Los Angeles has its own kind of romance. It’s in the glow of sunset over the hills, the way the skyline starts to sparkle as daylight fades, and the soft breeze that drifts in from the ocean at night. The city feels built for moments like these, quiet beaches, scenic overlooks, and cozy spots where time seems to slow down.
TL;DR
- L.A. romance = views + variety: beaches, hills, gardens, rooftops.
- Time it right: weekday sunsets, early mornings, season-aware plans.
- Griffith, El Matador, Vista Hermosa, Perch, and the Getty are standouts.
- Malibu/Palos Verdes offer coastal drama; Pasadena shines by day.
- Pack layers, check parking hours, consider rideshare for rooftop nights.
- Pair spots into itineraries: sunset drive, city lights evening, or slow Pasadena morning.
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Overview
Los Angeles stretches across beaches, hills, and city skylines, offering endless places for romance. Within a single day, you can watch the sunrise in a quiet Pasadena garden and end with a sunset over the Pacific. The city’s variety means the most romantic spots are often hidden away, along coastal cliffs, in rooftop bars, behind museum gardens, or up in the hills overlooking the lights.
Each place tells a different story. You’ll find ocean lookouts where the waves set the rhythm, hillside views perfect for city lights, peaceful gardens for slow conversations, and scenic drives through golden canyons. Whether you want something elegant or simple, there’s always a spot that fits the mood.
This guide highlights some of the best romantic places in Los Angeles, chosen for their atmosphere, beauty, and accessibility. From first dates to anniversaries, these destinations offer quiet corners and sweeping views that make every shared moment feel timeless.
Griffith Observatory Lawn at Sunset
High above the city, the grassy lawn in front of Griffith Observatory might be the most iconic romantic perch in L.A. As the sun sinks low, the Observatory’s white domes are bathed in a rosy glow and the vast panorama of Los Angeles starts to twinkle to life.
Couples scatter across the lawn on blankets or lean against the stone ledges, watching downtown’s skyscrapers and the Pacific in the far distance fade into dusk. There’s often a festive energy – you might hear a guitarist strumming something soulful, or catch fragments of a dozen different languages as travelers and locals alike marvel at the view. Y
et it’s surprisingly intimate: under the pastel sky, you and your partner can feel like the only two people in the world, the city humming softly below. After the fiery sunset, stick around as night falls – the Observatory offers free public telescopes, so you might even do a bit of stargazing together. Griffith Observatory truly offers a romantic setting, especially during sunset and at night , with the breathtaking city lights providing a stunning backdrop for a memorable date.
Malibu Bluffs Park Overlook
For a quieter coastal romance, Malibu Bluffs Park provides a tranquil escape perched above the ocean’s edge. This six-acre park sits on bluffs high over the Pacific, with grassy fields that roll toward an infinity of blue. By day, you might see surfers as tiny dots in the waves below and Catalina Island faint on the horizon; by late afternoon the sun casts a golden halo over the hills and sea.
Along the bluff’s edge, there are walking paths and a dedicated whale-watching viewpoint complete with benches. From here, couples can often spot migrating gray or blue whales spouting offshore in season, or pods of dolphins dancing through the surf. It’s a breathtaking reminder of nature’s grandeur, made even sweeter when shared.
Sunsets are pure West Coast magic – the sky ignites in hues of orange and pink, reflecting off the ocean, and the lights of Malibu’s coastline begin to glimmer below. Despite its beauty, Malibu Bluffs Park is usually calm and uncrowded , so you might just have a private moment on a bench with your loved one, listening to the rhythmic crash of distant waves as day turns to night.
Getty Center Gardens and Courtyards
Art, architecture, and an incredible view all converge at the Getty Center, making it an unexpectedly romantic place to spend an afternoon. Perched on a Brentwood hilltop, the Getty’s modern stone pavilions overlook all of Los Angeles and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
Couples can wander through the Central Garden – a living artwork of winding pathways, a reflecting pool, and a maze of bougainvillea and azaleas – and find quiet corners among the blooms. The courtyards between galleries offer scenic overlooks where you can cuddle up on a bench and gaze out at the city spread below; surrounding each pavilion are “breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the Pacific, ideal for observing sunsets”.
