When warm summer evenings hit the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia), there’s no better way to wind down than from a rooftop with a drink in hand and the sky ablaze in sunset hues. Whether you’re looking for a chic urban vibe in D.C., coastal calm in Annapolis, or a sleek suburban escape in Northern Virginia, the region is full of elevated bars that offer unbeatable golden hour views. Here’s your guide to the 10 best rooftop bars around the DMV for soaking in summer sunsets.
1. El Techo
Where? 606 Florida Ave NW #1853, Washington, D.C.
Tucked above Rito Loco in the vibrant Shaw neighborhood, El Techo offers a tropical oasis right in the heart of the city. Its lively, colorful decor is filled with hanging plants, bright lights, and a laid-back vibe that immediately puts you in vacation mode. The rooftop’s west-facing location means it’s perfectly positioned to catch the dazzling D.C. sunsets, where the sky transforms into a palette of fiery oranges and pinks. This makes it a favorite spot for locals and visitors who want to enjoy golden hour while sipping refreshing cocktails.
El Techo’s drink menu is packed with Latin-inspired favorites, including their famous mezcal margaritas, which pair beautifully with the casual outdoor setting. The food menu features small bites such as ceviche and street-style tacos, perfect for sharing with friends as you relax and watch the city lights come alive below. Whether you’re meeting up for happy hour or starting a night out, El Techo combines a festive atmosphere with unbeatable sunset views.
2. The Rooftop at The Graham
Where? 1075 Thomas Jefferson St NW, Washington, D.C.
Perched atop the elegant Graham Hotel in the historic Georgetown neighborhood, The Rooftop at The Graham offers an intimate and sophisticated setting to enjoy summer sunsets. With sweeping views of the Potomac River, the iconic Key Bridge, and the Rosslyn skyline, this rooftop bar provides a stunning backdrop that perfectly complements its chic ambiance. The space is designed with cozy seating areas, soft lighting, and tasteful decor, making it ideal for romantic evenings or relaxed gatherings with close friends.
The drink menu here features a curated selection of craft cocktails, fine wines, and local brews, perfect for savoring while watching the sun dip behind the river and cityscape. Guests can also enjoy small plates and shareable bites that highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients, adding to the overall luxurious experience. Whether you’re winding down after a day of exploring Georgetown or seeking a peaceful spot to toast the end of a summer day, The Rooftop at The Graham offers a refined and memorable golden hour retreat.
And, even better: Their “August Fest” promotion during the month of August will get you a free beer. All you have to do is show up, scan a QR code, answer a few questions, and claim your free beer. Cheers!
3. Perch SW Rooftop Lounge
Where? 69 Q St SW, Washington, D.C.
Located near The Wharf, Perch SW is a vibrant rooftop bar and lounge that quickly becomes a favorite for those seeking stunning sunset views with a trendy atmosphere. The modern design features sleek furniture, lush greenery, and open-air spaces that invite guests to relax and soak in panoramic vistas of the Potomac River and the bustling waterfront below. As the sun begins to set, the warm glow reflects off the water, creating a picturesque scene that’s perfect for enjoying a refreshing cocktail or frozen drink.
Perch SW is known for its creative cocktail menu highlighting seasonal ingredients and inventive flavors. Whether you’re sipping on a frozen margarita, a craft beer, or a signature Perch cocktail, the lively yet laid-back vibe makes it a great spot for both casual hangouts and special occasions. The proximity to The Wharf means you’re also close to an array of dining and entertainment options, allowing you to easily continue your evening after the sun has disappeared below the horizon.
4. Topside at Hotel Revival
Where? 101 W Monument St, Baltimore, MD
Situated atop the boutique Hotel Revival in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, Topside delivers a rooftop experience that’s both stylish and laid-back. The space offers panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Washington Monument of Baltimore, rowhouse rooftops, and even glimpses of the harbor. As the sun begins to set, the skyline glows with golden light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like a true city escape. The rooftop’s design blends modern touches with nautical influences, a nod to Baltimore’s deep maritime roots.
