Best Poolside Happy Hours in Los Angeles

In Los Angeles, poolside fun is different all day:

Daytime Poolside: Swim and sip. Show off that new bikini and that 6 pack you have been working so hard on all winter. Barbie and Ken… THIS is your big moment, so work it.

Twilight Poolside: Letting the sun go down on you is a glorious experience in this case. Sorry Elton. This is the perfect setting to unwind from a busy day, taking in the magnificent site of a multi-maroon colored sunset and sharing your favorite drinks as the pool water reflects the radiant hues of sundown. This movie set, however real, will surely put you in a state of Zen.

Evening Poolside: The lights of the venue and the stars up above dance and frolic off the glistening pool water. You have your sexy strapless on and he is in white linen. A cocktail. A kiss. A perfect night.

Morning, noon, or night poolside is always relaxing. Add happy hour cocktails and you have the perfect mix of water works for all kinds of summer fun! Here are the top 5 poolside happy hour picks to help you welcome summer with a happy splash!

The Viceroy, located right on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, is simply a beautiful hotel. Elegant, chic and hip. The pool scene is extremely fun here. Monday through Friday 4:00pm-6:00pm you can enjoy their happy hour menu which includes delicious eats starting at $7. Reserve a cabana, start early and dance your way into the night with live music pumping every Friday night. Warning… one too many cocktails and you may end up in the deep end. Wouldn't be the first time. It might be a good idea to bring a change of clothes.

Kick it "Mad Men" style at the Avalon Hotel. Nestled quietly in a residential part of Beverly Hills, the Avalon is one of LA's best kept secrets. You really have to be in the know to know how to find it. This boutique hotel with its modernist decor and relaxed patio style design will take you back to a time when there were fewer laws to be broken. Discreet. Secluded. Surreptitious. The 1950's-style pool is surrounded by cozy cabanas making it a perfect place for a private party or business meeting. Understated elegance is the name of the game at the Avalon. Once you find it you will never lose sight of it again.

Bonus: Avalon is offering $2 off drinks for CBS Local Los Angeles readers during the Saturday night pool parties this summer.

Step into The Backyard located inside the W Hotel Westwood. Westwood is located in what feels like the center of Los Angeles. Surrounded by Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Bel Air, Westwood is a "meet me in the middle" destination for both visitors and locals alike. The W Hotel stands strong and tall attracting all types of people. If you are looking for a relaxed and open environment you will definitely find the Backyard alluring. Lush botanicals surround the pristine pool making it a succulent experience for all. Contemporary, unique and diverse in design. Whatever. Whenever. The W Hotel is here to make your Happy Hour just that.

SHANGRI-LA: 1: a remote beautiful imaginary place where life approaches perfection: utopia. 2: a remote usually idyllic hideaway (merriam-webster.com)

This happy hour cannot be disregarded or denied. True, it is not technically "poolside happy hour" in the literal sense of the word but you are directly connected and affected by the body of water right before your eyes. As you take pleasure in enjoying your favorite spirit or glass of wine you will feel the power of one of Earth's greatest gifts. Magestic. Magical. Mysterious. The view from Suite 700, which was once a guest suite and now renovated into an open air rooftop bar and lounge, has the most amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. A pool beyond all pools. This is one of the best observation decks you will find of Santa Monica, Pacific Park and beyond. Fondly referred to as "Workweek Happy Hour" Suite 700's Monday-Thursday 5pm-7pm block pulls out all the bells and whistles that the other venues have, but it is the spectacular location that makes this a must-see and be-seen destination. This is utopia at its best.

If you want to get hip and trendy but still keep your feet on the ground, The Roof on Wilshire is where it's at. The Hotel Wilshire is a brand new boutique luxury hotel located right on Crescent Heights in Carthay Circle also commonly referred to as The Miracle Mile. Attractive to more of our open minded Angelenos who know how to have a good time without trying too hard, this contemporary, eco-friendly meeting place encapsulates the coolest vibe in town. The Sunset Menu is their fresh name for Happy Hour which can be enjoyed 7 days a week from 3pm-6pm. The Cue Southside, one of their signature cocktails, is made with vodka or gin. With a 360 degree view of this spectacular city, a sparking pool, a well deserved cocktail and a refreshing, eclectic group of patrons, this spot is sure to delight.