar Hurricane at Hotel Sofitel Marara. The bar is named after the 1979 movie Hurricane, starring Mia Farrow, as filming took place nearby. Hurricane bar is a popular nightcap destination for honeymooners and it's one of few resort bars right on the edge of a gorgeous lit-up infinity pool and the stunning blue lagoon, together creating an unforgettable amazing atmosphere. Expect a relaxed vibe and romantic setting. www.tahititourisme.uk/en-gb/

Topside Bar, Newport Beach, California

Newport Beach's only rooftop bar, Topside offers a sophisticated space as special as its champagne pairings and celebration-worthy views. A social scene built for residents and guests in a setting that frames both the harbor and beach, Topside exudes a true beach soirée vibe. visitnewportbeach.com