LA's Best Beach Sunset Cocktails

Good timing is important to an enjoyable Los Angeles sunset. With a variety of views, colors, and backdrops, LA’s sunset hour is an experience of its own and the right cocktail will only compliment that experience. From Mai Tai’s and Daiquiris to artisanal matcha cocktails and spiked organic lemonade, these cocktails will make your LA sunset unforgettable.

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Venice Whaler

Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, American, Seafood, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, Vegan, Italian

Located directly across from the Venice Pier, vibrant and colorful sunset views are easily seen from the open air patio on the second story. Visited by such music royalty as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and The Doors, the unique history found here is woven through the walls and corridors of this special beach shack. Specialty cocktails with rock music themes are on tap. The “Jane’s Addiction” (Santa Teresa 1796 Rum, fresh watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and a twist of mint) or a “Paradise City” (vodka, coconut water, pineapple, salted vanilla, and lime juice) will go down just as smooth as the sunset.

The Venice Beach Bar

Bar, Restaurant, American, North American, Mexican

This historical building has been a landmark in Venice since it first opened its doors in 1958. With a new look and a new name, The Venice Beach Bar is a classic venue serving Baja inspired cuisine and artisanal cocktails. The evocative atmosphere and second story outlook are ideal for a classic California sunset. Grab a Tequila Blanco (white tequila, Cointreau, and fresh lime juice) or an invigorating Cucumber Garden (cucumber dill vodka, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of sugar) and let the daytime casually slide into the evening. Try adding fruits, such as pineapple, for a tropical twist on classics such as a gin and soda.

High Rooftop Lounge – Hotel Erwin

Cocktail Bar, Mexican, North American

High Rooftop Lounge | Courtesy of Hotel Erwin

Located on the roof of Hotel Erwin, the High Rooftop Lounge has the best oceanfront view of the sunset in Los Angeles. The unique specialty cocktails such as the “Lazy Sunbather” (Bombay Sapphire gin, Cointreau, and fresh lime and grapefruit juices) or “A Day at The Beach” (Square One cucumber vodka, St. Germain, and fresh lime) are a refreshing alternative to standard classics such as the Margarita. Offering small bites plus D.J. sets on the weekends, this is the perfect place to end a beach day while relaxing with friends.

The Bungalow Santa Monica

Bar, Cocktail Bar, American

Located where Wilshire Boulevard meets the sea in Santa Monica atop the beachside bluffs, The Bungalow boasts an outdoor patio and bar area, offering panoramic views of the ocean far below. From the mind of Brent Bolthouse, this stylish space combines the feel of a seaside cottage with the casual nature of a Baja inspired casita. With a variety of themed rooms, stylish meeting spaces, intimate nooks, and the city’s best margaritas, it is easy to see why this unique canteen is popular for a romantic sunset or an evening out with friends.

Cabo Cantina Venice Beach

Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Mexican

Located just a block from the beach on Washington Boulevard on the border of Marina Del Rey and Venice Beach, Cabo Cantina is a casual spot offering outdoor seating and an upstairs patio with a fire pit. This brightly colored and lively establishment is known for its novelty cocktails and two for one priced Happy Hour (4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., seven days a week), making it ideal to stay a while and watch the day drift into the evening with friends. With daily specials on its extensive menu of authentic Mexican cuisine, this is the ideal SoCal sunset location for travelers on a budget.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip

meet our Local Insider

Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?

2 years.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?

It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.

WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?

I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!

Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

map of volcanic iceland trip destination points

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KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.