Memorable LA Valentine’s Day Date Ideas
The City of Angels is simultaneously a dreamy wonderland where anything can happen and a much-derided metropolis where singles complain that love is dead. When you’re lucky enough to score a date on Valentine’s Day, you have nearly limitless options to consider and precious time to make a reservation before the hottest spots in town fill up.
Never fear – we’ve compiled our favorite places around Los Angeles to take your date. This Valentine’s Day, you can take your amour to a nice dinner, switch it up with a scenic hike, or enjoy a hilarious show with your ride-or-die friends, courtesy of our resident experts at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®.
Picnic in the Park
Enjoy the simple splendor of the city by packing up a picnic and hopping the Red or Purple Line to Grand Park. This year, Grand Park is hosting Lovers Rock on Valentine’s Day, transforming the urban oasis with mood lighting and curated music into a premier date spot for Los Angeles lovers.
According to Grand Park’s website, Lovers Rock is “rooted in the reggae sounds of the 1970's and in Caribbean nightclubs of London,” turning the park into “a space of love, identity, and expression.” Pack your picnic and nestle into a table for two next to the Arthur J. Will Memorial fountain, and then embark on a moonlit walk throughout the park’s Olive Court.
Classic Romantic Dinner
You’re ready for a signature Valentine’s Day dinner, but you want to avoid a run-of-the-mill steakhouse or a forgettable dinner. Where can you go to impress your date and count on a great plate of food? Get your phones ready and make reservations at either of these dependable spots.
For those on the Westside, Cassia in Santa Monica is a surefire slam dunk. The transcendent blend of Vietnamese and French cuisine provides endless opportunities for savory surprises, from charcuterie plates and spicy wontons to homemade tandoori bread and chickpea curry. Closer to the center of town? Book a table at Alta Adams and bask in Chef Keith Corbin’s sensational take on soul food. Opt for the grilled steak with lobster bearnaise or bite into a classic black-eyed pea hushpuppy. You’ll be feeling the love no matter what you order.
Scenic Hike
Set out on a breathtaking hike you and your beau can commemorate on Instagram. There are dozens of hikes with stunning vistas we could recommend, but the Eaton Canyon Falls hike has our heart. Drive up the San Gabriel Mountains in Pasadena and prepare for a morning or afternoon of adventure. The trail itself is fairly accessible, measuring less than four miles on a low-grade incline. Lovebirds who complete this hike are rewarded with a majestic view of a 40-foot waterfall.
After snapping some photos and exchanging gifts, head to the Nature Center nearby or peruse the blooming wildflowers along the trail. Pack plenty of water, some sunblock, and maybe that ring if you’re looking for the ideal spot to pop the question.
The Stay-In Anti-Date
There are plenty of amazing spots around the greater LA area to enjoy a romantic dinner or take in a spectacular view. But maybe you’re a couple that enjoys defying convention, or simply skipping the wait and the time spent in traffic. In that case, try on our casual LA anti-date that’s still fun and memorable.
Head to your neighborhood In-N-Out for an inexpensive feast of double-doubles and animal style fries. Stop by Ralph’s on your way home for your favorite bottle of rosé and some chocolate-covered strawberries. Enjoy the company of your partner while sprawled out on the couch with drinks and your favorite comedy, like Bridesmaids or Groundhog Day (it’s still in season!). If you live on the Westside, end the evening with a walk to the beach. Quality time on a budget is the ultimate gift.
Family Fun with the Kids
Seeking some family-friendly fun for your kiddos? There are several places to go on Valentine’s Day and in the week leading up to it in the greater LA area. Load up the family and drive to The Children’s Museum at La Habra for their annual Paint & Sip Valentine Tea Party on Saturday, February 8, at 11 a.m. Enjoy tea and cookies, and paint a gorgeous canvas for someone special.
Pretend City Children’s Museum also has a variety of Valentine’s Day events on February 14 from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children of all ages can enjoy holiday-themed storytime, art projects, and building activities. There is no fee for the activities beyond admission to the museum.
Gals Night Out
Single and looking for a great time out with your closest pals? Grab tickets to Mortified’s Annual Doomed Valentine Show. This popular live storytelling event invites comedians and professional storytellers to recall their most brutal, awkward and embarrassing Valentine’s Day experiences with the aid of childhood journals, photos, and more.
No event will break through the romantic facade of the holiday faster, making you more appreciative of your friend group and thankful that your last match on Bumble didn’t get back to you (let’s face it – you’re better than him). The annual event takes place at Wanderlust Hollywood this year on Saturday, February 15, at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Stop by The Coffee Bean & Tea leaf®
Though Valentine’s Day in 2020 takes place on a Friday, that’s still a weekday. Maybe you’ve got a full eight hours of work to get through and events to attend in the evening. Whether you’re off to your kid’s choir concert or en route to an evening of errands, you can still stop by The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® with your sweetheart to share the love.
On Valentine’s Day from 2 p.m. to closing, you can get a free beverage to share with someone special when you buy a regular or larger size drink. Whether you’re heading to a night out in Los Angeles or home to your couch, we’re holding you in our hearts this Valentine’s Day. Terms and conditions apply. See store for details.
