Romantic Things to Do in Los Angeles for Valentine's Day

Twinkling lights, fairground rides and theatre tours... spending Valentine's Day in LA is a fabulous idea. Here are our best date ideas.

Published: July 18, 2024
Couple in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the city of lights, filled with glitz and glam and tons of magic. So what better place to spend a romantic weekend with your favorite person? Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day 2020 or another special occasion, there are plenty of captivating things to do in Los Angeles.

Our list of things to do in Los Angeles for couples includes...

  • Get views over all of LA
  • Dine aboard the Queen Mary
  • Explore the Griffith Park Observatory
  • Watch a show at one of LA's gorgeous movie theaters
  • Have an adrenalin-filled day at a theme park

See the City of Angels from above

aerial-view-west-hollywood

Los Angeles is the city of lights, filled with glitz and glam and tons of magic. So what better place to spend a romantic weekend with your favorite person? Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day or another special occasion, there are plenty of exciting and romantic things to do in Los Angeles.

Our list of things to do in Los Angeles for couples includes...

  • Get views over all of LA
  • Dine aboard the Queen Mary
  • Explore the Griffith Park Observatory
  • Watch a show at one of LA's gorgeous movie theaters
  • Have an adrenalin-filled day at a theme park

Dine aboard the Queen Mary

night-view-famous-queen-mary

With stunning skyline views from the water and delicious gourmet cuisine, there’s no better place to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Los Angeles than aboard the Queen Mary. Guests have three different dining options to choose from, each promising the romantic dinner of a lifetime.

Sir Winston’s Restaurant and Lounge combines world-class cuisine with gorgeous views of the harbor and the Pacific Ocean.

Chelsea Chowder House is more contemporary, offering a great selection of steak and seafood for the classic dining palate. The Promenade Café is the most casual option, but certainly not the least romantic; the special menu and sweeping views of the Pacific will make your evening unforgettable.

There's also a popular bar called the Observation Bar, serving up classic cocktails in a chic atmosphere. It's the perfect spot for a romantic drink if dinner aboard the Queen Mary isn't in your plans. If you want to explore this historic ship beyond the dining options, they also offer tours, shows, and exhibits.

Explore Griffith Park

griffith-observatory-park-los-angeles-skyline

Griffith Park is one of our favorite outdoors destinations in all of Los Angeles. As well as the home of the famous Hollywood sign, it’s got a fascinating observatory, bike paths, hiking trails, picnic spots, and even the awesome Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens.

The botanical gardens are particularly fascinating, with their wide variety of local and exotic plants. Displays are designed to showcase the relationship between flora and fauna, and how animals depend heavily on all kinds of plants.

So rent a bike and pedal around the park - the weather is pretty mild even in the middle of February.

Enjoy the thrill of a theme park

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There is so much fun to be had in the theme parks around the greater LA area, make sure you check off at least one! You don't need kids to tag along, there are plenty of adult rides and experiences to keep you and your other half entertained. This is an ideal date if you’re both the fun-loving, active type who gets a kick out of movie magic and mayhem.

Movie fans will love Universal Studios Hollywood, which combines state-of-the-art rides with shows and the famous backlot tour which takes you around real-life movie and TV sets. There are tons of things to do there that showcase the behind-the-scenes parts of Hollywood.

If you want to go old school and enjoy a few amusement park rides with a view, then Pacific Park is a good option for you. It's nostalgic and modern at the same time – you'll feel like you're on a date at the fairground.

Check out the museum scene

If you love arts and culture but are looking for something a little less movie-centric, then a visit to an art museum or two might do the trick. This Valentine’s Day, check out the Getty Museum, which offers a diversity of beautiful things to look at, from the gorgeous Getty Villa architecture to the lush gardens surrounding the building. Of course, there are plenty of works of art, with a particular focus on antiquities.

More of a fan of the natural world? Then you’ll want to hit up the prehistoric La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, which showcases the research done on the artifacts and fossils found within.

Just can’t decide what you love more – nature, culture, or art? Then the Huntington Library is an absolute must for your romantic endeavors. In addition to a lush and gorgeous rose garden nestled among other gardens (the very epitome of love!), you’ll also find an astonishing manuscript collection, a vibrant art gallery, and a world-class research library.

