- calendar_month February 13, 2023
25 Unforgettable Things To Do On Valentine’s Day In Los Angeles
Love it or hate it, the parade of red roses, decadent chocolates and kitsch balloons in honor of Valentine's Day is drawing near.
@plantfoodandwine via Instagram
But, fret not, there are some incredible ways to enjoy the month of love, regardless of your status.
Romance isn’t dead…you just have to go looking for it. Lucky for you, we’ve already done that, so all you have to do is peruse the incredible options on our list and take a willing participant with you. Whether it’s a hot air balloon ride, a luxurious spa retreat, or a movie under the stars, you can’t escape the magic happening this month. Here are 25 charming ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in L.A.:
1. Wander Through A Cosmic Universe At Astra Lumina
Credit: Astra Lumina
The South Coast Botanic Garden is an incredibly romantic place on any given day, but when it’s illuminated with millions of multicolored installations that put the celestial realm right before you, it’s truly magical. Take your crush on a night stroll amongst the stars at the South Coast Botanical Garden’s Astra Lumina experience. Get your tickets for this immersive nighttime wander here.
2. Time Travel To Hawkins Cerca 1985 For Soft Serve And A Retro Adventure
Stranger Things: The Experience
Who said dating has to be boring? Ditch the usual dinner date plans and head into the riveting world of the uʍop ǝpᴉsd∩. After a pulse-racing adventure through epic sets, filled with interactive scenes, live actors and unsolved mysteries, you can chill in a neon-soaked arcade zone and indulge in some Scoop Ahoy. From February the 10th to 14th, you can get two tickets for the price of one—so pick your lover (even if that’s a fellow adventure lover) and reserve your visit to the Stranger Things experience before it’s too late.
Credit: Candlelight
There are few things as magical as listening to top musicians playing classical renditions in a historic venue bathed in glimmering candlelight. These exceptional Candlelight concert series never fail to captivate audiences around the world—which means there’s a good chance your date will be impressed too. To celebrate the month of love, the series is bringing the beloved romantic classics back, from Broadway’s greatest love songs to Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole. Find the perfect evening of music below:
- Frank Sinatra & Nat King Cole at The Hollywood Roosevelt
- Valentine’s Day Special – Broadway’s Greatest Love Songs
- Valentine’s Day Special ft. “Romeo and Juliet” and more
- Offer the gift of a gentle glow of candlelight at a classical concert with a gift card here!
7. Lock Eyes With Your Lover On The Grand Staircase At This Titanic Exhibition
Credit: Titanic: The Exhibition / Fever
Titanic: The Exhibition has sailed into L.A. and it’s bringing the lost stories of love and loss to the surface like never before. Wander through intricately detailed recreations of the Grand Staircase, the cabins and the deck of the most famous ship in history at this breathtaking showcase. You’ll find real artifacts that have never been viewed by the public before that will plunge you right into the secrets held by the deep, blue Atlantic. Reserve your tickets here for a truly moving experience.
TIP: You can get yourself 25% off using the code BMYVALTITANI
8. Indulge In Some Ultra Luxe Self-Love At This Wellness Retreat At An L.A. Oasis
Credit: Lotus Spa
Forget about your relationship status; this year, it’s all about your Zen status. We’ve just made it through a few tough years, so instead of the annual ‘wining and dining’ session, the focus has shifted to unwinding and reconnecting. And it’s hard to think of anything better than whisking yourself (and your S/O) away on a retreat at a lush, private oasis in L.A. Find out more here.
9-19. Go On One Of These 10 Enchanting Rides Around L.A.
Credit: Instagram / @susanknos
From illuminated swan boats to a private ride in a vintage plane, there are tons of ways to see the city that offer a touch of romance. Even if you don’t have a plus one to take with you, these unique rides around L.A. will make reignite your passion for this electric place you call home. Find the full list here.
1. The Getty Tram
The Getty Center needs no introduction, it’s filled with marvels that could keep you captivated for hours. From the incredible, diverse array of American and European art covering the walls to the organic sculptures that continue to evolve in the perfectly manicured gardens. Along with that, the towering hilltop fortress also happens to boast some incredible views of the Santa Monica Mountains. One of the best ways to take in the impressive architecture, views, and landscaping is the Getty Center Tram. Glide up the hill’s edge, weaving through the lush surroundings, overlooking the freeway until you arrive at the cream curves of the towering cultural fortress. Find out more here.
2. Pacific Surfliner To San Diego
This underrated train trip not only avoids the gridlocked roads down to San Diego’s beaches on a sunny day, but it’s hands down one of the most scenic rides you can take along the beachfront where you can stare out the window in awe for the entire journey. You’ll be watching the waves crash on the sandy shores with surfers riding the huge swells, and before you know it you’ll be in a Find out more here.
3. Angel’s Flight
Hop aboard the gorgeous 188-year-old funicular and enjoy the world’s shortest (but possibly the most charming) railway trip between Hill Street and Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill. This wooden-clad landmark has been featured in movies and has been the backdrop for a number of romantic scenes in films like the beloved musical La La Land, so naturally, it’s a popular date spot for lovers. What’s more, is it only costs a mere $1 per trip or $0.50 with a metro card. Find out more here.