Topside’s menu is equally impressive, featuring a curated list of craft beers – many of them local – alongside wine, innovative cocktails, and a rotating selection of seasonal small plates. It’s a favorite among locals for after-work drinks or weekend outings, thanks to its mix of comfortable lounge seating and upbeat energy. Whether you’re catching golden hour with friends or enjoying a cozy evening under string lights, Topside offers one of the most well-rounded and scenic rooftop bars in Baltimore.
5. The Choptank Baltimore
Where? 1641 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD
Located in the heart of historic Fells Point, The Choptank brings the charm of coastal Maryland to new heights – literally. Sitting atop the iconic Broadway Market, the rooftop offers sweeping views of the Inner Harbor, cobblestone streets, and waterfront walkways. As the sun sets, the harbor reflects the changing sky in brilliant shades of orange and pink, creating an unforgettable backdrop for a summer evening. With its open-air seating, string lights, and comfortable ambiance, The Choptank perfectly captures the relaxed spirit of Baltimore’s waterfront scene.
The food and drink offerings here lean into Maryland’s coastal heritage, featuring fresh oysters, jumbo lump crab cakes, and Old Bay-dusted fries. Pair that with a chilled local beer or one of their signature frozen cocktails, and you’ve got the makings of a classic summer night. It’s an ideal spot for both tourists and locals alike who want to take in the harbor views while enjoying elevated seafood and a laid-back, social vibe.
6. Hi-Lawn
Where? 1309 5th St NE, Washington, D.C.
Perched atop the bustling Union Market, Hi-Lawn is one of D.C.’s most playful and popular rooftop destinations. With its expansive artificial turf lawn, picnic tables, string lights, and open skyline views, it feels like a backyard party in the sky. Located in the NoMa neighborhood, Hi-Lawn offers a panoramic view of the city that becomes truly magical during golden hour. As the sun sets, the space fills with a warm, golden glow, while the Capitol dome and surrounding rooftops slowly shift into twilight.
Hi-Lawn is especially loved for its relaxed vibe, creative cocktails served from colorful outdoor bars, and a rotating lineup of food pop-ups and live music events. The drink menu features frozen slushies, draft cocktails, and low-ABV options that are perfect for leisurely summer sipping. Whether you’re sprawled on the turf with a group of friends or perched at a high-top table watching the city wind down, Hi-Lawn captures the energy of summer in D.C. in the most fun, unpretentious way possible.
7. Starr Hill Biergarten
Where? 1805 Capital One Dr S Suite 1100, Tysons, VA
Nestled atop The Perch – a sky park above Capital One Center in Tysons – Starr Hill Biergarten brings a spacious and elevated beer garden experience to Northern Virginia. With over 5,000 sq ft of outdoor lounge space including lawn seating, an amphitheater, and landscaped areas, it offers stunning views of the surrounding Tysons’ skyline and nearby parks. As summer evenings unfold, the west-facing vantage means the setting sun bathes the rooftop in golden light, making it a scenic backdrop for a cocktail, a cold beer, or a casual evening with friends.
Starr Hill Biergarten features more than 20 taps of craft beer, including Starr Hill’s award-winning brews, as well as ciders, seltzers, wines, and classic cocktails. The food menu leans into biergarten classics – think bratwursts, giant pretzels with beer cheese, burgers, fries, and seasonal pub bites – perfect for pairing with evening drinks. The atmosphere comes alive in the summer with live music performances, lawn games, food trucks, and events like Perchfest, creating a festive yet laid-back golden hour scene. Calendar programming includes movie nights and weekend acts, often hosted right at the adjacent amphitheater.
Whether you’re grabbing a beer after work or spending the evening with friends under the string lights, Starr Hill Biergarten provides elevated sunset views and genuine summer vibes in the heart of Tysons.
