The Best Places To Kiss In Los Angeles

Is there anywhere romantic in a city with treacherous traffic, consistent smog, hectic workweeks, and a current population of 10 million? Believe it or not, there are lots of amorous spots, including romantic resorts, intimate restaurants, and secluded gardens, to share a moment with your sweetheart.

Here are a few magical places to visit this Valentine's Day with that special someone:

Romantic Beginnings

Just in time for Valentine's Day, top chef Thomas Keller's Beverly Hills Bouchon Bistro has launched a new breakfast menu. Named after the particular style of café that existed in the province of Lyon for centuries, this stunning bistro is the third Bouchon (others in Vegas and Napa) and looks over the beautiful mini-park across from the elegant Montage Hotel. Featuring classic bistro dishes, this romantic restaurant with antique lighting and a French country design will whisk you and your beloved to Paris over cappuccino and croissants.

On the other side of the hill is Studio City's quaint Aroma Coffee & Tea Company housed in what was once a private home. Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner this comfy bistro-like restaurant consists of several dining spots including a cozy indoor area with a fireplace and several patio and sidewalk alfresco options surrounded by twinkling lights, huge trees, and cascading fountains. The best time to visit is for brunch, but be sure to pick up a few of their stellar desserts to take home.

Tea for Two

Head to the expansive Huntington Library, Art Collections and Gardens for tea for two.  Stroll hand in hand through 150 acres of beautifully sculpted gardens and woods showcasing a breathtaking variety of more than 15,000 kinds of floral and fauna or sneak into one of three art galleries and library housing magnificent collections of paintings, furniture, and decorative arts.  End the afternoon at the newly remodeled Rose Garden Tea Room overlooking three acres of roses while sipping tea and enjoying a classic afternoon tea of fresh scones, finger sandwiches, cookies, and tarts.

Check Into Paradise

Stroll through the 12 acres of gardens and fountain courtyards and retreat into one of the best places to kiss in Beverly Hills.  All 58 rooms and 45 suites feature sleek custom furnishings mixed with retro Hollywood-glam accessories.  Some still house private patios and fireplaces but have been electronically upgraded with an iPad to control temperature, room service requests, and checkout.  Opt for a couple's massage at the ultra-modern spa, where you can choose from a variety of music as a backdrop. Afterward, head to Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel Air and dine on modern California cuisine from LA's biggest celebrity chef.

Romantic Melodies

Treat your sweetheart to soulful songs by one of America's greatest storytellers and singers, Steve Tyrell.  The producer, singer, and composer will be performing "The Way You Look Tonight" as well as romantic standards from Frank Sinatra, Burt Bacharach, Ray Charles and other greats at the intimate Catalina Bar & Grill on the big day. Avoid the crowd before and after, from Feb. 10 to12, and 16 to19.  Tickets can be purchased online.

Spa Time

Head to the Sofitel Los Angeles Hotel to indulge in a variety of relaxing couple's experiences. Choose from indulgent couples massages with Champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries or a full day of pampering with a facial, massage, wash and blowout, and a glass of rosé. After a day at the spa, head to the hotel's Esterel Restaurant for a four-course prix fixe for two.

Take a Hike

In the foothills of Pasadena lies the perfect place for you to reconnect with nature and each other.  Take a hike on the peaceful, easy, 10-mile Arroyo Seco Trail, which meanders across a stream and is surrounded by dense woodland and forest.  Picnic tables are found throughout the trail and offer picturesque backgrounds to share a warm thermos of cocoa.

Amorous Art

Los Angeles has a number of world-class museums that offer the ideal setting for an amorous outing. The stunning Getty Center is a marvel of modern architecture, offering visitors spectacular 360-degree views of the southland. The museum houses European art including works by Van Gough, Cezanne, and Monet, among others, in five two-story pavilions. Outside, stroll hand in hand through the magnificently sculptured gardens and enjoy panoramic views.

Sweet Surprise

Tucked in the corner of Grand and Seventh in downtown LA is the massive airy Bottega Louie. Marbled walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, and an open kitchen provide a huge dining area, but the large glass patisserie and market area is where the dozens of pastries, cakes, chocolates, and cookies perfect for Valentine's Day are located. If you are looking for a sweet for your sweet, there are lots of options including 17 gourmet flavors of macaroons. Can't get downtown? It's easy to order gift boxes, chocolate bars, cookies, and many other treats online.