Los Angeles Nightlife • A Complete Guide

Welcome to Los Angeles’s premier nightlife guide.

On this page, you’ll discover the vibrant and varied nightlife scene in Los Angeles. You’ll find the perfect venue for you and your preferred night out. Whether you want to go all-out clubbing or if you’d like a more laid back dinner and drinks with a view, we’ve got your covered.

Enjoy!

A small introduction to Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles or the city of Los Angeles or simply LA, doesn’t matter what you call it because this city has got a soul of its own and will leave you mesmerised every time you are there. This city located on the west coast of the United states of America is the second most populated city in the country and the biggest city on the west coast. The city is the home for the Hollywood and the entertainment industry with various studio houses having their head quarters in the city. And, it is the business and the economic capital of the west coast of the USA.

The city is located on the large basin bounded by the Pacific Ocean on one side and mountains as high as 10000 feet on the other side. It has a Mediterranean climate almost throughout the year making it an ideal location for anyone who enjoy such climate. It also has a great mix of population with people from various ethnic back grounds like Jews, Indians, Asians, Latinos, whites, middle easterners among various other ethnic groups. Making the nightlife even more exciting since they bring the best from almost all the ethnic groups. The city is home or in the vicinity to some of the largest tech companies in the world such as google, Microsoft, SAP. Amazon and so on. Thus, having a large number of working populations. And it is also home to some of the best institutes in the world such as Harvard, California university thus having a huge and diverse student crowd. It is this good mix of crowd that makes the nightlife of Los Angeles very happening. The city has some of the best nightclubs, pubs, bars, discotheques in the country and we would be seeing the best of them in this article.

The Nightlife in Los Angeles

LA is the Entertainment Capital of the World, and it sets a bar for nightlife everywhere across the world. Every night is party time here and it has the places to prove it. Vibrant themes and decor, renowned musicians, DJs and performers set the scene every day in these world-class venues and clubs in Los Angeles. From nightclubs with great music and drinks to cocktail lounges, sports bars and comedy clubs – the nightlife in Los Angeles will enthral you. If you ever find yourself in this stunning American city, there is no way you’re going back home without getting a taste of all the fun! Venues spare no expense to draw the hottest crowds, and promoters work tirelessly to book top international DJs and music headliners to entertain party-goers every night. The nightlife scene in Los Angeles is a playground for the celebrity set, and stylish tastemakers start the latest trends in fashion on red carpets and dance floors at L.A.’s hottest venues. Dance clubs, live music and comedy venues, cocktail lounges and sports bars — the list of places to enjoy after-dark excitement in Los Angeles is endless, so head out tonight and experience the best of L.A. nightlife!

Best Places for Nightlife in LA

If you are looking for a beach bar where you can soak in some evening some along with some cool breeze while you groove to the tunes of the latest hits or if you are looking for a roof top bar where you can get an amazing view of the skyline don’t worry because wither ways you are covered in LA. The city hosts some of the best parties in the whole of America. From bringing the top international DJs who will make you dance all night to live stand-up comedians who will make you laugh till your stomach hurts LA has got something for everyone.  Here is a look at the best places of LA where you can enjoy your nightlife.

Downtown LA

Though this wasn’t very popular from early times but this location in the recent years, has amped up its nightlife scene, with offerings such as the re-opened and renovated Clifton’s, the casual Slipper Clutch, beer bar Mikkeller, and its neighbour Prank, not to mention the myriad of dining options. Downtown is well connected by the L.A. Metro system, making it easy to get around without a car. There are numerous boutique hotels to choose from, including the Ace Hotel, the 14-room Tuck Hotel, and the Freehand Los Angeles, where you can get tea-based cocktails at Rudolph’s downstairs or drinks at their rooftop pool bar, Broken Shaker.

West Hollywood

This location is the hub during the Halloween and the pride parade week in Los Angeles. But come on it always does not need to be a special occasion to enjoy the nightlife in this beautiful locality. You can catch a band on the Sunset Strip or if you feel like splurging you may enjoy a night at the famed Chateau Marmont or the luxurious Palihouse West Hollywood, but the cheaper Best Western in the area is just fine, too. This locality is LGBT community friendly.

Hollywood

This is perhaps the most expected name from the list of nightlife places in the city of LA, but nevertheless what is good is good.  Hollywood has plenty of nightlife options where one can choose from to enjoy and this place is easily accessible through the los Angeles metro. There are various options from high end hotels to budget friendly pubs where you can grab a beer at as low as 1$.

