Los Angeles may not initially come to mind as a top romantic destination, but don't forget that it's the city of angels -- cupid's always lurking somewhere. Evidence abounds in the following list.
- Inn of the Seventh Ray (www.innoftheseventhray.com) in Topanga Canyon is quite possibly L.A.'s most romantic restaurant. Its indoor-outdoor setting along a creek is the perfect backdrop for a love-filled brunch or dinner. An added plus: the food is made of fresh, organic ingredients.
- Escape the concrete jungle to a lush, exotic paradise. At the Huntington Library's (www.huntington.org) abundant botanical gardens, nearly 270 acres burst forth with 14,000 plant species split into 14 themed sections so you can surround yourselves in whichever natural wonder tickles your mutual fancy. Stop at the Tea Room & Cafe for a pot of tea and just-baked scones.
- Drink in some old Hollywood glamour with a martini at Musso and Frank's (www.mussoandfrankgrill.com) bar to feel like a coupla characters in a noir novella; dim lighting sets the mood at the legendary L.A. watering hole. Speaking of lack of lighting, if you two are adventurous, head to Santa Monica to try the pitch-black dining experience that is Opaque (http://la.darkdining.com)
- Picnic, sip wine, and sway to music under the stars at America's largest outdoor amphitheater. Home to the renowned L.A. Philharmonic, the Hollywood Bowl (www.hollywoodbowl.com) presents the best in jazz, classical, and world music on warm summer evenings.
- Take your honey on a one-hour tout through the canals of Naples Island in East Long Beach, aboard an authentic Venetian-style gondola. You bring the champagne and the good people at Gondala Getaway (www.gondolagetawayinc.com) will bring the ice bucket, glasses, French bread, cheese, and salami. Background music sets the tone and blankets are perfect for snuggling under. If you're lucky, a gondolier will serenade you in Italian.. Tip: Make reservations a few weeks in advance. To experience the old-world charm of canals right in L.A., explore Venice (www.westland.net/Venice/canals.htm), designed in tribute to its ever-romantic namesake city.
- Fall in love with the city's music by partaking in the Sounds of L.A. concert series, Saturday nights at the Getty Museum (www.getty.edu). Since you're in the area, treat your honey to a bit of luxury with an overnight stay at the Luxe Bel Air, (www.luxehotelsunsetblvd.com) almost adjacent to the Getty; their Sunday jazz brunch is a particularly relaxing way to spend quality time together.
- Stroll along one of northern L.A. County's more secluded beaches. Nestle or nap in one of the practically private sea coves at Leo Carillo (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616). Brunch at the famous Paradise Cove Beach Café (www.paradisecovemalibu.com) or explore the large sea caves and gasp at the breathtaking cliff-side views at El Matador State Beach (www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=145).
- Gaze at the stars -- and a twinkling, panoramic view of L.A. -- with an after-dark visit to the Griffith Park Observatory (www.griffithobs.org).
- Cuddle close on the brand-new Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier (www.santamonicapier.org). Sneak a smooch at the top, from where you'll see a stunning ocean view.
- Spend a spring afternoon lazing together in UCLA's Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden(http://hammer.ucla.edu/collections/detail/collection_id/6), the campus's most popular place to kiss), or whiling away the hours in its Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden (www.botgard.ucla.edu).
- Feel like kids again by going on a date to Disneyland (www.disneyland.com). While at the Magic Kingdom, dine at the Blue Bayou, which transports you into a summer's night on the Louisiana's bayou. Tip: Make reservations up to two months in advance to avoid a long wait for a table.