As the sun gets low, the Getty’s travertine walls seem to glow, and you might catch live classical music drifting from the museum lobby or garden concerts if you’re lucky. One of the best times to visit is late afternoon – the crowds thin a bit and you can watch the sky change color from the open-air cafe terrace or one of the garden’s hilltop viewpoints.
Strolling hand-in-hand past sculptures and under the vine-covered arbors, you feel a world away from the city – it’s just you, your partner, and a masterpiece landscape of art and nature.
El Matador Beach
If you’re looking for a dramatic seaside romance, El Matador State Beach in Malibu is pure enchantment. This pocket cove is famed for its towering rock formations and hidden sea caves, which give the feeling of a secret beach paradise. By day it’s beautiful, but by dusk, El Matador is absolutely awe-inspiring. As the sun nears the horizon, its light filters through natural rock arches and illuminates the sea spray in gold.
The beach’s massive stone monoliths cast long shadows on the sand, creating private nooks for couples to sit and watch the show. It’s no wonder so many engagement photos and elopements are shot here – El Matador is often called the most naturally beautiful beach near Los Angeles, and as the sky turns fiery orange, it truly feels like a movie set.
Waves crash and echo in the coves, and tide pools reflect the cotton-candy colors of sunset at your feet. This spot isn’t a well-kept secret, but it’s far less crowded than Santa Monica or Venice, lending a more secluded atmosphere to your evening. As twilight deepens, you might have just the silhouettes of rocks and the glimmer of stars above as company – an utterly romantic end to a beach day.
Mulholland Scenic Overlook by Night
There’s something undeniably romantic about driving up Mulholland Drive at night and pulling over at a quiet overlook to see the city lights below. One beloved spot is the Hollywood Bowl Overlook, a small turnout on Mulholland that delivers an absolutely majestic view of Los Angeles.
From this vantage, you get a sweeping panorama that includes the glittering downtown skyline, the urban expanse of Hollywood, and the sprawling San Fernando Valley – even the Hollywood Sign is visible, softly lit against the hills. The city is a carpet of twinkling lights as far as the eye can see, and on clear evenings you might even catch the Pacific Ocean’s dark line in the distance.
It’s breathtaking at any time, but after dark the atmosphere here is extra special: the world below feels both distant and intimately yours. Cars on the highways snake silently, the cool night air is filled with the faint scent of chaparral from the surrounding hills, and standing there together, you feel on top of the world.
The overlook itself is just a simple platform and a few benches, but the peaceful atmosphere makes it perfect for quiet reflection or a whispered conversation. Wrap an arm around your sweetheart, lean against the railing, and let the enormity of L.A.’s set the mood.
Echo Park Lake Paddle Boats
For a whimsical touch of romance, head to Echo Park Lake near downtown and hop in a swan-shaped paddle boat. By day, this century-old park’s lake is charming – lotus flowers float on the water and the downtown skyline towers beyond the palms. But in the evening, it transforms into an almost storybook setting. As the sun sets and the sky goes orange, you and your partner can pedal out onto the calm lake, the Los Angeles skyline reflecting in the ripples around you.
The iconic fountain at the lake’s center shoots water high into the colored sky, and often you’ll see ducks and geese making their final swim of the day. Once darkness falls, the real magic begins: Wheel Fun Rentals adorns each Swan Boat with twinkling LED lights that cast a gentle glow on the water.
Suddenly, you’re gliding in a fleet of glowing swans, the city lights blinking just beyond the trees – it feels like a scene from La La Land. It’s quiet except for the soft splash of your paddles and maybe some distant mariachi music or an ice cream cart bell from shore. It’s a chance to talk, laugh, and maybe steal a kiss in the privacy of your gentle swan as the city buzzes around you, just out of earshot.