Indulge your fandom at Madame Tussauds Hollywood

So you love nothing more than a cozy evening in with your partner and some Netflix? There’s no reason why your love of TV and movies needs to stay at home when you embark on a romantic evening. Pay a visit to Madame Tussauds Hollywood for some unparalleled fan experiences. This popular wax museum is organized into separate, themed sections that cover everything from famous athletes to pop icons to movie stars.

Madame Tussauds Hollywood is bound to have a version of someone you admire so you can take plenty of selfies with your favorite stars. After you’ve had the chance to “meet” the celebrities in amazing wax replicas, head to the Hollywood Museum to pore over their vast collections of movie memorabilia and artifacts. A visit here is a great opportunity to go behind the scenes of some of your favorite movie franchises.

Take in a show

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With such a large population of talented actors, musicians, artists, and more, it's no surprise that LA has an amazing theater scene. From high-class performances like opera and classical music to indie theater and funky art installations, you’ll find it all here. Be sure to look out for some free or low-cost community events, too.

If you prefer to keep your entertainment in the spirit of Hollywood, watch a romantic movie! As you might expect, there are also several beautiful movie theaters to enjoy, like the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre and Egyptian Theatre.

For fans of the Academy Awards, don't miss the chance to take a tour of the Dolby Theatre. It's an elegant building with a grand spiral staircase and an intricately-decorated ceiling. A visit here will bring you to the same backstage areas that the biggest names in Hollywood have inhabited. While you're here, be sure to stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see if you can spot your favorite celeb's star.

Enjoy a scenic cruise

What could be better than a romantic afternoon with your loved one aboard a sightseeing cruise? If you're visiting LA on a romantic getaway and aren't familiar with the city, the Long Beach Harbor Cruise can be an excellent way to see the sights and enjoy some quality time together.

If you're taking the cruise around Valentine's Day, it's important to remember that February falls in the middle of grey whale season. Keep an eye out for these rare beauties! A big fan of whales and other marine mammals? The whale watching option from Long Beach Cruises may be right for you.

A cornucopia of romantic activities

So there you have it. Our list of some romantic things to do in Los Angeles, just in time for Valentine's Day. Please note that the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed. Happy Valentine's!

Save on admission to top Los Angeles attractions with Go City®  

Discover our full line-up of Los Angeles attractions including the Hollywood Sign Tour, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood, Knott's Berry Farm, and more.  

🤩 >> If you want to see and do as much as you can, our All-Inclusive Pass is for you.    

😎 >> If you want to pick just a few attractions and visit at your own pace, our Explorer Pass is the perfect option. 

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Riders at the top of the drop on the HangTime rollercoaster at Knott's Berry Farm, LA.
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Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison LA

