Valentine’s Day Escapes: L.A.’s Most Romantic Spots Revealed

From beaches to movie magic—plan your dream Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles!

Published: June 4, 2026
Couple on the Beach

So, you’re looking for the ultimate Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re strolling along palm-lined beaches with your sweetheart, sharing decadent treats, or channeling old Hollywood romance, the City of Angels delivers date ideas as fun and varied as the couples celebrating here. This Valentine’s, discover the best places to celebrate in style—think sweeping views, star-studded experiences, playful bike rides, and a few cozy corners just waiting for that picture-perfect moment. 

Our fave Valentine’s Day activities in Los Angeles include: 

  • Griffith Observatory Tour 
  • Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking 
  • The Getty Center Guided Tour 
  • Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales 
  • Universal Studios Hollywood 
  • GRAMMY Museum 
  • Dinner at Perch LA 
  • Heal the Bay Aquarium 
  • Sweet treats at Milk Bar Los Angeles 

Griffith Observatory Tour: Romance with a View 

If you want Valentine’s Day to feel celestial, start with a trip to Griffith Observatory. Perched high above the city in Griffith Park, this legendary spot is tailor-made for romance, especially come sunset. Take a guided tour and you’ll dive deep into cosmic mysteries, learning little wonders about the universe together—because nothing says “eternal love” quite like stargazing, right? 

After checking out the fascinating exhibits and peering through historic telescopes, wander out onto the terrace. That sweeping view stretches from the downtown skyline to the Pacific—if you time it right, the sky turns candy-colored for a golden-hour mood that’s impossible not to swoon over. Bring a blanket, grab a selfie, and enjoy the feeling of having all of L.A. sparkling beneath your feet. 

Highlights of Santa Monica & Venice Beach Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking: Lovers on the Move 

Craving a fun and breezy date? Pedal your way through the heart of L.A.’s coastal playgrounds with a Bike Tour of Santa Monica and Venice Beach. You’ll cruise palm-lined boardwalks and pass quirky art installations, friendly locals, and the picture-perfect Santa Monica Pier—all with the salty ocean breeze as your plus one. 

It’s a playful way to cover plenty of ground without missing a single view. Hold hands as you bike along quiet stretches, or pause for a quick photo op with the famous Venice sign. From Muscle Beach to Pacific Park, there’s something laid-back and joyful about exploring together on two wheels. Punctuate your ride with coffee stops, fresh juice bars, or split a funnel cake when you’re ready for a sugary pick-me-up. 

The Getty Center Guided Tour: Art, Gardens, and Inspiration 

If your love story is a work of art, the Getty Center is your ultimate Valentine’s Day destination. Take a guided tour for expert insight into masterpieces—think van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt—and feel inspired by every brushstroke. The architecture is equally dreamy, with grand white travertine, glowing gardens, and sun-drenched terraces that feel like the set of a classic romance film. 

The Getty’s Central Garden is downright enchanting, with shaded paths, fragrant blooms, and secret spots where you can settle in for a quiet moment together. Admission is free, making this date idea even sweeter for budget-conscious lovebirds. We recommend packing a picnic (or picking up something from the on-site café) and finding a spot overlooking the vineyard-dotted hills. 

Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour by Newport Whales: Adventure at Sea

Whale Watch & Dolphin Tour

For couples who love a little adventure, a Whale Watch and Dolphin Tour off Newport Beach is the way to go. Out on the Pacific, it’s just the two of you (okay, plus a boatload of fellow nature lovers), the salty breeze, and the thrill of spotting migrating whales or playful dolphin pods leaping right beside the boat. 

This shared excitement feels extra special—bring a jacket, snuggle close, and keep your cameras ready for those unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime moments. The crew’s enthusiasm is infectious, and between awe-inspiring marine life and epic ocean views, you’ll make memories that go far beyond the usual dinner-and-roses routine.

Universal Studios Hollywood: Lights, Camera, Romance! 

Theme parks aren’t just for families—Universal Studios turns up the fun for couples too. Race each other on thrill rides, share popcorn during a behind-the-scenes studio tour, and cozy up in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Springfield’s zany streets. There’s something uniquely L.A. about mixing blockbuster excitement with your Valentine’s Day celebration. 

