When date night rolls around, are you ready to go, or are you scrambling for ideas? If you’re searching for romantic things to do in Los Angeles, you’re in luck—this city is full of unforgettable experiences for you and your special someone.
Whether you’re planning to watch the sunrise from a scenic overlook, take a spontaneous day trip, or surprise your partner with a bouquet of 100 roses, there’s no shortage of ways to make your date truly magical. Imagine starting the evening with a breathtaking rooftop dinner, where you pop the champagne as the city lights twinkle below.
Or perhaps you’d rather keep it spontaneous—whisk your partner away on a scenic coastal drive and end the night with a small, but thoughtful surprise before sharing dessert at a hidden gem café. Whatever your style, Los Angeles offers endless ways to set the mood for romance.
1. Art, Books, & Botanicals at the Huntington
Located on 120 acres, the Huntington in San Marino has everything you could possibly need for a date full of literature, artwork, and flowers. Surrounded by gardens featuring botanical varieties from all over the world, the Huntington is filled with rare written works.
It also holds one of the most impressive art galleries featuring famous masterpieces such as Thomas Gainsborough’s “The Blue Boy” and many more. Not only that, but there is also a collection that recognizes the work of some of Pasadena’s most famous and talented architects.
As a fun date night idea on a “intellectual level”, why not share a thoughtful bouquet accompanied with a poemic handwritten note to add to the scenery?
2. A Night of Luxurious Comfort
Maybe you and your date are looking for a way to unwind and reconnect in pure indulgence. One of the most romantic things to do in Los Angeles is to escape into luxury with a stay at the Ritz-Carlton on West Olympic Boulevard. With elegant suites, exclusive club rooms, and an inviting rooftop pool, it’s the perfect setting for a night of opulence. Spoil yourselves at the hotel’s world-class spa before indulging in an unforgettable dining experience.
To take the romance to the next level, surprise your partner with a bottle of wine and a stunning bouquet of roses waiting in your suite. And as the night winds down, elevate the experience even further—imagine stepping into a room adorned with a bed of roses, with a luxurious spa kit laid out as the perfect pampering gift to end the evening. It’s the ultimate way to wrap up a night of lavish comfort and romance.
3. Sunset Flights
Experience Los Angeles like you never have before and take your date on a beautiful sunset flight. Considered to be one of the most romantic date ideas in LA, you can’t go wrong enjoying the gorgeous city views as the sun paints the evening sky. Some private flight companies even provide exclusive facilities that allow you to be taken to a high-end restaurant at the end of the flight. You and your date can’t go wrong with such a beautiful way to spend time together.
4. Wine Safari
If you and your sweetheart enjoy wine, why not take them on a tasting adventure unlike any other? One of the most authentic romantic things to do in Los Angeles is a Malibu Wine Safari, where you’ll explore 1,000 acres of the stunning Saddlerock Ranch & Vineyard by jeep.
This unique experience includes visits to two charming tasting spots, where you’ll sip on six different varieties of wine, paired with a delightful snack of crackers and delicious spreads. But this is no ordinary wine tour—what’s a safari without animals? Along the way, you and your date will have the chance to get up close and personal with zebras, camels, and even a friendly giraffe.
To add an extra personal touch, bring along an exotic orchid bouquet, perfectly complementing the lush scenery and wild charm of this unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect way to sip, explore, and celebrate romance in a setting as adventurous as your love.
5. Rooftop Movie Night
When a movie at just any old theater simply won’t do, take your date to the Rooftop Cinema Club in Los Angeles. Cuddle up with your date for a flick under the night sky at one of the most romantic cinemas in the area. Featuring comfortable deck chairs, wireless headphones for superior listening, and complimentary blankets, you can enjoy award-winning movies in a truly unique setting.
For an extra touch of romance, bring your own candle-lit and flower setup, transforming the space into your own private retreat. Whether it’s a classic love story or a thrilling blockbuster, the intimate atmosphere makes every moment feel special. With the city skyline as your backdrop and a cozy embrace keeping you warm, it’s the perfect way to turn a simple movie night into a cinematic love story.
6. Vintage Bowling
A couple’s game night could be just what the two of you need. Highland Park Bowl is one of the most fun and romantic date ideas LA has to offer. Originally opened during the Prohibition Era, the bowling alley is dripping in vintage glam style. Complete with vintage pin-setter chandeliers and recovered early 1900’s murals, you and your date can bowl with all of the feelings of a vintage romance.
You can also enjoy fantastic refreshments including wood-fired pizzas and cocktails throughout the evening. As you challenge each other to a playful match, elevate the evening with one of their handcrafted cocktails and a slice of their famous wood-fired pizza.
To make the night even more enchanting, surprise your partner with a luxurious bouquet, a nod to the grand, old-fashioned gestures of romance. Whether you’re bowling strikes or just laughing over gutter balls, this date is all about vintage vibes, great drinks, and unforgettable memories.
