5 Views That’ll Make You Fall For L.A.
The best views in life are (sometimes) free.
From its expansive skyline to the jaw-dropping coast, Los Angeles is home to some of the best views in the biz. Yet, it’s all too often that we become comfortably complacent in our lifestyles amidst the City of Angels. When we get into a daily routine, a contented regimen, we tend to forget the city’s shining attributes that made us all fall in love with its splendor.
It’s not too late. The novelty of the new year is still here—let’s rediscover the little things that once flipped us head over heels. Seek out these breathtaking views amongst the city and you’re sure to recapture the moment you first became infatuated with Los Angeles.
DTLA skyline from The Standard
If you’re looking for stunning, panoramic views of the DTLA skyline, The Standard has undoubtedly raised the standard for L.A.’s best views. One of the trendiest lounges in the city, the hotel rooftop features a heated swimming pool, dance floor, nightly DJs, bar, outdoor fireplace and waterbed pods. Snazzy, right? What’s even better are the killer views of the city below and mountains beyond. Grab a cocktail, kick back by the pool and stick around for an unforgettable sunset.
Santa Monica Pier from the top of the ferris wheel
If you’re like us (or any Angeleno for that matter), you probably avoid the Santa Monica Pier at all costs. But, remember the first time you went there? When you were young and curious, open to all the beauty and grit that the city had to offer? Trust us, if you push through the pack of tourists and find your way to the top of the ferris wheel, you won’t regret it. As you float above the sea, the coastline, the flashing lights below, you’ll get access to one of L.A.’s most beautifully vibrant views. It’s a tourist hotspot for a reason.
L.A. landscape from the Griffith Observatory
Again, another lookout that you likely perceive to be overrun with out-of-towners. You’re not wrong. But, the Griffith Observatory does offer one of L.A.’s most incredibly expansive views. Debatably the best. It’s hard to say whether the day or night view is best so you should probably experience both to decide. Take a hike to get a closer look at the Hollywood sign and arrive at sunset as the colors pervade the sky and city lights begin to glow. With multiple viewing decks, the Griffith Observatory is a sheer must for L.A.’s most premier vistas.
The coastline from Manhattan Beach Pier
While L.A.’s many piers offer astounding ocean and coastline views, there is perhaps no greater lookout point than that from the Manhattan Beach Pier. Immersed in the South Bay’s ever-alluring charm and Manhattan Beach’s laid-back vibe, the pier is the ultimate spot to stroll, sit back, watch the surfers shred below—and, better yet, you won’t feel overwhelmed by crowds. After dinner at Love & Salt or M.B. Post, take a walk down to the pier and drink in the glimmering coastline with the Palos Verdes peninsula flickering in the distance. Pure magic.
The Venice Canals
The best views needn’t always feature unobstructed sight lines of the sea or sky. In fact, some of the greatest vistas exist right in our backyard. The Venice Canals, without a doubt, showcase L.A.’s most charmingly picture-perfect lookouts, each teeming with charismatic homes, towering palm trees, manicured hedges and, of course, those renowned little white bridges. Hit Abbott Kinney for a cup of joe in the morning and stroll amongst the ins and outs of the canals or bring of thermos of wine as you meander at dusk (very European). Either way, you’ll feel like you’re in…well…Venezia. Buon divertimento.