8. Moonraker
Where? 655 Water St SW #14th, Washington, D.C.
Moonraker, located atop the luxurious Pendry Hotel at The Wharf, offers a sleek and elevated rooftop experience with one of the most stunning sunset views over the Potomac River. Inspired by Japanese design and cuisine, the rooftop features warm wood tones, ambient lighting, and modern lounge seating that transitions beautifully from day to night. As the sun sets, guests are treated to sweeping westward views across the water, where the sky turns shades of gold and pink while boats drift past and city lights begin to sparkle along the waterfront.
What sets Moonraker apart is its unique blend of atmosphere and menu. The cocktail program is thoughtfully crafted with Japanese ingredients and modern techniques, and the food menu features upscale small plates like sashimi, nigiri, and more. Whether you’re lounging outside by the fire pits or sipping a yuzu margarita inside the glass-lined bar, Moonraker captures the perfect mix of sophistication and serenity – making it an unforgettable golden hour destination in the heart of D.C.’s revitalized Wharf district.
9. Rooftop Recess
Where? 2424 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA
Opened in May 2025 in Arlington’s Courthouse neighborhood, Rooftop Recess brings a playful, garden-inspired rooftop experience to the DMV’s rooftop scene. The multi-level venue includes a rooftop bar with seating for around 100, a cozy mezzanine lounge, and a full indoor dining area. It’s one of the few rooftop bars in the Courthouse area, offering striking 360-degree views of Arlington’s skyline – especially captivating during golden hour, when the city’s buildings glow in the setting sun.
Rooftop Recess delivers on atmosphere and taste. With contemporary American cuisine like flatbreads, crab dip, and slow-cooked short ribs, plus approachable cocktails – including a Potomac Tea and a crowd-favorite cold brew martini – the vibe is fun yet relaxed. The space is bright, welcoming, and perfect for summer evenings – whether you’re catching up with friends during happy hour (3-6 p.m. weekdays) or enjoying a cozy date night under the stars. Though walk-up outdoor seating is first-come, first-served, the rooftop’s easygoing charm makes waiting part of the experience.
10. Hip Flask Rooftop Bar
Where? 7707 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD
Perched at the penthouse level of the Marriott Bethesda Downtown, Hip Flask is Bethesda’s only dedicated rooftop cocktail bar, delivering stunning 360‑degree skyline views stretching toward Tysons Corner and Silver Spring. The contemporary design, drenched in rich blues, reflects the twilight sky, with a folding glass wall that opens to a terrace ideal for catching summer sunsets. As golden hour begins, the cityscape glows beneath an open-air canopy of string lights, creating the perfect ambiance for sipping a craft cocktail and unwinding.
Hip Flask’s beverage and food offerings are as thoughtfully curated as the space itself. The cocktail menu features innovative elixir-based drinks such as the Tiger Vogue and Kissed by The Witch, alongside rotating “Munchkin” minis and non-alcoholic options. And, bonus: They also have daily happy hour specials starting at 5 p.m. For bites, expect shareable plates such as crab & artichoke dip, smoked wings, and cheese or charcuterie boards – ideal for pairing with your sunset-view cocktail. The venue also hosts seasonal events, including the “Sunset Luau” and DJ sets, adding energy to the sky-high experience. Whether you’re celebrating a special evening or simply soaking in summer’s last light, Hip Flask delivers rooftop vibes that elevate any summer night in Bethesda.
Sip, Savor, and Watch the Sun Dip in the DMV
From breezy beer gardens and stylish hotel lounges to scenic city perches and waterfront escapes, the DMV’s rooftop bar scene offers something for every sunset chaser. Whether you’re toasting to the weekend with a skyline view in D.C., savoring small plates above the trees in Virginia, or soaking in harbor hues in Annapolis, these elevated spots transform golden hour into an experience worth planning for. So grab your favorite drink, find a rooftop seat, and let the sunset steal the show.