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An outdoor patio with a colorful mural and lounge chairs at Bar Clara.
Bar Clara’s outdoor patio.
Sierra Prescott

19 Delightful Places to Sip Cocktails Outside in LA

Have drinks outside on rooftops, patios, and sidewalks

by Eater Staff Updated
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Bar Clara’s outdoor patio.
| Sierra Prescott
by Eater Staff Updated

Early pandemic days helped to expand outdoor seating in Los Angeles, with city officials shortening and streamlining the approval process to make adding outdoor seats less costly. It’s been a welcome addition to the Southland’s already stunning patios and rooftops, where adjacent parking lots and sidewalks are now ideal al fresco drinking spots for the foreseeable future. It makes sense in a city with 330 average days of sunshine, so LA will take its wins wherever it can. Here are our picks for places to drink al fresco in Los Angeles from north to south.

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1886 Bar at the Raymond

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The Raymond features three outdoor patios. The largest West patio, is primarily for dining but will accommodate walk-ins. The 1886 bar, which has been around for more than a decade, has built a reputation of offering well-crafted cocktails, not only on its seasonal menu but with an impressive 600 cocktails available off-menu. A longtime favorite since the bar opened in 2010 is the Smoking Jacket, a smoky sipper made with pot still Irish whiskey, tobacco bitters, maplewood smoke, and orange-vanilla ash. 

1250 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

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Big Bar

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The Alcove’s bricked outdoor patio — a longtime favorite of the weekend brunch set — offers two very different vibes: a bustling sunny scene out front facing the street, or the more intimate shaded oasis tucked out of the way along the side of the building. For whatever mood or weather, Big Bar’s extensive cocktail list has a cocktail that will accommodate. Will it be a refreshing patio pounder or serious martini?

1927 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-0100
(323) 644-0100

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L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

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In 2021, Antica opened an additional outdoor lounge called Caffè degli Artisti to take overflow from the popular Hollywood restaurant. It’s a lovely add to the mostly outdoor spot, and available to order cocktails along with its Neapolitan pies, pastas, and excellent wine list.

1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 366-2408
(323) 366-2408
A covered outdoor patio.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Wonho Frank Lee

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Lady Byrd Cafe

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This Echo Park neighborhood restaurant/bar’s unique outdoor seating areas — including tables inside a greenhouse — each have their own characteristics. What’s also available are the solid day-to-nighttime menus and drinks like the Lilett spritz with French fortified wine, tonic, mint, and strawberry.

2100 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 922-1006
(323) 922-1006
Greenhouse dining at Lady Byrd Cafe in Echo Park, California
Lady Byrd
Ali Buck

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Melrose Umbrella Co.

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Escape the bustle of Melrose Avenue by ducking into Melrose Umbrella Co’s open-air courtyard. Located in the back of the bar and decorated with greenery, string lights, and a fountain, it’s an oasis that’s perfect for date night, a night out with friends, or even brunch. Day drink frozen Irish coffees and pina coladas, or end the night with a variety of old fashioneds, including one with mezcal, creme de cacao, yellow chartreuse, and orange bitters.

7465 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 951-0709
(323) 951-0709

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De Buena Planta

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Silver Lake’s outdoor charmer De Buena Planta is in high demand. The staff is aware that it’s challenging to squeeze in during busy hours, but does its best to accommodate in this plant-based Mexican restaurant that serves margaritas, palomas, and mezcal negronis.

2815 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 426-9023
(323) 426-9023
An outdoor patio with wood tables, colorful, planters, and a large bar with barstools.
De Buena Planta
Wonho Frank Lee

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E.P. & L.P.

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Take in a cinematic favorite, such as Pulp Fiction, while passing around a pitcher of frozé with the Hollywood Hills as your backdrop. L.P. Rooftop’s summer movie series Melrose Rooftop Theatre is now a permanent fixture of the rooftop bar, taking over part of its nearby parking lot. Every night from Sunday to Thursday, a different movie is screened with the option to reserve bean-bag chairs for dinner or do first-come, first-serve general admission and order food and cocktails a la carte.

