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A Club Called Rhonda
Photograph: Courtesy the StandardA Club Called Rhonda.

The best pool parties in Los Angeles

No need to trek to Las Vegas for the ultimate pool party—dive into L.A.'s best poolside soirees all summer long

Michael Juliano
Written by
Erika Stalder
&
Michael Juliano
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Nothing quite captures the summer season more than swimsuits, rooftop bars and poolside soirees (though outdoor adventures and ice cream take a close second). When it comes to Vegas-style pool parties and laid-back, rooftop gatherings, L.A.’s buzzy social events calendar has enough lively happenings to keep you entertained all summer long. The season events have officially kicked off with a splash of pool parties thrown at shindig-friendly hotels around town, from the heart of Hollywood to the rooftops of Downtown Los Angeles. If you’re looking to lounge (or dance) by the pool, music in ear and cocktail in hand, be prepared to arrive early or grab a hotel room the night before, as most parties cap out at 500 people. Of course, the fastest way to a coveted cabana or table space is via bottle service packages, which can run hundreds of dollars, but you’ll buy the best seat in the house. Regardless of how you get in, here are some of the best summer pool party options in L.A.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer in Los Angeles

Best pool parties in Los Angeles

  • Bars
  • Hotel bars
  • West Hollywood
  • price 3 of 4

The Mondrian hotel, West Hollywood’s luxury boutique getaway, is home to the ever-popular Skybar, a pool and bar that offers one of the best views in L.A. From May 26 to September 1, Angelenos can head to the rooftop for the ultimate weekend pool party, plainly dubbed DJ Day Club at Skybar. Let loose and lounge poolside every Saturday from 1 to 6pm to spins from resident DJs while toasting to the freaking weekend. Plus, be on the lookout for upcoming pool parties like the returning Wicked Paradise, which will hold court at Skybar with sets from Neon Indian, Classixx and more. 

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Hollywood
  • price 3 of 4

If you’re looking to party poolside in the heart of Hollywood, this longstanding hotel is your perfect go-to. On the weekends, you’ll often find Tinseltown’s It crowd at the often-buzzing bar scene and mingling on the open-air lounge chairs by the pool. Speaking of the pool, it also features a restored underwater mural by renowned artist David Hockney. You’ll find a pool party every Friday and Saturday night from 10am to 2am and Saturday and Sunday afternoon from 1 to 6pm with sets from resident DJs; plus, swing by on Tuesday nights at 8pm for movie screenings by the pool. Kick off the season with DaySwim: A Memorial Day Pool Party and look out for monthly shows from Live Nation’s Ones to Watch series.

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  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Downtown Historic Core
  • price 3 of 4

On the hunt for a trendy rooftop scene, tasty cocktails by the pool, and an insane view of Downtown L.A.’s city skyline? You’ll want to head to the ever-popular Ace Hotel. While guests won’t exactly be doing a canon ball into the small pool that’s more like a large hot tub, the Ace rooftop bar and pool lounge is the perfect spot for prime nightlife entertainment and late-night cocktails. Bonus? The hotel is constantly bringing in some of L.A.’s best DJs and live bands to set the tunes while you bop your head and take in the city views—cocktail in hand. Every Sunday, Dublab will present a rotating mix of DJs at “Dublab Presemts Vibing Time” from 1pm to 6pm. Check the hotel calendar for a full list of events and DJs hitting the rooftop this summer. If you’re really hankering for a Vegas-style pool party, head to the Ace Hotel’s Palm Springs branch to catch the recurring Swim Club bash. 

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Downtown Financial District
  • price 3 of 4

The Downtown version of the Sunset Strip shag pad pokes fun at jet-setting ’60s bachelors, with the lobby setting the swinger-style tone. Complete with DJs, waterbeds and views, the rooftop pool bar can be a tough ticket on weekends for non-guests (must meet a $35 food and beverage minimum), but it’s totally worth it for a weekend day rager. The season kicks off with a Memorial Day Pool Party. Check out the hotel’s event calendar for a full listing of poolside soirees this summer. 

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W Hollywood
  • Restaurants
  • Californian
  • Hollywood

Enjoy a cocktail by the bar or hang by the pool as DJs spin from 1pm to 5pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Though the Wet deck is primarily reserved for hotel guests, daybeds and cabanas can be reserved for non-guests with food and beverage spending minimums. Kick off the summer season with parties on Memorial Day and June 3.

  • Hotels
  • Boutique hotels
  • Koreatown
  • price 3 of 4

Venture outside of Roy Choi’s greenhouse restaurant Commissary and you can sip on cocktails and munch on plates poolside. While the restaurant certainly can keep the pool area low key, on weekends you’re more likely to find raucous pool parties at the Koreatown hotel. The season kicks off with bashes on Sunday and Monday of Memorial Day weekend.

Looking to keep the party going?

  • Bars

If you’re looking to fill your weekend calendar with a mix of poolside soirees and a pit stop at one of the city’s best rooftop bars, Los Angeles has you covered. Check out these cocktail bars and beachside spots where the views rightfully rival the booze. From Downtown’s bars with a view to seaside cabanas in Malibu and Venice, here are the city’s top (literally) rooftop bars.

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