In a place known for scenic backdrops, people-watching and dramatics (onscreen and off), you'll want to make time for other sightings, namely the best views in Los Angeles. While hiking trails provide an easy opportunity to connect with nature, the metropolitan area also boasts a fabulous downtown skyline that can be enjoyed at some of the finest restaurants and bars. Whether you're looking to dine under the stars or sip cocktails by the Pacific Ocean, LA's culinary scene provides scenic vantage points that perfectly capture SoCal’s beauty and overall vibe.
Granted, there are several claimants for best views in LA, so joining us in the search for an amazing view is Inspector 630, born and raised in California, sharing several personal favorites with us. For the best views in LA, our expert suggests starting with a fantastic AAA Four Diamond resort, home to two exceptional dining establishments on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. “My first choice would be mar'sel or Nelson's,” said AAA Inspector 630, whose territory includes the Los Angeles area. “They are both on the Terranea Resort, and have incredible ocean and sunset views facing Catalina Island. This is nearby where I grew up and live, so they are certainly personal favorites.”
Also recommended are Parker's Lighthouse in Long Beach for sweeping harbor views and then Kincaid's for an enjoyable panoramic marina experience in Redondo Beach. Other best bets with a great view on our list include 71Above Restaurant & Skylounge, Cast & Plow (at Ritz Carlton), Nobu Malibu, The Rooftop Beverly Hills, and SkyBar Lounge at Mondrian Los Angeles. Each provides unique perspectives of the city or coastline.
Favorite Restaurants with a View
mar’sel at Terranea Resort
- Destination: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- Designation: AAA Three Diamond, AAA Inspector Pick: Inspector’s Best of Scenic View
- What for: Meal with a view
The patio area at mar’sel allows you to take in the view as you dine. Choose from Seafood Royale — oysters, prawns and cocktail sauce — among other seafood options. Plant-based foods like cauliflower and white chocolate soup add versatility for vegetarian and vegan diners. Order a dessert at sunset as the cherry on top. It’s Inspector’s 603 Best of Scenic View and a personal favorite:
Inspector 630 Pick Text: “I reserve a table on the heated patio, prior to sunset, to take in the incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island.”
Nelson’s at Terranea Resort
- Destination: Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
- Designation: AAA Three Diamond
- What for: Al fresco dining
Named to honor the 1950s show, “Sea Hunt,” Nelson’s at Terranea Resort serves delicious coastal cuisine. On a clear day, it's the perfect spot to sip a signature cocktail over a fire pit while dining outdoors and enjoying ocean views. Favorite dishes include Maine lobster roll with citrus aioli and blackened salmon salad with pomegranate dressing.
Parker’s Lighthouse
- Destination: Long Beach, CA
- Designation: AAA Three Diamond and Inspector’s Best of Scenic View
- What for: Views of the Queen Mary and overall surfside ambience
Dine with spectacular views of the harbor — maybe even the sound of a fog horn. Popular dishes at Parker’s Lighthouse include the filet mignon as well as the catch of the day and clam chowder. It’s also a favorite of Inspector 630, who notes Parker’s Lighthouse has great views from any seat in the restaurant: “Most of them face the historic Queen Mary, which is docked across the harbor. Sunsets are fabulous from there.”
Inspector 630 Pick Text: "I like to make my reservation just prior to sunset in order to take in the gorgeous views of the harbor and Queen Mary."
Kincaid’s Fish, Chop & Steakhouse
- Destination: Redondo Beach, CA
- Designation: AAA Three Diamond and Inspector’s Best of Scenic View
- What for: Table by the window for the sunset
Expect seafood, steak and some delicious prime rib in a lively and inviting atmosphere at Kincaid's - Redondo. Dinner is complete with an ample selection of desserts and wines, but be sure to make a reservation at this beloved restaurant. Inspector 630 notes it as a top-three pick as well as an Inspector’s Best of Scenic View.
Inspector 630 Pick Text: “I like to reserve a table by a window to take in the gorgeous sunset views.”
