When people talk about Los Angeles, the first things that often come to mind are Hollywood, palm-lined boulevards, and the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly toward the horizon. But for me, what truly sets this city apart is what happens when the sun dips behind the Santa Monica Mountains and the city lights begin to flicker on. Los Angeles at night feels like a different universe—one where glamour collides with grit, rooftop bars sparkle like constellations in the sky, DJs spin beats that make even the shyest traveler want to dance, and sunsets turn ordinary evenings into cinematic memories.
I can confidently say that LA’s nightlife is in a league of its own. It’s not just about drinking cocktails or going clubbing—it’s about the atmosphere, the view, the people you meet, and the stories you carry with you afterward. On my most recent trip, I decided to fully immerse myself in Los Angeles’ after-dark experiences. I tried three places personally—a rooftop bar, a Hollywood club, and a sunset lounge—and then did deep research to find four more that I plan to visit next time and that I’d recommend to anyone chasing the night in LA.
Let me take you through my journey, one unforgettable night (and morning-after reflection) at a time.
My First Rooftop Experience: Perch LA
Location: 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Nearest Metro: Pershing Square Station (Red/Purple Line)
How I got there: From LAX, I grabbed an Uber (around $42 during evening surge). From Union Station, it’s about a 10-minute ride or two stops on the Red Line.
I had read about Perch LA before I even landed in Los Angeles. Every blog and Instagram feed seemed to feature its twinkling lights and panoramic views of downtown. Still, nothing could have prepared me for that first moment when I stepped out of the elevator onto the 15th floor terrace. The city stretched before me like a neon carpet, skyscrapers glowing in gold and blue, and the air carried the faint sound of live jazz wafting from the lounge below.
I ordered their signature Smokey Margarita ($18), which came with a perfect balance of mezcal smokiness and citrus tang. The drink alone felt like LA—bold, smooth, and unforgettable. The rooftop seating was cozy, with fire pits scattered across the terrace. I managed to snag a spot right by the edge, where the view made my drink taste even better.
Services & Atmosphere
Perch LA has both indoor and outdoor seating. The lower floor is more of a French-inspired restaurant with a classy vibe, but it’s the upstairs rooftop that steals the show. The staff were attentive without being overbearing—my server even offered to take a photo of me with the skyline, which turned out Instagram-worthy.
The crowd was a mix of locals on date nights, tourists like me gawking at the skyline, and groups of friends celebrating birthdays. The music leaned toward chill jazz and lounge, which gave the place a sophisticated yet relaxed energy.
Pros:
- Unbeatable view of downtown LA.
- Perfect for a romantic evening or solo traveler who wants to soak in the atmosphere.
- Live music nights add a unique charm.
Cons:
- Drinks are pricey ($16–$20 on average).
- Gets crowded after 9 p.m., so reservations are a must.
- Parking downtown can be tricky and expensive ($15–$25).
Booking Info
I booked a table through OpenTable, which I highly recommend because walk-ins after 8 p.m. often end up waiting 45 minutes or more.
My Personal Reflection
Sitting at Perch LA felt like starring in my own movie. I remember leaning back, cocktail in hand, the warm firepit at my feet, watching helicopters hover like dragonflies above the skyline. I thought about how often we rush through cities, ticking off sights, but it’s these slower, more immersive experiences—watching the city breathe at night—that make travel so memorable.
A Hollywood Club Adventure: Avalon Hollywood
Location: 1735 Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Nearest Metro: Hollywood/Vine Station (Red Line)
How I got there: From downtown, I took the Metro Red Line—only $1.75 with a TAP card. From LAX, it would’ve been about $45 by Uber.
If Perch LA was elegance and jazz, Avalon Hollywood was raw energy and adrenaline. This club is legendary—it’s been around since the 1920s and has hosted everyone from The Beatles to today’s top DJs. Walking in felt like stepping onto a historic stage, except instead of sitting in the audience, I was part of the performance.
I went on a Saturday night when DJ Markus Schulz was headlining, and the ticket cost me $40 (booked through Eventbrite, which often has presale discounts). The moment I entered, bass vibrations shook my chest, strobes flashed, and a sea of people danced like their lives depended on it.
Services & Atmosphere
The staff at Avalon were surprisingly friendly given the size of the crowd. The bar offered standard club drinks—vodka sodas ($14), cocktails ($16–$18)—but the main attraction was the dance floor. The lighting system was phenomenal, with lasers slicing through the fog like something out of a sci-fi movie.
I also appreciated that Avalon had multiple levels. If the main floor got overwhelming, I could slip upstairs to the balcony for a breather and a different view of the madness below.
Pros:
- Historic venue with incredible acoustics and lighting.
- Lineup often includes world-famous DJs.
- Spacious dance floor and balcony options.
Cons:
- Drinks are expensive (welcome to Hollywood).
- The crowd can get intense—expect long lines for the bathroom and bar.
- Not ideal if you dislike loud music or big crowds.
