How to Plan a Romantic Los Angeles Staycation

LA-natives and long time locals often forget about what their incredible city has to offer. Plus, many couples put off taking romantic vacations, saying they don’t have enough time or money to make the trip.

The good news is, Los Angeles is the perfect spot to stay put for a romantic staycation. This city has some of the best hotels for lovebirds, the most romantic restaurants, and the easiest nature-loving date-days in the country. 

Basically, there’s no need to go too far to reconnect with your spouse.

Here, we’re helping you plan the ultimate romantic Los Angeles staycation with options, ideas, and inspiration. So, let’s get started.

Start Strong with Romantic Accommodation

When choosing where to stay for your romantic staycation in LA, there are a few things to keep in mind. Is there a spa? What are the rooms like? What’s there to do nearby? What’s the hotel’s demographic?

Without being too much of a snob, narrowing your choices down by asking these questions will help you have the perfect romantic getaway in your own backyard.

If there’s a spa, you can book a couple’s massage. If the rooms are gorgeous and welcoming, it’ll invite you to connect as a couple. If there are things to do nearby, you’ll never get bored. And if the hotel targets adults, you’re less likely to be interrupted by energetic children. 

To help you get started on your search, here are some of the most romantic hotels in all of Los Angeles:

Most of these hotels are so luxurious, that you won’t even need to leave the premises all weekend. They have incredible restaurants, relaxing pools, and some are right on the beach. 

Sure, they might be on the expensive side, but by saving money on flights and travel expenses, it’s ok to splurge on these romantic staycation destinations.

Get Outdoors

When you live in Los Angeles, it’s easy to ignore everything your own city has to offer. You know that it’s a tourist hot spot, but when you grow up in the area, it’s easy to write it off as something you’ve already seen and done. 

In reality, it could take a lifetime to see everything California has to offer, so exploring the outdoors with your partner is a simple (and cheap) way to spend quality time together. 

The most obvious choice for an LA staycation is hitting one of its iconic beaches. Pick one you haven’t been to in a while or choose the one closest to your swanky hotel. Frolick in the waves or take the opportunity to bask in the sun, hand in hand.

Other romantic outdoor activities include going on one of LA’s iconic hiking trails. Make your way to the top, talking and enjoying each other’s company and bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the peak. After all, it’s the little things that make time with your partner so special. 

Take a Day Trip

Just because it’s an LA staycation, doesn’t mean you can’t take a romantic day trip slightly outside the city. 

Romantic hot spots in southern California include Temecula to see the hot air balloons, Catalina for, well… obvious reasons, Big Bear for a more mountainous vibe, and Ojai, full of orange groves and wineries – it’s the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.

You might also make your way up to Santa Barbara or even to Big Sur. It just depends how much – or how little – travel you’re willing to add to what’s supposed to be a staycation. But we get it, sometimes the travel bug is just too persistent.

Make a Few Dinner Reservations

It doesn’t get much more romantic than a candle-lit dinner, drinking fine wine with soft music in the background. So during your LA staycation, be sure to book at least one or two romantic dinners to look forward to.

Get dressed up and have fun with your significant other. Re-spark the excitement of trying to impress one another and make an effort to offer little surprises throughout the evening.

One of our favorite romantic restaurants is in Ojai. It’s one not right in LA, but it’s close enough – and an absolute must-do. Its lush, garden atmosphere will give you butterflies on its own and the food is practically to die for. 

So on your day trip to Ojai, you can spend the day wine-tasting, and the evening tipsy and lovestruck at dinner.

With that being said, however, don’t underestimate the power of a room service dinner. Long baths with rose petals and the entire evening spent in a soft white robe could be the perfect end to a sun-kissed day in LA. Pair that with a bottle of champagne and you’ll wonder why you don’t do this more often.

Plan a Date Day

The best staycations last a full long weekend, but sometimes, a date day where you explore your city without booking accommodations can provide the spark you’re looking for in your romantic relationship. 

If that’s the case, your day might be a spontaneous whirlwind of activities, or a carefully planned itinerary, full to the brim with plans. Either way, you’re likely to bring a day’s worth of stuff, from a change of clothes to snacks and essentials. It’s good to plan ahead for at least most of the possibilities. 

That said, lugging a carry-on around all day can certainly put a damper on the romantic vibe. To make the most of your staycation without carrying all your belongings to the beach and to dinner, find a spot to while you make the rounds. Once you drop off your stuff for safekeeping you’ll be ready to reconnect with your loved one, worry-free.