Koreatown

If partying hard and having great food after the party is what you are looking for then this is the place for you my friend. Favourite nightlife spots include the craft beer bar Beer Belly, historic venue The Wiltern, casual karaoke haunt Brass Monkey, cocktail bar Lock & Key, and the gorgeous Prince lounge. The hotel favourite is The Line, which features two restaurants from Chef Roy Choi: POT and the veggie-friendly Commissary. There are also a number of affordable, reliable chain hotels in the area.

Venice

If you are looking for a very happening nightlife and also some peaceful time for yourself this is the place to be. One can enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean during the day and enjoy a lot of activities like surfing, swimming or just sitting on the beach and listening to the sound of the waves and can go to any of the pubs or nightclubs during the night in this part of the city. There some budget friendly hostels and also high-end hotels for everyone to choose from.

Long Beach

If you are looking for a happening nightlife far from the city central then this is the place to be in, it is located far from the city and has a fun nightlife of its own. Being in this part of the city means being close to one of the best aquariums in the world, the aquarium of the pacific. There are multiple places where one can grab a beer or eat at a fancy place or barbeque by the beach. This is a good place to enjoy the nightlife away from all the buzz and commotion of the city. So, these are the best locations where one can enjoy the nightlife in Los Angeles. Head to any one of these locations to see the best that the city has got to offer. There are also some pristine beaches in the city of Los Angeles where one can take a dip during the summers and soak in some valuable Vitamin D. These beaches also offer a good change from the bustling city life. There are also some good beach bars and sea food restaurants along these beaches that one can spend some time at. Here is a list of some of the best beaches from Los Angeles:

Paradise Cove Beach

A tiny, public/private beach tucked beneath the cliffs of Malibu. The paradise cove beach café provides all the basic amenities at this beach, but you can access the beach for free if you want to swim or surf. It’s one of the most relaxing spots in Malibu.

Venice Beach

A mile-and-a-half of silky sands, where you can lay down a blanket on and gaze out into the Pacific, and stay for the beloved Venice Beach Boardwalk, where street performers and vendors busk and sell their wares, muscle men lift huge amounts of weight, and subcultures congregate. It’s a lively spot for those who like a bit of excitement along with their relaxing beach day.

Carbon Beach

Also called as the billionaires beach. It isn’t a private beach, but it feels like one. The water is excellent for swimming, calm with no rocks, and the sand is soft and cosy—perfect to laze out on all afternoon.

Santa Monica State Beach

One of the most iconic beaches of Los Angeles. There is always a ton of activity happening there. Roller coaster rides, pan cakes, seaways you can find it all here. It has a long white sandy beach area.

Leo Carrillo State Park

An ecologically diverse spot with rocky crags jutting into the ocean, Malibu mountains to hike, and pristine water with rich tidepools. Set on 1.5 miles of perfect beach, it’s a paradise for surfers, swimmers, beach loungers, windsurfers, fishing enthusiasts, and curious explorers of coastal caves. Though the water at Leo Carrillo is accommodating for any type of visitor, the best part is the beach’s campground shaded by giant sycamore trees. Apart from these famous ones there are also other beaches in the city such as:

• Point Dume state beach
• El Matador State beach
• Seaside Lagoon
• Laguna Beach
• Dockweiler State beach
• Surfrider Beach
• Will Rogers State beach
• Bolsa Chica State Beach

Most of these beaches are located at different parts of the city and have their own unique charm and beauty. Head to any of these to have a relaxed, chilled out time.

Best Bars in Los Angeles

As with pretty much everything in L.A., it can be quite difficult to pick a bar to visit in this magnificent city. The bars here provide a classical drinking and bar experiences fashioned with local produces and international ingredients. There are various bars such as sports bars, live music bars, comedy bars, roof top bars, sea side bars and various other options that one can choose from. Here is the list of some of the best bars that this city has to offer:

Ester wine shop and bar

Esters is the wine bar of your dreams: ample seating, beautiful light, and a library ladder to swing through the floor-to-ceiling shelves stocked with bottles from around the globe. There’s a lovely cocktail menu, but the focus here is wine, including some cool selections from up-and-coming wine regions around Southern California, like Stolpman (Ballard Canyon) and Hocus Bolus (Lompoc). If you’re unsure where to begin, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable yet un-stuffy—just what you want from a wine bar.