You’re never far from a thrill ride in California, where adrenalin junkies, rollercoaster riders and log flume aficionados are spoiled for choice thanks to the abundance of great theme parks. Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland are two of the oldest in the state. Indeed, Knott’s dates all the way back to the 1920s when a solitary stand hawking berry pies, jams and preserves planted the seed for the multi-million-dollar amusement park that stands on the exact same spot today. We took a deep dive into these two magical worlds in our comparison of Knott’s Berry Farm and Disneyland in LA. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland: A Short History California's Disneyland needs no introduction. The original and (many would say) still the best, it’s the only Disney park to have been designed and constructed under the watchful eye of Walt himself. Since opening in 1955, this Anaheim stalwart has been the dream ticket for wide-eyed kids around the world, so it’s little wonder that even after all these years it remains one of the planet’s most-visited theme parks, regularly topping 18m visitors in the pre-Covid era and outgunned only by its younger Disney sibling, Florida’s Magic Kingdom, in the world rankings. The souped-up 21st Century Disneyland contains no less than nine themed zones across 100+ acres, with over 50 attractions to explore, and a whole host of characters to meet: Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald, to name just a few. The charming old Disney Railroad ferries enchanted visitors around the park, covering around 1.2 miles and saving you a small fortune in shoe leather. Quirky fact: Walt Disney secretly kept a private apartment inside Disneyworld, and it’s still there today. Look out for a light in the window above the fire department on main street to see if the maestro’s spirit is in residence. Knott’s Berry Farm operates on a slightly smaller scale, but still packs a punch with nearly 50 rides across its 57 acres. And, oh boy, that boysenberry pie. From its humble beginnings as a roadside berry stand a century ago, Knott’s has expanded organically over the years, adding Mrs. Knott's Chicken Dinner Restaurant as well as several shops and other attractions by the 1940s, including a ghost town, which is still there (though somewhat modernized) today. By the 70s, Knott’s Berry Farm boasted a log ride, bumper cars and a steeplechase rollercoaster. And the rest, as they say, is history. Today, it’s a fully fledged theme park, chock full of thrill rides and other fun attractions. And yes, you can still tuck into a classic fried chicken dinner or sweet, sweet slice of boysenberry pie – though perhaps not immediately prior to boarding the frankly terrifying HangTime rollercoaster. Quirky fact: when the Knott family sought to sell the park in the late 1990s, they ruled Disney out as a potential buyer because of concerns the park would become unrecognizable from their parents’ original vision. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Thrill Rides The cash injection that followed the sale of Knott’s Berry Farm to Cedar Fair in 1997 saw a rapid increase in the number of thrill rides in the park. And, nearly three decades later, there are stacks of great options for the adrenalin fiends among you. Chief among these is the Xcelerator (pictured above), the name of which alone will have most shrinking violets running for the bumper cars and spinning teacups. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be catapulted 20 stories high, reaching speeds up up to 82mph in a little over two seconds, now’s your chance. Definitely not for the faint of heart, it’s joined by the likes of the HangTime coaster with its stomach-churning 96-degree drop, and the epic GhostRider: the tallest and longest wooden rollercoaster in the West. Disneyland’s slightly more child-friendly focus means fewer adrenalin-fueled rides, but there are still a good few here that will get your pulse racing. Case in point: golden oldie Space Mountain has really stood the test of time. Debuted way back in 1977, this pimped-up sci-fi coaster tears through dark tunnels with flashing lights and a booming soundtrack that will make your hair stand on end. The Indiana Jones Adventure is another hair-raising dark ride that allows you to step into the shoes of the famous hat-wearing octogenarian archaeologist before hurtling through terrifying tunnels at a velocity no OAP should ever have to endure. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Water Rides If you don’t come away from your theme park adventure with a drenched shirt and the souvenir photo to prove it, can you really say you’ve been to a theme park? Calico River Rapids forms part of the Ghost Town zone at Knott’s Berry Farm and sees riders spin and splash down the river in family-friendly six-seater dinghies. The Timber Mountain Log Ride is an altogether wetter affair, and the park’s most popular attraction. Ride through a 330-foot long mountain before enjoying (or should that be enduring?) a 42-foot free fall and early bath. Knott’s also has a separately ticketed water park (Knott’s Soak City) that’s open between May and September. Disneyland has a number of sedate boat rides, including the Jungle Cruise and cute Storybook Land Canal Boats, but it’s Splash Mountain you came for, right? Don’t be fooled by the relatively gentle start, with its kid-friendly Br’er Rabbit, Br’er Fox and Br’er Bear storyline: there’s an inevitable drop towards the end that comes with a near-cast-iron guarantee of a soaking. Exit to the sounds of animatronic characters gleefully singing ‘Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah’ at you as you wring out your shirt. Knott's Berry Farm Vs Disneyland Comparison: Family Rides Both of these titans of the theme park world are ostensibly geared towards kids, though Disneyland definitely has the upper hand here, both in terms of pester-power, instantly recognizable characters and child-friendly attractions. In fact, the vast majority of rides and attractions here have no height restrictions, and many are even suitable for babies and toddlers. You’ll find these in every single zone, but particularly Fantasyland, which you’ll recognize straight away from the iconic Sleeping Beauty Castle at its entrance. Inside, expect more nostalgic adventures based around your childhood favorites, including a cute flying Dumbo carousel, the Mad Hatter’s spinning teacups, and a meet and greet with Tinker Bell and her fairy friends in Pixie Hollow. Camp Snoopy is Knott’s Berry Farm’s main children’s zone, with kid-friendly coasters, miniature trains and carousels, primarily designed for children 36” and over. There’s also a chance to meet Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang. Some other attractions around the park, including the Calico Mine Ride, the Merry-Go-Round and Knott’s Bear-y Tales have no height restrictions and are great for families. Fast facts: Knott’s Berry Farm Tickets An All-Inclusive attraction pass from Go City includes general admission and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in LA. Buy a 1, 2, 3 or 5-day pass to access as many attractions as you like in that time period, including the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, LA Zoo and Natural History Museum. You can also book tickets direct via the Knott’s Berry Farm website. Opening Hours The park generally opens daily at 10AM. Closing times vary by season. Check the calendar on the Knott’s Berry Farm website for the most up-to-date information. Getting There Knott’s Berry Farm is at 8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 9062. There’s paid parking on site, or you can take a train to nearby Buena Park Metrolink station. More info on transport options here. Fast facts: Disneyland Tickets Browse ticket options and book direct on the Disneyland website. Opening Hours Hours vary throughout the year but Disneyland usually opens between 8AM and 10AM and closes between 10PM and midnight. View the calendar here. Getting There Disneyland is at 1400 South DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Get info on Disney-themed paid parking here. The park is also served by the Metro Express Line 460 bus from downtown LA and elsewhere, and there’s a Greyhound station about half a mile from the park, which connects to thousands of bus stations across the US. Save on attractions in Los Angeles Save on admission to Chicago attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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10+ Things to Do in Hollywood During Your Trip to Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a vibrant city, full of art, history, and nature. Of course, many people flock to L.A. for the movie and television culture that the area is most famous for. But Hollywood isn’t always easily approachable – there’s so much to see and do that it can often be overwhelming. Fortunately for you, we’ve put together a curated list of our favorite things in Tinsel Town. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Hollywood during your trip to Los Angeles, check out our list of the best local activities and attractions, including... Madame Tussauds Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum TCL Chinese Theatres Tour Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour And more! Save on Hollywood Attraction Admission Admission to many of these top Los Angeles attractions and activities and more are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Choose as you go from top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. See all available passes, attractions & prices – Learn more. Things to Do in HollywoodMadame Tussauds Hollywood Fans of Hollywood will love the chance to experience celebrity culture and “meet” their favorite actors, musicians, and historical figures at Madame Tussauds. This fascinating wax museum is an incredible experience, and visitors of all ages get a kick out of the figures and exhibits. Don't miss the new Marvel Superheroes 4D exhibit. Enjoy multi-sensory components alongside the wax figures, all set in themed areas. Then, check out the exhilarating 4D film experience. Superhero fans of all ages will love it! Getting In: Madame Tussauds Hollywood tickets are available with the Go Los Angeles® Card. TCL Chinese Theatres Guided Tour Take a tour of this world-famous movie theatre and see where celebrity culture is concentrated in Hollywood. You’ll hear fascinating stories about Hollywood premieres and celebrities. Plus, you can tour their Forecourt of the Stars, which features cement hand and food prints of big name stars. Plan to go on your tour later in the day, or stick around for dinner, so you can see Hollywood Lights: The Magic of Movies at the TCL Theatre. This nightly light show features 3D projection mapping that fully covers the facade of the theatre with iconic moments from big-screen movies and 90 years of TCL Theatre history. The 4-minute show plays every 20 minutes starting at 8:30 pm every night. Getting In: TCL Chinese Theatres Guided Tour tickets are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour by Red Line Tours This comprehensive walking tour is a delightful way to explore the secret and not-so-secret hotspots in Hollywood. See everything from big name icons like the