The 15 Most Romantic Things To Do in L.A.

What better way to wow your crush than by taking them out on a date in L.A.? The City of Angels is as dreamy as it gets—there’s always something new to see. Whether you’re looking for a classic dinner date or an entirely unique adventure, you’ll never run out of romantic things to do in Los Angeles. Meandering around museums and art galleries; sharing a kiss on the Pacific Wheel; exploring the gorgeous botanical gardens—treating bae like royalty is easy here. 

It doesn’t matter if you have just started seeing each other or have been together for a while; take your one and only on the most romantic date in Los Angeles. We guarantee there’ll be a happily-ever-after ending. 

The Best Date Ideas In Los Angeles

1. Ride The Angels Flight Railway

When planning a cute outdoor date in SoCal, make sure you include riding the Angels Flight Railway—a quintessential Los Angeles experience—in your itinerary. This iconic Southern California film location and local landmark is a narrow-gauge funicular railway ferrying passengers to the heights of the Bunker Hill district in downtown L.A. After its debut in 1901, Angels Flight quickly became a defining characteristic of the City of Angels. If you’re looking for romantic things to do in Los Angeles on a budget, this is it: The fare costs only $1 each way.  

2. Explore The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden

You can never go wrong with a date at the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden—one of the most beautiful gardens in California. Coming here with your special someone is one of the best date ideas in Los Angeles. Roaming peacocks, floss silk trees, blooming poppies, and multiple garden landscapes provide the perfect setting for a romantic afternoon. By the time your date comes to an end, your partner is going to be head over heels for you.  

3. Go Horseback Riding

Who wouldn’t want to be swept off their feet by a knight arriving on a noble steed? Going horseback riding is an awesome outdoor date idea and one of the most romantic things to do in L.A. Dinner dates and movie nights might be everyone’s go-tos, but trying out new activities together is a wonderful way to bond. Los Angeles Horseback Riding offers sunset rides to make your date even more romantic—you just might propose here.  

Romantic Things To Do In L.A. At Night

4. Catch A Flick At the Arena Cinelounge Drive-In

Going old-school might be precisely what you need for a successful date. Watching a movie at a drive-in theater enhances your experience—it’s undoubtedly one of the most romantic things to do in Los Angeles at night. You’ll laugh harder at funny scenes, sob more when the main character dies, and hold on for dear life at every scary scene. So, don’t hesitate to take your date to the Arena Cinelounge Drive-In to watch a cult classic or a horror movie; it’ll make for an unforgettable evening. 

5. Discover The Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk

Sure, you can go to museums and art galleries during the day, but admiring the vibrant Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk is a whole other experience after sundown. Explore the historic L.A. streets with your special someone while discovering famed film studios, cool art installations, and pop-up exhibitions along the way. A colorful cultural experience makes for an undeniably memorable date, so add it to your list of romantic things to do in Southern California.  

6. See The Strange At Ripley’s Believe It Or Not

Weird things always tend to stand out. After all, it’s hard not to notice shrunken heads, robot sculptures, and unusual art—spot all of these peculiar findings with your date at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not. True, you won’t exactly be sharing a milkshake with two straws and gazing into each other’s eyes, but you’ll both be astounded by bizarre artworks and mind-boggling illusions. Ditch the regular lunch rendezvous and plan this awesome date idea in Hollywood. 

Romantic Restaurants In Los Angeles

7. Orsa & Winston

Location: 122 West Fourth Street, Los Angeles

Indulge in creative and artsy Asian-Italian dishes amidst a minimalist setting at Orsa & Winston. The Michelin-star eatery features daily-changing menus, omakase tastings, and family-style prix-fixe, making it perfect for a one-of-a-kind dinner date. Due to the pandemic, Orsa & Winston currently offers only no-contact pickup and delivery (indoor and outdoor dining are currently prohibited). However, don’t let that hold you back from trying unique and delectable meals from this romantic restaurant in Los Angeles. 

