Your only defense against the summer heat (besides plastering on the sunscreen and hiding out under the shade) is to arm yourself with a refreshing beverage and position yourself close to a cold pool of water. While you could also head to one of these natural swimming holes, or a stunning SoCal beach, having a delicious cocktail delivered straight to your hand while you’re semi-submerged in a sparkling pool is truly just a means of survival.
1. Caravan Swim Club
You finally have a very good reason to head to Lincoln Boulevard and it comes in the form of the Caravan Swim Club—a multi-leveled poolside oasis, fitted with palm trees, luxurious cabanas and seasonal cocktails to cool down with. As soon as you step into The Hotel June’s restaurant, you’ll immediately be transported to the Mexican coast and you’ll never want to go back home. You can sign up for a day pass that gets you to access to the pool and the gym, but no one will mind if you find yourself at the gorgeous, long pink bar. Find out more here.
2. Upstairs At The Ace Hotel
It may be a petit pool but it comes with grand views and the stunning architectural details of the 1920s building it inhabits. Head to the newsstand, choose something to read, order your drink of choice and get ready to soak up some sun while you sip on a refreshing Angeleno spritz. You’ll also have a range of events happening here throughout the year, including DJs, book launches, poetry and shows at the theatre downstairs.
3. The Highlight Room
Pre-covid days, this pool would like Florida during spring break. However, if you head up to the 10th floor of the Dream Hollywood hotel, you’ll find a luxurious paradise ready to provide the staycation you deserve. You’ll want to be there for the Grill during Golden Hour from 5pm to 8pm every Sunday to Wednesday when you’ll have mouthwatering cocktails and delicious food on offer.
4. Skybar
Whether you’re in the mood for an afternoon dip or a weekend pool party, the Mondrian’s Skybar is the rooftop bar that started it all. The pool is open to the public during the week after 1 p.m giving you plenty of time to order that mojito and Ivory burger you were eyeing. The weekend tends to be more packed and lively, so head after work if you’re looking to chill out at one of the seating areas that have a 10/10 Insta-worthy view.
5. Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles
This paradise in DTLA is one of the best hotel rooftop bars in the city with a Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar award to prove it. Its James Beard Award-nominated food comes with a serving of epic downtown views. So when you throw a pool into the mix you’ll be pressed to find a better summer day retreat. If you’re not a guest, you’ll need to make a reservation and spend $35 before 7 pm. But order yourself a Thirst Trap mezcal-white wine spritzer, or any other exotic elixir with something to nibble on and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
6. Above SIXTY Beverly Hills Hotel
If you’re interested in being a guest, member, or booking a cabana reservation, then it’s probably wise to head over to the rooftop bar later in the evening when it’s open to the public. Offering amazing views, delectable bites, and mouthwatering cocktails like their signature Lemonade Chill, you won’t regret spending a pretty penny on treating yourself to this oh-so-Beverly Hills poolside experience. (Order the seafood platter for $85 if you’re really in the mood to splurge – yum!)
7. Tropicana Pool Cafe At The Roosevelt
It doesn’t get more ’60s-Hollywood than this! Head over to the historic Roosevelt Hotel for a little bit of it all: Cocktails, attitude, and a (C-list) celebrity sighting or two! Post up during the early afternoon if you want to relax by the pool with the piña colada you’ve promised yourself all year, or make your way over just before 6 p.m. to skip the long lines and people watch your swim-pants off. At night, you can sink into a lounger around the Hockney-Esque pool and catch a screening of a classic film.
8. Fig Santa Monica
Many argue that Fig at Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica has one of the best Happy Hour menus on the Westside. If you’re still not convinced, you will be once you take a bite of their spicy fries and charcuterie sampler alongside your favorite cocktail, beer or wine – oh yeah, did we mention that everything on the menu is 50% off? Though you’re not exactly right next to it, the small patio outside gives you all the vacay vibes you need as it overlooks the hotel pool. Be sure to plan ahead because happy hour is only an hour-long, running from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m!
9. The Standard Hotel
If you don’t feel like taking a dip in the pool, you can still get some h2o action by (p)laying on one of the many red waterbed pods dispersed across the rooftop. Weekend afternoons are the time to relax and lounge, but if you head over any later, expect long lines which sometimes stretch out to the parking lot. Nothing beats an amazing view of the skyline quite like laying out on an L.A. rooftop while sipping on a poolside drink – just be sure to plan accordingly!
10. Calabra At The Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Whether it’s the ocean, the glittering pool or the impeccable decor, you will be spoiled for views. Every inch of this stunning pool and deck oozes luxury, making it a top staycation hit. You’ll have Mediterranean-California cuisine to dine on and dreamy cocktails like the Washed Ashore featuring Pueblo Viejo Tequila, Opuntia prickly pear, citrus and algae.
11. Silver Lake Pool & Inn
Pull up a deck chair under the gorgeous white umbrella at this Italian-inspired outdoor restaurant and bar. Silver Lake Pool & Inn offers a paradise in a vibrant neighborhood fueled by crafts and creativity. It’s the perfect place to refresh yourself with a spritz, dine on fresh oysters or perk up with an afternoon espresso, surrounded by the neutral tones, natural textures brought to life with a tiled feature wall, framing a huge cactus.
12. The NoMad Hotel
This lush rooftop haven atop Giannini Place was originally built as The Bank of Italy, making it a beautiful marriage of L.A.’s Golden Age glamour and eclectic, playful spirit. The landscaped pool & deck setting is designed by French architect Jacques Garcia and gives the scene a playful touch. If you’re not a guest, you’ll only be able to access the pool area for evening drinks and snacks with a reservation.
13. The W Hotel
This is the perfect place to take in the L.A. sunshine while also getting a gorgeous view of the Hollywood Hills. Sip on some of their specialty cocktails while relaxing on one their poolside cabanas. Day passes to their pool start at $30, and you can grab them here.
Location: 6250 Hollywood Blvd Hollywood, CA, 90028
14. The Andaz West Hoollywood
Lounge out on a daybed as you drink at one of the highest rooftop spaces that once hosted iconic musicians in the 1960’s. Their poolside bar is open during the summer and offers guests incredible views of Hollywood’s iconic Sunset Strip. Bask in musical history while sipping on one of their refreshing cocktails. Get your cabana day pass here.
Location: 8401 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Featured Image: Broken Shaker – Freehand