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

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 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

See the City of Angels From Above

A romantic hike is the perfect Valentine's Day activity, especially in Southern California's balmy February climate. You and your partner will be rewarded with unparalleled views over the city from above the iconic Hollywood Sign.

On this 90-minute Hollywood Sign Tour, you'll take in exciting LA history as you walk through the sun-soaked hills overlooking Los Angeles. You may even spot a celebrity or two!

Dine Aboard the Queen Mary

With stunning water and skyline views 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 stunning views of the harbor and the Pacific Ocean.

Chelsea Chowder House is more fun and contemporary, and offers 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 place for a romantic drink if a 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

Image credit: Los Angeles Zoo Facebook page / George Stoneman.

Griffith Park is one of our favorite outdoors destinations in all of Los Angeles, and it’s definitely worth a visit. In addition to being home to the famous Hollywood sign, it’s also 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 collection of a wide variety of local and exotic plants. Displays are designed to showcase the relationship between flora and fauna, and the ways in which animals depend heavily on all kinds of plants.

So rent a bike and pedal around the park - it’s going to be some pretty mild weather even in the middle of February.

Enjoy Theme Parks

Image Credit: Universal Studios Hollywood

There is so much fun to be had in the theme parks around the greater LA area that it’s well worth a visit to one or two. You don't need kids to tag along either, there are plenty of adult rides and experiences to keep you and your other half entertained. It can be really romantic, too, if you’re both the fun-loving, active type who gets a kick out of movie magic and mayhem.

Movie fans will love the amazing 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, in addition to some stuff that’s just plain fun.

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 but modern at the same time – you'll feel like you're on a date at the fairground.

Check out the Museum Scene

An outdoor exhibit at the La Brea Tar Pits.

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 architecture of the Getty Villa to the lush gardens surrounding the building. There are also, of course, 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 La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, which showcases this amazing prehistoric site and the research that’s been 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 (the very epitome of love, nestled among other gardens), you’ll also find an astonishing manuscript collection, a rich and varied art gallery, and a world-class research library.

Indulge Your Fandom at Madame Tussauds

So you love nothing more than a good cozy evening in with your partner and some Netflix? There’s no reason why your love of TV and movies has 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 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

With such a big population of talented actors, musicians, artists, and more, you can’t be surprised that LA has an amazing theatre scene. From high-class performances like opera and classical music to indie theatre 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 a number of 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 places that the biggest names in Hollywood have inhabited. While you're in the area, 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

Enjoy 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, a cruise like the Long Beach Harbor Cruise option can be an excellent way to see the sights AND enjoy some 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? then the whale watch option from Long Beach Cruises may be right for you.

Remember to Save on Attraction Admission

So there you have it. Our list of some romantic things to do in Los Angeles, just in time for Valentine's Day. Remember, most of these great options are included on the pass for Los Angeles by Go City. With a pass, you can make great savings on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the pass.