"Los Angeles brings the romance—without the celebrity-sized price tag: golden hour hikes, beach strolls, scenic drives, and candlelit cafés create the perfect atmosphere for love on a budget. It’s the kind of place where I can share a sunset, a slice of pie, and a starlit skyline—all without overspending."
I’ve got my hand in theirs, a breeze in my hair, and the city glowing below—all while exploring one of California’s most romantic cities for less. Who knew date night could feel this dreamy without the designer bill?
We start with a sunset hike at Griffith Park, where sweeping views from Griffith Observatory set the mood (bonus: it’s free!). Stroll through the Venice Canals or picnic at Palisades Park overlooking the Pacific. For artsy vibes, visit The Getty Center or The Broad—both free with reservations—and wander hand-in-hand through world-class art and architecture. Catch a classic movie under the stars at Hollywood Forever Cemetery or cuddle up at a rooftop cinema. Wrap it all up with dessert from a local gem like The Pie Hole or a candlelit taco night in Echo Park.
"City lights, coastal kisses, and starry skies—without the five-star price tag? What fun!"
Unique Romantic Activities in Los Angeles:
1. Experience Movie Magic at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a theme park and film studio that offers visitors a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood’s oldest and most famous film studio. Offering tours of real Hollywood sets from famous movies and a fun-filled movie-based theme park, it is one of the world’s most visited attractions and one of the top things to do in LA. The NBC Universal Experience takes you on an intimate journey through some of Universal Studio’s greatest films, showcasing authentic artifacts, costumes and props from blockbusters like Jurassic Park, Jaws, Back to the Future and The Sting.
Transformer fans will delight in this interactive and immersive 3D ride, which uses 3D media and flight simulation technology to create an epic experience based on the popular movie. Rated as Universal Studios #1 show, WaterWorld is a wet and wild adventure that springs to life with death-defying plunges, deafening explosions, roaring firefights and a terrifying plane crash that will have adrenalin pumping through your veins.
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California 91608, Phone: 800-864-8377
2. Stargaze at Griffith Observatory
One of Southern California's most popular attractions, Griffith Observatory is an iconic landmark of Los Angeles and a national leader in public astronomy, inspiring visitors to observe, ponder, and understand the beauty of the sky and surrounding universe. Located in Griffith Park on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, the Observatory sits 1,134 feet above sea level and offers spectacular views across the city for miles.
Made up of a public observatory, planetarium, and exhibition space, Griffith Observatory acts an important informal educational facility for the public and has welcomed over 76 million visitors since its opening in 1935.
The Observatory offers free public telescope viewing every evening to visitors, as well as interactive presentations and shows at the 290-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium. If you are looking for things to do as a couple in LA, the museum hosts exhibitions and workshops throughout its six sections, covering a variety of topics from the solar system to sunsets and moon skies.
2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, California 90027, Phone: 213-473-0800, Griffith Observatory Video
Where to Eat: Café at the End of the Universe, Palermo Italian Restaurant , Home Restaurant
3. If You Love Local Eats, Explore The Original Farmers Market
The Original Farmers Market in Los Angeles is a historic landmark and one of the city’s top attractions, selling and serving organic and locally grown produce, food and craft items for over 80 years. Located at Fairfax Avenue and 3rd Street, the market has long been the go-to place for foodies, aficionados, gourmands and market lovers alike. Featuring over 100 vendor stalls, specialty food markets, fresh produce grocers, prepared food stalls, restaurants and tourist shops, the Market is a permanent installation and is open seven days a week.
One of the many highlights of the market is the variety of local, international and ethnic foods, letting you can sample cuisine from all over the world. The Market also hosts special events throughout the year, such as live music on Friday evenings, Tuesday Night Trivia, and private parties. If you are looking for best romantic things to do in LA, the Original Farmers Market is a great place to visit.
Address: The Original Farmers Market, 6333 West 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036, Phone: 323-933-9211
4. Celebrate Music History at the Hollywood Bowl Museum
One of the world’s most famous concert venues, the Hollywood Bowl is a 1920s Amphitheater in Hollywood that hosts a variety of music performances throughout the year. Named for the shape of the concave hillside the amphitheater is carved into, the ‘Bowl’ is known for its distinctive shape. The Hollywood Bowl Museum showcases the history of the Hollywood Bowl and features an array of exhibitions and displays from various music concerts, shows and performances at the Bowl over the years.
