Where to Find the Best Views of the LA Skyline?
Let’s elevate your LA experience! From iconic hilltops to sleek rooftop bars, here’s where to find the most breathtaking views of the LA skyline.
Los Angeles is a vibrant city that dazzles all day long and has exciting nightlife scenes to offer. Visitors are welcome to take in the stunning skyline views, framed by the Pacific Ocean, rolling hills, and stunning landmarks, which are sights to behold! Let’s find the best place to see the Los Angeles skyline featuring hidden gems and panoramic views of the city. So grab your camera, and let's get going to catch up on some great views
The Getty Center: Combo of Skyline Views and Art
The Getty Center is known to be one of the best places to visit in LA, featuring an oh-so-amazing art collection along with stunning views of the LA skyline. Nestled in the Brentwood, this center sits atop a hill featuring panoramic views of the city, ocean, and the surrounding mountains. One must visit the museum’s Central Garden and outdoor terraces to catch up on beautiful views as the sunsets create a magical contrast against the sky, offering a serene experience to enjoy.
Griffith Observatory - Classic LA Skyline View
Griffith Observatory is a must-visit spot that offers the best view of the LA skyline at night. With a heightened observatory, this iconic landmark is known to offer the most serene viewpoints featuring the entire LA basin, the Hollywood Sign frame, Downtown LA and the Pacific Ocean. To have a magical experience, one must wait for the sunset, as the sky turns into the hues of pink and orange and city lights begin to twinkle, featuring a beautiful rooftop terrace space. A pro tip is to come early and secure a safe parking spot, as it gets crowded by tourists.
Views from the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook with a Rewarding Hike
The stunning Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook offers one of the most rewarding views of the LA city skyline. It offers a steeper hike up a winding trail with a set of stairs. It is guaranteed that the hiking efforts will pay off with the stunning 360-degree views of the city featuring Santa Monica Bay & DTLA. Don’t forget to capture beautiful memories as you hike along and look for the sunset view as the sky paints golden hues.
A pro tip is to wear comfortable clothes & shoes to hike up the steep and bring along water to stay hydrated throughout.
Elysian Park Angel’s Point View
Take in the beautiful views of the LA skyline, as Elysian Park is known to be a hidden gem, famous as Los Angeles's largest & oldest park. Nestled in DTLA, this beautiful park features Angel’s Point, which is famous for offering picturesque views of the town, featuring hills and Dodger Stadium nearby.
Furthermore, Elysian Park is a dog-friendly park, known for being the best picnic spot featuring a short hike and some great views of the skyline.
Runyon Canyon
Head over to Runyon Canyon, which is known to be the most popular hiking spot in LA. Nestled in the heart of Hollywood, this dog-friendly park offers the best view of the LA skyline, featuring the Hollywood Sign and the surrounding hill area. Moreover, the Cloud’s Rest Overlook is one of the best spots to take in the LA skyline. Don’t miss out on the sunset view as the city glows up with lights and the sky turns pink.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area - A Serene Escape
Enjoy a serene experience at the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, situated in the Baldwin Hills. This park offers stunning views of the LA city skyline and features a tranquil picnic spot. Visitors can hike through the hiking trails or spend some time by the lake. Additionally, Janice’s Green Valley Viewpoint offers the best view of the skyline, especially at night when the city stays wide awake and glows.
The Rooftop at the Standard - A Chic Spot for Skyline Views
To make memories and have a memorable experience, one must visit the Rooftop at the Standard, located in DTLA. It is known to be a trendy rooftop bar that offers stunning views of the city’s skyline, along with a pool, lounge chairs, and a vibrant ambiance to remember.
Don’t forget to pose and make memories as the city lights create a beautiful backdrop and sip on your favorite cocktail as you catch up on the beautiful views and Instagram-worthy photos. It is recommended to book your slot in advance as this spot tends to crowd on weekends.
Catch a Bird’s Eye View at OUE Skyspace
For a change of perspective, one must visit the oh-so-amazing OUE Skyspace to witness the bird’s eye view situated on the 69th & 70th floor of the US Bank Tower in DTLA. This stunning observatory deck features a beautiful panoramic view of the city, from the mountains to the ocean, a perfect spot for those who love wide angles.
One of the highlights of this Skyspace is the Skyslide, offering a more adventurous take on LA City Skyline, as a glass slide that will take you from the 70th floor to the 69th floor with a city view from above, is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of experience and an exhilarating way to witness the beauty of Los Angeles.
Rooftop Skyline Views from the Broad Museum
Catch the stunning rooftop views as the Broad Museum is one of the best places to visit in LA, featuring a love for a contemporary art collection. The museum allows visitors to witness beautiful art murals, sculptures, and modern designs along with a beautiful skyline view to remember.
In a nutshell, while in LA, you can experience a peaceful escape whether you’re up for a scenic overlook or an adventurous hike, sip on your cocktail and witness the classic skyline views from Griffith Observatory, explore the hidden gems of Elysian Park, catch a bird’s eye perspective from OUE Skyspace, and enjoy the best time of your life.
About Author
Amelia has a great eye for photography. She has traveled to over 30 countries and has produced great videography and photos, along with penning them down with her writing skills. She has also worked with many top travel photographers.