Vista Hermosa Park
Tucked on a hillside near downtown, Vista Hermosa Natural Park is a little-known gem that offers a jaw-dropping front-row view of the Los Angeles skyline. The park itself is an urban oasis – 10.5 acres of walking trails, native plants, and even a trickling stream that makes you forget you’re in the middle of the city.
As you wander the gentle slopes, you’ll find the park’s crown jewel: a certain rustic wooden bench situated perfectly on a grassy knoll, framing the skyscrapers of DTLA in the near distance. Many people say this spot gives “500 Days of Summer” vibes, and indeed it’s a setting made for romance.
Come in late afternoon, when the sun starts softening and the buildings glow in shades of amber. The view is uninterrupted and expansive – from this angle you see the entire downtown cluster rising above the trees, with the sky often painted in pastels behind them.
For couples, Vista Hermosa offers the simple joy of sitting side by side with that view ahead and not much else around. You might hear kids playing on the distant soccer field or birds chirping in the native oak trees, but often it’s peacefully quiet. Stay until sunset if you can; as the city lights blink on one by one, it feels like watching a living postcard.
Few moments are as romantic as seeing the “prettiest, most high-res skyline view in the city” emerge at twilight (as one local put it). Vista Hermosa is proof that sometimes all you need for a perfect date is a park bench, a sweeping view, and the person you love.
Perch Rooftop Bar
When it comes to sophisticated city romance, Perch in downtown Los Angeles hits all the high notes. This swanky rooftop bar and bistro sits 15 floors up, literally perched amid the skyscrapers, and delivers an up-close skyline experience that will leave you and your date a little breathless.
Step out onto Perch’s outdoor terrace and you’re greeted by a 360° view of glowing towers and historic high-rises – the Downtown LA skyline feels almost within reach. The ambiance is vintage French-inspired: comfy lounge seats, tiled fire pits, string lights overhead, and often the sounds of live jazz or a DJ spinning mellow tunes in the background.
Arrive around sunset and you get the best of both worlds – watch the sky streak pink and orange between the buildings, then see the city transform into a glittering sea of lights as night falls. There’s something inherently romantic about clinking glasses 16 stories high; whether you’re sharing a craft cocktail or a full dinner, the vibe at Perch is chic yet intimate.
Lush potted plants and flickering candles surround you, and if you snag a spot at the edge, you can gaze out at landmarks like the Central Library and U.S. Bank Tower shining nearby. Couples love this place for celebrations, but even if it’s just a random weeknight, being up in the warm breeze with music and twinkling lights can make it feel like a special occasion.
Take a moment with your partner to soak in the view – perhaps standing by the railing with the city’s pulse below – and you’ll understand why Perch is often touted as one of the most romantic spots in Los Angeles’s nightlife scene.
Yamashiro Garden Terrace
Perched in the Hollywood Hills above the neon bustle, Yamashiro is a realm of old-world romance that instantly transports you to another time and place. This Japanese-inspired “Mountain Palace,” built in 1914, features tranquil gardens, koi ponds, and a pagoda overlooking the city.
Walking into Yamashiro’s courtyard, you’re greeted by a classic red bridge and lush landscaping; stone lanterns and bonsai trees set an ambiance straight out of a fairy tale. It’s hard to imagine a more exotic, dreamy backdrop for a date – “the ambiance is right out of a Samurai movie, and it has one of the most amazing views of L.A.” , as one local admirer raved.
The real magic unfolds on the garden terrace, especially in the evenings. As daylight fades, lanterns glow warmly around the outdoor tables and the entire Los Angeles skyline begins to sparkle far below. You can wander hand-in-hand along winding garden paths after dinner, discovering little lookout points between the foliage.
From the main lawn, the view stretches from the skyscrapers of Downtown all the way to Century City and beyond – a sweeping city panorama framed by twining wisteria and the silhouette of Yamashiro’s own ornate rooftops. Many couples time their visit for sunset and then linger, as Yamashiro truly comes alive at night with the twinkling cityscape and a gentle breeze rustling the bamboo.
