Undoubtedly, watching an outdoor movie is a quintessential summer experience and is a great way to enjoy West L.A.’s beautiful open-air venues. From beachfront hotels screening blockbusters to iconic event venues showing Hollywood classics, there is an outdoor movie for everyone’s taste. Bookmark this guide so you do not miss out on anything fun in West L.A. Kick back and enjoy your favorite movies!

Summer Poolside Cinema, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Santa Monica

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is an opulent Santa Monica property offering awe-inspiring ocean views, and a chic ambiance.

The hotel is partnering with Hulu to host its Summer Poolside Cinema Series. The next two movies in this series are Bohemian Rhapsody on August 11 and Super Troopers on August 18. In addition to screening the movies in a poolside setting, the upscale hotel will host fun giveaways, photo moments, and more. This property is my go-to spot to enjoy Santa Monica’s gorgeous summer sunsets.

Admission: $45, which includes admission, free popcorn, and a $45 food and beverage credit. Purchase tickets here.

Cinespia, Hollywood Forever Cemetery 

Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a historic Los Angeles landmark housing the final resting place of several Hollywood icons. It’s also a vibrant cultural center hosting events like movie screenings by Cinespia. At the Cemetery, movies are displayed outdoors on the Fairbanks Lawn, an open grassy field. Guests can bring picnic baskets with beer and wine (no hard liquor allowed), ​​blankets, pillows, or low chairs. Upcoming screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery include True Romance (August 10), Bring It On and The Virgin Suicides (August 17), The Nightmare Before Christmas (August 24), and The Shining (August 31). Moreover, visitors can pose in a fun photo booth and dance to diverse DJ sets before and after the movie screenings. 

Admission: $26.66, which is inclusive of the photo booth. 

Friday Movie Nights, Ovation Hollywood 

Home to the Dolby Theatre and the TCL Chinese Theatre, Ovation Hollywood is a bustling shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in the heart of Hollywood. This high-end, outdoor shopping complex hosts a movie screening in its Center Courtyard on the last Friday of every month. This month’s screening is last year’s summer blockbuster—Barbie (August 30). Guests who check in at the Ovation Hollywood booth receive free popcorn and discounted treats from the TCL Chinese Theatre Concessions Stand.

Admission: Free; tickets required.

Tropicana Movie Nights, Hollywood Roosevelt

The Hollywood Roosevelt is renowned for hosting the first Academy Awards and offering a blend of old Hollywood glamor and contemporary amenities. The property’s arresting David Hockney hand-painted pool deck with an iconic neon sign is the perfect movie viewing backdrop. Each month, movies of different themes are shown. This month features Los Angeles-themed movies, and September’s theme is musicals. The next few movies include Boyz n’ the Hood (August 15), Swingers (August 22), and La La Land (August 29). Next month’s musicals include Purple Rain (September 5), Grease Sing-Along (September 12), Cabaret (September 19), and Chicago (September 26).

Admission: Free

Outdoor Movie Night, Jamaica Bay Inn 

Jamaica Bay Inn is a charming hotel in Marina del Rey featuring a heated pool and a popular seafood restaurant. Every Sunday, this picturesque hotel hosts Outdoor Movie Nights, an outdoor movie series on its beachfront garden. Upcoming movie screenings include Forever My Girl (August 11), High School Musical (August 18), and Annie (August 25). Guests can bring low chairs, blankets, and pillows. High camping-style chairs are not allowed. Attendees are offered $4 off half-bottle red or white wines. Food, drinks, and a picnic pack are also available for purchase.

Admission: Free

Photo Courtesy of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.