Nightlife · Hub guide
Los Angeles Nightlife Guide: Bars, Live Music and Late Nights
Los Angeles nightlife is spread across several districts, each with its own crowd. This guide covers where to go for rooftop drinks, live music, comedy, dancing and late-night food, and how to get home safely.
Los Angeles nightlife at a glance
- Main districts West Hollywood, Hollywood, Downtown, Silver Lake and Echo Park, Santa Monica and Venice
- Last call Bars in California stop serving alcohol at 2am
- Live music Small clubs on the Sunset Strip and Eastside, big shows at the Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre
- Comedy Clubs in West Hollywood and Hollywood host shows most nights
- Getting home Rideshare, taxis or Metro; never drink and drive
- Bring A valid photo ID; many venues check at the door
In this guide
Nightlife in Los Angeles works best when you pick one district and stay there for the night. Distances are long, so bar hopping across the city means a lot of time in cars. Each area below has enough bars, venues and late food to fill an evening.
For dinner before you go out, see our best restaurants in Los Angeles guide. For concerts and festivals on your dates, check the Los Angeles events calendar.
West Hollywood and the Sunset Strip
West Hollywood is the city’s most concentrated nightlife area. The Sunset Strip has long-running rock clubs, comedy clubs and hotel bars, while Santa Monica Boulevard is the center of LGBTQ+ nightlife, with dance clubs and bars that stay busy late. The area is walkable once you are there, but there is no rail line, so plan a rideshare or bus.
Hollywood
Hollywood mixes big nightclubs, cocktail lounges and tourist bars around Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard and Cahuenga. Lines and cover charges are common on weekends. The B Line stops at Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine, which helps for getting there, though check last train times for the trip home.
Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown has rooftop bars with skyline views, cocktail bars in historic buildings and breweries in the Arts District. It is also where you will find many concert venues, from small clubs to Crypto.com Arena. Some streets get quiet late at night, so move between venues by rideshare if they are far apart.
Silver Lake, Echo Park and the Eastside
The Eastside is more relaxed, with neighborhood bars, natural wine spots and small music venues. Sunset Boulevard through Silver Lake and Echo Park has a lot of bars close together. Highland Park, farther northeast, has a growing bar scene along York Boulevard and Figueroa Street.
Santa Monica and Venice
On the coast, nights start earlier and feel more laid back. Expect beach bars, wine bars and cocktail spots along Main Street in Santa Monica and Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice. It is a good choice if you are staying by the beach and want to walk home.
Rooftop bars
Downtown rooftops
Skyline views from hotel rooftops, best around sunset. Some require reservations or have a dress code.
Hollywood rooftops
Views toward the hills and the Hollywood Sign from hotel bars.
West Hollywood rooftops
Pool decks and terraces above Sunset Boulevard.
Coastal rooftops
Ocean views in Santa Monica, best on clear evenings.
Live music and concerts
Los Angeles has music most nights. The Hollywood Bowl season runs June through September, and the Greek Theatre in Griffith Park hosts shows in the warmer months. Small clubs on the Sunset Strip, in Hollywood and on the Eastside book local and touring acts. Jazz clubs, piano bars and karaoke rooms in Koreatown round out the options.
Comedy
Comedy clubs in West Hollywood and Hollywood run shows almost every night, and well-known comics often drop in to test new material. Many clubs have a drink or item minimum, so read the ticket terms. Book ahead on weekends.
Late-night food
After the bars close, head to Koreatown for barbecue and soup, Thai Town for noodles or a taco stand. Many taco trucks are busiest late in the evening. Our restaurants guide has more ideas.
Nightlife by neighborhood
| Area | Vibe | Getting there |
|---|---|---|
| West Hollywood | Clubs, comedy, LGBTQ+ bars | Rideshare or bus |
| Hollywood | Big clubs and lounges | B Line, Hollywood/Highland or Hollywood/Vine |
| Downtown | Rooftops, cocktail bars, concerts | A, B, D and E Lines |
| Silver Lake and Echo Park | Neighborhood bars, small venues | Rideshare or bus |
| Koreatown | Karaoke, late food, bars | D Line, Wilshire/Western |
| Santa Monica and Venice | Beach bars, wine bars | E Line to Santa Monica |
Getting home safely
Night-out tips
- Plan the ride home first. Rideshare and taxis are the usual choice after midnight. Metro rail runs late, but check the last train for your line.
- Do not drink and drive. California enforces DUI laws strictly.
- Bring ID. Expect to show a valid photo ID at bars and clubs, whatever your age.
- Stay with your group. Agree on a meeting point if you get split up in a crowded venue.
- Watch your drink and your phone. Busy venues attract pickpockets.
Dress codes and reservations
Most bars are casual, but some clubs and hotel rooftops enforce dress codes, particularly on weekends. Reservations or guest lists help at popular spots. If a venue looks exclusive online, check its site or social media for rules before you go.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best nightlife in Los Angeles?
West Hollywood, Hollywood and Downtown have the most bars and clubs. Silver Lake and Echo Park are good for a more relaxed night.
What time do bars close in Los Angeles?
Bars stop serving alcohol at 2am under California law. Some venues and late-night food spots stay open later.
Is Hollywood safe at night?
The main streets are busy and well lit. As in any nightlife district, stay aware, keep valuables secure and use rideshare or taxis late at night.
Can I take the Metro after a night out?
Metro rail runs late, but service gets less frequent and stops for a few hours overnight. Check the last train for your line before you go out.
Where can I see live music in Los Angeles?
Try the Hollywood Bowl and Greek Theatre in season, or smaller clubs on the Sunset Strip, in Hollywood and on the Eastside.
More guides
- Visitors guide
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- Events calendar
- Where to stay
- Restaurants and food
- Neighborhoods
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- Living in Los Angeles
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