When it comes to popular night spots, high places with night views are a must. One great recommendation is the Griffith Observatory, built in 1935 on a hill in Griffith Park, located north of Hollywood. The night view of Los Angeles spreading out below looks like a glowing orange carpet of lights. It's a beloved night spot not only for tourists but also for locals, and if you're visiting the West Side, this night view is a must-see.
The Griffith Observatory is also a popular filming location for movies and TV dramas and is widely known as one of the best places to enjoy the night view in Los Angeles. The giant astronomical telescopes are open to the public—including a permanent Zeiss telescope and a solar telescope—and during celestial events, additional telescopes are also set up. The cutting-edge planetarium, built during a major renovation in 2006, is another major attraction.
Name: Griffith Observatory
Address: 2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027-1299
2. Pacific Park (Santa Monica)
Pacific Park, a signature attraction of the Santa Monica Pier, is also one of the recommended night spots. This amusement park, built right on the pier, is one of a kind on the West Coast. Though small, it stays open until 11 PM, making it an ideal night spot for romantic dates.
Unique attractions await, including the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel, a thrilling roller coaster that partly runs over the ocean, and a vintage merry-go-round built in 1916. At night, the rides are beautifully lit, transforming the park into a stunning nighttime destination. When visiting the Westside, enjoy a magical Los Angeles evening at this glittering amusement park on the pier.
Name: Pacific Park
Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401-3128
Official Website: http://www.pacpark.com/
3. The Getty Center (Saturday Only)
Looking for a unique and free night activity in Los Angeles? Every Saturday, The Getty Center — one of the most popular museums on LA’s Westside — stays open until 9:00 PM, offering an enchanting night-time experience. Hop on the tram to the museum entrance at sunset and enjoy the spectacular views along the way — it’s the perfect time to visit. Even better, parking is free after 5:00 PM!
The museum transforms into a magical night spot, with its modern architecture beautifully illuminated and panoramic city views from the east terrace. From this vantage point, you can see all of Los Angeles bathed in twilight — a dreamlike scene completely different from daytime visits.
Inside, The Getty Center features five pavilions showcasing artwork by time period. Don't miss the stunning European paintings and decorative art from the 18th to 19th centuries, including masterpieces by Monet and Rembrandt.
Whether you're a tourist or a local, a night at this iconic LA art destination promises a memorable cultural experience.
Name: The Getty Center
Address: 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049-1657
4. Whisky a Go Go (West Hollywood)
This is a nightclub located on the Sunset Strip in the west side area, roughly between Hollywood and Beverly Hills. It is known as the first disco built in the United States, having opened on January 11, 1964.
Originally launched as a nightlife spot featuring a band led by Johnny Rivers and a female DJ performing on stage, it has since become a cradle for a variety of music genres—from rock to punk to heavy metal. The Doors, in their early days, were the house band here, and legendary acts like Guns N’ Roses and bands from The Troubadour scene also rose to fame from this venue.
This historic live music and nightlife destination is one of those culturally rich spots unique to Los Angeles, where counterculture thrives. If you're visiting L.A., why not drop by this exciting venue?
Name: Whisky a Go Go
Address: 8901 Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Official Website: http://www.whiskyagogo.com/site/
◎ Summary
We introduced nightlife spots located in the Westside of Los Angeles. There are many ways to enjoy the area, such as watching sports games or having drinks at rooftop bars, so if you're interested, it might be a good idea to look into it further.
If you're a music fan, you’re probably interested in live performances. Live music venues are concentrated along Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, so check out that area if you're curious. However, since you’ll be out at night in a foreign country, please pay close attention to your surroundings and prioritize your safety.