There’s even a quiet Buddha statue in one corner of the garden, presiding over the romantic scene with calm benevolence. It’s no surprise this spot ranks as one of the top romantic places in LA for many; between the elegant architecture and the city lights, it’s a setting that practically whispers proposals and promises.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Clifftop Trails
For nature-loving couples, the windswept cliffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula offer a rugged, heart-stirring kind of romance. Drive about an hour south of central L.A. and you’ll find rolling green bluffs that plunge into the Pacific, with hiking trails tracing the edges.
One of the best areas to explore is around Point Vicente and the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes, where public coastal paths provide panoramic ocean views at every turn. Here, the rhythm of your date is set by nature – waves crashing on rocky shores hundreds of feet below, seabirds calling as they glide on ocean breezes, and perhaps the distant silhouette of Catalina Island floating on the horizon.
Hand-in-hand, you can wander easy trails that meander through wildflowers and cacti, occasionally stopping at overlook points with benches perfect for two. During the day the water is a brilliant blue, and if you peer out, you might spot the telltale splash of a dolphin pod or even a migrating whale spouting offshore.
Come late afternoon, the sun sinks toward the ocean and bathes everything in warm, golden light – the cliffs, the historic Point Vicente Lighthouse, the sails of boats far out at sea. It’s a quieter kind of romantic spot, where conversation flows easily and the grandeur of the scenery does the rest. Bring a picnic to enjoy on a bluff-top lawn (Terranea Resort has a great grassy vista point open to the public), or simply sit and watch as the sky turns tangerine and the sunset spreads across the water.
In those minutes, with the wind in your hair and your partner by your side, Los Angeles feels a million miles away. Palos Verdes gives you space to breathe and connect, reminding you that some of the most romantic moments are also the simplest – just earth, sea, sky, and your beloved beside you.
Korean Bell of Friendship Overlook
At the southernmost tip of the city, in San Pedro, a breathtaking combination of culture and view awaits at the Korean Bell of Friendship. This massive bronze bell sits under an ornate pagoda pavilion painted in vivid greens, reds, and golds – a stunning bit of Korean architecture overlooking the Pacific Ocean from a grassy bluff.
Arrive in the late afternoon and you’ll find the bell’s pavilion glowing in the slanting sun, its colorful eaves casting intricate shadows on the ground. The setting is serene and somewhat surreal: the vast ocean spreads out beyond the cliff, the coastline curves towards the distant Port of Los Angeles, and Catalina Island sits on the horizon line.
For couples, the romantic draw is the peaceful simplicity here. You can stroll around the bell (maybe ring it symbolically in your mind for good fortune in love), then sit together on the broad expanse of lawn at Angel’s Gate Park, watching ships glide in and out of the harbor far below. Come sunset, the sky often erupts in pastel oranges and pinks behind the pavilion, creating a postcard-perfect silhouette of its silhouette and the bell within.
There’s usually a gentle breeze carrying the scent of the ocean and the sound of distant seagulls – it’s a place that invites you to simply relax and be present with each other. Few tourists stay long once they’ve snapped photos, so if you time it right, you might have the whole beautiful scene nearly to yourselves. Spread a blanket, pour some tea or wine, and let the moment wash over you.
The Korean Bell, gifted to the U.S. by South Korea, was meant to symbolize friendship, peace, and harmony – emotions that certainly resonate as you cuddle up and watch day turn to night in one of L.A.’s most picturesque, soul-soothing spots.
The Huntington Gardens
When morning light spills over dew-kissed roses and quiet koi ponds, The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens in Pasadena can feel like a private Eden for two. Spread across 120 acres with over a dozen themed gardens , the Huntington is all about leisurely discovery – an ideal setting for a romantic daytime date. Arrive right when it opens at 10 AM, and you’ll find a refreshing calm in the air.
In the grand Rose Garden, thousands of blossoms lend their perfume to the breeze; walking those paths hand-in-hand, you’re enveloped in color and fragrance, often with only the sound of birds and bubbling fountains around you. Around the corner, a curved wooden bridge in the Japanese Garden arches over a glassy pond where bright orange koi fish dance just below the surface.
