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Category: Date Ideas

The Los Angeles Zoo

by Ron

Entrance To The Los Angeles ZooIf you’re a fan of animals and are looking to spend some time outdoors, head on over to the Los Angeles Zoo for a fun filled day. Bordering Griffith Park and hosting over 1.4 million visitors each year, the Los Angeles Zoo is home to more than 1,200 species of animals from around the globe. You can never be too old to have a great time at the Zoo; it’s a perfect activity for the entire family, a group of friends, or on a date.

Parking & Tickets

There is plenty of parking at the Los Angeles Zoo and it is free. As you walk from your car to the ticket booth, you may be a little intimidated by the line…but don’t panic, it moves fairly quickly (expect to wait about 20-30 minutes). Unfortunately, there is no way around the wait since the Zoo doesn’t offer advance online ticket sales. If it’s warm outside, and it usually is in that part of the city, I suggest you wear light colored clothing; only a small portion of the line is covered and you’ll be standing under sun most of the time.

The price of admission at the Los Angeles Zoo is a reasonable $10 per adult, while children are admitted for $5. There are about a half dozen shows held throughout the day and the cost is included in your ticket price.

The Food

I can’t comment on the food since I didn’t have any…but you should expect to pay around $7-$10 for a meal. It’s probably just me, but I always felt a little uncomfortable eating a hamburger with a family of Zebra’s frolicking only a few yards away. They have plenty of stands around the zoo serving the usual over-priced goodies: Churros, Shaved Italian Ice, Frozen Lemonade, and Dipping Dots.

The Animals

If you’ve ever been to the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, or any other major Zoo around the Country, you probably won’t be that impressed with the Los Angeles Zoo. But since it’s the only Zoo in Los Angeles, we can't really complain.

If you arrive around Noon and the animals haven’t been fed yet, be prepared to play “Where’s Waldo” at the exhibits. During my visit to the Los Angeles Zoo, some of the more interesting animals like the Snow Leopard, Tigers, Bears, and Wolves were nowhere to be found. I did get a spectacular close-up of the Tortoise…but the experience wasn’t that exhilarating.

If you decide to visit the Los Angeles Zoo, I would suggest that you arrive in the morning when the Zoo opens (at 10am). Alternatively, if you decide visit during the afternoon, swing by after 2pm. If you’re just casually strolling through and taking pictures, you should plan to spend anywhere from 2-3 hours at the Zoo; plan a little more time if you decide to take in a show.

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The Boardwalk At Venice Beach

by Ron

Venice Beach BoardwalkWith summer right around the corner, nothing beats spending a day at the beach. Although Los Angeles is home to a plethora of wonderful beaches, I have always been particularly fond of Venice.

This strip of beach is about 1.5 miles in length (north to south) and it’s bordered by Navy St and Washington Blvd. Besides the typical beach activities like playing frisbee, flying kites, swimming, and laying out on the sand...there are plenty of other things to see and do at Venice Beach.

The Boardwalk

Lined with souvenir shops, artists, musicians, and street performers – the Boardwalk at Venice Beach is a great spot for an afternoon stroll. If you’re looking for a little more activity, rent a pair of rollerblades or a bike for about $20 and then head off in any direction. The Boardwalk is part of the South Bay Bicycle Trail which spans 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County...so make sure you have enough energy for the trip back

Bars & Cafes

There are plenty of cafes along the boardwalk where you can sit down and enjoy the view; it’s also great for people watching. For something quick and affordable, grab a slice of pizza and then find a bench facing the ocean. On a hot day, why not grab a cold beer (or cola) at a neighborhood bar to cool down.

Souvenirs & Art

If you’re looking for some cheap souvenirs or pieces of art for the house, you’ve come to the right place. Venice Beach is home to tons of vendors who will sell you everything from fake designer sunglasses to hand carved trinkets.

Tarot Card Readings

Another thing you’ll find abundant at Venice Beach are the Palm and Tarot Card Readers…about 2-3 per block. Some have their own shops while others are nestled along the boardwalk between the street performers and the animal rights activists.

Parking

Parking in Venice is no picnic and you’ll be really lucky to find an available space along the street. Make sure you read the signs carefully because you don’t want to get a ticket, or worse, have your car towed away. If you don’t find parking along the street, there’s a lot on Rose Ave and Speedway that charges $4. Interestingly enough, there is another parking lot a few blocks south that charges $14.

