The Complete Los Angeles Bachelor Party Guide and Itinerary

You may only think of LA as the City of Stars and solely Hollywood Boulevard, but think again. This West Coast city offers plenty for a Los Angeles bachelor party. In terms of bachelor party destinations, there's a reason why Los Angeles is one of the top options in the US for groups. They can enjoy all types of activities locally due to the year-round pleasant climate, including hiking, visiting beautiful beaches, enjoying great nightlife, and indulging in plenty of good eats and drinks. Perhaps, then, a celeb sighting will happen in the foreseeable future too.

Los Angeles Bachelor Party Planning in This Article:

• What Are Some Los Angeles Bachelor Party Ideas?
• What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in Los Angeles?
• Where Should I Stay in Los Angeles for a Bachelor Party?
• Los Angeles Bachelor Party Nightlife
• Expert Los Angeles Travel Tips

What Are Some Los Angeles Bachelor Party Ideas?

RF Pictures / Getty Images

You might find yourselves overwhelmed by the options in LA, but don't be! You can easily narrow down your bachelor party to focus on your groom: Whether he likes the sand (think Santa Monica Pier and the Venice Boardwalk), a good beer (plenty of breweries on offer), or a night on the town that ranges from swank nightclubs to hole-in-the-wall dives. (Whatever you decide to do, don't forget to thank the crew for coming with gifts from The Knot Shop).

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

For Beach Activities

Make time to hit the sand on the beaches of Santa Monica, where you can play volleyball, surf, or opt for a game of spike ball. You can also hit the rides on the beach's pier, or have some fascinating people watching at the eccentric Venice Boardwalk right nearby.

For Nightlife

It's no secret that LA has a prime nightlife scene, you just have to choose the flavor of the evening: posh speakeasy, DJ-pumping nightclub, or laid-back coastal vibes. Whatever you're looking for, this city has it to offer.

For Brews

There are a range of craft breweries throughout LA, including Santa Monica Brew Works, Boomtown Brewery, and Angel City Brewery. Consider hitting them all on a tasting tour.

What Do You Do at a Bachelor Party in Los Angeles?

Yuxiang Sun / Getty Images

Take our advice and follow this three-day Los Angeles bachelor party itinerary to make the most of your visit.

Day 1

Morning and Afternoon: Scope out your hotel or house for the weekend, then start your day with an easy brunch of breakfast sandwiches from Eggslut. Head to the Venice Beach location, so that you can make your way to rent electric bikes from Boneshaker when you're done eating. After brunch, take your bikes for a spin along the Venice Boardwalk, where you can check out the tricks at the skatepark, give yourselves a challenge at Muscle Beach, or stop along the way for a beer at the eccentric shops and bars that line the boardwalk. Follow the boardwalk right to Santa Monica Beach where you can hang out on the sand, play some volleyball, or brave the cold waves. If you've worked up an appetite, stop in at Big Dean's right off the pier for good beers, bar bites, and whatever big game is playing that day.

Evening: Make your way to The Bungalow, a retro, surf-inspired spot right off Santa Monica beach that offers drinks around outdoor fire pits. Then it's off to get cleaned up for dinner and your first night out. Once you're ready, head to EP & LP for an Asian-fusion meal (don't skip the Dan-Dan noodles), and your events for the night. The restaurant's rooftop offers a fantastic view with drinks.

Day 2

Morning: Cafe Bastque is the place to be for brunch today, with its all-day brunch menu featuring 'eggs for days' from French omelets to classic sunnies. There are also delicious baked treats and the coffee is strong (and so are the mimosas) in this stunning coastal restaurant within the Hoxton Downtown LA.

Afternoon: Today is all about the wine. After all, you're not far from Napa. Hop on aluxurious charcuterie and wine boat tour of Marina del Rey. Here, you'll see the yachts of LA's rich and famous, and enjoy delicious bites and sips in the process.

Evening: Dinner tonight is at Wurstküche, a beer hall with an artisanal sausage menu that ranges from the known (Kielbasa and hot Italian) to the daring (think rattlesnake). Order your sausage and beer with a side of fries and your choice of 10 dipping sauces like Thai peanut and curry ketchup. There's often a live DJ playing to get you in the mood for the night ahead. After dinner, make your way to the club scene in West Hollywood. The W Hotel and Dream Hotel (both great spots for daytime pool parties on the rooftops) also offer fun drinking escapades after the sun sets.

Day 3

Morning: As it's your last day, do brunch in style in LA's swankiest part of town. The Restaurant at Hotel Bel Air is set on a spectacular outdoor patio shaded by palm streets and with private alcoves overlooking Swan Lake. If you're going to take your keepsake group photos anywhere, this is the place to do it.

Afternoon: Today is all about an L.A. classic: the pool party. Check the schedule at the Ace Hotel Downtown to see if you're here for one of their epic Sunday bashes. Don't be mistaken: This isn't about the pool, which at the Ace is fairly small. But what makes this pool party unique is the rooftop views of downtown LA, live bands and DJs, and the drinks, of course.

Evening: Head back to Santa Monica tonight for beers and dinner at Santa Monica Brew Works, which offers more than 20 beers on tap and a rotation of food trucks to choose from for your eats. After dinner, make your way to Hotel Irwin on Venice Beach. The chic spot offers ocean views and amazing craft cocktails, all with the eccentric boardwalk as your backdrop. If you're still hungry after drinks, head to the Local Peasant for late-night eats (mini sliders, German-style pretzels).

