7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024

7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - The Terrace at Shutters Santa Monica with Beachfront Views and Fire Pits

The Terrace at Shutters Santa Monica provides a front-row seat to the Pacific, complete with warming fire pits that add to the allure, especially during the cooler months of fall. Its prime location right on Santa Monica State Beach lets you effortlessly switch between dining and beachside relaxation, maybe even a stroll to the well-known Santa Monica Pier. The hotel's accommodations are stylish, with plenty of rooms featuring ocean views, and their diverse culinary options—from upscale restaurants to a more casual oceanfront eatery—mean you'll find something to satisfy your taste buds while enjoying the sounds of the sea. Plus, the hotel offers a swimming pool overlooking the ocean and private beach access, making it a prime choice for anyone looking to relish the California coastline in a refined environment.

The Terrace at Shutters in Santa Monica offers a prime location right on the sand, providing a stunning, uninterrupted view of the Pacific. The sunset spectacle here is particularly noteworthy, with the natural light reaching an impressive 10,000 lux, making it a captivating setting for a meal. The outdoor fire pits are engineered for consistent warmth, producing a comfortable 200°F average temperature. This ensures a cozy atmosphere while keeping excessive smoke to a minimum thanks to a unique gas operation system. It's intriguing how the architecture itself helps create a calmer dining environment. Sound-absorbing materials have been incorporated to reduce the noise from the beach by up to 15 decibels, which is a testament to thoughtful design.

Even with the ocean breeze, the terrace offers an enjoyable setting. The glass railings are specifically designed to minimize wind resistance and retain warmth, further enhancing the comfort for diners, even on chilly evenings. It's a smart design choice that extends the usability of this outdoor space. The menu itself emphasizes locally sourced seafood, often within a 50-mile radius, which helps keep things fresh and supports nearby producers. The restaurant's energy consciousness is evident in its use of ambient LED lighting. These fixtures provide an elegant ambiance while reducing energy consumption by roughly 75% compared to standard lighting. The Terrace also takes pride in its extensive wine selection, over 40 options available by the glass. They employ a sophisticated wine preservation system, keeping opened bottles fresh for weeks. This clever technology minimizes waste and ensures a larger range of wines for diners to experience.

The Terrace shows a commitment to the environment with its innovative rainwater management. The drainage system diverts rainwater away from the ocean and into an underground reservoir for watering the restaurant's landscaping. This thoughtful design reduces impact on the surrounding environment. With LAX just a short 8-mile drive away, it's easy to see why this might be a perfect destination for a quick luxury meal near the airport. And, Santa Monica enjoys a relatively mild winter with temperatures seldom falling below 50°F. This makes The Terrace an enticing option year-round. Supplemental heaters are strategically placed to enhance outdoor comfort during the colder months. It is a testament to how a thoughtfully designed outdoor space can leverage innovation in engineering and design to be a delightful destination.

What else is in this post?

1. 7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - The Terrace at Shutters Santa Monica with Beachfront Views and Fire Pits
2. 7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - Cafe on 27 Topanga Where Pacific Ocean Meets Canyon Wilderness
3. 7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - 71Above Downtown LA at 950 feet with City Lights Panorama
4. 7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - Terra at Eataly Century City Rooftop Garden with Hollywood Hills View
5. 7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - Geoffrey's Malibu Clifftop Terrace Above Pacific Coast Highway
6. 7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - Vista Hermosa Beach Pier Patio with Fire Tables and Sunset Views

7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - Cafe on 27 Topanga Where Pacific Ocean Meets Canyon Wilderness

Perched where the Pacific Ocean meets the rugged beauty of Topanga Canyon, Cafe on 27 is a charming spot that seamlessly blends nature and dining. Established in 2019, this cafe offers a menu featuring items like their popular Rasta Pasta alongside a selection of drinks, all enjoyed within a setting reminiscent of a treehouse. The outdoor space, surrounded by captivating views of the canyon, makes Cafe on 27 a standout among scenic restaurant patios in Los Angeles, especially during the autumn months. While the indoor seating is an option, the real allure lies in the outdoors. It's a place where the stunning canyon vistas and fresh food combine to create a memorable experience.

Cafe on 27 has earned positive reviews for its food and service, making it a sought-after destination for those exploring the Topanga Canyon area. It operates with relatively standard hours, being open from 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 4 PM on weekends. Whether you're seeking a casual brunch or a scenic lunch, Cafe on 27 presents a relaxed and unique environment. The cafe's location, positioned perfectly between the Pacific and the canyons, makes it a convenient stop for anyone venturing into either landscape. For those wanting to enjoy a bite while immersing themselves in nature, Cafe on 27 makes for an excellent choice, standing out as a memorable dining option amidst Los Angeles's diverse culinary scene.

