L.A.'s Best Poolside Bars

Los Angeles is renowned as the city of the "Endless Summer." For visitors and locals alike, there's no better way to cool off than sipping a chilled drink while relaxing by the pool. Read on for the best poolside bars in L.A.

At the apex of the Dream Hollywood is Tao Group’s newest dining, daylife and nightlife concept, The Highlight Room. The luxe 11,000 square foot outdoor rooftop, lounge, pool and grill is set high above Hollywood with unparalleled aerial views of the famed Hollywood sign and the Los Angeles skyline. The Highlight Room offers lively experiences day and night, in addition to casual fare in a stylish atmosphere no matter what the weather. The Highlight Room’s chic, modern sundeck is the ideal destination to relax by the pool on plush loungers or in luxurious private cabanas, while enjoying a light menu and handcrafted refreshments. The Highlight Room’s grill serves freshly prepared Californian fare from breakfast through dinner amidst a serene environment of lush cascading foliage and unforgettable city views. At sundown, the Hollywood retreat transforms into a rooftop bar and lounge.

After 6pm, guests are required to wear sophisticated casual attire. Men must wear closed shoes and avoid any athletic gear and/or excessive jewelry. Entrance to The Lounge at The Highlight Room is at doorman’s discretion. Open Thursday to Saturday from 10:30 pm to 2 am.

Handcrafted cocktails, beautiful people and a hip mural by artist Luke Pellitier: you’re in good company at one of L.A.'s hottest poolside soirees. An oasis in the heart of Downtown L.A., Broken Shaker is located on The Freehand hotel's rooftop pool deck, offering an eclectic menu of cocktails and small bites. A James Beard Award finalist and winner of Tales of the Cocktail’s Best American Hotel Bar Spirited Award, Broken Shaker serves up delicious cocktails, infused with homemade elixirs and exotic ingredients, bringing the flavors of the beach to the center of the city.

Angelenos and visitors gather at the Morroccan-themed Rick’s for a lively, neighborhood vibe fueled by coastal and tropical-inspired cocktails, fine spirits and beers on tap. Located on the opposite end of the pool from the hotel's Veranda restaurant, the two-story Rick's can be accessed through the hotel lobby or a back entrance. Frozen Jungle Bird FTW!

With sweeping views of Downtown Los Angeles’s skyline and the city expanse below, The Rooftop Bar features an outdoor café, cocktail bar, and lushly landscaped pool area - all designed by Jacques Garcia. The Pool is reserved for guests of The NoMad. The Rooftop is open to the public for lunch, and for evening drinks and snacks - by reservation only. Reservations can be made for a table reservation, or for general access to the rooftop and its bar. The entrance is located at 649 S. Olive St. (Reservations available here.) With 5,178 square feet of indoor and outdoor space, evenings on The Rooftop can accommodate seated dinners or large-scale cocktail receptions with a wide variety of set-up options.

The Rooftop at The Standard, Downtown LA offers stunning, panoramic views of Downtown Los Angeles and the mountains beyond, a heated swimming pool, red AstroTurf deck, dance floor, nightly DJs, bar, outdoor fireplace, waterbed pods, and sculptured topiary. During the summer, DJs take over the entire rooftop for a Sunday Funday dance party.

Inspired by Hollywood's famous Les Deux Cafe, Upstairs is the rooftop bar at Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles. With a concrete pool inspired by Donald Judd’s in Marfa, TX, and the city's bright lights stretched out in all directions, Upstairs' bunker-like bar hosts a busy calendar of events every night of the week — DJs, live bands, book release parties, pop-up shops and creative collaborations — with bright, global twists on traditional cocktails.

Enjoy outdoor cocktails and poolside fare at the No Dive Bar, located on the 7th floor pool deck of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown. The No Dive Bar is open to the public.

Enjoy American café fare beside the renowned David Hockney pool and give your day a decidedly sexy edge at this exclusive ‘60s-style poolside lounge and bar at the Hollywood Roosevelt. Wellness with a heavy dash of indulgence describes the Tropicana Pool & Cafe’s style. Signature dishes include fresh watermelon salad with mint and feta, the ultimate fish tacos and sliders with crispy onions and chipotle aioli, accompanied by draft beers and the ultimate tropical cocktails. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Group dining, semi-private and private events available.

The epitome of SoCal’s indoor-outdoor scene, the Kimpton Everly Hotel's fifth floor rooftop pool is stylishly activated from day to night. Adjacent to the pool, the outdoor lounge area is perfectly situated for the evening events that range from special screenings and chef demos to live music performances. Enjoy refreshing cocktails and light food offerings like avocado-feta dip and chips, pulled chicken pitas, fresh fruit salads, roasted vegetable and mozzarella paninis plus shrimp and preserved lemon flatbreads. Social bartenders are as much entertainers as they are servers, so order a refreshing daiquiri or gin lemonade, and perhaps make a brand-new friend.

Relax under the sun as you savor a menu of Cipriani classics poolside at Mr. C Beverly Hills. The "Mr. C Yacht Club" menu features appetizers, salads, Crudo alla Veneziana, pizza, sandwiches & pasta, and pressed juices. Signature cocktails include the Mr. C Cocktail, Bellini, Aperol Spritz and Cipriani Royale.