Not everyone is able to take advantage of a large lot or even a backyard, but it is still possible to have your own getaway spot of your own. I headed over to Downtown Los Angeles to do a little scouting on what kind of getaways we can find on the rooftops of the city.

On our first stop we saw the gardens of the Kyoto Grand Hotel, and if you live in the Los Angeles area and have yet to visit this garden, you must add this to your things to do. It is hands down one of the greatest landscapes I have ever seen, I completely forgot I was standing in the middle of a giant metropolitan city. The strolling gardens are complete with a reflection pond and pathways that meander through lush landscape. If your looking for a place to find some instant peace, this is the place to go to.

If something a little more modern and chic is what your looking for, then seeing the rooftop of The Standard Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles is a must. You are completely surrounded by L.A.'s beautiful architecture everywhere you look, and the furnishings instantly make this a place to sit and unwind. The pool and sun deck make this a great destination for some fun in the sun, while the fireplace gives you a place to cozy up at night. 

What was probably the most interesting use of a rooftop space has to go to the SYNTHe rooftop garden at The Flat apartments. The garden is used to grow herbs and vegetables which is then used in the downstairs restaurant, Blue Velvet. Besides helping to filter pollutants, increasing thermal insulation of the roof, and reducing storm water runoff, the roof top garden sets forth a complete productive cycle. Food will be grown, consumed, and ultimately returned to the cycle in the form of compost on the premises.