Take me out
Los Angeles boasts tons of hidden attractions, so it’s no wonder that, on Valentine’s Day, tons of couples will venture into the city for their amorous celebrations.
Art of love · The Downtown LA Art Walk falls on Valentine’s Day this month. Spend the night exploring the various galleries along the walk. – Courtesy of Qathryn Drehm
That means you have plenty of opportunities to sweep a new crush off their feet or share a special evening with that certain someone. This year, take your beau somewhere new or take advantage of special V-Day deals for a fantastic evening. Whether you drive a car or want to stay in the area, the city offers plenty for adventurous lovebirds.
You don’t need to travel far away to settle down to a romantic dinner with your boo. Simply walk over to Bacaro LA for a cozy, dimly-lit dinner where you can share intimate conversation with your one and only. The restaurant boasts a significant wine selection and scrumptious eats. Lucky for you, the restaurant offers a special Valentine’s Day deal — $35 for a three-course dinner. This prix fixe menu includes dishes such as poached shrimp, seared scallops and even 24-carat gold leaf German chocolate cake. Bacaro LA is located on 2308 S. Union Ave.
Downtown Los Angeles offers plenty of trendy, fancy eateries, but one of the most romantic settings in the area lies on a rooftop. Perch LA offers fancy French eats and delicious wine paired with a view of Pershing Square and the surrounding downtown skyline. The quaint restaurant includes an indoor seating area as well, but the outdoor experience lets you snuggle up against your date in front of a small fireplace. Most nights also includes a DJ or live act, so you can enjoy smooth tunes with the crisp night air. Perch LA is located on 448 S. Hill St.
For a less typical date, head to Los Angeles’ premier art museum for a night of romance with an artsy twist. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art offers several options for interested couples. For $30, visitors can fall in love with the museum’s pieces and enjoy a Love Hurts tour that leads groups through pieces about less-than-ideal love situations. For $30 more, you can enjoy that and a pop-up dinner. Not to mention the opportunity to take tons of cute photos near “Levitated Mass,” the giant rock you can walk under, and “Urban Lights,” the postcard-perfect, outdoor piece Angelenos always snap pictures with. LACMA is located on 5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden
If you’re willing to take the extra step for your special someone and drive a little farther, the effort pays off if you venture into the Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden. With 127 acres of nature to stroll through, the grounds of the Arboretum hold many surprises — among them peacocks that casually wander around you. Many exotic plants dot the large area and if you catch the peacocks at the right time, you can even witness their unique courting process. Tickets go for only $8 and the Arboretum opens its doors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Los Angeles Arboretum & Botanic Garden is located on 301 N. Baldwin Ave. in Arcadia.
The Cinefamily’s Silent Movie Theatre
It might seem strange that Los Angeles would still house a place related to silent movies, but the Silent Movie Theatre actually exists, playing both silent movies and talkies. For film-loving couples, the theater offers a couple of interesting features on Valentine’s Day. At 7:30 p.m. you can sit back and watch the classic Casablanca, or show up a little later at 10 p.m. for something more risque — a montage of clips dubbed “Cinefamily’s Most Outrageous F-cks 2013!” If you can’t make it on Valentine’s but like the idea of taking your significant other to this unique theatre, check cinefamily.org for a calendar of events. The Silent Movie Theatre is located on 611 N. Fairfax Ave.
Looking for something free? Search no further than the Downtown LA Art Walk, which happens to take place on Valentine’s Day this month. Explore the area’s many galleries —most of which offer free wine or beer -— and discover your new favorite artists alongside your valentine. To start off the night, head over to the Art Walk Lounge at 6 p.m. for bread samples from the Eureka Baking Company and a look at some work from Iranian photographer Sia Aryai. Pick up a map there or download the app for a more high-tech directory. If the night turns chilly, get warm inside one of the many bars nearby. Of special note is Bar 107, which features ’80s music and old-school video games in the back. Art Walk Lounge is located on 634 S. Spring St. in Los Angeles.
Surrounded by a string of restaurants, Alcove Café and Bakery might prove hard to see at first, but it’s cute, vintage interior and relaxed atmosphere make it a rare gem. For this Valentine’s Day, the restaurant holds a completely free, no-reservations-needed event entitled “Bollywood Prom.” The event, which runs from 6 p.m. to midnight, includes everything from a gin and tonic bar to a henna artist to Bollywood music. You can nominate yourself and your boo for king and queen (or king and king or queen and queen) at the restaurant or on Facebook for a special crowning that night. If you miss out on the event, the restaurant still warrants a visit for its phenomenal brunch, scrumptious desserts and delicious drinks. Alcove Café and Bakery is located on Hillhurst Ave. in Los Angeles.
From restaurants to attractions, the city offers plenty of opportunities to sweep your sweetheart off his or her feet. Trade the obvious options for more intriguing ones and explore the city in search of something new — you might find love along the way.
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