Where to Find the Best Nightlife in Los Angeles, California

In recent years, downtown Los Angeles 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 neighbor Prank – not to mention myriad 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 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 draws the crowds during Pride and Halloween, but don’t just visit during big celebrations – spend your Saturday night hanging out in the LGBTQ-friendly area of Santa Monica Boulevard or catching a local up-and-coming band on the Sunset Strip.

Those who feel like splurging may enjoy a night at the luxurious West Hollywood EDITION, while Best Western Plus Sunset Plaza Hotel is a great affordable option.

Perhaps the most cliché tourist destination on the list, Hollywood has plenty of nightlife to enjoy – and it’s accessible via the L.A. metro. Hot spots include nightclubs Avalon and the Sayers Club, classic dive Frolic Room, or the 70s-themed Good Times at Davey Wayne’s.

Higher-end Los Angeles party hotel options include the W Hollywood and The Hollywood Roosevelt – their Tropicana pool bar is especially popular – while budget options include the Best Western, which holds the late-night diner 101 Coffee Shop.

Staying in Venice means you can hang out at the beach by day and enjoy its nightlife after dusk – if you enjoy your nightlife in moderation, you can enjoy a beach-side jog in the morning. There’s plenty to eat and drink on Abbot Kinney, including the acclaimed Gjelina.

Elsewhere, find late-night breakfast food and cocktails at Nighthawk Breakfast Bar or gastropub Venice Ale House. If the budget permits, stay in luxury at Hotel Erwin or the Ritz-Carlton, Marina del Rey.

Though considerably far from central Los Angeles, Long Beach has a fun nightlife scene of its own. There are plenty of hotels near the water, inducing the retired ocean liner Queen Mary – which is technically on the water.

Nightlife includes the Federal Bar – which typically offers live music or burlesque – whiskey bar Blind Donkey, casual Stache Bar and Beachwood BBQ and Brewing, where the food and beer are equally impressive. You’ll also be close to one of the best aquariums in the state – the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Settle some ’90s pop beef on the dance floor on Sunday nights at Basement Tavern, beneath the Victorian. If drinks and conversation sound like a better way to spend the evening, Santa Monica is primed for the music lover as well as the cocktail connoisseur. The Daily Pint boasts near-snobbery levels of scotch and whiskey, while Bar Chloe’s posh backdrop is equally swanky.

Prefer cold beers with your buds? The divey Barkowski’s, the compendium of beers at Library Alehouse and legendary Father’s Office will all have cold ones waiting. Hotels like Shore Hotel, Ocean View Hotel and Sea Blue Hotel will keep you close to the beach, bars and best parties in town.

Surfing until sundown and partying until sunrise is the name of the game in Manhattan Beach, conveniently located just a stone’s throw from LAX. This laid-back area full of boutiques and cafes provides the perfect backdrop for a day spent soaking up the sun.

When the stars come out, head north to El Porto for wild parties at the Baja Sharkeez tiki bar or float down by the pier for a glitzy affair at Zinc – inside the glamorous Shade Hotel. There are plenty of hotels in the area, ranging from the affordable Best Western Plus Manhattan Beach Hotel to the beachfront Sea View Inn.

Of the three Beach Cities, Hermosa Beach exudes a stronger party vibe than Redondo and Manhattan Beaches. A magical evening and side-splitting night can be had at the Comedy & Magic Club. Karaoke at Hennessey’s Tavern on Mondays and weeknight jazz sessions at the Lighthouse Cafe – and live DJs on the weekends will keep the rest of the week’s schedule packed.

Beach House has a laid-back South Beach attitude for East Coast comfort, while Hotel Casa del Mar and Hotel Hermosa are more casual affairs.

Dance under the moonlight where the mountains meet the sea in Pacific Palisades. This affluent community north of Santa Monica has few hotels, but the Channel Road Inn’s genteel quarters let guests live like locals. Any moments spent at the bed and breakfast or the beach can be spent a few minutes south at Santa Monica’s best late-night spots like SHOREbar.

Now, we’re not condoning gate-crashing a party, but if there’s any way to get a name on the Bel-Air Bay Club’s guest list – it’s worth calling in the favor.