Don’t skip a sunset stroll along Universal CityWalk after dark. Neon lights, entertainment, and street performers create an electric energy, while casual eateries and sweet treat shops guarantee smiles galore. Grab churros, pose with your favorite character statue, and let your playful side shine. 

GRAMMY Museum: Groove Together in Music History 

If you’ve ever argued (lovingly) over the greatest pop love song, the GRAMMY Museum is your answer. Walk through interactive exhibits dedicated to music legends, discover vintage costumes, and try your hand at mixing tracks in the Sound Lab—no musical talent required, just a sense of fun. 

The museum’s mood is lively but intimate, with hands-on installations that get you both moving, singing, and maybe even revealing your secret karaoke strengths. It’s an energizing spot for couples who want to share their love of music, debate Grammy-winning records, or just belt out “your song” together. 

Dinner at Perch LA: Dinner With Rooftop Vibes 

A romantic dinner is always classic, but Perch LA adds something extra—stunning 360-degree cityscape views from a French-inspired rooftop bistro. The twinkling lights and cozy fire pits set the tone, while the menu delivers with favorites like steak frites, melt-in-your-mouth duck confit, and the signature crème brûlée. 

Live jazz and vintage Parisian décor make every seat feel like the best one in the house. Whether you come dressed to impress or keep it casual, you’ll leave with that just-fell-in-love feeling. Book ahead, especially if you want a golden-hour table with unobstructed downtown views. 

Heal the Bay Aquarium: Sea Life, Seaside, and Sweet Moments

Couple at the Aquarium

For a date with a difference, head to the Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier. This compact, interactive space invites visitors to get hands-on with tide pools, meet local marine creatures, and help support ocean conservation—all perfect conversation starters for an easy-going, meaningful day. 

Step outside after your visit and you’re right on the sand, ready for Ferris wheel rides or a sunset hand-in-hand walk along the pier. The playful spirit of this aquatic spot pairs perfectly with post-aquarium fish tacos or a cone from Scoops Ice Cream nearby.

Sweet Treats at Milk Bar Los Angeles: Dessert for Two 

Why end your Valentine’s adventure with anything less than a sugar rush? Milk Bar’s playful bakery in LA is home to famous treats like the gooey Compost Cookie, whimsical Birthday Cake truffles, and, of course, that rich Cereal Milk soft serve. It’s all delightfully Instagrammable—so snap your dessert before you dig in. 

The bakery’s vibe is friendly and cheeky, making it a top spot for couples who want to share something sweet without the white-tablecloth pressure. Order a selection to split, toast to your sweet tooth, and start plotting your next L.A. food adventure together. 

 

However you celebrate, Los Angeles elevates Valentine’s Day from ordinary to extraordinary. Whether you’re after cultural gems, wild adventures, or classic romance with a twist, these experiences guarantee memories—and plenty of smiles—to keep your hearts full year-round. Happy Valentine’s Day, L.A. style! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Universal Studios Los Angeles or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Los Angeles Passes  

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15+ Things to Do in Los Angeles with Teenagers During Your Trip

