This is a sponsored post, but all opinions are my own. You can read more in my disclaimer here.
If you’ve been following me and reading my blog for a while, you will know that one of my favourite places in the world is Los Angeles. Having lived there for a short period of time when I was 19, it’s always had a special place in my heart.
Recently, after an 8-year break, I went back for the first time since I had lived there. The 10-day trip made me remember exactly why I loved the place and in my head, I mentally started planning my next visit back, this time with my boyfriend.
As someone who has never been to America, let alone Los Angeles, I want to create a trip that will show him exactly why I fell in love with the city all those years ago. From the stunning views across the city from Griffith Observatory to all of the secrets you learn on the many studio tours across the Los Angeles area, it really is a great place for dates that are that little bit different.
While a potential trip to LA is something we’ve had to put on hold due to Coronavirus, it hasn’t stopped me dreaming of all the incredible dates we can go when we finally touch down at LAX. Here are just a few of my top picks…
Watch The Sun Set At The Griffith Observatory
One of the most romantic things you can do, in my opinion, is to watch the sunset. Whether you’re at the beach or simply watching from a local park, sitting and watching the sunset for an hour or two is one of my favourite things to do.
Although there are lots of incredible places to watch the sunset in Los Angeles, my favourite has got to be at Griffith Observatory as it looks over the entire city from the mountains behind. I would recommend getting there about thirty minutes before the sun is due to set, as this will give you the opportunity to see the city below in daylight, during sunset and when everything has gone dark. The sunset was beautiful, but seeing the ‘City of Lights’ all lit up was nothing short of magical.
While it can get a little crowded with other tourists, I still think it’s an incredibly romantic thing to experience together. You kind of just forget that there are hundreds of people around you too.
Photo: Kaye Ford
Hike To The Top Of The Hollywood Sign
If hikes are your thing, hiking to the top of the Hollywood sign is a super fun date for sure. Depending on where you start your journey, the hike takes roughly 90 minutes to two hours, giving you plenty of time to stop at the top to admire the view. The trail you’re looking for is the Hollyridge Trail.
It’s important to note, you can’t actually get up to the Hollywood sign, but this trail will take you as close as you can possibly get. For less of a hike, you can also visit lots of spots off of Mulholland Dr too.
Go On One Of Many Studio Tours
You can’t go to Los Angeles without going on AT LEAST one studio tour, as there are so many to choose from. Whether you’re doing them all or choosing just one, you will have a blast learning some of the secrets behind your favourite TV shows and movies. The Universal Studio Tour comes as part of your Universal Studios ticket and is the most expensive, but it’s definitely worth it. The Warner Bros Studio Tour is mid-range, but you get great value for money in terms of what you get to see and the fact that you can physically walk around some of the sets. If possible I would recommend both, but it definitely adds up in terms of cost when there are two of you going.
Photo: Kaye Ford
Visit Pacific Park On Santa Monica Pier
For a fun and jam-packed date, a visit to Pacific Park on Santa Monica Pier is perfect. Whether you go during the day or at night, there’s so much for you to do here.
To start, you will have to walk partway down the pier to reach Pacific Park. My recommendation is to walk down to the bottom first to see the ‘End of Route 66’ memorabilia, as well as the view out onto the Pacific Ocean. There are a couple of benches, so it’s the perfect place to sit and listen to the waves before you head off to the amusements.
Just outside of Pacific Park in the entrance, there are also a couple of different places to eat. You can get a range of things from different food stands including pizza, fish tacos and funnel cake.
Inside Pacific Park itself, there are lots of different rides for you to go on. You can buy an unlimited wristband that will allow you to ride everything you see, which is probably the best value for money. Of course, no trip to Santa Monica Pier is complete without a ride on the Ferris wheel. If you’re picturing a super romantic ride over the beach, however, that is not what you’re going to get. It goes super fast and is over in minutes…
Spend The Day At The Beach
Another great date activity and a must-do, while you’re in California, is to spend the day at the beach. Depending on how far you’re willing to travel, there are lots of beaches in both the Los Angeles and San Diego area.
In Los Angeles, of course, you have both Santa Monica State Beach and Venice Beach. Both beaches are great for spending the day and with lots in the nearby area, you can spend some time wandering around too.
If you want to travel a little further and you’re open to dating in San Diego, there are lots of great beaches between LA and San Diego that you can travel to. You have the option to drive to several beautiful beaches along the way and during the evening, enjoy a nice meal in the city of San Diego. If you’ve not yet got a date and you’re looking for San Diego Personals while you’re there, this is a great site to visit.
Photo: Kaye Ford
Have Drinks At The Top Of The Skyspace Tower
If you’re looking for a unique date that comes with an incredible view, why not visit the Skyspace Tower in Down Town Los Angeles? Although it’s a little further out than most of the dates suggested here, the Skyspace experience at the OUE tower is a great place to go as a couple. With an almost 360 view of DTLA, you can take in the incredible views around you while you enjoy a drink at the bar. Whether you choose to sit inside or outside, it’s the perfect spot for a drink.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try the slide that goes out onto the edge of the building. It’s not for the faint-hearted as it goes from the 70th to 69th floor and is made out of glass.
Spend The Evening Drinking With The Stars On Sunset Boulevard
Finally, if you’re looking for a little bit of glamour and you want a date you’ll definitely remember, try heading to Sunset Boulevard to drink at some of the bars that are frequented by celebrities. The Ivy is one of the most popular bars for both tourists and celebrities to visit, so that may be the best place to start.
I know it’s going to be a while before I can make all of these dates a reality but honestly, I’m so excited for them already. I love travelling with my boyfriend and to be able to take him to a place that I love with all my heart is an absolute dream come true! LA will always be waiting for me and until then, I’m looking forward to the fun dates we can create at home instead.
