Rooftop Cinema Club is moving to a brand-new home atop the Porto Vista Hotel in Little Italy, and the new location brings sweeping views of San Diego Bay and panoramic views of the city skyline along with it.
Sitting five stories above Columbia Street, the rooftop cinema is bringing its signature film experience to one of San Diego’s most vibrant neighborhoods, and the grand opening is locked in with one of the brand’s most popular titles.
Grand Opening with La La Land
The grand opening drops the curtain with the pop music rom-com La La Land featuring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone. It’s just the first of a fantastic queue of cult-classics and popular recent releases set to light up the LED screen.
The lineup through March 8 includes The Great Gatsby, The Greatest Showman, Pretty Woman, 10 Things I Hate About You, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Crazy, Stupid, Love, and 50 First Dates. There’s also a mini-marathon featuring the hit TV series Gossip Girl scheduled for Tuesday night.
More films will be released at a later date, and tickets are currently on sale.
Fireside Films Returns
Gerry Cottle, Jr., founder of Rooftop Cinema Club, says the brand is extremely excited to become part of the fabric of Little Italy and bring the joy of film and escapism to a neighborhood known for great food, even better people, and a walkable culture-driven community. The Porto Vista Hotel is located at 1835 Columbia Street, right in the heart of the action.
While the address has changed, many of the amenities guests have come to love will remain in place, though there are a few updates. Fireside Films, the first-of-its-kind film-viewing experience, continues at the new location.
Located in the prime seating section, Fireside Films features two-person loveseats with dedicated wood-burning heaters, available for all films and special events that start from 5 PM on. Each Fireside Films ticket comes with complimentary hot chocolate.
Food, Drinks, and What’s Changing
Rooftop Cinema Club’s famous freshly-popped popcorn is included with most ticket purchases and will be complemented by a vast selection of sweet treats. Hot food will not be available for purchase, though Rooftop Cinema Club is exploring alternate options.
In the meantime, guests are welcome to bring their own food into the venue. Drinks including water, energy drinks, soft drinks, and a limited bar menu will be available for purchase.
The Social Cinema Experience
Rooftop Cinema Club opens its doors 30-60 minutes before each screening to allow guests plenty of time to select their first-come, first-served seats and enjoy the venue’s offerings. Once the films begin, guests find themselves immersed through high-fidelity personal headphones and a crystal-clear picture on the LED big screen.
With an ocean breeze nearby, it often gets cool at night, so guests are encouraged to BTOB—”Bring Their Own Blankets”—though blankets and sweatshirts are available for purchase at the Box Office.
See you there!
Rooftop Cinema Club’s move to Little Italy puts it in the middle of one of San Diego’s most walkable and culture-driven neighborhoods, and the Porto Vista location delivers on the views.
📆 Grand Opening: Thursday, February 26, 2026
ℹ️ 1835 Columbia Street, Little Italy
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here
See you there, San Diego!