603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 855-9955
(310) 855-9955
An outdoor patio overlooking the Hollywood Hills.
E.P. & L.P.
Wonho Frank Lee

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Bar Flores

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Bar Flores, the vibrant cocktail bar upstairs from Lowboy, boasts a brick-lined patio populated with colorful flowers, umbrellas, and lights. The cocktails here are day-friendly; options include a pisco lavender spritz, a cognac and tepache refresher, and michelada. But on Margarita Wednesdays, come for the $8 margaritas and stay for the live music.

1542 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 266-8006
(213) 266-8006
High tables, brick patio in Echo Park’s Bar Flores.
Bar Flores, Echo Park
Wonho Frank Lee

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All Season Brewing Company

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This Miracle Mile brew pub could be the best use of an old tire shop ever. The 13,000-square-foot Firestone building has patio seating on what used to be a driveway and a taproom and bar in the former high-ceilinged garage. The bar by the Pouring With Heart crew (Casey’s Irish Pub, Seven Grand, and more) naturally offers plenty of drink options. Choose from beer made on-premises, wine or cocktails on tap, or a cocktail menu featuring classics such as an old fashioned or penicillin. 

800 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 591-0330
(323) 591-0330
A long open warehouse room with a taco stand in the corner.
All Season Brewing Company
Wonho Frank Lee

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The Mermaid

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The Mermaid’s first-come, first-serve outdoor patio is shared with neighboring businesses in the Little Tokyo strip mall and is open seven days a week, going off ‘til 2 a.m. Fill up on hardy pub grub such as loaded nachos and buffalo wings, and wash it all down with the tropical punch Drink Like a Fish, with rum and Earl Grey tea, or the Smokey Eye mezcal pineapple cocktail.

428 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 947-3347
(213) 947-3347
A neon sign for a bar in Little Tokyo, California.
The Mermaid
Oscar Velasquez

Bar Clara

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With a classy small, marble-topped indoor bar and plenty of space outside near the new Hotel Per La’s rooftop pool, Bar Clara offers stunning views of Downtown LA along with drinks from Coleen Morton. Her list is especially friendly for daytime imbibing, with options ranging from light to boozy spritzes and the like.

649 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 358-0000
(213) 358-0000
Poolside dining against a vibrant mural at Bar Clara.
The patio at Bar Clara.
Sierra Prescott

Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles

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The Freehand Hotel’s rooftop bar has always been one of the best places in the city for drinking cocktails poolside with a view. The pool area can accommodate any party from solo drinkers to groups of 13. Non-hotel guests must spend a minimum of $45 during hours before 7 p.m., which is not an issue when ordering a dish, a beer, and a cocktail such as the Thirst Trap mezcal-white wine spritzer.

416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 612-0021
(213) 612-0021
A rooftop pool with lounges and chairs in Downtown Los Angeles.
Broken Shaker
Wonho Frank Lee

Hermanito

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Over the last few years, Hermanito expanded with its sprawling patio. It’s also dog-friendly with an excellent mezcal and tequila collection, along a menu that merges Mexican with Chinese cuisine, resulting in drink-friendly food options like the al pastor pork belly bao.

2024 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(424) 388-2585
(424) 388-2585
Duck and a cocktail at Hermanito in Sawtelle, Los Angeles.
Hermanito
Mona Holmes

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Alta

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Chef Keith Corbin’s inspired, California-inflected spins on soul food are reason enough to visit Alta in West Adams, but the restaurant’s got a not-so-secret weapon in its dreamy garden patio — and it’s now got a greenery-infused streetside parklet to match. Either one is the ideal place for catching up over a cocktail like the citrusy Cali Soul or a spicy Hot n Ready, made with tequila, grilled pineapple, and jalapeño.

