Sky-high L.A. scenes with some serious foliage.
Nothing elevates happy hour like the sweeping views of the twinkling city lights or magical pink-and-orange sunsets (courtesy of the smog), punctuated by beachside palaces and palms. If there’s one way to take in Los Angeles it’s from the top floor, shrouded in plants and dotted with fairy lights. Here are some of our favorite gardens in the sky where cocktails, music, food and good times are guaranteed.
LA Cha Cha Chá
LA Cha Cha Chá is bringing a distinctly Mexican flavor to an Arts District rooftop from March 19. Being the sister location of the popular Terraza Cha Cha Cha in Mexico City’s Colona Tabacalera neighborhood, it will combine traditional dishes with Mexico City-born, LA-raised chef Alejandro Guzman signature touch. Design-wise, you’ll find sleek timbers, eclectic tiles in turquoise with a substantial amount of foliage (about 150 plants) enclosing the space, all accented with fairy lights for ambiance.
820 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
L.P. Rooftop Bar
The hotspot, located on Melrose and La Cienega, offers some of the best views of West Hollywood. The insanely popular rooftop is the first section of the multistorey dining and drinking haven to reopen. You’ll have to wait for the main dining room to open over the next few weeks. You might also want to check out their more tropical sister space, Las Palmas.
603 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, 90069
Perch
Perch LA, the Downtown rooftop hotspot, and its breathtaking 360-degree views are yours to enjoy once again! Head up to the 15th floor and waltz through the eclectic interior of the bar and restaurant filled with vintage oddities and colorful textiles. Then, step through the arches and out onto the outdoor terrace covered with lush greenery and fire pits to take in the sunsets over the city. On the 16th floor, you’ll find an open rooftop terrace for more all-encompassing views of the city.
448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Catch LA
Walking under this canopy of white wisterias and exotic blooms will make you feel like wandering through the Enchanted Forest. At Catch, you’re likely to rub shoulders with the rich and famous, a crowd that’s glammed up to the gills, while you work your way through a decadent seafood tower. The unique cocktails will make the chandeliers and moody fairy lights at this hotspot twinkle just that little bit extra.
8715 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood 90069
Mama Shelter
The vibrant escape six floors up are filled with tropical plants, colorful prints and draped fairy lights that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an exotic hideaway. Until, of course, you get the head-on view of the Hollywood sign and remember where you are. You’ll have an eclectic mix of drinks and decor to lose yourself in as you leave the hustle and bustle below.
6500 Selma Ave, Los Angeles, 90028
Élephante
This Santa Monica beach house seems to float in the sky with the palm trees, the casual-chic atmosphere will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an old friend’s living room—a friend that’s not struggling to show up with a new designer bag in tow for weekly brunches. Their Italian-style food seems at odds with the clientele but there are plenty of options that are surprisingly good considering the incredible ocean view—which is notoriously coupled with less than desirable food.
1332 2nd St, Santa Monica, 90401
Terra
The Century City rooftop oasis, Terra, is a little slice of Italian heaven perched atop the mammoth food emporium Eataly LA. You’ll ascend a spiral staircase, catching a glimpse of the wood-burning grill where the beautiful seasonal ingredients are brought to life, before stepping out onto the bright terrace with panoramic views of the Hollywood Hills. Terra is centered on seasonal ingredients grilled on open flames to bring out the rich flavors. Of course, nothing pairs better with these earthy dishes than botanical cocktails or a premium Italian wine alongside an L.A. skyline.
10250 Santa Monica Boulevard, Roof, Los Angeles, CA 90067
Upstairs at the Ace Hotel DTLA
This beautiful spot offers views of the city in every direction and is the perfect balance of luxe and casual. White textiles and natural furniture with gorgeous trees dotted around makes this a welcoming haven to end the week off with. Reservations are required and you can book for a maximum of 6 people.
929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
SkyBar
This glamorous rooftop setting covered in ivy and is perched atop the Mondrian Los Angeles. It’s the perfect place to take in panoramic views of the city on a romantic date or to spend your summers occasionally dipping into the pool between drinks. It’s currently only open to hotel guests, it could still work out to be a more affordable option.
8440 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90069
Openaire
Openaire is the poolside restaurant that replaced the Commissary at the Line Hotel in Koreatown. While you can’t bask in sunlight in the greenhouse on the rooftop filled with greenery cascading above you, there’s an all-new outdoor dining area for guests around the pool. It’s great value for money as far as hotels go, especially considering you have the likes of two Michelin star Chef Josiah Citrin bringing seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from land and sea and transforming them into vibrant plates that go down just as easily as the Midnight Margarita—an interesting mix of tequila, Cointreau, lime and charcoal.
3515 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90010
Pilot DTLA
It’s hard to dream of a better way to take in the L.A. skyline than basking in the sun next to a sparkling aqua pool surrounded by gorgeous hanging plants and white umbrellas. And, of course, an icy cocktail in hand. The Mediterranean-inspired rooftop restaurant and bar, Pilot DTLA, is perched atop The Hoxton and it’s an unexpected oasis overlooking the bustling Downtown city life below.
1060 S Broadway Rooftop, Los Angeles, CA 90015
Harriet’s Rooftop
Craft cocktails, delicious food, white umbrellas and panoramic views of Los Angeles. What more could you ask for? Head to this lofty rooftop restaurant to soak up the sun and incredible, mellow ambiance.
8490 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA.
Calabra Santa Monica Proper Hotel
Your next luxury retreat could be as close as Santa Monica. This gorgeous rooftop space pairs ocean views with delicious plates and lush decor. Whether you enjoy getting some work done at the poolside or enjoying sundowners with friends, you’ll want to check out this spot while the sun is out.
700 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90401
[Featured Image: Harriet’s Rooftop]