7 Rooftop Spots in LA to Visit This Summer (with Drone Shot Ideas!)

“Did you know LA’s skyline ranks among the top destinations for rooftop cocktail tourism in the U.S.?”  In a city where the weather is almost always perfect, rooftop life in LA is basically a year-round lifestyle. From coastal cliffs to downtown high-rises, this guide will take you to seven amazing rooftop venues—including tips on what to pack, how to shoot epic drone footage, and insider info to make your summer elevated and unforgettable.

1. Top Attractions / Things to Do at Each Rooftop

1. Cara Cara (Proper Hotel, DTLA) – Chef Suzanne Goin’s rooftop gem with panoramic city views and Cali‑fusion plates (ceviche, crab pasta). Googlemap

2. Broken Shaker (Freehand Hotel, DTLA) – Palm-fringed, colorful, perfect for relaxed sips and chatty evenings. Googlemap

3. The Highlight Room (Dream Hollywood) – Rooftop pool turns into a dance floor at night, with epic Hollywood Sign backdrops. Googlemap

4. Perch LA (Historic Core, DTLA) – Elegant bistro rooftop with French‑inspired drinks, firepits, and breezy vibes. Googlemap

5. Bar Lis (Hollywood, Wilcox Ave) – Chic lounge with Cote d’Azur energy, DJs, glamorous crowd. Googlemap

6. High Rooftop Lounge (Hotel Erwin, Venice Beach) – Sunset cocktails with ocean views and sand‑y toes. Googlemap

7. Grandmaster Recorders (Hollywood Vinyl District) – Former studio turned rooftop bar with music legend ambiance. Googlemap

📍 Embed Map of these spots for easy reference.

2. Food & Drink Guide

• Culinary highlights: Cara Cara’s piri piri fried chicken, branzino; Bar Lis’s bistro‑style small plates; Broken Shaker’s exotic cocktails.

• Must-try cocktails: Italian‑style aperitifs at Perch; tropical tiki concoctions at The Rooftop (Wayfarer); ocean-themed spritz at Hotel Erwin.

• When to go: Bar Lis & Highlight Room = evening party mode; Broken Shaker & Cara Cara = relaxed happy hour; Perch = late afternoon firepit hours.

3. Cultural Tips & Local Vibes

• Rooftop etiquette: Smart‑casual dress code in chic venues like Bar Lis and Cara Cara; comfy-casual for Venice rooftops.

• Neighborhood flair: Venice’s boho beach vibe at Hotel Erwin, creative energy at Hollywood Vinyl District, downtown’s historic charm at Perch.

• What not to do: Skip flip‑flops and beachwear at upscale lounges; book ahead or arrive early to avoid waits.

4. Nightlife & Entertainment

• Atmosphere: Dance-ready crowds at Highlight Room; DJs and jazz sets at Bar Lis; laid-back blues at Broken Shaker.

• Cover & Codes: Most rooftops are cover-free but may require reservations on Fridays/Saturdays. Dress sharp, especially at Hollywood & Downtown venues.

• Safety tips: Stick with friends, guard your belongings, especially where drinks and views are the draw.

5. Packing Guide

• Outfit: Day → breathable tees + chinos or sundresses; Night → smart-casual (dress, button-down, loafers).

• Accessories: Sunglasses, lightweight jacket (coolers above); sunscreen for afternoon rooftop lounging.

• Gadgets: Power bank, compact umbrella (occasional drizzle), reusable water bottle.

6. Gadgets & Travel Tech

• Apps: Google Maps, Uber/Lyft, OpenTable for reservations, Eventbrite for rooftop events.

• Gear:

  • Drone (DJI Mini 3 Pro, fly legal!) for sweeping LA skyline shots

  • Portable tripod & phone stabilizer for shoot

  • Action cam/smartphone for live clips

  • Power bank for a full night’s charges

  • E‑reader/tablet for rooftop lounge downtime.

7. Accommodation Tips

• Luxury: Proper Hotel DTLA (Cara Cara), Dream Hollywood (Highlight Room)

• Mid‑range: Freehand LA (Broken Shaker), Hotel Erwin Venice Beach

• Budget: Hostels/Airbnbs near Downtown or Venice for easy rooftop access.

8. Transportation Guide

• Getting There: Rideshare recommended (no public transit to rooftops).

• Walkable Zones: Downtown cluster of Perch, Cara Cara; Venice’s walkable stretch to Hotel Erwin.

• Parking: Garage or valet—check rooftop venue websites.

9. Best Travel Deals or Discounts

• Happy Hours: Cara Cara, Broken Shaker, Perch offer early drink specials.

• Booking: Reserve weekdays for better availability and pricing.

• Off‑Peak Visits: Choose Monday–Thursday evenings to avoid crowds & lines.

10. Quick Travel Itinerary (3‑Day)

Day 1 – Downtown Rooftops

• Afternoon: Happy hour at Broken Shaker

• Evening: Cara Cara dinner + cocktails

• Night: Perch for a firepit drink

Day 2 – Hollywood Vibes

• Late Afternoon: Highlight Room pool and sunset dance

• Evening: Bar Lis for DJ set and glam night

• Night: Grandmaster Recorders for vinyl-era groove

Day 3 – Beach to City

• Afternoon: High Rooftop Lounge at Venice for ocean views

• Evening: Unwind, explore Venice boardwalk, shoot drone clips at sunset

• Night: Downtown revisit or explore hidden speakeasy

11. Local Phrases or Fun Facts

• “La La Land” – LA’s aerial charm, perfect for drone storytelling.

12. Conclusion: Rooftop Spots in LA

Rooftop Spots in LA offer unforgettable summers—city lights, ocean breezes, and cocktails that taste better at altitude. With styles, tech hacks, and insider know-how in your back pocket, you're ready to lift your summer.

💬 Which rooftop are you eyeing for your next night out? Share your favorite shot or cocktail!