Romantic Getaways & Hotels in Los Angeles & Area

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By: Greg Mattson, ERV Editor - Updated: Mar 5, 2017

Thinking of a weekend getaway for two in Los Angeles, California? We've picked 5 romantic spots in LA, with romantic hotels and inns to check out, plus ideas for day trips and evenings out in great spots like Malibu, Venice Beach and Santa Monica.

The Best Time to Visit Los Angeles,CA - great all year long, but October and April would be our choice of the best time for exploring Los Angeles romantic attractions.

1. Venice Canals & Beach

Venice Beach - let the epicenter of California beach culture and lifestyle come roller blading by you on Venice Beach. The 2 km Ocean Front Walk is a collage of palms, sand, tattoo shops, marijuana advocates and T-Shirt stands. One of LA's people-watching havens.

Venice Canals - arriving in Venice Beach, don't make the mistake that many couples vacationing in LA do and miss the Venice Canals. One stroll along the walkways and bridges of this most unique and beautiful of Los Angeles neighborhoods, and like us, you'll be wondering why they are so underrated.

In season (spring to autumn), the colors of the foliage, boats, bridges and blue sky are incredible. Highly recommended as one of LA's best free (and most romantic) attractions.

Walking directions from Venice Beach: find 25th Avenue and follow it Northeast for just a couple of short blocks (be very careful crossing Pacific Ave).

Romantic Hotel in Marina del Rey, CA:

• Jamaica Bay Inn - perfectly situated on Mother's Beach, close to both Venice and Santa Monica with views of the boats in Marina del Rey. The Jamaica Bay offers up amenities like on-site romantic dining, heated pool, Wi-Fi, robes and bike rentals. We loved our stay here and can recommend it as a good base for exploring the LA's beach communities. 2017 Rating* for Romantic LA Hotels: 87% of Couples Rated it Excellent/Very Good (4175 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA  888-823-5333) 
• Whirlpool Hotel Suites in Los Angeles - book a romantic stay in one of these hotels with a jetted tub right in the suite. Includes hotels in downtown LA, near LAX, plus Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach and more.

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2. Santa Monica

Take your pick of sand, sights or shopping when you arrive in Santa Monica. The pedestrian Third Street Promenade is a bustling place with restaurants, bars, shops, and street entertainment (check out the huge naturally lit Apple Store!)

Following the fresh sea breeze 2 blocks west, and you’re at Santa Monica State Beach and Pier, with its famously retro seaside Amusement Park and Ferris wheel. As you swing in one of the cars at the top of the loop, soak up the views and savour the moment, as this is certainly one of the most romantic spots in all of Los Angeles! 

Romantic Santa Monica Inn:

• The Channel Road Inn is an ideal Santa Monica bed and breakfast for couples located only 500 ft from the beach. It's got 7 rooms (more like a small inn), priced affordably, and includes all the things you love about a B&B/small inn here, like free evening wine and appetizers, fresh baked cookies, free parking & WiFi, and hot tub suites. We really like that they have separate tables for breakfast, so you can have a bit of privacy eating first thing in the morning without the pressure of being social with other guests. 2017 Rating* for Romantic Santa Monica B&B's: 90% of Couples Rated it Excellent/Very Good (219 West Channel Rd, Santa Monica, CA  310-459-1920) 

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3. Malibu

Long walks along the beach enjoying the salty air, sunsets and low tide make Malibu one of the more relaxing romantic getaways in Los Angeles. This is an excellent place to head to for quieter beaches and a little breather from LA traffic and congestion.  

There's lots of nice dining possibilities here as well, including several romantic Malibu oceanfront restaurants like Allegria Ristorante (22821 Pacific Coast Hwy, 310-456-3132) and Geoffrey's (27400 Pacific Coast Hwy, 310-457-1519). 

Malibu Romantic Oceanfront Hotel:

• Malibu Beach Inn - What Other Couples Said: "Fantastic Hotel Right on the Beach"..."Walk to the Pier and Shops"..."Elegant and Relaxing Boutique Inn". 2017 Rating* for Romantic Santa Monica B&B's: 86% of Couples Rated it Excellent/Very Good (22878 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu CA  310-651-7777) 

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4. Naples Island

Tucked away down in Long Beach, Naples Island is worth a visit, especially if you're already in the area visiting the Queen Mary or returning to LA from Huntington or Newport Beach. Snooping around this exclusive little enclave will make you think you're in Naples, Florida or Naples...Italy!

Two romantic attraction in this part of greater Los Angeles:

1. Naples Gondola Rides - get ready to be serenaded while floating through the canals of Naples in an authentic Italian gondola. You can even bring your own bottle of wine! Don't forget a blanket on cooler evenings. Reservations in advance are recommended. (562-433-9595  5437 E. Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA).

2. Hydro Bikes - if you'd rather find your own way out on the water at your own pace (and get a little exercise while you're at it), Long Beach Hydrobikes (110 N. Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA  562-546-2493) can set you up in a cool hydro bike for a self-peddling excursion through the canals. Especially romantic is their romantic Alamitos Bay Sunset Ride package. 

5. Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive itself is almost reason enough to upgrade to a convertible at the rental car counter! An early evening romantic drive along this winding road high up in the Santa Monica Mountains will bring back all sorts of memories of Hollywood films and shows you've seen over the years. And the various roadside look-outs offer some of the best views in Los Angeles.

After the cruise and the views, a quiet table for two at the romantic Four Oaks Restaurant (2181 N. Beverly Glen Blvd, 877-804-2788) would cap off the evening nicely.

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More Places & Pics of Romantic Getaways in Los Angeles 

 Marina del Rey, CA

Redondo Beach, CA

*ERV Rating: our unique, non-scientific rating formula for romantic hotels which includes:

• Romantic Amenities: suites with an in-room Whirlpool bath or JACUZZI® Tub, scenic view, fireplace, lounge, etc
• Location: proximity of hotel to restaurants, pubs, downtown, etc
• Clientele: demographic the hotel attracts (couples, families with kids, business travelers, etc)
• Popularity with Couples & Honeymooners: based on variety of social media & crowd-sourced reviews.   

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