Unsurprisingly, given its status as the world’s capital of entertainment, there’s no shortage of things to do once the sun sets in Los Angeles. Live music is a huge draw with something new on every night of the week, alongside plenty of cinema and theatrical performances. Sunset Boulevard remains a popular spot for clubbers, but Venice Beach, West Hollywood and Pasadena all offer plenty to do in the evenings too.
Bars in Los Angeles
Fubar
This loud and lively gay club in West Hollywood offers a quixotic mix of drag queen shows, karaoke and dancing. The clientele is mixed, and there are always plenty of women on the premises in search of a fun girls' night out. Don't expect glamour - it's a small dive but has a good atmosphere.
Address: West Hollywood, 7994 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, 90046Telephone: +1 323 654 0396.
Website: http://www.fubarla.com
La Cuevita
A charming little bar with a strong South American flavour, La Cuevita is busy all week long, including Sundays when its outdoor patio gets packed with locals. Excellent beer, a friendly vibe and great live music nights, including several dedicated to jazz and blues, make this a relaxed place to spend the evening.
Address: West Hollywood, 5922 N Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, CA 90042Telephone: +1 323 255 6871.
Website: http://www.lacuevitabar.com
SkyBar
At the top of the Philippe Starck-designed Mondrian Hotel, the Skybar may be trading on its reputation for attracting LA's beautiful people, but it also has a great view from its open air rooftop pavilion. Drinks are pricey so sip slowly. Be prepared to wait for entry or be turned away if you don't have the right 'vibe'.
Address: West Hollywood, 8440 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, 90069Telephone: +1 323 650 8999.
Website: http://www.mondrianhotel.com
Clubs in Los Angeles
Avalon
One of LA's biggest clubs, Avalon has played host to some of the world's hottest DJs as well as a lengthy list of hip hop stars. Sprawled across several floors, it has different rooms featuring different types of music and a glamorous VIP lounge. Packed at weekends, it's also good on a Thursday night.
Address: , 1735 North Vine Street, Los Angeles, 90028Telephone: +1 323 462 8900.
Website: http://www.avalonhollywood.com
Create
Despite one of LA's biggest, bounciest dancefloors, Create tends to be somewhere you either love or hate. Watch the action from the balcony or chill on the Asian-inspired patio with its cabanas and hookah pipes for hire. Drinks are cheaper before 2300.
Address: Hollywood & Hills, 6021 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028Telephone: +1 323 463 3366.
Website: http://www.sbe.com
The Mayan
Formerly a movie palace, the façade of this Downtown club includes pre-Columbian patterns and artwork in the style of a Mayan temple. The inside is no less vibrant with three levels of dance floors and seven bars seeing large crowds over the weekend.
Address: , 1038 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, 90015Telephone: +1 213 746 4287.
Website: http://www.clubmayan.com
Live music in Los Angeles
Dorothy Chandler Pavilion
Home to the LA Opera, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion boasts a continuously changing roster of operas, although old favourites such as Tosca usually dominate the billing. ARIA nights for young professionals are also popular – and great fun provided you're prepared to sing your heart out.
Address: Downtown, 135 North Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012Telephone: +1 213 972 0711.
Website: http://www.dorothychandlerpavilion.net
Hollywood Bowl
This classic summer venue is the best place to hear live music outdoors. There are regular concerts by the LA Philharmonic here alongside jazz, rock and pop gigs. Seating around 18,000, in an amphitheatre backed by hills, its idyllic setting has made it a favourite with locals. Look out for its special firework concerts.
Address: , 2301 Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, 90068Telephone: +1 323 850 2000.
Website: http://www.hollywoodbowl.com
Staples Center
Home of the LA Lakers basketball team, the vast Staples Center also doubles as a 20,000-seater music venue that hosts some of the biggest stars in contemporary pop. Recent acts to take to the stage include Mariah Carey, Katy Perry, Taylor Swift and the Rolling Stones, among many more.
Address: Downtown, 1111 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90015Telephone: +1 213 742 7100.
Website: http://www.staplescenter.com
Images of Venice Beach
Images of Santa Barbara beaches
Images of Squaw Valley
Squaw Valley Information