Nestled in the heart of Topanga Canyon, where the Pacific Ocean meets the rugged Santa Monica Mountains, Cafe on 27 offers a unique dining experience amidst a captivating blend of natural elements. Established in 2019, the cafe has carved out a niche as a culinary destination seamlessly integrated into the canyon's ecosystem, attracting visitors with its promise of fresh food and breathtaking views.

The cafe's location on Highway 27, just a short distance from the Pacific coast, provides an interesting microclimate. The interplay of the ocean breeze and the canyon's topography creates a more temperate environment, allowing for a longer outdoor dining season, even as the fall chill sets in. This geographical position, roughly 4 miles inland, is fascinating from an engineering perspective, as it subtly influences temperature patterns throughout the year.

Cafe on 27's menu is a blend of comforting classics and more unique options like the seemingly popular "Rasta Pasta". It features both indoor and outdoor seating, although the real appeal is the patio which offers a treehouse-like ambience. The open-air experience emphasizes the natural beauty of the canyon. Its elevation provides exceptional views of the Pacific Ocean, especially noteworthy during fall when the marine layer rolls in, creating a beautiful and photogenic fog. This ocean view, encompassing a coastline stretching over 800 miles, is particularly captivating at sunset.

Beyond aesthetics, the cafe seems to have incorporated sustainable design elements. For example, utilizing solar panels to generate nearly 30% of their energy needs demonstrates a commitment to renewable resources. Their menu also highlights locally sourced ingredients, likely including herbs and other produce from within a 10-mile radius, which would have a positive impact on the local agricultural economy and transportation-related emissions. The cafe's physical structure seems well designed for passive cooling, taking advantage of natural ventilation to reduce indoor temperatures significantly. It's interesting to note that the canyon's elevation around 1,000 feet creates a noticeably cooler environment compared to the coastal regions, with fall temperatures about 10°F lower on average, making the patio a cozy spot to enjoy a warm beverage.


Customer feedback consistently mentions the cafe's exceptional service and stunning views. With over 1,880 reviews and nearly 3,300 photos on Yelp alone, the Cafe on 27 is clearly resonating with visitors who seek a picturesque escape from the city. Situated near LAX, the cafe is also easily accessible for travelers. It's a testament to how a thoughtfully placed and executed restaurant concept can thrive in areas where natural features are truly integral to the dining experience. The relative proximity to the airport also has a practical benefit, keeping the travel time for patrons to a minimum.

7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - 71Above Downtown LA at 950 feet with City Lights Panorama

Located 950 feet above the bustle of Downtown Los Angeles, 71Above holds the title of the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. This elevated dining experience pairs modern American cuisine, crafted by Executive Chef Javier Lopez, with panoramic city views that are truly breathtaking. From the vantage point of the 71st floor, diners can take in a 360-degree vista, encompassing everything from Malibu to Laguna Hills and the surrounding mountains. It's a romantic setting, ideal for special occasions, and the carefully curated prefixe menu emphasizes fresh, seasonal dishes.

71Above's ambiance is sophisticated yet welcoming, making it a popular choice for those seeking a unique dining experience in Los Angeles. Reservations are strongly recommended given its popularity, particularly during the fall season. The restaurant's location makes parking convenient, and its dining hours are reasonably flexible, catering to different dinner preferences. It's a compelling option for visitors looking for a unique blend of delicious food and unparalleled views of the city, a truly remarkable experience amidst the urban landscape. Whether you're a local seeking a special evening out or a traveler looking to explore Los Angeles' culinary and scenic offerings, 71Above stands out as a unique and memorable dining experience.

71Above, situated at a remarkable 950 feet above ground level in Downtown Los Angeles, presents a truly unique dining experience. As the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi River, it provides a perspective on the city unlike any other. Located on the 71st floor of the US Bank Tower—California's tallest building—it offers a fascinating look at engineering ingenuity. The building's 5-story base incorporates advanced seismic design, demonstrating the commitment to safety in an earthquake-prone region.

The panoramic views are truly captivating. Floor-to-ceiling windows, crafted with advanced glass technology, minimize UV light while maximizing natural light, allowing stunning 360-degree views that stretch from Malibu to Laguna Hills and beyond. The optical clarity is a testament to thoughtful design and provides an uninterrupted glimpse of the cityscape and the surrounding mountain ranges. Interestingly, being at this altitude results in a noticeable temperature drop, sometimes up to 10°F colder than street level. This unique environmental condition undoubtedly influences menu planning, especially during the autumn months, as chefs must consider how the cold impacts ingredient selection and preservation.

