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See and be seen: The best members-only social clubs in LA

Published Date: June 13, 2023

Dawn from the Hollywood Bowl Overlook in Los Angeles, California
The social club scene in Los Angeles has been the stuff of legend for decades. It’s where Hollywood celebrities gather, red carpet events abound and powerful business leaders meet to make connections. Soho House West Hollywood was the club that started it all, with an envy-inducing Sunset Boulevard location and killer views. Today, it’s just one of many members-only clubs, each catering to a specific clientele and offering a unique set of amenities. Ready to get your name on the list for one of Los Angeles’ hottest private clubs? Here’s our rundown of the best of the best, so you can find your favorite. 

1. Soho House West Hollywood

The scene

Soho House West Hollywood is one of three LA locations and, with more than 110,000 members worldwide, SoHo House is the most well known brand in the world of private clubs. The West Hollywood venue wows with floor-to-ceiling windows, epic Hollywood Hills views, a vintage wood-paneled bar and a 50-seat screening room. The Sunday brunch is easily the biggest draw. 

The clientele

The vibe at Soho House is glamorous and highly focused on privacy. Members must turn in their phones upon entry, due to the strict no photos policy. The membership list is equally hush-hush. The club has even been known to deny membership to celebrities who bring with them a large paparazzi following.  

Becoming a member 

The membership committee reviews applications each month. You’ll need to complete an online application and have referrals from two current members. If you’re accepted, you’ll be able to choose from a single-club membership, just for SoHo West Hollywood, or one that gives you access to Soho House locations around the world. For members under 27, the annual cost is $1,351 for one club and $2,481 for all clubs. For those over 27, the single membership cost is $2,481 and the all-club membership is $4,961.Looking to visit SoHo West Hollywood regularly? Consider owning a second home in Los Angeles. Pacaso makes it easier with co-ownership.

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Looking to visit SoHo West Hollywood regularly? Consider owning a second home in Los Angeles. Pacaso makes it easier with co-ownership.

2. Soho Warehouse

The scene

While it’s part of the Soho House brand, Soho Warehouse has a look and feel all its own. It’s housed in a seven-story former warehouse building and showcases industrial design and street art from the surrounding downtown area — don’t miss the outdoor commission by Shepard Fairey. Soho Warehouse boasts a 48-room hotel, rooftop pool and a two-story gym with a boxing ring. In the basement, you’ll find the Warehouse Studio, a creative space that hosts workshops and events for members. 

The clientele

Soho Warehouse’s convenient downtown location means it’s always bustling with the effortlessly cool. There’s an unofficial “no suits” policy, giving a casually upscale feel throughout. Artistic types are always coming and going, taking advantage of meeting space, dining, fitness spaces or simply soaking up the sun on the chic rooftop patio. 

Becoming a member

Just like SoHo House West Hollywood, prospective members must complete an online application and have referrals from two current members. A single club membership for members under 27 is $1,341 a year for a single club and $2,464 for all clubs. Members over 27 pay $2,683 yearly for a single club membership and $4,928 for all clubs. 

3. Jonathan Club

The scene

Jonathan Club is undoubtedly on the more traditional end of the LA social clubs, thanks in large part to its storied history. It was founded in 1895 and today includes two locations: the towering, 12-story European Renaissance-styled Town Club in downtown LA and the Beach Club, which has been the Santa Monica outpost for members since 1927. Town Club amenities include wellness facilities, on-site overnight accommodations, a rooftop terrace and signature dining. The three-acre Beach Club has a restaurant, bar, lounge and plenty of beach access. 

The clientele

Given its long history and traditional feel, the club appeals to those in classic professional careers — think doctors, lawyers and politicians. While they don’t publicize a list of members, it’s safe to say its membership as a whole enjoys socializing and networking. Jonathan Club hosts more than 200 events throughout the year, including plenty of family-friendly events. 

Becoming a member

Jonathan Club is notoriously tight-lipped about the details of becoming a member, but it’s commonly known that the application and vetting process can take more than a year, and that a five-digit initiation fee is the norm, followed by monthly dues. A single membership gets you access to both locations. 

