Raising the Roof: a Bird's-Eye View of Things to Do in Los Angeles, California

| Courtesy of 1 Hotel West Hollywood / Expedia
Nick Dauk

Watch movies filmed a few feet from your seat, join a pool party or feast on California brunches at these rooftop spots in the City of Angels.

Scene: your plane touches down in Los Angeles, and you gaze at the City of Angels with stars in your eyes. Where do you go to immerse yourself in the pampering, partying and playful misadventures with other socialites and celebs? The rooftops, of course – where a different stage of LA sits above the streets, setting the backdrop for a memorable California city break that reads like it was ripped from a Hollywood script. Tinseltown, Beverly Hills and sandy Santa Monica are yours to claim from these rooftop hideaways.

1. Hotel Erwin

Boutique Hotel

Hotel Erwin Venice Beach
Courtesy of Hotel Erwin Venice Beach / Booking.com

Before you get lost in the glitz and glamour of Los Angeles, take a night to sway with chill ocean vibes at Hotel Erwin. Right across the street from Venice Beach, this laid-back hotel will hook you up with everything from beach towels and yoga mats to bicycles and volleyballs. Beach views, cold brews and light bites await upstairs on the High Rooftop Lounge, where you’ll watch the sky cradle the sun and stars appear before you retreat to your eclectic ocean-view suite.

2. The Peninsula Beverly Hills

Resort, Spa Hotel, Hotel

The Peninsula Beverly Hills
Courtesy of The Peninsula Beverly Hills / Expedia
Now that you’re ready to wade into the city, let the Peninsula in Beverly Hills help you look and feel the part. Its rooftop garden pool and spa offer a transformative experience of mind, body and spirit. Anti-aging treatments, signature massages and a coconut-powered mani-pedi will leave every inch of your body prepared for close-ups. Leave this rooftop retreat ready to make an A-list arrival in LA.

4. Andaz West Hollywood

Hotel

Andaz West Hollywood
Courtesy of Andaz West Hollywood / Booking.com
It was the first hotel on the Sunset Strip, and, today, it’ll give you an amazing first impression of Hollywood. Andaz West Hollywood delights with stylish rooms and Sunset Boulevard views, inspiring you to look your best as you follow the Strip to the Comedy Store, Whisky a Go Go bar and infamous Viper Room. Not in a rush to spend the night on the town? Claim a daybed at the highest rooftop pool in the city, and let the bartender send over martinis to accompany views of the Hollywood Hills.

5. Harriet’s Rooftop

Chain Hotel

Harriet’s Rooftop
Courtesy of Harriet’s Rooftop / Expedia

Where better to spy celebrities than at a bar where comedian Dave Chappelle has his own corner table? Harriet’s Rooftop is a favorite watering hole for many stars, musicians and A-listers. While you wait with your camera ready for the next star to stroll through the door, Blue Velvet cocktails, teriyaki beef skewers and generous bottle service will hold you over.

6. Petit Ermitage

Boutique Hotel

Petit Ermitage
Courtesy of Petit Ermitage / Booking.com

Get high in the Hills, and leave all worries behind at Petit Ermitage. The rooftop heated saltwater pool is one of the sexiest places in town where you can strip off without apology. Pick from a private cabana or striped sunbed, though your adjacent high suite is also the perfect place to hang with friends. Before retreating into your bohemian quarters, we suggest dining among the hummingbirds and butterflies at the rooftop restaurant that doubles as a nature sanctuary.

7. Spire 73 at InterContinental Hotel

Restaurant, American

InterContinental Hotel
Courtesy of InterContinental Hotel / Expedia

If Petit Ermitage doesn’t fulfil your high, perhaps Spire 73’s elevation will meet your expectations. You’ll dine atop the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere at this reservations-only restaurant on the InterContinental Hotel’s 73rd floor. Seasonal chef selections fill the menu with favorites like wagyu beef burgers and truffle parmesan fries, charting a course that leads straight to a plate of tiramisu.

8. Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel

Bar, Pub Grub

Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel
Courtesy of Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel / Expedia
Before the credits roll on your Los Angeles adventure, set the scene for one final-act party at Skybar. This calm pool deck above the Mondrian Hotel seduces you into a wild atmosphere as the sun starts fading and the DJ starts spinning. Light fare is available to eat, but it’ll, no doubt, be the Skybar lemonade, redheaded mule and other spirits that keep you grooving into the night.

Find out more and start planning your trip now by visiting discoverlosangeles.com

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