7. Visit the Happiest Place on Earth
Make it a day trip and take your date to explore what many say is the happiest place on earth at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. Take your fairest one of all and enjoy all of the thrilling rides and experiences the park has to offer, including Galaxy’s Edge, Space Mountain, the Haunted House, and more.
Don’t forget to meet with the iconic Disney couple, Mickey and Minnie Mouse, to make your date complete. You can also enjoy the fabulous parade that happens every evening featuring fireworks and laser light shows that are truly awe-inspiring, making this one of the most romantic things to do in LA.
8. Spend the Day at Griffith Park
If you are looking for a date idea that will get you both moving and enjoying the great outdoors, this is the place for you. Spanning over 4,000 acres of land, Griffith Park has something for everyone to enjoy. Why not go on a guided hike to the top of the famous Hollywood Sign or enjoy some of the many other activities including cycling, golfing, and horseback riding? With over 50 miles of trails featuring waterfalls and lagoons, you and your date can have tons of fun all in one place.
9. Stargaze at the Observatory
What better way to spend a romantic evening than appreciating the stars… and your date? The Griffith Observatory, situated in Griffith Park, is easily one of the most romantic things to do in Los Angeles. Offering free public telescope viewings on clear nights, you can gaze at the gorgeous stars above using the historic Zeiss telescope, the solar telescope, or one of the portable lawn telescopes.
For a more immersive experience, visit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, where captivating shows bring the cosmos to life (admission required).
For those seeking an unforgettable romantic gesture, consider a starlit proposal under the breathtaking night sky—there’s nothing more magical than popping the question with the entire universe as your backdrop.
Or, take your love story even further by purchasing a star in your partner’s name, a unique and lasting symbol of your love. Star registration services allow you to name a celestial body, providing an official certificate, star map, and coordinates so you can always find “your” star together—a gift as timeless as the night sky itself.
10. Amusements at the Santa Monica Pier
Amusement parks are one of the most fun places to go on a date, and it can be one of the most romantic, too. Enjoy the excitement of roller coasters and other amusement park rides while taking in the beautiful views of SoCal Beach.
Try to win your date a prize at one of the many carnival games, get them a souvenir for your special night together, and indulge in some of the most delicious pier foods. If you go at night, you can take in all of the colorful lights and take a Ferris wheel ride. Why not surprise them with a rose and maybe even steal a kiss at the top?
11. Romance & A Dinner Cruise
Surprise the one you adore with a romantic dinner cruise at Marina Del Rey, one of the most romantic things to do in Los Angeles for couples who love fine dining and ocean views. Just minutes from Lincoln Boulevard, this elegant cruise offers a magical evening on the water, where you and your date can indulge in a three-course gourmet dinner prepared by an onboard chef. Dine under the soft glow of string lights as you glide through the marina, with the spring breeze carrying the lovely scent of gentle peonies and salt air.
After dinner, step onto the open deck and take in the breathtaking views of the Pacific as the city lights reflect on the water. Sway together in a romantic dance to live music or soft melodies, making this an evening straight out of a dream. Whether celebrating a special occasion (an anniversary, perhaps?) or simply elevating date night, this enchanting cruise is the perfect way to create lasting memories with your special someone.
12. Take a Train
While it may not seem like a train ride could be romantic, the Pacific Surfliner offers all of the components of a cute date. Enjoy a ride from Union Station all the way along the coast. While you appreciate all of the sights the journey has to offer, you and your date can feast on a delicious lunch in Santa Barbara. Vintage wine tastings are also available. You will also have time to explore various eateries before heading back in the evening and having the chance to witness the beautiful sunset.
Upon arriving in Santa Barbara, enjoy a leisurely lunch at a charming eatery, then explore the city’s Spanish-style streets or indulge in a vintage wine tasting. To add an extra touch of old-world romance, surprise your date with a vintage, preserved bouquet, a perfect complement to the timeless elegance of train travel. As the journey home unfolds, snuggle up and watch the sun dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the Pacific—a picture-perfect ending to your day of adventure and romance.
13. 1920’s Nightlife
If you and your date are captivated by the glamour of a bygone era, then stepping into The Cicada Club is like traveling back in time. One of the most romantic things to do in Los Angeles, this vintage-inspired venue immerses you in the roaring ’20s, complete with dazzling décor, live jazz, and an electrifying swing-dancing scene. As you sip classic cocktails and indulge in fine dining, you’ll feel the golden age of Hollywood come to life around you.
To truly embrace the theme, dress the part—think elegant flapper dresses and dapper suits. To add a touch of timeless romance, bring along a single red rose, the signature charm of the 1920s, symbolizing passion and sophistication. Whether you’re twirling under the grand chandeliers or savoring the nostalgic ambiance, this experience is a love letter to vintage romance, making for an unforgettable night.