5359 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
(323) 571-4999
(323) 571-4999

Also featured in:

Canopy Club

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Having a refreshing boozy beverage poolside is one thing. When that beverage is a carafe of pomelo spritzes that can be shared with friends, and the poolside comes with views of downtown Culver City, it’s entirely another. Head to this Palm Springs-inspired restaurant on the rooftop of the Shay Hotel for all of the above, as well as snacks like a crudite board made with local vegetables, or rosemary-dusted fries.

8801 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
(209) 364-7541
(209) 364-7541
Poolside tables and plants at Canopy Club.
Canopy Club
Sierra Prescott

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Bar Bohemien

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Those looking to grab a bite before the drinking begins will appreciate this rooftop bar that sits atop food hall Citizen Public Market in Culver City. Fill up on stuffed pizzettes from Nancy Silverton’s Pizzette or chicken sandos from Go Go Bird, and then head to Bar Bohémien for the Witching Hour, a cocktail with bourbon, apple brandy, maple syrup, and bitters.

9355 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 730-6610
(310) 730-6610
The rooftop for Bar Bohémien in Culver City, California.
The rooftop for Bar Bohémien in Culver City.
Stan Lee

Also featured in:

American Beauty

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No matter what night of the week, there’s bound to be a spirited crowd at this outdoor restaurant and cocktail bar in Venice. Under strung-up lights on what used to the be the restaurant’s parking lot, groups of Westsiders in search of a good time gather for classics like martinis, as well as playful signature drinks. The restaurant’s steak-heavy menu and seasonal vegetable sides soak it all up.

425 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 412-0075
(310) 412-0075

Also featured in:

The Brig

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Have a stiff drink or a cold beer with a side of prime Abbot Kinney people-watching on the expansive parking lot patio at The Brig, the institution that’s been around since 1952. You might even catch a live DJ or food truck while you’re there. Go early, grab a beverage, and settle in to watch the sky morph into the color palette of a perfect Venice sunset.

1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-7537
(310) 399-7537

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Ballast Point Brewing Long Beach

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Clocking in at one of the most stunning ocean views in Southern California is Ballast Point Brewing. The brewery juts out at LA County’s southern-most point, where the seating, shoreline, and boat landing is part of the design. In addition to the dining menu, there’s also a tasting room.

110 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 296-4470
(562) 296-4470
A brewery with outdoor seating overlooking the sunset in Long Beach, California.
Ballast Point Brewing Long Beach
Ballast Point

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1886 Bar at the Raymond

1250 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

The Raymond features three outdoor patios. The largest West patio, is primarily for dining but will accommodate walk-ins. The 1886 bar, which has been around for more than a decade, has built a reputation of offering well-crafted cocktails, not only on its seasonal menu but with an impressive 600 cocktails available off-menu. A longtime favorite since the bar opened in 2010 is the Smoking Jacket, a smoky sipper made with pot still Irish whiskey, tobacco bitters, maplewood smoke, and orange-vanilla ash. 

1250 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

Big Bar

1927 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

The Alcove’s bricked outdoor patio — a longtime favorite of the weekend brunch set — offers two very different vibes: a bustling sunny scene out front facing the street, or the more intimate shaded oasis tucked out of the way along the side of the building. For whatever mood or weather, Big Bar’s extensive cocktail list has a cocktail that will accommodate. Will it be a refreshing patio pounder or serious martini?

1927 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-0100
(323) 644-0100

L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele

1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028

In 2021, Antica opened an additional outdoor lounge called Caffè degli Artisti to take overflow from the popular Hollywood restaurant. It’s a lovely add to the mostly outdoor spot, and available to order cocktails along with its Neapolitan pies, pastas, and excellent wine list.

1534 N McCadden Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 366-2408
(323) 366-2408
A covered outdoor patio.
L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele
Wonho Frank Lee

Lady Byrd Cafe

2100 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

This Echo Park neighborhood restaurant/bar’s unique outdoor seating areas — including tables inside a greenhouse — each have their own characteristics. What’s also available are the solid day-to-nighttime menus and drinks like the Lilett spritz with French fortified wine, tonic, mint, and strawberry.

