5 Downtown Los Angeles Spots to Visit on Valentine’s Day

With an abundance of historic sites juxtaposed by trendy and modern spots, Downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) exudes a dreamy charm that attracts visitors from all over the metropolitan area. This Valentine’s Day, take advantage of some of these charms by taking an uberX ride with someone special to some of these unique spots and activities in the City of Angels.

Broadway Theater District

The Broadway Theater District encompasses a six-block stretch that houses 12 vintage movie palaces. Constructed with ornate architectural elements and lavish interiors, these theaters allow patrons a nostalgic glimpse of the city’s past grandeur. At present, the different movie palaces range in function from entertainment venues to nightclubs to retail spaces. However, The Theatre at Ace Hotel, Los Angeles Theatre, and Million Dollar Theatre continue to preserve its cinematic spirit by occasionally screening movies. Several of the venues host special events and showings on and around Valentine’s Day.

Perch

Among the popular hangouts in DTLA, Perch serves as one of the more vibrant local haunts. On the 16th floor, the classy rooftop lounge offers a scenic view of the city, craft cocktails, and classic French dishes like filet mignon au poivre (pepper steak) and bouillabaisse (fish stew). For an intimate experience, the 15th-floor restaurant provides an indoor Bohemian atmosphere with antique furniture and cozy lounge couches. For music, a live jazz band followed by a DJ enhances the easygoing mood.

Little Tokyo

True to its name, Little Tokyo is a quaint cultural center with public artwork, temples, and shops reminiscent of the Japanese capital. This pedestrian-friendly historic district is home to notable points of interest like the Japanese American National Museum, and Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, a former warehouse turned into an art exhibition space. Little Tokyo also boasts numerous authentic and inspired Japanese eateries, including Shojin, a vegan restaurant with a romantic, candlelit ambiance, and Daikokuya, a popular and highly-acclaimed ramen joint.

L.A. Live

L.A. Live is an expansive entertainment complex with tons of fun things for couples to do. For exciting live concerts, the Microsoft Theater is the plaza’s resident venue, but the adjacent Los Angeles Convention Center and Staples Center are within walking distance from L.A. Live. Couples looking for something more laid-back can enjoy a movie at the cinema or taking a stroll through the Grammy Museum. As for dining options, there are a diverse selection of good eats like Triple 8 China Bar and Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, and the Latin-inspired Boca Restaurant at The Conga Room.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

Designed by the renowned architect Frank Gehry, the Walt Disney Concert Hall stands as an impressive stainless steel structure that’s difficult to miss. Visitors without a ticket for a performance can explore the building via a free self-guided or docent-led tour. The concert hall also offers Patina, a Michelin-starred contemporary French bistro, and the Blue Ribbon Garden, a lovely rooftop garden replete with trees, sitting areas, and a fountain. The Walt Disney Concert Hall also features the Library of Congress Ira Gershwin Gallery, a themed educational collection of artwork and video clips that are rotated biannually.