4. The Britely

The scene

One of the newest social clubs on the LA scene, The Britely opened in April 2021 with a founding member class of 500-600. The club is a feast for the senses. It’s bright, colorful, decadent and pays homage to old Hollywood glamour. You won’t find meeting rooms or co-working spaces here. The Britely is built for enjoyment, with two Wolfgang Puck restaurants, a rooftop pool, music venue, 24-hour gym and even a bowling alley. 

The clientele

The Britely’s goal is to attract members who work in a variety of fields. Members show up at the club for a wide range of social, cultural and wellness events, whether that’s yoga classes, movie screenings, happy hours or live music. 

Becoming a member

Even though The Britely has only been open for a few years, there’s already a sizable waitlist. Knowing current members is a plus, as referrals go a long way. If you make it in, be prepared for a yearly membership fee of roughly $3,000. 

5. NeueHouse

The scene

NeueHouse opened in 2016 as a members-only co-working space, located in the old CBS Broadcasting building in Hollywood. It has expanded its offerings over the years, now calling itself a “work and social club.” In addition to beautifully designed working spaces, a NeueHouse membership gives access to private music performances, dining, cultural events and more. It’s worth noting that the Hollywood location is one of three NeueHouse clubhouses. There’s also Bradbury in downtown LA and a new Venice Beach location. 

The clientele 

Because it’s a work space above all, NeueHouse positions itself as a “community for creators, innovators and thought leaders.” NeueHouse’s reciprocal memberships and VIP access and pricing to local art events and festivals make it popular for those who are active in the LA cultural scene. 

Becoming a member

NeueHouse offers a range of flexible memberships for individuals and businesses. Their full membership, called a Salon membership, starts at $3,600 a year. The Off-Site membership provides collaborative working space for teams and starts at $3,000 per year, per member. Finally, individuals can choose a Resident membership, taking advantage of open and private workspaces and starting at $900 a month. 

6. San Vicente Bungalows

The scene

Lush and hush-hush are the best words to describe the San Vicente Bungalows. Located in West Hollywood, the pink-and-green clubhouse boasts a verdant garden patio, eight overnight guest rooms, a screening room, on-site restaurant and much more. Because privacy is paramount and the club is meant to be a place for relaxation, phones are never allowed and laptops are only allowed in certain parts of the building, and only until 5 p.m. 

The clientele

Club creator Jeff Klein follows the mantra that “privacy is the new luxury,” so it's no surprise that the club is ultra-exclusive and even more hush-hush. It’s hard to know who of the LA elite class are members here, although occasional leaks have uncovered visits from Prince Harry and Steven Spielberg. Its vigilant stance on the utmost privacy makes it an oasis for those who are so instantly recognizable, everyday outings like lunches and meetings become paparazzi-laden affairs. 

Becoming a member

Annual dues start at $4,200, but above and beyond that, the membership process is kept under wraps. Non-members aren’t allowed to tour the club, so if you want a sneak peek before deciding to apply, you’ll need to visit as the guest of a member. The membership team places high value on nominations from current members, so connections are key. 

7. The California Club

The scene

The California Club is one of the oldest and most storied private social clubs in Los Angeles. For over a century, it’s been a downtown home away from home for the ruling class of LA. The current clubhouse has been housed in a seven-story Beaux-Arts building in downtown LA, which became listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2010. The club offers a dining room, patio, bar, spa and overnight accommodations, all richly decorated in the European Renaissance style. 

The clientele

Not much information is available about who the California Club members are, but it stands to reason that the club appeals to a similar demographic set as Jonathan Club: business leaders and politicians with long family histories in Los Angeles. 

Becoming a member

Membership is by invitation of current club members only, and the membership office does not take inquiries from non-members. It’s rumored that a membership invitation requires nominations from no less than six current members, but other details, including pricing, aren’t published. 

Enjoy your own exclusive retreat

If you’re a regular visitor to Southern California, why not own your own luxurious retreat? Pacaso offers second homes in LA with club-like amenities: incredible views, outdoor dining space, swimming pools, wine cellars and dedicated work spaces. aAll starting at 1/8 the price. Learn more about the benefits of co-ownership.
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Jen Lyons

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