2100 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 922-1006
(323) 922-1006
Greenhouse dining at Lady Byrd Cafe in Echo Park, California
Lady Byrd
Ali Buck

Melrose Umbrella Co.

7465 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046

Escape the bustle of Melrose Avenue by ducking into Melrose Umbrella Co’s open-air courtyard. Located in the back of the bar and decorated with greenery, string lights, and a fountain, it’s an oasis that’s perfect for date night, a night out with friends, or even brunch. Day drink frozen Irish coffees and pina coladas, or end the night with a variety of old fashioneds, including one with mezcal, creme de cacao, yellow chartreuse, and orange bitters.

7465 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
(323) 951-0709
(323) 951-0709

De Buena Planta

2815 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Silver Lake’s outdoor charmer De Buena Planta is in high demand. The staff is aware that it’s challenging to squeeze in during busy hours, but does its best to accommodate in this plant-based Mexican restaurant that serves margaritas, palomas, and mezcal negronis.

2815 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 426-9023
(323) 426-9023
An outdoor patio with wood tables, colorful, planters, and a large bar with barstools.
De Buena Planta
Wonho Frank Lee

E.P. & L.P.

603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Take in a cinematic favorite, such as Pulp Fiction, while passing around a pitcher of frozé with the Hollywood Hills as your backdrop. L.P. Rooftop’s summer movie series Melrose Rooftop Theatre is now a permanent fixture of the rooftop bar, taking over part of its nearby parking lot. Every night from Sunday to Thursday, a different movie is screened with the option to reserve bean-bag chairs for dinner or do first-come, first-serve general admission and order food and cocktails a la carte.

603 N La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
(310) 855-9955
(310) 855-9955
An outdoor patio overlooking the Hollywood Hills.
E.P. & L.P.
Wonho Frank Lee

Bar Flores

1542 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Bar Flores, the vibrant cocktail bar upstairs from Lowboy, boasts a brick-lined patio populated with colorful flowers, umbrellas, and lights. The cocktails here are day-friendly; options include a pisco lavender spritz, a cognac and tepache refresher, and michelada. But on Margarita Wednesdays, come for the $8 margaritas and stay for the live music.

1542 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 266-8006
(213) 266-8006
High tables, brick patio in Echo Park’s Bar Flores.
Bar Flores, Echo Park
Wonho Frank Lee

All Season Brewing Company

800 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

This Miracle Mile brew pub could be the best use of an old tire shop ever. The 13,000-square-foot Firestone building has patio seating on what used to be a driveway and a taproom and bar in the former high-ceilinged garage. The bar by the Pouring With Heart crew (Casey’s Irish Pub, Seven Grand, and more) naturally offers plenty of drink options. Choose from beer made on-premises, wine or cocktails on tap, or a cocktail menu featuring classics such as an old fashioned or penicillin. 

800 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 591-0330
(323) 591-0330
A long open warehouse room with a taco stand in the corner.
All Season Brewing Company
Wonho Frank Lee

The Mermaid

428 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

The Mermaid’s first-come, first-serve outdoor patio is shared with neighboring businesses in the Little Tokyo strip mall and is open seven days a week, going off ‘til 2 a.m. Fill up on hardy pub grub such as loaded nachos and buffalo wings, and wash it all down with the tropical punch Drink Like a Fish, with rum and Earl Grey tea, or the Smokey Eye mezcal pineapple cocktail.

428 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 947-3347
(213) 947-3347
A neon sign for a bar in Little Tokyo, California.
The Mermaid
Oscar Velasquez

Bar Clara

649 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

With a classy small, marble-topped indoor bar and plenty of space outside near the new Hotel Per La’s rooftop pool, Bar Clara offers stunning views of Downtown LA along with drinks from Coleen Morton. Her list is especially friendly for daytime imbibing, with options ranging from light to boozy spritzes and the like.

