4 Best Neighborhoods to Celebrate Valentine's Day in Los Angeles
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and if you’re a newcomer to Los Angeles, you might be wondering where to find all the hot spots. With year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and award-winning restaurants, there are plenty of romantic activities all around the city.
Whether you’re looking to visit museums, spend the day at a park, enjoy a candle-light dinner, or meet up with other singles for Valentine’s Day, be sure you’re heading to the right neighborhoods in town.
Here are the four best neighborhoods in Los Angeles to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Miracle Mile
Miracle Mile is an affluent neighborhood in the heart of Los Angeles, nestled between Fairfax, Mid-Wilshire, and La Brea. This neighborhood attracts many homebuyers for several reasons, including its easy walkability, glamorous tourist attractions, multitude of entertainment options, and its overall upbeat atmosphere.
Popular among both out-of-towners and locals, Miracle Mile is home to Museum Row, which is a one-mile stretch along Wilshire Boulevard filled with popular museums and hotels. The neighborhood also has several historic collections of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne architecture.
Where to Go for Valentine’s Day:
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The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) – Bring your date to check out the “Urban Lights” exhibit at the LACMA, the largest art museum in the western United States.
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The Grove – In neighboring La Brea, this outdoor mall will be decked out during the week of Valentine’s day with special events, exhibits, romantic fine dining, and discounts.
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Trejos Tacos — Enjoy a casual dinner date at this taco joint on La Brea that’s named after well-known actor Danny Trejo.
Hollywood Hills
Hollywood Hills is an upscale hillside community hidden above the popular Sunset Strip, adjacent to West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. Many residents are drawn to this neighborhood because of its tranquility within nature, variety of real estate, and proximity to many tourist-friendly destinations.
However, if you’re new to this area, there still a few things you need to know before parading your date around the neighborhood. Although it’s near many great hiking spots and establishments, many of the residential roads are private and winding, and may lack enough lighting in the evening, so be aware of your surroundings before taking a nighttime stroll through these hills.
Where to Go for Valentine’s Day:
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The Magic Castle – Impress your partner with magic performances and classes at this exclusive and ornate magic mansion. But first, you need to find a magician to extend an invite.
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Yamashiro Hollywood – Whether you want to admire the large garden and koi pond or enjoy an intimate Asian fusion and candle-lit dinner, this palace atop the Hollywood Hills is a feast for both your stomach and your eyes.
Venice
Venice is a prominent neighborhood in LA’s Westside that can easily take up the entire day thanks to the numerous retail, dining, art, and nightlife options available. This longtime hippie-like neighborhood has been transforming into more of an upscale community throughout the years, perhaps due to the arrival of tech-fueled Silicon Beach.
However, the neighborhood’s main attraction is its sprawling beaches, which is one of LA’s most popular tourist destinations. Before heading out to town with your date, be sure to leave your car at home, so you’re not spending hours searching for a parking spot.
Where to Go for Valentine’s Day:
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High Rooftop Lounge – The only rooftop bar in Venice, located inside the upscale Hotel Erwin. Great for both couples and singles.
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Venice Beach & Boardwalk – A world-famous boardwalk filled with funky shops, lively street performers, and colorful murals.
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The Venice Canals — For a low-key date night, take a stroll down the two-mile stretch of the Venice Canals walkway and view the beautiful landscaped gardens along the way.
Echo Park
Echo Park is an edgy and trendy neighborhood located towards LA’s Eastside, bordered by Silver Lake, Chinatown, Cypress Park, and Koreatown. With some of the city’s hippest dive bars, dance clubs, casual eateries, and even a man-made lake at the heart of the neighborhood, Echo Park attracts a variety of homebuyers.
Residents and visitors enjoy the neighborhood’s artistic murals, quirky boutique shops, specialty coffee shops, and interesting blend of Victorian, Craftsman, and contemporary-style homes.
Where to Go for Valentine’s Day:
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Echo Park Lake – A neighborhood fixture, perfect for a casual stroll, romantic paddle boat ride, or laid-back evening enjoying snacks from one of the park’s food vendors.
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The Short Stop – Locals can enjoy handcrafted cocktails, take photobooth pictures, and dance the night away to throwback jams at this popular haunt.