4. The Santa Monica Ferris Wheel
Yes, yes, we know. This Ferris wheel is by no means a secret, but you can’t beat those panoramic views of the Pacific combined with that funfair nostalgia. It’s a quintessential Los Angeles experience enjoyed by both locals and visitors daily. This 85-foot landmark is also the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel, which is an impressive fact to consider as you soak up the warm sunlight, inhale the fresh ocean air and stuff your face with a delicious cone. It’s old-meets-new in more ways than one and has to be done at least once. Find out more here
5. The Venice Electric Bike Parade
Grab anything you have with wheels, deck it/them out in anything and everything neon, then get ready to join an electric bike parade and light up the streets of Venice. Take in the gorgeous sunsets and swaying palm trees as you make your way from Santa Monica back down to Venice along Abbot Kinney, ending at the Venice Pier. You’ll be joined by enthusiastic bikers, cyclists, roller skaters, and many other locomotive creations covered in glowing lights with 80s and 90s music to get you in the groove. Find out more here.
6. A Trip On A Vintage Trolley At The Grove
While the iconic The Grove might be a tourist magnet, riding atop the historic 1950s streetcar is undeniably magical. You’ll weave through the quaint streets, lined with cute boutiques, plants, and decorations reflecting the season. It’s the perfect way to kill time while waiting for a restaurant reservation, or you may feel like splurging with an elegant (and very exclusive) dining experience on the second floor of the double-decker trolley. Find out more here.
7. A Gondola Cruise
While traveling over 6,000 miles to Venice isn’t always an option, there’s still the option of taking a 30-minute drive to Long Beach for a taste of European life. You can glide down the stunning Naples Canals on 38-foot asymmetrical beauties as gondoliers propel you under the romantic, high-arching bridges as you travel past the Accademia, to Ravenna, to Toledo and the Neapolitan East, to the famous “Treasure Island” bridge.
8. Take A Magical Night Ride On An Echo Park Swan Boat
The Swan Boats at Echo Park Lake is one of Los Angeles’ hidden gems. It’s also one of the best ways to explore the setting, in a fun but intimate way. You can paddle around the iconic lotus beds and fountain during the day or go on an illuminated boat ride with the Downtown city lights in the backdrop. Rated one of the best LA activities by tourists and locals alike, Echo Park pedal boats are a great way to make the most of this city’s gorgeous weather! Find out more here.
20. Dive Into The Deep Blue Sea At This Submarine-Inspired Tiki Bar
The Acey-Deucey Club: A Submarine-themed Tiki Bar
The Acey Deucey is a nautical-themed pop-up bar that has dropped anchor in Downtown L.A. and the bar’s gallant captain and their hardworking crew are ready to serve you some delicious sea-themed cocktail creations and spoil you in musical performances. During the experience, you’ll be fully immersed in underwater scenery that’ll lead you to believe you’re really submerged under the Pacific. So, grab your tickets to the Acey Deucey before they set sail somewhere else!
21. Enjoy The Fresh Air At One Of These Gorgeous Outdoor Patios
Image: Courtesy of Elephante
Wine and dine under the stars at one of the city’s top restaurants, which comes with a side of romantic scenery. Browse our list of stunning al fresco patios in L.A. and enjoy craft cocktails and seasonal fare in the fresh open-air settings here.
22. Take Your S/O To One Of These Filming Locations For A Truly Cinematic Date
Credit: Cameron Venti via Unsplash
Los Angeles is where Hollywood dreams are born and stars are made. It truly is the entertainment capital, and great films have the power to transport you to magical places―and Los Angeles happens to be home to many of them, so why not have a date night that’s straight out of a movie? Whether you’re looking for inspiration or you’re looking for a little reminder that you live in an actual dreamland, here are 14 restaurants you can actually visit from timeless films.
23. See The Most Wickedly Romantic Flicks At Street Food Cinema’s “Bloody Valentines” Series
Credit: Street Food Cinema
Want to make that special someone’s heart race? Featuring horror movies like Jennifer’s Body and Queen of the Damned, Street Food Cinema’s “Bloody Valentine” series will certainly get the job done. The series is taking place inside one of the oldest movie palaces in DTLA: the Million Dollar Theater. With photo ops, audience games, cocktails, and the intimate Lovers Lounge, you’re guaranteed a scary-good time. Find all the seasonal films showing for the month of love here.
24. Dive Into The Twinkling Universe Of World Of Yayoi Kusama’s ‘Infinity Mirrored Rooms’
Credit: The Broad
The iconic installations by the beloved Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama have been illuminating our social feeds for the last decade and we can never seem to get enough. It’s been two years since Angelenos last had the chance to be entranced by the endless reflections and this time, it comes without the endless lines. There’s something so magical about this installation that you don’t even need a Valentine’s date for this one. Find out more here.
25. Visit This Hidden Japanese Garden With An Unexpected Past
Credit: @emanalami/ Instagram
Found in Pasadena, the Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is a beautiful zen retreat with a life full of devastation and triumph. Its constructed bridges, traditional cedar log house, and lush gardens are surrounded by two ponds full of koi fish. As you and your loved one take in the landscape, it’s clear that dedication and patience went into this tranquil masterpiece. Learn more about Storrier Stearns here!