The Museum is also home to the ‘Hollywood Bowl Hall of Fame’, where visitors can watch videos of all the honorees including Frank Sinatra, Stevie Wonder, Brian Wilson, and Garth Brooks, among others.
Address: 2301 Highland Ave, Los Angeles, California 90068, Phone: 323-850-2000
5. Stay at the Stylish Hotel Angeleno
Enjoy scenic views and access to both Santa Monica and Beverly Hills from Hotel Angeleno which has a relaxing outdoor pool deck. The hotel offers a number of plush services and amenities such as free Valet parking, wine hour and free WiFi. Celebrate a special occasion at West Restaurant and Lounge which offers panoramic views of the city and the beaches of Santa Monica in the distance.
Address: Hotel Angeleno, 170 N. Church Lane, Los Angeles, California 90049, Phone: 310-476-6411
6. Have Fun at the California Science Center
One of the country’s largest interactive science centers, the California Science Center was established to inspire learning through science for everyone. Located in Exposition Park, the Center is a dynamic educational center where children, students and adults alike can explore the wonders of science through innovative programs, interactive workshops, and mind-boggling exhibitions.
The museum boasts a number of exciting exhibits and displays, including the Frank Gehry-designed Air and Space Exhibits, the Sketch Foundation Gallery, an IMAX Theater, and the Science Center itself. The Center is home to the Space Shuttle Endeavour, which is on display in the Samuel Oschin Pavilion, and hosts the California State Science Fair every year. If you are wondering what to see in Los Angeles for science fans, this is a great attraction.
Address: 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles, California 90037, Phone: 323-724-3623
Affordable Activities in Los Angeles:
7. See World-Class Art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Located on Los Angeles’ Museum Row in the Miracle Mile District, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest museum of art in the western United States. Founded in 1965 and situated in Hancock Park on over 20 acres in the heart of Los Angeles, the museum is home to over 120,000 objects and works covering a range of genres and periods throughout history.
The museum’s collection is divided into genres, ranging from Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art, Asian and Islamic Art, American and Latin American Art, Modern and Contemporary Art, Decorative arts and design, Photography and Film, showcasing works that represent Los Angeles's unique and diverse culture.
A museum of international stature, LACMA also acts as an important education center, offering the public access to its collections through digital initiatives, such as online collections and catalogues, state-of-the-art research facilities, as well as hosting a variety of exhibitions, films and concert series. If you are looking for best things to do in LA for art lovers, this museum is a must-see.
Address: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90036, Phone: 323-857-6000
8. Savor Sleek Italian Flavors at Culina, Modern Italian
Culina, Modern Italian is a stylish Italian restaurant set in a gorgeous Mediterranean-Californian garden in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Beverly Hills. Breathing life into the Four Season’s grand, old world ambiance, Culina boasts a modern, hip vibe with a laudable mix of food, fun and festivity, floating fires and music.
Savvy gourmands and oenophiles will delight in the tempting menu that features a modern take on authentic Italian fare and the carefully composed wine list that is beyond compare. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, menus include delights to appease every palate, with homemade pasta and creamy sauces, fresh seafood, and prime cut meats, to mouthwatering desserts.
The Bar at Culina features an expansive wine list with wines from all over the world, many of which can be enjoyed by the glass, carafe or bottle, as well as handcrafted cocktails, house-made bitters and syrups, and a selection of artisanal spirits. If you are looking for Los Angeles date ideas, this is a good place to try.
Address: Culina, Modern Italian, 300 South Doheny Drive, Los Angeles, California 90048, Phone: 310-860-4000
9. The Murder Mystery Company
Murder She Wrote meets Cluedo with the Murder Mystery Company, who pride themselves on being the “the experts in mystery entertainment”, offering public and private interactive murder mysteries. The Murder Mystery Company performs weekly interactive mystery shows in which someone dies in a comical way and the audience has to solve the crime.
Professionally trained actors bring live-action excitement and intrigue to the event, and guests are immersed in the mystery as they are turned in suspects or sleuths by the expertly trained playwrights and are encouraged to use their detective skills to solve the crime and discover the killer together.
The Murder Mystery Company offers private murder mystery events for a range of occasions, as well as a public dinner theater where shows are staged and audiences get to partake while having dinner.
Address: The Murder Mystery Company, 51 N San Pedro St, San Jose, California 95110, Phone: 888-643-2583
10. Frogtown Brewery
Taste unique brews at the Frogtown Brewery.
Address: Frogtown Brewery, 2931 Gilroy St, Los Angeles, CA 90039, Phone: 323-452-2739
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