Rooftop Bars Venice & Santa Monica
Courtesy of Kassi Rooftop
Food & Drinks

5 Best Rooftop Bars around Venice Beach & Santa Monica

Let’s discover one of the most famous beachside destinations in the world from above.
Guide last updated:September 9, 2025

The LA coastline have some of the best and most beautiful sunsets in the world. And what better place to enjoy these spectacular daily events than at a rooftop bar.

The rooftops around Santa Monica and Venice Beach are the perfect location for some top class sunset-watching. And with no major skyscrapers available, you can expect a little lower but very charming rooftops with ocean views.

Update: This article was updated September 9, 2025, with new bars, new information, video reviews, booking links and insider tips.

  • What this expertise guide includes

    Our complete and up-to date guide to the Best Rooftop Bars around Venice Beach & Santa Monica feature all info you need about each rooftop at the same place, so you don’t have to scroll around on several different sources finding it.

    For each rooftop, this guide presents:

    • Photos
    • Videos
    • Insider tips
    • Booking links
    • Dress codes
    • Prices
    • Food & drinks
    • When to visit
    • Views
    • Map
    • Ambience
    • Our own personal thoughts

  • Why you should listen to us

    We are full-time rooftop reviewers and content creators. Since launching The Rooftop Guide in 2015, we’ve visited over 1 200 rooftop venues worldwide.

    Except from our own experiences and insights, we also work closely with thousands of rooftops and local reviewers, so we can secure correct and updated content for all our guides & articles.

    With our vast experience and exclusive focus, we can present you with the most complete and up-to date guides about rooftop venues. And with our insider tips and knowledge, we can guide you to the best and most suitable rooftops for your own needs.

    Whether you’re looking for an upscale rooftop dinner, a laid-back rooftop brunch, a vibrant rooftop party or a luxurious hotel rooftop pool, we’ve got you covered.

Best Rooftop Bars around Venice Beach & Santa Monica

1

Kassi Rooftop

5th Floor
·
Venice Beach
·
Outdoor only
Venice rooftop bar

Overview:Found on top of the lovely Hotel Erwin in Venice, Kassi Rooftop feels a lot like a lush and chic continuing of the famous beach below.

View:Amazing views over the Pacific Ocean and Venice Beach, extra spectacular during sunset hour.

Menu:Seasonal dishes and snacks filled with Greek flavours, paired with an extensive selection of vibrant and refreshing cocktails, slushies, brews and wine.

Price:Cocktails: $19 | Beers: $9

Why visit:For an elevated respite during a day at the beach, or for buzzing evenings with ocean views.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • The rooftop host live DJs Thursday to Sunday.
2

Calabra

7th Floor
·
Santa Monica
·
Indoor / Outdoor
All-day Santa Monica rooftop bar & restaurant

Overview:Named after the Sa Calobra road in Mallorca, the boho-stylish and natural Calabra rooftop bar & restaurant is found on top of the fabulous Santa Monica Proper Hotel, a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean.

View:Beautiful over Santa Monica and the ocean.

Menu:A mix of fresh and seasonal Mediterranean and California cuisine, a wide range of specialty cocktails, crafted beers, and plenty of wine from California vineyards.

Price:Cocktails: $23 | Beers: $11

Why visit:For an elevated and all-day Santa Monica dining and drinks experience.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • Don't miss the weekend brunch.
3

Élephante

3rd Floor
·
Santa Monica
·
Outdoor only
Buzzing Santa Monica rooftop bar & restaurant

Overview:Located in downtown Santa Monica, Elephante Beach House is just what you need if you want to leave LA for a bit, and elevate yourself to the Mediterranean.

View:Overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Menu:Light coastal Italian dishes, and three bars offering an extensive wine list and a variety of fun, approachable cocktails inspired by the flavors of Italy.

Price:Cocktails: $19 | Beers: $10

Why visit:For everyday brunch, a sunny lunch, buzzing dinners or drinks anywhere in between.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • There's a variety of private and semi-private spaces available.
4

LouLou Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge

3rd Floor
·
Santa Monica
·
Indoor / Outdoor
Cosmopolitan rooftop escape to the French Riviera

Overview:Perched on top of Santa Monica Place, the modern and cosmopolitan LouLou Rooftop Restaurant & Lounge transports you from the heart of Santa Monica to the French Riviera.

View:The amazing California sunsets and ocean views.

Menu:French Mediterranean flavors with a classic California twist, complemented with a carefully selected array of wines and crafted specialty cocktails.

Price:Cocktails: $21 | Beers: $10

Why visit:For a vibrant weekend brunch, sunny lunch, after work cocktails or an elegant dinner.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • Happy hour every Monday to Friday from from 3-6pm.
5

The Venice Whaler

2nd Floor
·
Venice Beach
·
Indoor / Outdoor
Historic venue with laid-back atmosphere

Overview:A popular haunt amongst locals and visitors alike, The Venice Whaler has been a part of Venice's nightlife since 1944. This historic locale was the watering hole of groups such as The Beatles, The Doors, and The Beach Boys, and though the exterior is rather simple, once you step inside, it's quite easy to see why.

View:Located only on a second story, the Whaler rooftop may not be the highest terrace around, but it still offers some lovely ocean and sunset views.

Menu:An all-day menu with everything from smash burgers and fish tacos to quinoa bowls, complemented with plenty of fresh sips.

Price:Cocktails: $16

Why visit:For fun and vibrant day to night beachside vibes.

The Rooftop Guide
Our insider tip
  • There's a daily 'Beachside Brunch' from 11am to 2pm.
Rikard Fredricson
By:Rikard Fredricson

Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.

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