The 25 Best Rooftops in Los Angeles to Enjoy a Cocktail and a View

Hotel Erwin’s High Rooftop Lounge is the only rooftop bar and restaurant in Venice Beach, and it’s perfectly perched to overlook the SoCal coastline and the Pacific Ocean below. Visitors can take in unmatched views of Venice’s famed Muscle Beach, the Boardwalk, and the water. This rooftop offers a laid-back vibe, paired with an energetic rock and roll buzz that brings together the best and funkiest of everything Venice is known for. Must order menu items include Chef Mason Royal’s beach-to-table bar bites and the Venice Way Pizza. For signature sips, there are three kinds of adult slushies on tap that pair perfectly with soaking up the sunset sights.

Wayfarer DTLA’s sky-high outpost, The Rooftop, is the perfect place to get killer cocktails with skyline views to match. It is a paradise perched high above the city streets and towering over the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles, where guests can eat, drink, and chill on the 12th floor of The Wayfarer with friends, family, or solo. The Rooftop serves lunch, brunch, and dinner with a full bar and delicious drinks to match its delicious views.

The Rooftop by JG is acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s al fresco dining outpost atop the famous Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills. This pinnacle social venue boasts panoramic views of Beverly Hills and Hollywood from 12 stories up. In an impeccably styled garden setting for enjoying an elegant night out, The Rooftop by JG is known as a luxurious hangout high above Beverly Hills. Menu highlights include a lobster burger, tuna tartare, and sweet pea guacamole.

This hotel sits at the spot where the sophisticated atmosphere of Beverly Hills meets the upscale, trendy vibes of West Hollywood, and the view from The Roof at The West Hollywood EDITION offers incomparable sights of the L.A. basin below. Like everything else on-site, drinks and bites are tastefully elevated (pun intended) with offerings like Dungeness crab nachos, sweet potato taquitos, and lomo saltado. Cocktails—like the L.A. Confidential and Lethal Weapon—are a nod to Hollywood culture and don’t be surprised if you see someone famous while enjoying a drink or two here. Celebs such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Lenny Kravitz, and Janelle Monáe have been spotted here, soaking in the impeccable sights.

Nestled in the heart of West Hollywood, L.P. Rooftop is a known staple of the Melrose neighborhood for both locals and visitors. It’s no surprise because this outpost offers a gorgeous backdrop of the Hollywood Hills. L.P. Rooftop feels like an outdoor garden oasis as a prime culinary destination and a celebrated happy hour spot. Must-try cocktails include the “Where Love Lives,” a mix of El Silencio Mezcal, Damiana, Passionfruit, Guava, Thai Chili, Lime, or the California Love, which is white wine, a rosé aperitif blend, and seasonal fruit.

In what was once a former hit-making recording studio from 1971 to 2016, Grandmaster Recorders has taken on a whole new look. Transforming into a 15,000-square-foot multi-level space featuring an expansive studio bar, an elevated coastal Italian and Australian-inspired restaurant, and a 4,000 square-foot rooftop deck hosting sweeping views of the Hollywood Hills—it’s a multitude of one-of-a-kind dining experiences and a true feast for the senses. Signature rooftop exclusives include the Chicken Parma Roll made with crispy chicken breast, blistered heirloom tomato, basil, and cheese on a seeded roll, and the Mini Mortadella Panini made with mixed garden pickles. Be sure to try the “Live on Air Cocktail” made with Salers, dry vermouth, lime, cucumber, and a pinch of sea salt, and the “Studio Spritz,” concocted with liquor Strega, passionfruit, honey, lemon, and prosecco.

Located in the vibrant heart of Southern California’s most iconic neighborhood, the all-new 220-room Godfrey Hotel Hollywood embodies the spirit of “new Hollywood” with a blend of classic, sophisticated charm and a prime location just off the famed Sunset Boulevard. Upstairs, spanning an impressive 12,000 square feet, I|O rooftop boasts the largest rooftop in Hollywood with unbeatable views of the iconic Hollywood sign and Hollywood Hills, making it a sophisticated oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of this starstruck city. There are two bars in this indoor and outdoor space and a shimmering pool and al-fresco dining available with a full menu for lunch and dinner. By day, guests can relax poolside on the beautifully appointed sundeck, and by sundown, partygoers enjoy a world-class nightlife scene.

Inspired by Hollywood’s famous Les Deux Cafe, Upstairs at the Ace Hotel is a sky-high spot atop Ace Hotel in DTLA. There’s a direct express elevator that takes guests right to Upstairs’ eclectic atmosphere, which hosts an all-day menu that was made to match the upbeat atmosphere of this open-air oasis. There’s also a concrete pool overlooking movie-like city views spanning all directions. Guests can enjoy a selection of weekly hosted events like DJs, live bands, book release parties, pop-up shops, and more, alongside a curated menu from Executive Chef Joshua Guarneri.

Overlooking the Ocean Avenue with sights of the Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean, ONYX Rooftop Bar at the Shangri La hotel is a lounge of Art Deco-inspired décor, open-air rooftop space, and a prime spot to watch the sunset over the ocean alongside two fire pits (because it does occasionally get chilly even in Los Angeles). There’s a generous selection of delicious food and drink—such as the must-try sips, “The Last Tango,” which is an upgrade on a mezcal margarita martini—or the “La Dolce Vita, a twist on a gin gimlet. For bites, try the tower of fries, which is exactly what it sounds like: a tower of four different types of French fries that are perfect for sharing. The mushroom flatbread is also as famous as those who indulge in this delicious dish.