TCL Chinese Theatre and Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre to smaller sites like filming locations and the best place to get a photo of the Hollywood sign. If you only do one walking tour in LA, this Hollywood Behind the Scenes tour should be it! Getting In: Hollywood Behind the Scenes Tour tickets are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour by CitySightseeing Expand your horizons beyond the Hollywood neighborhood to explore other areas of the city on this handy hop-on hop-off city tour. Open-air double-decker buses will escort you throughout Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Downtown L.A. Get off at any stop that interests you for a fully customizable tour. Keep in mind that while these buses do explore the Hollywood region, they pick up at Santa Monica Pier. So, this tour may be best for those who only want to see a little bit of Hollywood. Getting In: Sightseeing Hop-on Hop-off City Tour tickets are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Starline Movie Stars’ Homes Tour A two-hour tour that roams throughout the Hollywood area, this highly-rated Movie Stars’ Homes Tour showcases the homes and hangouts of top celebrities. The best part about this tour is the flexibility they have to drive through neighborhoods typically closed to most tour buses. Keep an eye out for any celebrity sightings, and have your cameras ready! Getting In: Starline Movie Stars’ Homes Tour tickets are available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour This half-hour Dolby Theatre Tour is your VIP access to the home of the Academy Awards® Ceremonies. Step inside and revel in the elegance of this state of the art facility. Inspired by the elegance of a European opera house, with state-of-the-art technical capabilities, the Dolby Theatre has hosted the world's top performers. Celine Dion, Prince, Dixie Chicks, American Ballet Theatre, Barry Manilow and the Moscow Stanislavsky Ballet have all performed on this stage! Getting In: Dolby Theatre® Guided Tour tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Hollywood Museum Image credit: Hollywood Museum. Behold the cinematic splendor as you peruse thousands of beloved items from Hollywood's glitzy history, spread out on four floors and across 35,000 square feet. See 10,000 authentic shoebox treasures showcasing 100 years of Hollywood! The Hollywood Museum boasts ten thousand items. Getting In: Hollywood Museum tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Guinness World Record Museum of Hollywood Explore record-breaking facts and feats, documented by the best-selling book, brought to life at the Guinness World Records Museum and take a turn attempting to set a new world record. Don’t miss weighing yourself (and your whole group!) against the world’s heaviest person, comparing your height with the world’s tallest man, and testing your wits about world-record achievements. Getting In: Guinness World Record Museum of Hollywood tickets are available with the Build Your Own Pass. Griffith Observatory Located in the beautiful Griffith Park (another great place to explore around Los Angeles), the Griffith Observatory is filled with fascinating exhibits that focus on astronomy. You’ll see a Foucault pendulum and a Tesla Coil, among some other really cool technologies. You can also take in a planetarium show and look through their famous refracting telescope, located on the roof. Getting In: Admission to the Griffith Observatory is free. Things to do Near HollywoodThe Broad If you’re looking to infuse a little more culture into your life, a visit to the Broad is a must on your to-do list. The newest contemporary art museum in all of L.A., the Broad is filled with 2,000 fascinating, inspiring, and thought-provoking works of art. They also feature periodic special exhibits, so there’s plenty to see on repeat visits as well. Getting In: Admission to the Broad is free. La Brea Tar Pits Explore one of Los Angeles’ natural marvels – the amazing La Brea Tar Pits. An excavation site for fossils from eons long past, today it’s still an active paleontological site. There’s also an accompanying museum that offers special exhibits and excavation tours. Getting In: La Brea Tar Pits and Museum tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. California Science Center & IMAX This hands-on museum offers tons of exhibits showcasing science and technology in many forms. Permanent exhibits feature everything from aquariums filled with live specimens to a popular exhibit containing the space shuttle Endeavour. There’s even an IMAX theater and a number of rotating special exhibits (a small fee applies for these additional activities). Getting In: Admission to the California Science Center is free; and IMAX theater tickets are included on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Ripley’s Believe it or Not! Hollywood Ripley’s has long been hailed as the home of all things weird and wild, and this installation is no exception. There are plenty of funky things to explore at this top Hollywood attraction, from exhibits about natural phenomenon to those containing man-made curiosities. Getting In: Ripley’s Believe it Not! Hollywood is separately ticketed and not available on the Go Los Angeles® Card. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission These are our top recommendations for things to do in Hollywood during your trip to Los Angeles. Go Los Angeles® Card, which can help you can save up to 50% on combined admission vs. paying at the gate. We hope you consider adding a few of these fun options to your L.A. vacation plans.
Katie Sagal

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