Bars With The Best Views In Los Angeles
If there's one thing that can elevate the nightlife experience, not many things can compete with a killer view. Whether you're looking to engage in some drinking, dancing, or both, these are the spots that overachieve far beyond plain white walls.
The Rooftop Bar
550 South Flower Street
Los Angeles, CA 90069
(213) 892-8080
standardhotels.com
Appropriately named, this bar is located on the rooftop of The Standard in Downtown LA. It sits among towering urban giants, giving guests sweeping views of the city skyline. Fun features include the Astroturf-floored deck, mod-retro waterbed pods, and a Biergarten. As the sun sets, DJ's spin nightly to get the crowd grooving on the dance floor and alcohol pours all night long at the bar. Don't fret chilly evenings, because there's an outdoor fireplace to cozy up to, as well as a heated swimming pool if you're so inclined to take a midnight dip.
The Penthouse
1111 2nd St
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-8080
www.thehuntleyhotel.com
To partake in some seriously swanky sipping, you're going to have to take an 18-story elevator ride from the Huntley Hotel lobby. Once you get there, you'll notice the opulent bar in the middle of the room, but the breathtaking 360-degree views seen through a long wall of windows will soon steal the show. On any given night, you can see the Pacific Ocean to Malibu and even the sparkling lights of Hollywood in the distance. You can expect a nice selection of creative cocktails in an atmosphere abuzz with music, dancing and lively conversation.
Perch
448 S Hill St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 802-1770
www.perchla.com
After a long week of hard work, rest your pretty little stems inside this French-inspired rooftop bistro for a bird's eye view of Downtown LA. This lounge offers an abundance of creature comforts that make you want to stay awhile, including fire pits, outdoor fireplaces and plentiful seating throughout the venue. Enjoy Parisian-inspired cocktails, music and an upscale atmosphere where you can relax, dance or just let your hair down. Santé!
High Rooftop Lounge
1697 Pacific Ave
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 452-1111
www.jdvhotels.com
When you've had enough strange encounters walking along the Venice Boardwalk, hightail it to the top of Hotel Erwin for a beautiful respite. You can admire the view of the Pacific Ocean and the boardwalk from afar in this open-air lounge. Be sure to catch the sunset with cocktail in hand for a taste of that wonderful beach life.
Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out her other articles on CBS L.A. She also covers fitness on Examiner. Follow her on Twitter.