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With summer on the rise (once, of course, we get past all the May gray and June gloom), it is of the utmost priority to snag a spot for a long lazy day of ocean viewing and laid-back boozing.

To expedite your quest for the perfect daytime fade-on venue, we've listed our top five favorite lounge locations along the coast of sunny San Diego.

The Beach House in Encinitas
If you happen to find yourself in the surf-loving city of Encinitas, there is no greater happy hour than 4-7pm everyday at The Beach House. Pair that with a sunny patio where patrons feel as if they're on a cloud floating above the ocean, and a heady buzz from a $3 domestic pint and you might just think you've died and gone to heaven. Or sip a signature Italian martini, which is actually more like a Cadillac Margarita served up, and soak in endless views of those epic Cardiff rights crumbling across the reef.

Poseidon in Del Mar
It's where the surf meets the turf, literally. Sure, you might get ogled by a few cougars or manthers, but the martinis are crisp and the view is spectacular. Sit in the sun on the patio, which is practically on the shoreline, or chill out in the bar lounge and relax in the ocean breeze. Although Poseidon boasts high class, from the décor to the demographic, casual is always acceptable, as long as it's paired with the right accessory.

George's in La Jolla
If it's not enough that you might spot a whale sighting from the modern rooftop patio overlooking the Cove, George's makes some of the most lethal margaritas around. Though the prices conform to La Jolla standards, the Blood Orange margarita, among many other specialty notables, is worth every sip. Then again, nothing pairs better with a margarita than an exceptional La Jolla Cove sunset.

JRDN in Pacific Beach
It's like being on vacation even when you're not. Cruise on up to the second level and sip a Grey Goose and soda while lounging around the fountain and gazing out into the unmatchable views of the Pacific. Chill in the day time and hot at night, JRDN manages to embrace all the elements of San Diego - from Gaslamp prestige to coastal chic - and mix it up anew under one roof.

The Wave House in Mission Beach
Lounging in hammocks under the sun, toes in the sand, eyeballing the surfers, frolicking around fire pits, Indian dancing 'til dark, slinking and swaggering, stationary waves, gotta-be-seen-at events, girls in bikinis, bodies, hotties, naughties and cocktails on ice, beer and burgers, hot sounds, cool suds, reggae, electro, indie, rock, sunshine, shoreline - and pretty much everything else about the beach that we love is up for grabs at The Wave House in Mission Beach. Plus, this is boardwalk venue is about as close to drinking on the beach as you're gonna get this year, legally.