Where Should I Stay in Los Angeles for a Bachelor Party?

SLS Hotel Beverly Hills

Los Angeles is sprawling, and you'll want to see a lot of it. So don't base your stay on walkability. You're going to be relying on public transportation or Ubers most of the time.

Best Los Angeles Bachelor Party Hotels

Dream Hotel: This property in Hollywood gets you close to the nightlife action, and comes with its own fantastic amenities including a rooftop pool that hosts some parties of its own.

SLS Hotel Beverly Hills: For a stay in luxurious Beverly Hills, the SLS Hotel is ideal for groups that prefer a pool.

Le Merigot Santa Monica: For bigger budgets, consider a stay within walking distance of Santa Monica Beach, book this property which offers upscale rooms and an outdoor pool.

Gateway Hotel Santa Monica: Restricted budgets have options too. This hotel is less than two minutes from the pier with coastal vibes and modern rooms.

Pro tip: The Knot has partnered with Hotel Planner to help you secure the best group hotel rate and get free hotel advice from an expert travel planner.

Best Los Angeles Bachelor Party Home Rentals

There are plenty of housing options for an LA bachelor party, so check out TripAdvisor, VRBO, Airbnb, Expedia, and Hopper Homes. Pro tip: If you're looking to supplement your vacation rental stay with some hotel amenities such as a swimming pool or a fitness facility, you can secure Los Angeles hotel day passes on ResortPass.

South Beach Park Stay: This home is the perfect option for large groups (up to 16). This home features a gorgeous outdoor courtyard with a firepit, and there are ping-pong tables for post-beach fun.

Dream House: For a bit of luxury closer to Hollywood, this rental offers room for up to eight, as well as an outdoor pool, and a barbeque setup.

Private Oasis: This option accommodates six to eight party attendees and a private pool and hot tub, is a great spot centrally located for easy access to beaches, as well as to get downtown.

Los Angeles Bachelor Party Nightlife

LA lays out the best spreads of Asian, European, Latin, and American cuisine, and the bars mix concoctions fit for every type of bachelor party.

Best Los Angeles Bachelor Restaurants

Anajak Thai Cuisine: If you drew bachelor party inspiration from The Hangover Part II, chances are you're craving a Thai getaway. At Anajak, there's no need to check the boy's passport validity. This is where to get authentic Pad Siew, Southern Thai Fried Chicken, and more, in an elegant yet celebratory atmosphere. Of course, this isn't LA without a taco—Thai tacos are served every Tuesday.

Mother Wolf: A pizza party need not be a casual affair, and thanks to Mother Wolf, it's all about impressing. That goes for the food, which includes handmade Roman pasta and thin-crust pizza unlike anywhere in the nation; the striking interiors like that of a ballroom; and a blush-hued cocktail bar, where a stiff negroni is just the way to start any engine. Reservations must be made 7 days in advance.

Hansei: Los Angeles is well known for slicing the best cuts of sushi stateside, so make one group dining destination in Little Tokyo during your bachelor weekend. Hansei is presented by the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC), with a tasting menu that puts a spin on the classic Japanese fare and presents it in omakase style. The beverage program consists of premium sake and wines from California-based Japanese-American winemakers, but first, head to the beautiful Zen garden to capture those shots before alcoholic shots come into play.

Best Los Angeles Bachelor Party Bars

Mama Shelter: To catch twinkles of the city of dreams, and to make a toast to your groom, take the boys up to the rooftop of Mama Shelter. Here lies a deck with 360-degree views, where depending on visibility, you're treated to vistas of downtown and the Hollywood sign. Cocktails are served from noon till close, alongside homemade delights and in the company of groovy tunes.

Melody: Bachelors with a passion for wine have come to the right state, there's no shortage of grapes here. Melody is a wine bar and patio that serves as a hub for LA's creative and foodie scene. Chef pop-ups, DJ events, and most importantly, exquisite wine, make this quite the buzzy spot all week long and an excellent choice for a sip and a mingle.

Dan Sung Sa: Reminiscent of late nights in Seoul, if you're the kind of group that enjoys Korean street food and soju after flexing your vocals in Koreatown's karaoke booths, Dan Sung Sa's the suggested comfort zone. The casual drinking den also pours sake, wines, and all the staple liquors.

The Abbey Weho: The Abbey was once a humble gay bar, but over the years has become so famous that it hosts everyone—celebs, tourists, locals, and what your boys will be most excited to hear; bachelorette and bachelor parties. Lots of them. Come join them whatever your orientation (but leave the bad costumes behind).

Expert Los Angeles Travel Tips

LAX is exceptionally well-connected with all major airlines and domestic and international cities. LA is huge and spread out, so consider a car rental for the duration of your trip. Also, plan your itinerary in advance—you'll want to group things together so you're not stuck on the road for hours. Factor in plenty of time for the city's notoriously bad traffic. Beware, many party-goers drink and drive as there are limited transportation options, but that doesn't make it legal. You'll see most of them after a 2 a.m. last call on weekends, so drive extra carefully or hire a driver to usher the group home. SoCal is blessed with excellent weather year-round, but do bring a jacket for the evenings. Peak tourist season is in the summer and the school holidays.

Allyson Johnson contributed to this article.