Best Views in Los Angeles for a Night Out
71Above Restaurant & Skylounge
- Destination: Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Designation: AAA Four Diamond
- What for: Downtown Overlook
71Above Restaurant & Skylounge, one of LA’s best restaurants with a beautiful view, is in the Bank Tower. The dining room serves dinner, while the bar menu offers small meals and sharing options. Steak tartare, Wagyu beef and seasonal vegetables are must-have favorites. Note there are a few things to know before you go, including the reservation requirement, dress code and extra fee for wine pairings.
Cast & Plow (at Ritz Carlton)
- Destination: Marina Del Rey, CA
- Designation: AAA Three Diamond restaurant at Four Diamond Ritz-Carlton
- What for: Sunsets at this beachfront farm-to-table restaurant
Watch as the sun sets from the comfort of the heated patio dining with fire pit tables at Cast & Plow. Enjoy the Cast & Plow Burger with Mishima Waygu beef, truffle aioli, mushroom duxelle, peppered maple bacon and house-made frites. This waterfront restaurant keeps in mind seasonality and availability in the market, so expect a changing menu.
Nobu Malibu
- Destination: Malibu, CA
- Designation: AAA Four Diamond
- What for: Sunset views and a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway
From practically every dining room angle, diners can enjoy ocean views from the floor-to-ceiling windows at Nobu Malibu. Stone, glass and wood elements reflect the Japanese-influenced style. Delicious menu items include sashimi salad, monkfish with caviar, tuna tempura rolls, yellowtail with jalapeño peppers, and black cod with miso. Reservations are required for the popular destination, where celebrity sightings are not uncommon.
The Rooftop Beverly Hills
- Destination: Beverly Hills, CA
- Designation: Inside AAA Five Diamond Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills
- What for: Ideal location with city skyline views
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, situated on Wilshire Boulevard, is famous for its opulence, and guests can enjoy breathtaking city views from The Rooftop Beverly Hills. The setting has an upscale vibe, so guests should make early reservations and dress at least smart casual.
SkyBar Lounge at Mondrian Los Angeles
- Destination: West Hollywood, CA
- Designation: Inside AAA Three Diamond Mondrian Los Angeles
- What for: Night views in LA
Open-air SkyBar Lounge, found within AAA Three Diamond Mondrian Los Angeles, offers the best night view in LA, with stunning views of city lights and the Hollywood Hills. Skybar's décor complements its sophisticated poolside patio, making it the ideal late-afternoon retreat (aka premium happy hour). By night, it changes into a popular spot with talented DJs and plenty of Hollywood glitz, so remember to dress to impress.
Perfect Pairing: Scenic Hiking Views
For those who want to balance their culinary adventures with some outdoor activity, squeeze in a good hike with an iconic view — notably Griffith Park attractions like the Griffith Observatory and famous Hollywood Sign (by way of the Mount Hollywood Trail and Brush Canyon Trail). LA hikes also include Runyon Canyon, the accessible Bowl Loop Trail in Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, and Edward Albert Trail to Escondido Falls in nearby Malibu. Other great hikes include Switzer Falls Trail in Angeles National Forest and Portuguese Bend Reserve Loop in Rancho Palos Verdes. To continue on this path, check out AAA's suggested best hikes in LA, ranging from historic to hidden gem, to go deeper in your search for the right vantage point, or follow your stomach all the way on our tour of hot spots and restaurants with a view.
Enjoy LA Views with AAA
Out-of-towners surely have heard of the Universal City Overlook (off Mulholland Drive) or Hollywood's Yamashiro, a particularly historic and storied Japanese restaurant. Still, while there are abundant views of Los Angeles, this list focuses on AAA Diamond restaurants and hotspots within AAA Diamond properties — places anonymously inspected for quality and condition regularly. These fun places to go range from Inspector Picks, as noted, to legendary fine-dining restaurants and bars with the best night views in Los Angeles. For an amazing experience that's stress-free, consult with a AAA Travel Agent for additional tips on where to go and what to see, and consider the best time to visit LA, such as shoulder season.