649 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 358-0000
(213) 358-0000
Poolside dining against a vibrant mural at Bar Clara.
The patio at Bar Clara.
Sierra Prescott

Broken Shaker at Freehand Los Angeles

416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014

The Freehand Hotel’s rooftop bar has always been one of the best places in the city for drinking cocktails poolside with a view. The pool area can accommodate any party from solo drinkers to groups of 13. Non-hotel guests must spend a minimum of $45 during hours before 7 p.m., which is not an issue when ordering a dish, a beer, and a cocktail such as the Thirst Trap mezcal-white wine spritzer.

416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 612-0021
(213) 612-0021
A rooftop pool with lounges and chairs in Downtown Los Angeles.
Broken Shaker
Wonho Frank Lee

Hermanito

2024 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Over the last few years, Hermanito expanded with its sprawling patio. It’s also dog-friendly with an excellent mezcal and tequila collection, along a menu that merges Mexican with Chinese cuisine, resulting in drink-friendly food options like the al pastor pork belly bao.

2024 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
(424) 388-2585
(424) 388-2585
Duck and a cocktail at Hermanito in Sawtelle, Los Angeles.
Hermanito
Mona Holmes

Alta

5359 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016

Chef Keith Corbin’s inspired, California-inflected spins on soul food are reason enough to visit Alta in West Adams, but the restaurant’s got a not-so-secret weapon in its dreamy garden patio — and it’s now got a greenery-infused streetside parklet to match. Either one is the ideal place for catching up over a cocktail like the citrusy Cali Soul or a spicy Hot n Ready, made with tequila, grilled pineapple, and jalapeño.

5359 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016
(323) 571-4999
(323) 571-4999

Canopy Club

8801 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Having a refreshing boozy beverage poolside is one thing. When that beverage is a carafe of pomelo spritzes that can be shared with friends, and the poolside comes with views of downtown Culver City, it’s entirely another. Head to this Palm Springs-inspired restaurant on the rooftop of the Shay Hotel for all of the above, as well as snacks like a crudite board made with local vegetables, or rosemary-dusted fries.

8801 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
(209) 364-7541
(209) 364-7541
Poolside tables and plants at Canopy Club.
Canopy Club
Sierra Prescott

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Bar Bohemien

9355 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Those looking to grab a bite before the drinking begins will appreciate this rooftop bar that sits atop food hall Citizen Public Market in Culver City. Fill up on stuffed pizzettes from Nancy Silverton’s Pizzette or chicken sandos from Go Go Bird, and then head to Bar Bohémien for the Witching Hour, a cocktail with bourbon, apple brandy, maple syrup, and bitters.

9355 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
(310) 730-6610
(310) 730-6610
The rooftop for Bar Bohémien in Culver City, California.
The rooftop for Bar Bohémien in Culver City.
Stan Lee

American Beauty

425 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291

No matter what night of the week, there’s bound to be a spirited crowd at this outdoor restaurant and cocktail bar in Venice. Under strung-up lights on what used to the be the restaurant’s parking lot, groups of Westsiders in search of a good time gather for classics like martinis, as well as playful signature drinks. The restaurant’s steak-heavy menu and seasonal vegetable sides soak it all up.

425 Rose Ave, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 412-0075
(310) 412-0075

The Brig

1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Have a stiff drink or a cold beer with a side of prime Abbot Kinney people-watching on the expansive parking lot patio at The Brig, the institution that’s been around since 1952. You might even catch a live DJ or food truck while you’re there. Go early, grab a beverage, and settle in to watch the sky morph into the color palette of a perfect Venice sunset.

1515 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
(310) 399-7537
(310) 399-7537

Ballast Point Brewing Long Beach

110 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803

Clocking in at one of the most stunning ocean views in Southern California is Ballast Point Brewing. The brewery juts out at LA County’s southern-most point, where the seating, shoreline, and boat landing is part of the design. In addition to the dining menu, there’s also a tasting room.

110 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 296-4470
(562) 296-4470
A brewery with outdoor seating overlooking the sunset in Long Beach, California.
Ballast Point Brewing Long Beach
Ballast Point

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