1. Dinner date at The Little Door

The Little Door is a classic French restaurant located on the edge of Beverly Hills' Golden Triangle neighborhood. With its black and white tiled exterior, French-inspired decor, and romantic outdoor patio, it's the perfect place to celebrate Valentine's Day. The menu includes classic French dishes like Escargots, Steak Frites, Coquilles St. Jacques, and Steak Tartare, as well as modern twists on French staples like the Little Door Burger with caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, and bacon. Reservations are recommended, as the restaurant books up quickly on Valentine's Day. The Little Door is also a great place to enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail or glass of wine. The patio has great views of the Golden Triangle neighborhood and is a wonderful place to sip wine and enjoy the sunset.




2. Hot air balloon ride over the Hollywood Hills

One of the most popular Valentine's Day date ideas in LA is a hot air balloon ride. Several companies offer daytime hot air balloon rides in the Los Angeles area, including Beverly Hills Hot Air Balloon Rides and Magic Mountain Hot Air Balloon Rides. These companies operate year-round, so there's no need to wait for a special occasion to enjoy this romantic adventure. A hot air balloon ride is a truly unique way to see the city. Since most rides take off very early in the morning or just before sunset, you don't have to worry about crowds. The view from a hot air balloon is unlike anything you can experience on the ground. You'll get a bird's-eye view of the entire city, including popular destinations like the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory. It's a great way to start or end your day if you'll be spending the rest of the day exploring the city.




3. Picnic in the park

Combining two classic date ideas, a picnic in the park is a great way to celebrate Valentine's Day on a budget. Pack a picnic basket full of goodies you love and find a park near you with a nice view. Beverly Gardens Park, located in the Mid-City neighborhood, is a great place to start. The park is located near the Museum of Natural History and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, making it a convenient stop on a day trip to Downtown LA. There are plenty of beautiful gardens to admire as well as a large grassy lawn that's perfect for a picnic. If you'd prefer a picnic in the city, the gardens at Central Gardens in Downtown LA are stunning, with great views of the city skyline. You can also enjoy a picnic on the grassy lawn at Grand Central Park, a 10-acre park in the heart of Downtown LA.

4. Movie night at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Located just a short drive from Downtown LA, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a great spot to enjoy a movie night. The cemetery hosts free screenings of classic films every month, and Valentine's Day is no exception. You can head to Hollywood Forever Cemetery to watch the 1953 romantic sci-fi film, War of the Worlds. The cemetery is stunning, and the historic architecture of the nearby Egyptian Theatre makes for a great backdrop for this unique movie experience. After the movie, you and your significant other can explore the cemetery, which is home to the graves of many famous celebrities. There are plenty of unique things to see, including the final resting place of Johnny and Joan Crawford, a giant Marilyn Monroe statue, and a grotto that includes the ashes of Hollywood luminaries like Humphrey Bogart and Rudolph Valentino.



5. Art date at The Broad

The Broad, a contemporary art museum located in Downtown LA's Grand Avenue, is the perfect place to enjoy an art date. The museum houses a rotating collection of modern and contemporary art and regularly hosts special exhibitions. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month, making it an affordable date idea too. The Broad also has rotating special exhibitions, which are usually priced at $25 or less. This special exhibition is constantly changing, so you can always go back and see something new. You can also create your own art date by visiting the museum's special exhibition, The Artists' Gardens. The Gardens feature 12 miniature landscapes created by contemporary artists, including Yayoi Kusama and Vik Muniz. Admission to the Gardens is also free.




6. Romantic dinner cruise on the LA River

The LA River is a waterway that many people have never heard of, let alone seen. The river runs through the heart of Los Angeles and is usually dry, with just a trickle of water flowing through it. However, during the rainy season, the river floods, creating a beautiful landscape and an entirely different view of the city. There are a few companies that offer dinner cruises along the river and are open year-round. A La Carte Cruises offers a three-course dinner cruise on the LA River from April to October. You can enjoy a locally sourced menu, including dishes like Chili Colorado, BBQ Chicken, and Pacific Salmon accompanied by a selection of wines. The cruise includes live music, as well as a tour of the river's changing landscape.