Post By: Andy Hayes, Planet Eye Traveler

Photo by kla4067, Nogwater

Los Angeles, one of America’s biggest cities and the home of movie stars.  But where some see smog, clogged highways and life at a hectic pace, others see love and romance in a oceanside city.  You can’t deny that LA does fare pretty well when it comes to weather, and if you look close enough, you can find plenty of places to work on that budding romance of yours – some of my faves are the views, either of the mountains, the city, or of course, the Pacific Ocean.  Here are a few ideas.

 

Dinner at the Odyssey

I was spoiled from the start with my first dining experience at the Odyssey, which is often rated as one of the top view restaurants in Los Angeles.  Really, the views are sweeping, and the facility itself is just gorgeous.  Despite the impression some will give you, dinner at the Odyssey isn’t terribly expensive.  Given the view and ambience, especially if you can sit outside, I think it’s great value and worth a premium and has a terrific romantic atmosphere – somewhat exclusive without being stuffy at all.  Dinner is when you get those sparkly views looking out, but folks tend to rave about the Odyssey brunch menu as well. Reservations recommended.

Korean Bell of Friendship

The Korean Bell of Friendship is another great place with a view.  The bell is a little unremarkable – a massive slab of bronze.  It’s more the beautiful pavilion which looks out onto the ocean that’s the real highlight.  The pavilion is fairly new, opened in 1976 to celebrate the American bicentennial and to honor Korean War veterans.  This is a wonderful place to just chill out with your coffee and someone special to go or even pack a small picnic – bell of friendship, bell of romance, it’s your call.

There are other parks in this area as well – Cabrillo Beach Park sits out on a tiny peninsula.  Cabrillo also has a Marine Aquarium if you find fish romantic. Around the corner though is Point Fermin- a beautiful lighthouse that  looks a bit more like a country ranch house that conveniently had a lighthouse installed.  It was built in 1874, and is not in use any more.  Tours are free, but you need to call ahead to confirm opening times as they’re irregular (310-241-0684).  I wish they’d turn this place into one of those chic B&Bs – it has that perfect romantic flair to it.

And if you want a snack and don’t want to picnic, there’s the Pacific Diner which has some seriously tasty brunch choices – home fried potatoes, Greek feta omelets, and more.

Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive is perhaps one of Los Angeles’s most famous drives – and it was pretty famous before the movie of the same name came out.  The reason is that this short, twisty drive has incredible views, both the vista you get looking out onto Los Angeles, as well as the stunning homes and immaculate lawns on the other side.  The best time to visit is late afternoon so you get that fiery red sky going on, though it’s also very pretty after dark, if you’re up for the winding curves.

Please make sure that you aren’t pulling off into someone’s driveway to take a picture or park – their security details don’t take too kindly to strangers.  The drive has several well-marked parking areas, so if there is no sign, don’t park there.  Besides, you’ll want to be off the road so you can linger a bit and maybe sneak a quick kiss while watching the sun set over LA.

The Naples Gondola

Did you know that there are several neighborhoods in Los Angeles with canals?  I was skeptical the first time I heard this, but after hearing about them from two or three other places I’m a little less skeptical.  On the canals in Naples you can even take a gondola ride.  The gondola company knows a thing or two about romance, so on your private gondola you can bring aboard whatever you want – some champagne, or maybe a thermos of spiked hot toddy for those chilly afternoons – and they’ll supply buckets of ice, cups, or whatever else you might need.  Make your requests when you make your booking.   The ride is about an hour long.  Perhaps a unique way to propose – or at least give a special someone a gift?

If a gondola isn’t your thing, no problem.  There’s a walkway so you can walk the entire length of the canal area – though be careful, after seeing all those million dollar boats and canal front houses, you might be wanting one of your own.

 

Relaxing Malibu

Last but not least is a trip to Malibu, where you can squish the sand in between your toes and take a relaxing walk on the beach.  Despite being one of the most exclusive and expensive areas in Los Angeles, the abundant trees and forest kind of give Malibu a peaceful vibe.  Malibu has no less than six beaches, and eight parks in the area; a few beaches charge an access fee as locals want to reduce crowding, but there are plenty of places you can go free of charge.  You can even walk between beaches – Zuma is a favorite with travelers.  Most of the folk who live here congregate very close to the Pacific Coast Highway, as behind the town are canyons which in the past have been subject to both wildfires and mudslides.

Downtown Malibu has a number of restaurants, so why not come hungry and after your walk you can enjoy a meal. Geoffrey’s is a regular haunt of locals (and possible celebrity sightseeing excursion), but don’t miss out on the fish tacos over at Duke’s.  And whatever you do, find time to end the day with a romantic toast over a martini (very Malibu) or maybe a flute of some classy Champagne.

After a day or evening of exploring the City of Angels, make sure you have a place to call home! Check out our Los Angeles short term rentals.

Do you have a favorite romantic view in LA?