After a tiresome spate of cool and rainy days, things are finally looking up for those of us itching to eat and drink outdoors, sans those clunky patio heaters burning the backs of our necks. For me, there’s no better place to soak up the balmy air than from an elevated perch rising high above the treetops with views of the ocean or city landscapes in the distance.

Until only a few years ago, the notion of lounging on rooftop patios and raised balconies was a privilege that came mainly with owning or renting expensive properties, or traveling to cities like Miami and Las Vegas, where lofty party scenes require pricey admissions and inside connections to various club circuits.

Though San Diego could still use a dozen or more “raised” outdoor venues within its urban core, a few established favorites exist and some new and unique venues have recently popped up.

3940 Fourth Ave., (619) 400-4500

Gayer and less costly to eat or drink compared to other options listed here, the restaurant’s roomy, second-floor patio embodies a full bar and puts you comfortably above Hillcrest’s bustle, attracting everyone from GLBT celebrity performers to members of Martinis’ football and softball leagues. Hours are 3:00 to 11:00 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday; until 12:00 midnight, Friday and Saturday; and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Sunday.

2550 Fifth Ave., (619) 239-1377

Though it’s been around for years, the 12th floor patio atop the Fifth Avenue Financial Center rarely gets too crowded and offers sweeping views in all directions except north. To the west is a bull’s-eye spectacle of Lindbergh Field’s runway, with the bay and Point Loma forming a tranquil backdrop. The downtown skyline looms large to the south, while the lush canopies of Balboa Park’s eucalyptus trees peer at you from the east. The wine list ranges from moderate to expensive, and specialty drinks include a Banana Fosters Martini, Cinnamon Twist and Peppermint Mochatini. A light bar menu featuring baby lamb chops, Kobe beef baby burgers and truffle French fries fits the sophisticated scheme. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Friday; and 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

616 J St., (619) 531-8744

Much of the fourth floor at the boutique Hotel Solamar encompasses an open-air patio, where San Diego’s East Villagers rub elbows with hotel guests over fruity libations, trendy appetizers and, on occasion, the prevailing baseball fever occurring around Petco Park. The ball stadium remains in eyeshot until construction of a nearby condominium building is complete. Upholstered rattan chairs and cocktail tables share space with the hotel’s swimming pool. Or seize the big round table under the neon-purple dome and the view of downtown’s sparkling skyline is all yours. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sunday through Thursday; until 12:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday.

660 K St., (619) 696-0234

Located on the 22nd floor of the San Diego Marriott Gaslamp Quarter, the open patio boasts a full bar, fire pit and unobstructed views of the bay, skyline and Petco Park. The high elevation also gives visitors a firsthand scope of the large-scale development occurring throughout the East Village. Full bar and appetizer menu is available. And on Friday and Saturday evenings, a live DJ adds cadence to the spacious atmosphere, which ranks as San Diego’s tallest roofless lounge. Hours are 5:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., daily.

454 Sixth Ave., (619) 544-0867

Private cabanas, drink machines, massage tables and “bed seating” are what you’ll find at Stingaree’s 7,000-square-foot, rooftop patio, the newest open-air lounge to hit downtown San Diego. Set above the restaurant and nightclub, the third-floor patio is open on Friday and Saturday evenings during club hours, as well as on Sundays for a casual, all-day happy hour called “Recovery in Style.” The design is chic and inviting, though pricey if you reserve a cabana on Sundays, which requires a “bottle minimum” or “$200 seating fee.” Hours are 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Friday and Saturday; and 1:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.

525 Spruce St., (619) 296-0057

Friday happy hour has been a longtime tradition in the GLBT community on the seventh floor of the Park Manor Hotel, which features a roomy outdoor patio off the enclosed bar area, as well as a south-facing balcony that makes downtown look like it’s a stone’s throw away. The roof fills up quickly only a short time after opening. And the elevator is a sloth, but worth the wait in line or the energy spent in taking the stairs for what turns out to be a choice venue and spirited crowd for decompressing after a long workweek. Hours are 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. on Friday.