Family vacations are wonderful, but finding attractions that everyone will love can be a challenge. Especially when you’ve got teens in the mix! How do you find something that keeps them entertained and sees them spending time with the whole family? Fortunately, we’re here to help you out. If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles with teenagers, check out this list of our favorite teen-friendly activities, including... Universal Studios Hollywood Knott's Berry Farm Six Flags Magic Mountain Madame Tussauds Hollywood Long Beach Whale Watch K1 Speed Indoor Go Karting Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Aquarium of the Pacific L.A. Zoo and more... Immerse yourself in the world of Universal Studios Hollywood  The whole family can agree that Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit destination in Los Angeles. They’ve got attractions to appeal to the whole family, such as thrilling rides like TRANSFORMERSTM: The Ride-3D, and many more. There are plenty of other franchise-based attractions, too, like Despicable Me Minion Mayhem and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. You're bound to find something your teens love! Another central feature of the Universal experience is their famed Studio Tour, which escorts guests behind the scenes of one of the world’s most prolific movie studios. Please note: Admission is only available on the Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass and can only be used on a single day during the duration of the pass. Meet celebrities at Madame Tussauds Hollywood If all your teen does is gush over celebrities, visiting Madame Tussauds Hollywood will be a real treat. Get a few awesome photos with your favorite stars and craft that perfect Instagram snap for your friends at home. You'll find famous figures organized throughout multiple exciting exhibits, including themes like movie characters, pop stars, and sports icons. Who wouldn't love the chance to meet some of the most famous people in the last few years? After all, a wax replica of Beyoncé is probably the closest most of us will come to meeting the real deal! The Kylie Jenner figure is a must-see for fans of the Kardashian clan. Sculpted to represent the reality star in her custom-made Balmain gown from the 2016 Met Gala, this figure is so realistic it actually fooled her fans. Indulge your love of Hollywood It’s hard to avoid celebrity culture when you’re visiting L.A., so why not embrace it? There are plenty of amazing attractions that will keep your teen enthralled as you explore the world of Hollywood stardom, from a fascinating visit to the Hollywood Museum to a comprehensive movie star homes tour. Or, you could opt for a fun Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes walking tour that highlights many of the Hollywood hotspots and historic sites, from the Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre to the Hollywood sign. Enjoy L.A.'s other amazing theme parks If Universal Studios Hollywood isn’t enough to quench your theme park thirst, then bring the kids to one of the many other amazing theme parks in the Los Angeles area. From the charming, old-school style of Pacific Park to the always exciting Knott’s Berry Farm (which also has a sister water park!), there are so many choices. Another local favorite is the fantastic Six Flags Magic Mountain, featuring a wide variety of thrill rides and other entertainment. Getting in: Knott's Berry Farm is included on the Go City® All-Inclusive Pass. Get out on the water California's coast is teeming with stunning marine life, so don't waste the opportunity to get the teens outdoors and onto a boat trip to spot these beautiful creatures! Join a Whale Watch tour to get up close to orca whales, humpback whales, fin whales, minke whales, and sperm whales. They can be seen year-round engaging in lunge feeding, breaching, fluking, and more. You might even spot bottlenose and Pacific white-sided dolphins and California sea lions, harbor seals if you're lucky! Get wild on indoor karts Let the kids race each other for the title of best go-kart driver at an exhilarating indoor kart racing facility operated by K1 Speed Indoor Go Karting. Get a feel for some of the newest and best kart technology out there as you all enjoy riding laps with K-1 Speed’s new European electric karts. State-of-the-art scoring technology will make you feel like you’re in a real kart race, too! And don't worry, parents, even if they don't have their driver's license yet, it's totally safe for them to operate these karts. Kind of like practice for the real thing! Explore famous movie studios If your teens loved the Universal Studios Hollywood experience and are looking for more movie action, you're in luck. Hollywood is chock full of famous studios with movie lots to tour, including the iconic Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood and the family-favorite Sony Pictures Studio Tour. Warner Bros. is an especially fun experience because you'll be essentially walking through a working studio, which is something cinematically inclined teens will love. Encounter aquatic animals Animal-loving teens will find much to enjoy about Los Angeles. Aquatic creatures abound at the delightfully interactive Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (which is located in a fun neighborhood to explore). For those who want to focus exclusively on the vast array of sea life found in the Pacific Ocean, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a sure bet. If your teen prefers the fuzzy over the scaly, then a visit to the L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park is a great option. Featuring over 1,000 different creatures from around the globe, in addition to more than 7,000 different plants in the Botanical Garden, this is an unbeatable attraction in Los Angeles. Battleship Iowa museum Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® There you have it. Our list of some of the top things to do in Los Angeles with teenagers during your upcoming trip. Consider adding a few of these teen-friendly options to your vacation itinerary. Enjoy! With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your Los Angeles must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. Whichever Los Angeles attraction pass you pick, it'll help you make the most of your trip! ☀️ Compare Los Angeles passes ☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️  
Katie Sagal

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