Gracias Madre

At Gracias Madre, you’ll find some of the tastiest vegan food in a town that does vegan better than most. The best strategy for maximum satisfaction is to order food that’s already primarily vegan without much re-engineering—think guacamole, sopes, and enchiladas verde. Sure, the “cheese” is cashew crema, but it’s properly rich and deep in flavor. Once you realize that, it somehow feels virtuous to order from the extensive, agave-heavy cocktail list. So, sip in those cocktails and enjoy some healthy vegan food all the way at this beautiful place.

Dama

Located in the City Market South development in a multi-level space that used to be a banana-distribution hub of Southern California, Dama is drop-dead gorgeous, with rattan patio chairs, neon banana-leaf wallpaper, and charming Spanish tilework. The focus is Latin-inspired cocktails that range from breezy and tropical to boozy and spirits-driven; all are beautifully presented and great fun to drink. Don’t miss out on the perfect rendition of the classic Daiquiri.

Accomplice

This place is known for its serious drinks, but the vibe of this place is far from serious. The cocktails play with lesser-known Asian ingredients, adding them to familiar cocktails like the “whiskey (sweet and) sour,” made with ginger, sesame, aquafaba, amaretto, and whiskey. And if you’re hungry, you can order from Little Fatty, the associated Taiwanese-inspired spot next door, and the food will promptly be brought to your table. (Think modern takes on classic dishes like squid ink soup dumplings and General Tso’s cauliflower.) It’s a great spot for a casual date night or to catch up with friends with adventurous palates.

Broken Shaker

With an amazing skyline it is no wonder that the city of Los Angeles is a city obsessed with rooftops. Broken Shaker has a big pool with neon floaties, two tiki-inspired bars, DJs on the weekends, and killer views of downtown. The drink menu features riffs on tiki classics with Angeleno-friendly spirits like mezcal and tequila, but bartenders will deftly whip up drinks based on personal tastes, too. Make a reservation and gather your friends at one of the tables around the pool or stop by the rooftop for a nightcap with a date you’re trying to impress.

Bar Stella

If sophistication is what you are looking for then look no further than Bar Stella. This sultry bar has French boudoit-inspired touches, plus leather couches and plenty of corners to cozy up with your date. (The warm, dim lighting makes everyone look extra sexy.) When you’re ordering, go for a cocktail—the place offers a selection of barrel-aged and seasonal drinks based on mood and available produce, plus plenty of classics for purists. And if you’re feeling hungry you can head to Cafe Stella next door for their stellar steak frites. These bars are best visited alone, in a group or even as a couple. Basically, it doesn’t matter who you are visiting these places with until you are visiting them. So, head out to any of these places and have an amazing night in this magnificently beautiful city.

Best Bar-Restaurants of Los Angeles

Sometimes after a long tiring day after work or even just sightseeing you might need to grab some good food for your tummy and grab a few drinks for your soul. And what better place to go than a bar restaurants which provides good food along with some great drinks. Isn’t that a great combination? Los Angeles has some great bar restaurants of different themes offering some local as well as cuisines from all around the globe and here are our top picks:

Everson Royce Bar

This is the corner bar that everyone wished that their neighbourhood had. The interior bar is long, with banquettes for seating, but you’d be smart to head outside to the bocce court on the Edison light-lit patio. There’s a great selection of beer and wines, but the focus is squarely on spirits, like barrel-aged cocktails and rare Japanese whiskeys. If you want to go off-script and challenge the bartenders to whip up something of their choice based on your tastes, you won’t be disappointed. The internationally inspired bar bites from Mozza alum Matt Molina (like the diner-style burger) aren’t to be missed, either.

Mezcal Bar at Laurel Hardware

Mezcal Bar’s diminutive room is sultry, with red velvet barrel chairs, art deco fixtures, a cozy fireplace, and brass details throughout. Join the crowd of good-looking young professionals and sample over 20 different mezcals neat, in a flight or mixed as a cocktail. There’s no wrong way to do it. And if you’d like something to eat, go for the tostadas and quesadillas topped with Oaxacan mole, naturally.

Apotheke

Much like the Los Angeles City original, the L.A. outpost of Apotheke, a tucked-away Chinatown bar, exudes opulence and sexiness. The space includes an eclectic, globally themed outdoor oasis that—unlike the East Coast location—Angelenos can enjoy (almost) year-round. The botanically infused cocktail menu is divided into sections: Aphrodisiacs, Euphoric Enhancers, Health & Beauty, and Stimulants. All of the drinks here are made with the sorcery and precision of an old world pharmacist.