The interior is also a marvel of sound design. The restaurant's acoustics are carefully engineered to dampen the sounds of the bustling city below. Sound-absorbing materials are strategically placed throughout the restaurant to ensure a serene and calm environment for diners.

The dining experience at 71Above is rooted in the culinary philosophy of Chef Javier Lopez, who creates an elevated modern American menu focused on seasonal ingredients. The chefs work closely with local producers, reflecting the changing agricultural cycles of California, frequently altering menus to embrace what is freshly available. It is a thoughtful and innovative approach that brings a true sense of the region's flavor to the table. And, the mixology program at the bar complements this culinary approach with inventive cocktails that showcase local fruits, herbs, and spirits, adding a unique touch.

Conveniently located for travelers, 71Above is a relatively easy trip from LAX. Of course, Los Angeles's well-known traffic can be unpredictable, so the convenience of a sky-high dining location provides a unique benefit—enjoying a meal while minimizing time spent on the road. The building's construction standards reflect the challenges of such a height. Engineers had to implement extra measures to ensure wind resistance and stability at such a lofty level.

Beyond the cuisine and the views, the restaurant's ambiance is carefully crafted with light. The restaurant's lighting system cleverly uses LED technology, adapting its hues throughout the evening to create a changing and immersive experience. This design not only enhances the mood but also conserves energy, offering a sustainable touch while also beautifully highlighting the mesmerizing panorama of city lights as night falls.

71Above stands as a testament to the inventive combination of culinary expertise and engineering excellence. The experience transcends mere dining, providing a multi-sensory exploration of the city and its surroundings, offering an awe-inspiring perspective on Los Angeles.

7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - Terra at Eataly Century City Rooftop Garden with Hollywood Hills View

Terra, perched atop the Eataly Century City location, offers a distinctly Italian rooftop dining experience. This restaurant, nestled within the Century City Mall, provides a captivating blend of culinary delights and stunning views. The heart of the kitchen is a wood-fired grill, specializing in seasonally-inspired dishes that highlight earthy flavors, a hallmark of Italian country cooking.

The 11,000 square-foot space is divided between an airy outdoor terrace and a more intimate indoor lounge, aiming to evoke the charm of rural Italy. Terra's menu extends beyond the food, featuring a selection of cocktails and a wine list focusing on Italian varietals, designed to complement the carefully crafted dishes.

The expansive terrace provides incredible vistas of the Hollywood Hills, making it a particularly desirable dining spot. The inclusion of fire pits, placed strategically around the terrace, enhances the atmosphere and provides a cozy warmth for cooler evenings, further elevating the experience. The restaurant has found a following among locals and visitors alike, with weekdays becoming increasingly popular.

As Los Angeles's culinary scene diversifies, Terra carves out a niche for itself by seamlessly fusing exceptional food with spectacular views, solidifying its place as a memorable dining destination, especially during the scenic autumn months. While the popularity might lead to crowds on weekends, it's a worthwhile consideration for your Los Angeles culinary adventures.

Terra at Eataly Century City, perched atop the Century City Mall, offers a unique dining perspective on the Hollywood Hills. The rooftop garden, a rarity in an urban environment, is a showcase of modern agricultural techniques with a hydroponic system that likely provides fresh ingredients year-round. This setting creates a captivating contrast against the cityscape.

From an engineering viewpoint, the structure's design appears to prioritize both openness and comfort in the face of Los Angeles's diverse weather patterns. Wind-resistant features and the use of lightweight materials likely contribute to a feeling of spaciousness. It's intriguing how the designers have integrated thermal mass elements, possibly using materials that absorb and release heat slowly, to help moderate temperatures on the patio, extending the usability of the outdoor space even during fall's cooler evenings.

Water conservation is also a key element. The automated irrigation system, intelligently adjusting to the rooftop plants' specific needs, could be a blueprint for more sustainable urban agriculture. The food itself emphasizes farm-to-table principles, sourcing a significant amount of ingredients from farms within a 50-mile radius. This approach not only assures peak freshness but also reduces the environmental impact of transportation. The menu's frequent changes, following the seasonality of California's farms, also indicates a partnership with local farmers, supporting a more sustainable food system.

Location is another point of interest. Situated within Century City, the restaurant is convenient to LAX, potentially mitigating a portion of the region's notoriously chaotic traffic for those flying into Los Angeles. Lighting systems further demonstrate a commitment to energy efficiency. The LED system, dynamically adapting based on ambient light, seems designed to offer a captivating ambiance while reducing energy consumption.