Bar Lis is a newly unveiled crown jewel of a rooftop bar overlooking the heart of Hollywood, located at the Thompson Hollywood. It’s a laid-back, classy lounge that encapsulates the spirit and style of the French Riviera, but with an L.A. twist. There are both indoor and outdoor open-air spaces to eat, drink, and dance underneath the Hollywood Hills and Downtown Los Angeles lights. From the ten-foot antique water fountain in the entrance upon arrival to the plush stone-blue velvet banquettes with blush striped settees and the twirling of the disco ball bouncing light off the retro-style photography adorning the walls, it’s a stunning spot for a spirited soiree.

Merois is known for bringing West Hollywood to “new heights,” perched upon the top floor of the exquisite Pendry West Hollywood and offering stunning Sunset Strip views below. The menu is inspired by the renowned Chef Wolfgang Puck’s vision for combining sophisticated subtleties from Japanese, Southeast Asian, and French California cuisine. The cocktails are incredible, and the desserts are divine. The indoor and outdoor seating both offer unparalleled sights of Los Angeles scenery all the way to downtown L.A. on a clear (or even smoggy) day.

Spire 73 at the Intercontinental in Los Angeles Downtown is the tallest open-air bar and restaurant in the Western Hemisphere. Its name pays homage to its location atop the 73rd floor of the Intercontinental, boasting fantastic 360-degree views of the city alongside seasonally inspired menus and decadent dishes and drinks with fire pits for the nights that may get chilly as diners are up at nearly 1,000 feet.

The Highlight Room at Dream Hollywood encompasses all 11,000-square feet of the entire top floor of Dream Hollywood, decorated with lush greenery and emitting an approachable but upscale atmosphere. It’s ten stories high, which means unobstructed views of Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Hills—all the way to the skyscrapers of downtown. By day, the sundeck is an idyllic LA getaway spot to lounge by the pool. At night, the lounge comes alive as a spot known for its nightlife scene, and guests can enjoy high-energy events like DJ sets and live music performances.

Wet Deck at the W Hollywood is a quintessential destination for soaking up the sunshine while enjoying the expansive views of the adjacent Hollywood Hills and downtown Hollywood below. Guests can lounge poolside while enjoying a diverse selection of specialty cocktails and tasty cuisine served from the pool bar. In the warmer months, guests can catch performances like live DJs and other musical activations taking over the rooftop. It feels like a stylish perch to unwind in the heart of the vibrant entertainment hub that is Los Angeles’ Hollywood neighborhood.

Broken Shaker is known as a rooftop oasis in the heart of Downtown L.A., hosting an eclectic menu of cocktails and light bites with a pool deck and panoramic sights of the DTLA city lights. It is a tried-and-true venue for expertly made cocktails infused with homemade elixirs and sensational ingredients reeling in the flavors of the sands of the coast nearby to the center of the urban metropolis that is DTLA.

Terra, Eataly’s sensational wood-burning Italian grill and rooftop bar is inspired by a combination of earth, “gin,” and fire. It’s a truly standout space with views of the Hollywood Hills perched on a spacious outdoor terrace with an active botanical garden, a bar, and a fire pit. The culinary team creates a “ground-to-grill experience” using simple and seasonal California ingredients cooked over a burning flame for a selection of earthly dishes paired perfectly with a unique beverage program that’s centered around botanicals from both European and local distilleries.

Mama Shelter in Hollywood has long since been known for its perfect juxtaposing combination of laid-back feelings, paired with the scenic L.A. glitz and glam for anyone of any background to gather for lively get-togethers and informal celebrations alike. The bright pops of color on the furniture pair with impressive city views, offering sights of everything from downtown to the Hollywood sign. A must-try drink would be the signature sangria, available via pitcher or a single glass. There’s a generous selection of wine, beer, and mules, too, such as the classic “Moscow Mule” or the more adventurous “Irish Mule” made with whiskey in place of vodka. Paired with tasty bites like the Mama Fries (be sure to request extra “mama’s special sauce”) or the Mac & Cheese bites, here, it’s clear that Mama really does always know best.

A tribute to the euro beach holiday, Issima serves wood-fired Mediterranean fare, indulgent cocktails, and has nightly DJs in a glamorous setting atop the La Peer Hotel. Boasting awe-inspiring views of the Hollywood Hills, It’s a perfect spot for sunset cocktails, meetings with friends, and nighttime dance parties. Try the specialty cocktail, “The Santorini”—a mixture of Grey Goose vodka, caper berry, martini Bianco vermouth, and pickled onion, or the “Valencia,” made with Bombay gin, white peach, haus lemon lavender, and mango cart wheat ale. Pair this with fresh fish or vegetable dishes for a fabulous fusing that will undoubtedly please all the senses.

Al fresco dining is enjoyed at The Rooftop Bar located at Kimpton Hotel Wilshire, where “raising the bar” and elevating the food and drink experience is taken literally at this sky-high rooftop restaurant. A spring pop-up hosts a rotating menu inspired by the L.A. melting pot, paired with delicious garden-to-glass cocktails—all of which are offered alongside spectacular views of the Hollywood Hills in a fabulous location for exploring off Wilshire, near the LACMA and The Grove.

ShoresLAX is perched poolside on top of the 15th-floor rooftop of Hyatt House LAX, featuring a trendy bohemian vibe and awesome views from the LAX runways and Downtown L.A. Diners will enjoy chef-driven dishes and delightful cocktails made using the freshest of ingredients sourced locally, like the seasonal street tacos or the short rib with butternut squash and farro risotto. It’s a romantic spot for a date night or a fun place to enjoy a cocktail with friends while watching planes take off.