Major events happening in Los Angeles

With so many events in Los Angeles, it can be hard to know where to go and what to do, but nothing beats the annual festivals that keep the city alive. Perfect for locals and tourists alike, here are the best annual events to plan a trip around. There are events, fests, carnivals held in the city of Los Angeles through the year. There are events which are held due to a particular season, there are a few historical events and there are other modern-day fun events too. In short, Los Angeles has something to offer for everyone. Here is a look at some of the best events and festivals of Los Angeles:

January:

• Tournament of Roses Parade

February:

• Chinese lunar new year
• Brazilian Carnival
• Pan African film festival
• Academy awards

March:

• Los Angeles Marathon
• Blessing of the animals

April:

• Toyota grand prix of long beach
• LA Times festival of books
• Santa Clarita cow boy festival
• Fiesta Broadway

May:

• Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival

June:

• Last remaining seats
• LA gay pride
• Film Independent’s Los Angeles Film Festival
• Los Angeles River Ride
• Pasadena Chalk Street Painting Festival
• X Games

July:

• Independence Day
• Outfest
• Downtown film festival
• Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival
• Pageant of the Masters
• US Open of Surfing
• International Pop Overthrow

August:

• Festival of the Chariots
• Nisei Week Japanese Festival
• Watts Summer Festival
• Fuck Yeah Fest

September:

• Fiesta Hermosa Arts & Crafts Fair
• LA Greek Festival
• Los Angeles International Short Film Festival
• Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival
• West Hollywood Book Fair
• LA County Fair

October:

• Abbot Kinney Festival
• Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
• Halloween

November:

• Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
• Artivist Film Festival
• AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival
• Hollywood Christmas Parade

December:

• Mariachi Festival
• Marina del Rey Holiday Boat Parade
• Hanukkah Family Festival
• Las Posadas
• LA County Holiday Celebration

Make sure to visit a few of these fests whenever you are in Los Angeles during any of the above months. These fests will provide a tourist an opportunity to experience the culture, vibe and the energy of the city in its true sense. And most of these fests are organized in a particular location of the city so if you are planning to visit these fests make sure to book your hotels accordingly in the locations. And these fests are full of music, dance, drama, food, drinks and fiesta off course, Los Angeles at its best.

What time does the nightlife peak in Los Angeles?

The city of Los Angeles is bustling with energy and activities through the day. The city being the hub for various industries in the world witnesses some of the busiest pathways, metros and underground subways in the world. There are tons of activities going on through the day that one can be part of. These activities start early in the morning till the sun sets in the city. Most of these events are in the magnificent parks that the city is famous for. These parks offer freshness and calm to any visitor. But, once the sun sets and the city is engulfed in artificial lights that is when the other side of Los Angeles, the night life face of Los Angeles comes alive. Though most of the pubs, bars, bar restaurants are open through the day, they offer special settings or events for the evenings. These events could include a live music performance or an instrument show. These are held mainly in the evenings. Wait, if partying hard is what you are looking for then you got to have patience my friend, because they start late in the night and go on till the early hours of the morning. These parties peak around midnight, they witness maximum crowds around this time with the best line-ups of the evening. So, it would always be a good idea to visit one of the bars where you can grab some food and a few drinks in the early evenings and then head to these party places during the midnight. That way one can experience the best of both the world that the city has to offer. Put those dancing shoes on, loosen your clothes and get ready to dance your way off in Los Angeles.  

Best Nightclubs of Los Angeles

Does not matter if you would like to sip in some beer by the beach after a long tiring day or would try the wine collection on your fancy date or just dance your feet off with some lip-smacking cocktails, Los Angeles has got it all covered for you. These nightclubs get the best DJs from across the globe to perform for their audiences and there are also themed parties which are held regularly. Most of these places are happening through the week and get pumped up with even greater crowds during the weekends. Let us have a look at some of the best nightclubs of Los Angeles.

The Echo

The Echo is undoubtedly one of the best nightclubs in Los Angeles and has made its way to the to the top because of its unique punk rocks shows.’ Part Time Punks’ on every Monday night and raw soul party ‘Funky Sole’ that happens every Saturday night – are key highlights that attract huge crowd. The Sunday night special, ‘Stock’ offers Indie music which will compel you to set the dance floor on fire. This nightclub is located on the sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles and is open from 5:00pm every evening to 6:00am every morning. So, get ready to groove to the best tunes.