14. A Charming Gondola Ride
Experience one of the most romantic spots in Los Angeles by going on one of the most romantic dates around. Take a gondola ride through Venice and have a night to remember with your other half. Enjoy the gorgeous sunset or bask in the moonlight with your date. Enjoy some wine while admiring the beauty of the city as you float across the crystal waters. This will definitely be one of the most romantic gestures that the one you adore will always remember. Don’t forget to bring a bouquet of flowers for that extra touch of thoughtfulness!
15. See a Live Performance
Located at Griffith Park, the Greek Theater offers one of the best date ideas for those who love a good show. Considered to be one of the top ten most romantic places to visit in Los Angeles, the spacious theater is famous for its extensive range of world-class performances. It is also an architectural wonder, reminiscent of a marvelous Greek Temple. Enjoy a delicious meal under the stars as you and your date experience some of the most memorable live performances around.
16. Classy California Cuisine
If you’re looking for a romantic date near Los Angeles, the Carbon Beach Club Restaurant in Malibu is an exquisite choice. With its stunning oceanfront views, this upscale dining spot is one of the most romantic places to enjoy lunch or dinner with your special someone. The breathtaking scenery sets the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable meal, where you can indulge in fresh, locally sourced seafood and carefully crafted dishes made from the finest regional ingredients.
To elevate your dining experience, explore their artfully plated edible flower dishes, where delicate blossoms add both beauty and subtle, fragrant flavors to each bite. Complement your meal with a floral-infused cocktail or a glass of regional wine, enhancing the flavors of the coast with every sip. Whether it’s a sunlit brunch or a candlelit dinner, Carbon Beach Club offers a dining experience as romantic as the ocean views that surround it.
17. Take to the Countryside
When the country is calling both of your names, you should take your date to Sunset Ranch in Hollywood. Offering horseback riding experiences for beginner and advanced riders alike, there are tours available for everyone. Enjoy a two-hour ride in the evening to Mount Hollywood. You will get to see some of the most beautiful views that the area has to offer while enjoying a leisurely ride on horseback. What could be a better way to disconnect from the city and recharge with one another?
18. Art Appreciation at the Getty Center
Does your lover have an art obsession? Take them to one of the most stunning art museums in Los Angeles. Located in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center is home to an absolutely impressive collection of famous works of art. Featuring masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Renoir, Manet, and many more, there is so much to explore. There are also multiple sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, antiques and beautiful gardens to marvel at the whole date through.
19. Experience the Wizarding World
Do you and your other half have a fondness for Harry Potter? You have just found the perfect date idea. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter located at Universal Studios Hollywood is waiting for you. Explore the magical Hogwarts Castle and venture through the streets of Hogsmeade.
Enjoy some of the most thrilling and magical rides including the Flight of the Hippogriff and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. For fans of fantasy and magic, this is definitely one of the most romantic dates in Los Angeles.
20. Spectacular Shopping Spree
When your date loves shopping, there is no better place to go than the Grove. The Grove Shopping Center in Los Angeles is one of the cutest dates for those who love to shop ’til they drop. An enormous shopping and entertainment complex, you and your date can explore dozens of designer stores, boutiques, bars, clubs, and more.
Enjoy the outdoor mall and all of its wonders, including beauty products, the latest fashions, and some of the most stylish furniture around. When they want to grab a snack before continuing, be prepared with a gift pack of French chocolates and a lovely bouquet to add more energy and romance! It’s a shopping lover’s dream come true.
21. Drive-In Theater
What could be more romantic than cuddling up in your car while watching a classic movie under the night sky? For a romantic night in LA, heading to the Electric Dusk Drive-In can deliver. The only drive-in theater in Los Angeles, this cinema brings about all of the romantic feels of days gone by. Take a cozy blanket, grab some popcorn, and enjoy a movie in front of the giant silver screen from the comfort of your vehicle.
22. Enjoy the Music at Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl located in SoCal is the best date idea for music lovers of all kinds. Not only does the venue host gorgeous shows including ballets and musicals, but it is also one of the best places for dinner and a show. Enjoy a first-class dinner at one of the fantastic eateries before the show begins.
Seating complete with tablecloths and candles can really add to the romantic and musical ambience as you sit under the night sky. From rock and country to latin and pop music, the Hollywood Bowl is the ideal date for two music lovers.
23. For the Perfect Romantic Gesture, Shop Ode à la Rose
Romance isn’t just about grand gestures—it’s in the little moments, the unexpected surprises, and the way a city can set the perfect scene for something unforgettable. Luckily, when it comes to romantic things to do in Los Angeles, there’s no shortage of ways to make sparks fly. Whether it’s a quiet evening wrapped in conversation or an exciting new adventure together, the key is finding what feels right for you both.
But don’t forget about the flowers, because they’re the cherry to the pie when it comes to romance. And if you’re afraid to break your pocket, at Ode a la Rose, we have everything, from the big dazzling pampering bouquets to the small and less expensive gestures, because we think that everyone deserves flowers!
Go ahead—let the city inspire you, embrace the magic in the moment, and create a story worth telling. Because in LA, romance isn’t just something you plan—it’s something you live.
