Downtown Los Angeles is one of L.A.'s most exciting neighborhoods, with new hotels and restaurants opening throughout the year, as well as a variety of cultural attractions and special events. From spectacular sunsets to hidden gems, read on for five romantic places to discover in Downtown L.A.
71Above - U.S. Bank Tower
71Above is the highest restaurant west of the Mississippi. 71Above features elevated modern American cuisine by Chef Javier Lopez, and boasts panoramic views whether you're sipping a craft cocktail at the bar or dining at a table.
Freehand Los Angeles
Located in the former Commercial Exchange building at 8th and Olive, Freehand Los Angeles (416 W. 8th St., Los Angeles 90014) debuted to widespread acclaim for its high end hotel/hostel mashup and Boho Chic design. The hotel's stunning rooftop pool deck, the award-winning Broken Shaker is a perfect place to spend an afternoon together soaking in the sun and sipping craft cocktails. And because nothing says "romance" like sharing a meal, you book a reservation at the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Exchange. As you feed each other bites of the mezze-style plates, the Israeli-influenced cuisine inspires you to plan your next trip together.
Blue Ribbon Garden - Walt Disney Concert Hall
For a cultural date, there's nothing like spending an evening at Walt Disney Concert Hall. Whether it's a classical performance by the acclaimed LA Phil or one of the numerous special events that take place throughout the year, a concert at WDCH is an unforgettable experience. Before the show, take a romantic stroll through the Blue Ribbon Garden, hidden above Grand Avenue beneath the hall’s gleaming exterior and filled with lush landscaping that blooms throughout the year.
Arts District
A stroll through the Arts District can spark a variety of conversations and romantic moods with everything from street art to specialty shops. Fuel up for your urban safari at Groundwork Coffee. Browse the goods at nearby Alchemy Works, a hybrid lifestyle store / art gallery. Speaking of art, a must-see is the sprawling Hauser & Wirth gallery.
The massive One Santa Fe complex is a destination in itself with something for everyone: A Shop Called Quest is a mecca for comic book nerds; Hennessey + Ingalls is an acclaimed visual arts bookstore; HUE is well-known for its high-end fashion; and Here & Now is a romantic, travel-inspired lounge. You might also spot "Kiss" by local artist WRDSMTH. Be sure to heed the artwork's message: “Kiss the one you love every chance you get.”
Last Remaining Seats - Broadway Theatre District
Produced each summer by the Los Angeles Conservancy, Last Remaining Seats is a popular series of classic movie screenings and live entertainment. Last Remaining Seats takes place in Downtown L.A.'s extraordinary historic theatres, such as The Theatre at Ace Hotel, The Orpheum, The Palace, and The Million Dollar Theatre.
Stretching for six blocks from 3rd to 9th Streets along South Broadway, the historic Broadway Theatre District includes 12 movie theatres built between 1910 and 1931. The district is the only large concentration of movie palaces left in the United States.
Love, Los Angeles Style
Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world, but the romances that happen in the City of Angels aren't just movie magic - they're very real indeed. Discover romantic places in neighborhoods across L.A. that can inspire the love of a lifetime.