The views themselves extend beyond just the Hollywood Hills. It is not unusual to see a glimpse of the Santa Monica Mountains from this vantage point, which is a noteworthy feature during fall when the seasonal vegetation creates a rich canvas of colors. While its elevated position offers clear sightlines to the surrounding hills, it's fascinating how the restaurant creates an atmosphere that blends urban sophistication with a more tranquil natural scene. Terra truly presents an appealing option for those who want to enjoy fresh, seasonal food while taking in some of the beautiful vistas the Los Angeles area offers.

7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - Geoffrey's Malibu Clifftop Terrace Above Pacific Coast Highway

Perched high above the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, Geoffrey's Malibu offers a classic California dining experience with unparalleled ocean views. Originally built in 1948 and designed by the renowned architect Richard Neutra, this restaurant is a well-established favorite, known for its beautiful outdoor terrace and California-focused cuisine. Dishes like their popular ahi tuna tartar are just one example of their offerings, showcasing fresh ingredients and coastal flavors.

The restaurant's prime location on the cliffs provides a unique perspective of the Pacific. Their clifftop terrace is a sought-after spot for enjoying the coastal breeze and panoramic views, especially popular amongst those wanting an iconic Malibu experience. The setting is truly breathtaking, offering a perfect blend of relaxed dining and stunning coastal scenery.

While the views and atmosphere are clearly the highlights, getting to Geoffrey's can present a small challenge due to the location and Pacific Coast Highway’s notorious traffic. Parking along the road can be tricky and requires planning. But the allure of dining on a Malibu cliff with gorgeous sunset views often draws people in, as it has celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Shirley Temple in the past. Whether your aim is a romantic dinner with a view or a memorable lunch, Geoffrey's offers a unique experience. It remains a popular destination, particularly during the fall when the ocean breezes and sunlight create a particularly appealing atmosphere.

Geoffrey's Malibu, perched on a clifftop overlooking Pacific Coast Highway, offers a unique dining experience that's as much about engineering as it is about cuisine. The restaurant's design cleverly utilizes cantilevered decks to maximize the stunning Pacific Ocean views, a vast expanse stretching over 1,100 miles of California's coastline. This architectural approach also ensures the structure can withstand the specific environmental challenges of a coastal setting, a testament to thoughtful engineering.


Being situated about 300 feet above sea level creates an intriguing microclimate. The higher elevation leads to slightly milder temperatures and less harsh wind interruptions, providing a more comfortable outdoor dining experience compared to lower-lying beach-side locations. It's fascinating to see how location influences dining conditions.


Geoffrey's isn't just a beautiful location; it's steeped in history. Since the 1940s, the site has attracted celebrities and been the scene of numerous notable events. It holds a certain appeal for those who appreciate the charm of the past alongside a more contemporary dining scene.


The menu itself reflects a strong emphasis on seasonal ingredients, many of which are sourced from local farms within a 50-mile radius. This approach helps support the regional agriculture while keeping the menu fresh and reflective of the current season's produce. It's also an approach that shows a thoughtful design strategy in food and ingredients selection and supply chain management. The result is a modern California-inspired culinary approach.

The restaurant's outdoor space incorporates interesting solutions to the challenges of coastal weather. Smartly positioned glass windbreaks help cut down on the strong gusts while still maintaining the openness of the patio, making outdoor dining more comfortable. These small details add up to a big impact on the user experience. It's a clear example of a well-considered design approach.



Geoffrey's is one of the few Malibu restaurants to offer this type of oceanfront dining, and it's thanks to the talented team of chefs who contribute to their rotating seasonal menu. They're constantly rethinking and reinventing the menu to make sure it's aligned with ingredient availability throughout the year.


The restaurant's patio incorporates a modern LED lighting system that adjusts according to the time of day, enhancing the ambiance while being energy-efficient. It's a great illustration of how technology can blend with a natural setting to enhance an experience and to support environmental concerns.


Conveniently located a short distance from LAX, Geoffrey's is an excellent choice for travelers looking for an exceptional culinary experience with breathtaking views. For anyone with a longer flight to or from Los Angeles, it's a good option to unwind.


Of course, coastal settings present engineering challenges. To ensure safety, the foundation of the building is specifically reinforced to withstand the high winds that are common in Southern California. This attention to detail allows both the structure and the experience to remain enjoyable and safe. The foundation is a hidden aspect of engineering that supports this coastal dining experience.


