Los Angeles Nightlife

Los Angeles Nightlife

It should come as no surprise that a city like L.A., in its infinite star power and entertainment capital, packs some of the hottest and tragically decadent nightlife in the country. At once famous and infamous, the L.A. party life is undeniably like none else. Expect celebrity drop-in's, sublime EDM, and indefatigable party energy with this a small sampling of what's to come.


Best Clubs in Los Angeles


Sound Nightclub | Hollywood

As the name might suggest, Sound is a club purist's dream. Packing all of the superclub perks, 8,000 square feet of playground, elevated DJ booth and an outstanding sound system, the club's true focus is music. Hosting Monday Night Social with acts like Stanton Warriors and generating non-stop crowds to offering the definitive house and techno devotee venue. Sound has made a name for itself among serious househeads and music lovers by delivering high profile acts that were doing dance music well before EDM hit the top 40. Sure, the space has the making of a typical Hollywood super club scene: 8,000 square feet of playspace with a sunken dancefloor and elevated DJ booth, fancy 3-D mapping visuals and a custom Funktion One soundsystem. But where it emerges ahead of other Hollywood clubs is by focusing on the music (hence the name), not by flaunting celebrity patrons or by playing into the hottest bottle service contest. The 500-capacity crowd basks in perks such as burlesque dancers, impromptu celebrity visitors and a frequent 4am closing time, all without the overcrowded feeling of a mega-club.


Academy LA | Hollywood

Formerly Create (and before that Vanguard), this space from Insomniac (creators of the rave-tastic Wonderland and Electronic Daisy Carnival festivals) books both emerging DJ talent and high-profile EDM artists. The three-room, 20,000 square foot space features an epic soundsystem and Hollywood’s largest LED wall. Those looking to downshift and desensitize can find respite on a tree-lined patio illuminated by simple strands of party lights. Though this major production of a club may not seem like the type to forgo bottle service at private tables for a general admission and open dancefloor format, versatility is found in different club nights, making it not only a great place to pop bottles in booths, but a bonafide space to sweat it out to EDM festival trance and house headliners.


Bardot | Hollywood

Heralded as a classy afterparty spot, the atmospheric blend of upscale art deco and den-like Moroccan harem is bound to steal your attention, if not your better judgment. Drawing a musically-educated and hip crowd, whether you join the fray early on or later, Bardot is a uniquely intimate party experience. If you've made it past the later hours, be sure to catch the sun rise over Capital Records from the clubs retractable roof.


The Sayers Club | Hollywood

Consisting of two rooms, the first one inspired by a neighborhood bar and serving up wood-fired pizza while framed guitars line the back wall. Beyond and inside, the Club's real appeal is the sophisticated lounge of exposed brick walls, leather couches and Turkish rugs piled on hardwood floors. In keeping with it's Hollywood allure, this learned club will showcase up-and-coming musicians and enjoy live covers from the likes of The Black Keys and actress Emmy Rossum.


Avalon | Hollywood

With a 90-year run, Avalon is likely L.A.'s longest standing nightclub. Serving as a big sister to the upstairs Bardot, Avalon has a custom made sound system that will rock you from the ground up (maybe bring some earplugs) and boasts of sets from powerhouse DJs like Paul Van Dyk, Beat Service, and Lazy Rich. And being the only club with a 24-hour permit in the city, this cavernous theater is bound to be a sure stop at some point in the night.


Updated 4/4/23