EN All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.
Los Angeles
Romantic things to do in Los Angeles
A city in which style and glamour are always the order of the day, Los Angeles is the ideal destination for a luxurious and relaxing city break, with the added bonus of the balmy Californian climate and breezy beachfront location. From jewellery shopping on iconic Rodeo Drive to secluded strolls along deserted beaches, there’s no shortage of romantic things to do in the City of Angels with this two-day itinerary.
Day one
Begin your romantic day in Los Angeles on Rodeo Drive, 10 minutes from Hotel Bel-Air by taxi, or a 20-minute walk from The Beverly Hills Hotel.
Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA
Engagement Ring Shopping on Rodeo Drive
Renowned for its jewellery stores, Rodeo Drive is the first port of call in LA for those looking to browse the best in high-end wedding and engagement rings and diamond set pieces. A walk down the palm-lined boulevard also affords many other tempting shopping opportunities, whilst mulling over that all-important final decision.
From Rodeo Drive, take a 35-minute drive ride to Descanso Gardens.
T: +1 818-949-4290 | 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Descanso Gardens
At its best in spring but beautiful all year round, Descanso Gardens is the ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon, getting lost in the oak forest and sitting quietly by the koi stream in the Japanese Garden. Stop to smell the roses in the five-acre Rose Garden, where over 1,600 flowers span centuries of horticultural history.
Then, take a 15-minute drive to The Huntington complex.
T: +1 626-405-2100 | 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108
The Huntington
The ideal amorous outing for the culturally inclined, The Huntington Library is one of America’s largest libraries, with a vast assemblage of rare books, manuscripts and historical works, while The Huntington Art Gallery offers an impressive collection of American and European art. Follow your cultural explorations with a romantic stroll around the beautiful Botanical Gardens.
The penultimate stop of the day is accessed via a 50-minute drive to Huntington Harbour, where your gondola ride will depart.
T: +1 562-592-3295 | 16370 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Sunset Gondola
Watch the sunset over Huntington Harbour with your beloved on your own private gondola ride. Bring a bottle of your favourite bubbly to enjoy as you gaze out at the California coast. Don’t worry about bringing glasses (or an ice bucket), though, as they’ll provide these as well as a cosy blanket to snuggle under as the night sets in and the stars come out.
Back on dry land, drive for 50 minutes to reach Perch for cocktails and dinner.
T: +1 213-802-1770 | 448 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Cocktails at Perch
From its vertiginous location high above the streets of downtown LA, Perch is the place to visit for incredible views over the city. Take a seat outside on the terrace (there are fire pits for chilly winter evenings) and enjoy Parisian-inspired cocktails, wine or craft beer alongside seasonal sharing plates and wonderfully wicked desserts.
Hotel Bel-Air is then a 40-minute drive away, and The Beverly Hills Hotel a half an hour drive.
Day two
The first stop is Point Dume Nature Preserve, found 50 minutes from either hotel by car.
T: +1 310-457-8143 | Westward Beach Road, Malibu, CA 90265
Point Dume Nature Preserve
This sprawling stretch of coastline is one of Malibu’s most beautiful, untouched beaches. A protected area of ecological importance, wildlife thrives here and whale sightings are common. Take a stroll along the sand or hike to the top of the cliffs for stunning views across the ocean.
To get to Channel Islands National Park, take a 45-minute drive to Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, where the public boats to the islands depart. Alternatively, take a 40-minute drive to Camarillo Airport and access the island of Santa Rosa by plane.
T: +1 805-658-5730 | 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001
Channel Islands National Park
Protecting the fragile natural resources and beauty of the five islands off the California coast, Channel Islands National Park was made for secluded strolling and spending some precious time alone with loved ones. Accessed by boat or plane, this area is one of California’s greatest treasures.
Back on the mainland, it’s half an hour by car to Malibu Wine Safaris from the airport and 45 minutes from Channel Islands Harbor.
T: +1 818-497-2206 | 32111 Mulholland Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Malibu Wine Safari
An atmospheric wine safari through a peaceful, scenic 1,000-acre vineyard and ranch is a truly amorous activity. Sample delicious local wine from the Santa Monica Mountains while enjoying gourmet nibbles and spotting the exotic animals – including zebras and alpacas – that call the ranch home.
Then, hop in the car for the 25-minute journey to Orbic Air Helicopter Tours in Burbank.
T: +1 818-561-4838 | 10750 Sherman Way, Burbank, CA 91505
Orbic Air Helicopter Tour over Los Angeles
An aerial tour over all of the city’s most iconic sights, from the sparkling Santa Monica coastline to the iconic Hollywood sign, offers a truly unique perspective of Los Angeles. For added romance, choose Orbic Air’s Private Romantic Sunset tour, and enjoy a glass of Champagne and dessert as you soak up the incredible views.
A 30-minute taxi ride will then take you to Il Cielo in time for your dinner reservation.
T: +1 310-276-9990 | 9018 Burton Way, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
Dinner at Il Cielo
Known as one the most romantic restaurants in LA, Il Cielo exudes a winning combination of old world charm and classic elegance, serving traditional Italian fare in a truly intimate setting. Enjoy a classic cocktail before dinner on the al fresco patio under the sparkling canopy of fairy lights.
Both hotels are then 15 minutes’ drive from the restaurant by taxi.
Explore
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