All in all, Geoffrey's Malibu is a testament to how a well-executed combination of location, architecture, and culinary vision can create an unforgettable dining experience. It provides a glimpse of the ingenuity behind building in coastal environments, ensuring that the beautiful scenery is not just appreciated but also safe to enjoy.

7 Most Scenic Restaurant Patios in Los Angeles for Fall Travel 2024 - Vista Hermosa Beach Pier Patio with Fire Tables and Sunset Views

Located on Hermosa Beach's Pier Avenue, Vista Hermosa Beach Pier offers a delightful seaside dining experience with a focus on pan-Asian seafood. The patio's highlight is its fire tables that provide a cozy atmosphere as the sun dips below the horizon, offering stunning views of the Pacific. The restaurant's menu features enticing dishes like Jumbo Lump Crab with Yuzu Guacamole and Crispy Popcorn Cauliflower. The outdoor seating is expansive, ensuring unobstructed views of the coastline, which are especially captivating during the sunset hours, especially on weekends when the atmosphere becomes quite lively. However, due to its popularity, especially for sunset dining, it's advisable to make reservations, particularly for larger groups, as the restaurant tends to get crowded. Parking is available in nearby lots, though it's not validated by the restaurant, a minor inconvenience when considering the overall beauty of the experience. Vista's combination of beautiful sunset views and flavorful dishes makes it a great choice for those looking for a memorable seaside dining experience in Hermosa Beach.

### Vista Hermosa Beach Pier Patio: A Closer Look

Vista Hermosa Beach Pier offers a pan-Asian seafood dining experience with a captivating view of the coast. It's a popular spot, especially during sunset, owing to its strategic location for maximizing the sun's descent below the horizon. This sunset spectacle, around 248 degrees azimuth in the fall, provides a prime viewing angle. The restaurant’s patio is designed to enhance the coastal experience, with features that pique the interest of an observer.

One of the interesting elements is the fire tables. These employ infrared heating technology, maintaining a consistent, toasty 250°F surface temperature without the excessive smoke associated with traditional fire pits. This is a smart design choice for extending comfortable outdoor dining time. The patio's location near the ocean also influences the local climate. This coastal area enjoys a surprisingly warmer microclimate during evenings, about 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than inland regions. It's the marine layer and likely other environmental factors that contribute to this phenomenon, creating a favorable environment for outdoor dining, even when cooler weather rolls in.

The design also caters to sound reduction. It incorporates engineered sound-absorbing materials, reducing ambient noise by up to 10 decibels. This feature makes conversations easier and less disruptive, especially with the sound of the waves. Further showcasing its thoughtfulness is the LED lighting. Its design minimizes light pollution, beneficial for sensitive coastal ecosystems. While not overly researched, it seems like the design considers wildlife, especially during nesting seasons of some sea turtles that are sensitive to artificial light.

Vista Hermosa appears to embrace sustainability, with a farm-to-table approach, supplying up to 75% of ingredients from within a 100-mile radius. This strategy not only bolsters the local agricultural economy but also lessens the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods. It is a solid approach to minimize the environmental impact. But, in reality, all businesses that operate in Los Angeles are exposed to challenges related to transportation and access to local agricultural goods because of the overall physical layout and the vastness of the region.

Furthermore, the patio's construction reflects an understanding of the regional environment. California, of course, experiences seismic activity. This structure integrates advanced seismic protection measures, crucial for a safe dining experience. This design consideration demonstrates a commitment to safety and structural integrity in an area that can be quite unpredictable. Wind is also a consideration. The architecture utilizes design elements to mitigate wind resistance by up to 30%. This likely includes angled wind barriers, optimizing comfort during breezy evenings. The designers incorporated certain elements to manage the overall experience during more windy days.

The restaurant also makes an effort to integrate the landscape and support wildlife. The landscaping around the patio attracts various bird species, supporting the area's biodiversity. This integration enriches the dining environment, creating a more harmonious blend of human activity and nature. Being conveniently located near several attractions, including opportunities for whale watching and surfing, provides visitors with options to extend their stay and experience the region's offerings.

Overall, the Vista Hermosa Beach Pier patio is more than just a place to dine. It's a thoughtful design that blends a focus on sunsets, fire, sound, and light into a unique dining experience. The restaurant's commitment to sustainable practices, including reducing light pollution, and consideration of seismic activity make it a compelling case study in environmentally conscious design that integrates with the region. With the vibrant energy on Fridays and Saturdays, parking available in nearby lots, and reservation recommendations, it is a place that attracts diverse crowds. The overall concept blends a delightful experience with aspects of innovative engineering and consideration of the environment.