The Satellite

If you are looking for a pocket friendly dance option or party place in Los Angeles unfortunately there are just a few options but nevertheless, the satellite is one of them and is one of the best in the business. Every Saturday night the place plays some amazing indie pop music from yester years. The place also organizes various free shows and offers cheap drinks. It is filled with young, vibrant and happening crowd almost every day. It is located at the silver lake boulevard locality of the city and is open between 8:30pm to 2:00am every day.

Couture Hollywood

Located at the cahuenga boulevard in Los Angeles, this place is open between 10:00pm to 2:00am every day except for Sunday, Monday and Thursdays. Couture is LA’s first fashion-inspired lounge and has an unmissable glamorous Los Angeles nightlife events with shopping and party all at one place. Outspoken on Fridays and Clinic Wednesdays are Couture’s two major dance nights while the former sees the best crowd dancing away to the beats of renowned DJs. One more thing, dress your best in this place or get ready to be denied entry.

Sound Night Club

Sound night club is the place to be at if you want to get moving. If one is looking to party all night, dance their feet off and experience the best of nightlife in Los Angeles then this place needs to be high on their list. The ambience is more suited for an intimate party than a massive one. With over 8000 square feet of party space, a sunken dance floor, elevated booth for the DJ and a visually aesthetic 3D mapping, the Sound Nightclub looks no less than a Hollywood set. So, go ahead, party like a star! This is also the best hip-hop clubs in Los Angeles.

Nomad Rooftop Bar

Think of the greatest drink with a great setting and you get the Nomad rooftop bar. Grab a drink, enjoy the set up and unwind in this brilliant night club. Sprawled over a huge space with great views and refreshing drinks and cocktails with lip smacking bar-bites, you are sure to have a blast when you visit this bar. The Bar’s Google Rating is 4.7 and that says it all. It is located at Olive street part of the city.

Skybar

The city of Los Angeles has got one of the best skylines in the entire America. And what better place to experience this than at the Skybar. This place offers a relaxed, toned down atmosphere for its guest. It serves some great cocktails and is ideal for anyone looking for an intimate date. Located on the sunset boulevard, the place is open all day and all night. one of the best clubs in Los Angeles and enjoy the most magnificent view of the city with a fancy drink and some delectable bites.

The Comedy Store

Located at the sunset Boulevard part of the city, this place has three stages and a relaxed atmosphere. If dancing is not your thing and you fancy a night of laughter along with some great drinks, then this is the place to be. The comedy store regularly hosts events where numerous renowned and upcoming artists perform for their audiences. Don’t miss out on this place as it offers a unique nightclub experience like none another. So, this was the list of some of the best night clubs of Los Angeles. Doesn’t matter if you are a stag, couple, student, working professional or anyone this city offers something for everyone. Don’t miss out on them in your next visit to this beautiful city.

Live Entertainment

Los Angeles comes alive at night with performances by emerging artists and the biggest names in music. L.A. LIVE, Downtown L.A.’s multi-billion dollar entertainment complex offers live shows at Microsoft Theater and Club Nokia, while the GRAMMY Museum‘s soundstage features more intimate, exclusive concerts. The El Rey Theatre is the destination for alternative, cutting-edge bands and special events. A legendary L.A. Art Deco landmark, The Wiltern, presents an incredibly diverse array of performances from alternative to jazz and comedy.

Conclusion

The city of Los Angeles located on the west coast of the United States of America is one of the biggest metropolitan cities in the world. It is home for Hollywood and the entertainment industry which has been entertaining the world for ages now. It is also the financial capital of the west coast of United States. The city is blessed with abundant parks, some pristine beaches, magnificent sky scrapers and efficient public transport system. There are mountains and hills where one can go trekking or hiking on and there also beautiful clean beaches for one to go snorkelling and scuba diving. This city has got something for everyone. Downtown LA, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Koreatown, Venice and long beach are some of the most happening places for experiencing night life of this ever vibrant and energetic city. The city has a dense population and receives millions of tourists every year. This has given rise to numerous restaurants, pubs, bars, bar restaurants, discothèques and nightclubs to entertain the crowds. There are events happening through the year in the city of Los Angeles and one can visit the city to witness any of these events. These events are mostly related to history, arts, seasons or modern-day events. But, be assured all these events are celebrated with a lot of fanfare and charm. The nightlife in this city starts generally late in the night and peaks around mid-night and goes on till the early hours of the mornings. Most of these places get very crowded during the weekend so make sure to grab those tickets early and get to the venue. Overall, Los Angeles is a city that never sleeps, and one must visit this city at least once in their lifetime. And be assured that the energy and the charm of this city will take you by storm!

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