Wander further and you might stumble on the jungle-like Palm Garden, or the serene Chinese Garden with its graceful pavilions and lake – each area has little benches or pagodas where couples can sit and share a quiet moment. The magic of the Huntington lies in these pockets of solitude amid stunning beauty. It’s the type of place where you can lay on the grass under a blooming camellia tree or find a secluded nook in the bamboo forest and feel like the world has slowed to your pace.
For a special treat, consider reserving afternoon tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room (when available), where you can sip tea and nibble pastries overlooking the blooms. In the gentle glow of a Pasadena morning, love tends to blossom here as effortlessly as the flowers.
Romantic Planning Tips
Planning a romantic outing in Los Angeles can be as important as the destination. Here are some practical tips to make sure your special moments go off without a hitch:
- Timing is Everything: Sunset is prime time at many viewpoints, but it also draws crowds. For popular overlooks like Griffith Observatory or the Hollywood Bowl Overlook, consider a weeknight instead of Friday or Saturday – you’ll find it much quieter, so you two can enjoy the view in peace.
If you’re aiming for a sunrise or early morning (like at the Huntington or Vista Hermosa Park), double-check opening hours beforehand; some parks don’t open until later in the morning.
And remember, season matters: in summer, sunset can be as late as 8 PM, whereas winter sunsets happen around 5 PM – plan dinner reservations accordingly if you want to dine after catching the dusk colors. - Weather and Wardrobe: Los Angeles days are usually warm, but temperatures can dip quickly after dark, especially near the ocean or up in the hills. Bring layers for evening dates – a light sweater or jacket can be a lifesaver when those ocean breezes kick in or the mountain air cools.
This is true even after a hot day; for example, a sunset at Malibu Bluffs might start in T-shirts but end in cuddling under a shawl. In cooler months (or anytime near the coast), consider packing a small blanket in the car just in case – handy for both warmth and impromptu picnics. - Avoiding Crowds: To get that feeling of having the city all to yourselves, leverage L.A.’s vastness. Less obvious spots (like Vista Hermosa instead of Griffith for a skyline, or Malibu Bluffs instead of Santa Monica for an ocean view) will be more secluded.
Also, early and late are your friends – the first hour after a place opens or the hour before it closes often have far fewer people around. For instance, a Monday or Tuesday just before closing time at the Getty gardens can be wonderfully empty and romantic. - Logistics and Safety: Some of these spots require a bit of a trek or drive. If you’re heading up windy roads like Mulholland or into the hills of Palos Verdes, ensure your car has enough gas and your GPS is working (cell signal can be spotty in remote areas).
If you plan to enjoy wine or cocktails as part of the date (say at Perch or Yamashiro), consider using a rideshare or taxi – it saves the parking hassle and lets you both fully relax. Speaking of parking, always check signs; L.A. has some quirky rules (e.g., no parking after 10 PM at certain overlooks ).
Finally, most of these places are quite safe and commonly frequented by couples, but standard city smarts apply: keep valuables out of sight in your car, stick to lit paths at night, and trust your gut. With these basics covered, you can focus on what matters – each other and the beautiful scene around you.
Sample Date Itineraries
Sometimes the perfect date in Los Angeles means stringing together a few romantic spots into one memorable adventure. Here are a few themed itineraries to spark your imagination.
Classic Sunset Drive
Begin your evening by coasting along Mulholland Drive as golden hour sets in. Wind your way to the Hollywood Bowl Overlook just before sunset and watch the city unfurl below you in the dreamy light.
Once the sun slips past the horizon, continue driving towards the coast – the scenic route through Topanga Canyon will lead you down to Malibu. Stop at Malibu Bluffs Park or adjacent Point Dume to catch the last glow of twilight over the ocean. With the sound of waves accompanying the night, cap things off with a dinner by the coast.