8. Gamboge

Location: 1822 North Broadway, Los Angeles

Experience the enticing flavors of Cambodia with your special someone at Gamboge. The Cambodian-inspired deli, cafe, and marketplace offers classic comfort food that warms your heart and fills your stomach with deliciousness. Gamboge has a cute little outdoor patio that’s made for alfresco date nights. Unfortunately, dining in isn’t currently an option due to the pandemic—but if you’re looking for date ideas during COVID-19, you can always plan an at-home date night and order hearty meals from this local eatery.  

9. Providence

Location: 5955 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles

Providence is arguably the most romantic restaurant in Los Angeles. Ever since its 2005 debut, the fine-dining destination has elevated the standard of modern American seafood restaurants. Using only wild-caught, sustainable products, Providence aims to showcase the finest ingredients in each impeccable dish. The highly acclaimed restaurant’s farm-raised caviar and salt-roasted Santa Barbara spot prawn will take your taste buds on an extraordinary journey. Although dining in isn’t available right now, ordering takeout is always an option. 

Free Date Ideas In L.A.

10. Watch The Sunset At Santa Monica Pier 

It goes without saying that the energy at Santa Monica Pier is unparalleled—the sound of crashing waves, the sun radiating on everyone’s faces, and the bustling boardwalk all give life to the entire place. Here, your options are endless. Playing games, eating sweets, going on rides, and people watching are a few of the many things to do at the pier. But nothing beats watching the sun sink into the horizon. 

As golden hour arrives, the sky gradually sheds its light and creates an explosion of red, orange, and purple. Watch the last bits of light dim and tick off one of the most romantic things to do in California from your bucket list. 

11. Take A Stroll At The Exposition Park Rose Garden

Rose gardens and romance are two things that go together, and you can never go wrong with classic date ideas. The Exposition Park Rose Garden is the perfect place to get to know one another. The historic seven-acre sunken garden is L.A.’s best-kept secret—it features four gazebos, multiple statues, and a central fountain. Of course, strolling among the wide variety of fragrant roses is a must during your visit.

12. Have A Picnic At Beverly Gardens Park

There isn’t a single person in the world who wouldn’t want to go on a picnic date at Beverly Gardens Park—it has everything you need for a nice and relaxing afternoon. The park stretches for two miles and features a running path, several gardens, gorgeous sculptures, and the iconic Beverly Hills Sign. Between the lush surroundings, tasty snacks, and great company, any couple will enjoy a picnic at this park. So if you’re still looking for romantic things to do in Beverly Hills, you’ve got your answer. 

Where To See Romantic Views In Los Angeles

13. Hike Through Runyon Canyon Park

Runyon Canyon Park is a popular hiking destination for a very good reason—the 160-acre expanse boasts the best views of L.A. Featuring multiple trails with different difficulty levels, the park offers views of the cityscape, Hollywood Sign, and enviable mansions. You can even explore the area with your best four-legged friend, so don’t leave your dogs at home while you go on a date—bring them along to see if they approve of your date. 

14. Explore The Venice Canals

A romantic stroll through the Venice Canals adds a whole other dimension to your relationship—you’re transported to Italy without even leaving the state. The idyllic setting features arching pedestrian bridges, breathtaking architecture, and bobbing boats. The calm waters cancel out the city noises, and you’re immediately immersed in the tranquility. Discover your inner peace with your loved one by your side, and feast your eyes on the most romantic views in Los Angeles. 

15. Discover Escondido Falls

Escondido Falls has the most romantic view in Los Angeles—after all, can it get more romantic than seeing the finest waterfall in L.A.? Beginning just off the Pacific Coast Highway, the 3.7-mile out-and-back trail leads you through forests and fields of vivid wildflowers along the way. You’ll know immediately when you reach Escondido Falls. Cascading over a wall of green moss and landing in a tranquil pool, the waterfall is the picture-perfect spot for a kiss.