My Personal Reflection
I’m not usually a hardcore clubber, but Avalon reminded me why nightlife can be so exhilarating. At one point, as the beat dropped and confetti cannons exploded, I looked around and saw hundreds of strangers moving in unison, completely lost in the music. It struck me how nightlife creates these fleeting communities—people who may never see each other again but share a few hours of pure joy.
Chasing the Sunset: High Rooftop Lounge at Hotel Erwin
Location: 1697 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
How I got there: From LAX, it was a 25-minute Uber ride costing around $30. From Union Station, it was closer to $50 with traffic.
If Avalon was about volume and energy, High Rooftop Lounge in Venice was about atmosphere and perspective. Nestled atop Hotel Erwin, this rooftop offers one of the best sunset views I’ve ever seen in LA. On my visit, I arrived around 6:30 p.m., just in time to catch the sky transforming from orange to pink to deep indigo as surfers caught their last waves on Venice Beach below.
Services & Atmosphere
The lounge has a laid-back beach vibe. Think colorful cushions, cozy couches, and blankets handed out as the evening chill sets in. I ordered a Venice Vibes cocktail ($17)—a refreshing mix of vodka, cucumber, and mint—that paired perfectly with the salty breeze.
The crowd was diverse: couples on romantic dates, groups of friends celebrating birthdays, and even a few solo travelers like me soaking it all in. The service was attentive but relaxed, matching the beach-town energy.
Pros:
- Best sunset view in Venice Beach.
- Relaxed, beachy vibe compared to downtown rooftops.
- Heaters and blankets make evenings comfortable year-round.
Cons:
- Reservation required, especially for sunset slots.
- Drinks are pricey compared to other Venice spots.
- Limited food menu.
Booking Info
I booked directly through the Hotel Erwin website, which was straightforward. They also sometimes have special packages that include drinks with the reservation.
My Personal Reflection
Watching the sun sink into the Pacific at High Rooftop Lounge was a reminder of why I travel. I felt connected not just to the city but to the rhythm of nature—something you don’t often feel in a sprawling metropolis like LA. It was one of those moments where time seemed to pause, where the colors in the sky felt like they were painted just for me.
Four More Recommendations for LA Nightlife
While I couldn’t squeeze everything into one trip, I researched and bookmarked several spots for my next visit. Based on local recommendations and fellow travelers’ tips, here are four more nightlife gems:
1. Skybar at Mondrian Hotel (West Hollywood)
- Location: 8440 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
- Why Go: Iconic poolside bar with sweeping views of the Sunset Strip. The atmosphere is upscale but playful. Cocktails run $18–$22, but the view and celebrity-spotting opportunities are priceless.
- Pros: Chic décor, lively crowd, often features guest DJs.
- Cons: Dress code enforced, pricey drinks.
2. The Highlight Room (Hollywood)
- Location: 6417 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028
- Why Go: Part rooftop bar, part lounge, part pool party. Known for glamorous vibes and photo-ready décor.
- Booking: Reserve via Resy—walk-ins rarely get a table.
- Pros: Great for groups and special occasions.
- Cons: Very “scene-y,” not ideal if you want a quiet night.
3. Exchange LA (Downtown)
- Location: 618 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
- Why Go: An old bank turned nightclub with cutting-edge electronic music acts. General admission tickets $30–$50.
- Pros: Stunning historic architecture blended with modern clubbing.
- Cons: Can get overcrowded on big nights.
4. Griffith Observatory (Alternative Sunset Spot)
- Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
- Why Go: Not nightlife in the traditional sense, but watching the sunset and city lights from Griffith Observatory is pure magic. And it’s free.
- Pros: Perfect for those who want a night out without alcohol.
- Cons: Parking is limited, especially at sunset.
Final Reflections on LA’s Nightlife
Los Angeles at night is like a mosaic—you can find glamour on a rooftop, raw energy in a club, serenity in a sunset lounge, and community at a hillside observatory. What makes it special isn’t just the variety, but how each experience reflects a different part of the city’s soul.
For me, Perch LA was elegance, Avalon was adrenaline, and High Rooftop Lounge was serenity. Together, they gave me a fuller picture of Los Angeles than I could have imagined. And the beauty of this city is that there’s always more—more rooftops to discover, more sunsets to chase, more nights to dance away.
If you’re planning your first night out in LA, here are my quick tips:
- Reserve early for rooftops—sunset slots vanish fast.
- Budget wisely—expect $16–$20 cocktails and $30–$50 club entries.
- Use the Metro when possible—traffic and parking are headaches.
- Dress smart—LA nightlife is casual in Venice but chic in Hollywood.
- Balance your nights—mix one wild night with one calm evening for the best experience.
When I boarded my flight home, I carried more than just photos and ticket stubs—I carried memories of laughter, music, sunsets, and the feeling that for a few nights, I had been part of LA’s heartbeat. And trust me, it’s a rhythm you don’t forget.