Malibu has several intimate oceanfront restaurants (or for a casual twist, pick up fish tacos from a beach shack and enjoy them on the sand at Zuma or Paradise Cove, toes in the sand). This drive-date offers a bit of everything: mountain vistas, a technicolor sunset, and a beachside meal under the stars – the quintessential L.A. romance trifecta.
City Lights Evening
Start in the heart of the city at Vista Hermosa Park around dusk. Pack a quick picnic or even just two cups of coffee, and watch downtown’s skyscrapers light up one by one from your quiet hilltop bench. Once darkness falls and the skyline is sparkling, make your way to a stylish rooftop bar for drinks – Perch in Downtown LA is a great choice (with that close-up view of the very buildings you just admired from afar).
Toast to the night amid live jazz and the hum of the city. For the grand finale, head to an iconic L.A. night spot: an evening show at the Hollywood Bowl if it’s in season, or a late-night stroll up to Griffith Observatory’s terrace for a sweeping midnight panorama.
At the Observatory, you can often look through public telescopes or simply enjoy the silence of the park after crowds have left. This itinerary moves from a peaceful park to the glamorous city and up into the stars – a progression that highlights L.A.’s dynamic range as a backdrop for love.
Peaceful Morning into Afternoon
Sometimes a slower pace is the most romantic. Start your day in Pasadena with a morning visit to The Huntington Gardens. Arrive at opening when the gardens are tranquil; wander through the Japanese Garden’s iconic moon bridge and sit together in the Chinese pavilion overlooking the jade-green lake as koi fish swim lazily by.
After filling your senses with flowers and art, drive a few minutes to Old Pasadena for brunch. You might choose a charming sidewalk café on Colorado Boulevard – somewhere you can split pancakes or enjoy lattes as the world gently comes to life around you. Post-brunch, take a leisurely stroll through Pasadena, exploring antique shops, bookstores, or the historic alleyways like Smith Alley or the Castle Green grounds if they’re open – these spots exude old-time romance.
As the afternoon sun grows warmer, consider stopping by the nearby Arlington Garden, a small public garden full of orange trees and quiet corners, perfect for one last shared moment before concluding your date. By the end of this itinerary, you’ve traveled through a botanical paradise, a delightful meal, and a quaint city walk – all at an unhurried, savored pace that lets you focus on each other.
The Takeaway
In a city known for its energy and sparkle, the real romance of Los Angeles is found in its quieter moments. It’s in the glow of a sunset over the ocean, the soft lights of the skyline at night, and the feeling of finding a hidden view that feels like it belongs only to you. Across its wide landscapes and busy streets, LA still manages to create spaces for calm, connection, and shared wonder.
These romantic places aren’t about luxury or perfection. They’re about simple, genuine moments, sitting together on a park bench with a perfect view, walking along the beach at dusk, or sharing a laugh on a drive through the hills. Each small experience adds to the story you create together.
As you explore, take your time. Let the city’s rhythm set the mood, whether it’s waves on the coast or music drifting from a café. Los Angeles offers countless ways to slow down and reconnect. Under its sunsets and city lights, you’ll find that the best memories are often the quiet ones, made side by side.
FAQ
Q1. What’s the best time to visit Griffith Observatory for a date?
A weekday golden hour into dusk. Stay after sunset for city lights and public telescopes.
Q2. Is El Matador Beach good for a secluded sunset?
It’s dramatic and romantic but popular. Arrive early; the lot is small and fills quickly.
Q3. Are the Getty Center gardens free?
Admission to the Getty Center is free; you’ll pay for parking. Late afternoon is ideal for fewer crowds.
Q4. Can I see whales from Malibu Bluffs or Palos Verdes?
Yes, during migration seasons you may spot gray/blue whales or dolphins—bring binoculars.
Q5. What should I wear for evening coastal spots?
Layers. Ocean breezes can turn cool after sunset, even on warm days.
Q6. Are rooftop bars like Perch walk-in friendly?
They’re popular for date nights. Reserve ahead and aim for arrival before golden hour.