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Lookout Spot - Mulholland Drive

by Ron

Following along the ridge of the Santa Monica Mountains, Mulholland Drive offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley. As you make your way along the windy road, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to park your car and take it all in. Depending on where you access Mulholland Dr, there are 2 fantastic spots that I would recommend.

Mulholland Drive Scenic OverlookFrom Laurel Canyon

If you’re headed up Laurel Canyon from West Hollywood, make a left at Mulholland Dr and head west for about 1 mile (make a right on Mulholland if you’re coming up from the Valley). You’ll pass a street called Skyline Dr and the lookout spot will be on your right hand side. Don’t get it confused with the overlook at the bend which resembles a sand dune. Once you arrive at the lookout spot, pull off the road and park your car on the dirt area designated for the overlook. Although the views are excellent in the day, my favorite time to go there is in the evening. Unfortunately, there’s a sign that says “Overlook Closed - 9pm to 6am”. If you don’t mind bending the rules once in a while, you can come by after 9pm at your own risk; there are people living nearby so I suggest keeping the noise at a respectable level.

Mulholland OverlookFrom Beverly Glen

If you arrive via Beverly Glen (or Benedict Canyon) from West Los Angeles or Beverly Hills, make sure to stop by the Charles and Lotte Melhorn Overlook on the 13800 block of Mulholland Dr. If you’re headed eastbound, you’ll pass Deep Canyon Dr and the overlook will be on your left. Unlike the lookout on Skyline, there is no designated area to park your car (unless you’re handicapped)…so you’ll have to park and then walk over. There are a few benches at the overlook so you can just sit down and enjoy the spectacular view. This overlook is probably best enjoyed in the day because it can get a little cold in the evening…and you won’t have the comfort of turning on the heater in the car.

Mulholland Scenic Overlook
On Mulholland Dr (nearest cross street: Skyline Dr)
Los Angeles, CA 90046

Charles and Lotte Melhorn Overlook
On Mulholland Dr (nearest cross street: Deep Canyon Dr)
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

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Ocean Lookout Spot: Pacific Palisades

by Ron

Ocean lookout in the Pacific PalisadesIf you’re looking to enjoy a sunset/sunrise or just a view of the Pacific Coast during the day, there’s an ocean lookout in the Pacific Palisades where you can sit back and take it all in. The bluff has about a half dozen benches to choose from, or alternatively, you can park your car in the cul-de-sac and enjoy the view from there. Since it’s a residential neighborhood, you should do your best to keep the noise down.

Getting There

If you're traveling westbound along Sunset Blvd, you’ll want to make a left turn on El Medio Ave. Once you’re on El Medio Ave, simply drive all the way down till the road ends and park your car. If you take the Freeway, simply take PCH to Sunset Blvd and make a right. Once you reach El Medio Ave, you’ll want to make another right.

Just in case, here are the directions.

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Take A Drive Along PCH

by Ron

A Drive Along The Pacific Coast HighwayAs a native of Los Angeles, I take a lot of things for granted – namely, the beauty and tranquility of the Pacific Ocean. Whether or not you grew up in the Los Angeles, there’s no denying that there are few things which can compare. The sound of the waves breaking against the rocks, the sunlight glistening on the water, the ocean breeze, and that irreproducible salt water scent. It really touches all of your senses and helps you tune out even the most stressful of days.

On a clear day, head out for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) and take in all that it has to offer. Start in Santa Monica and just drive northbound until you feel like turning back. It’s also a great idea for a date or something to enjoy with a significant other. If it’s nearing the end of the day – park your car, walk down to the shore, and enjoy a spectacular sunset.

If you really want to experience the coastline and soothe the senses, you can rent a convertible for about $80; in fact, why not make a day out of it. Leave in the morning and take PCH north until you reach Santa Barbara (it’s about a 2 hour drive) and spend the day there. If you enjoy listening to music while you drive, take some CDs with you because the radio reception drops in and out.

Click here to find additional scenic routes in and around Los Angeles.

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Abalone Cove Shoreline Park

by Ron

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos VerdesIf you’re in the South Bay and want to take in some fantastic views, head over to Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos Verdes. An affluent suburb of Los Angeles, the bluffs of Rancho Palos Verdes make for an ideal location to enjoy scenic views – specifically, the Palos Verdes Coast and Catalina Island. If you really have your heart set on seeing Catalina Island, check the weather before leaving as it tends to get really foggy up there.

You can park your vehicle at the parking lot right off Palos Verdes Dr for $5. The park offers 2 different beaches for you to enjoy – Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove. Once you park, you’ll have to take a trail in order to get to Abalone Cove Beach; the trail can be accessed directly from the parking lot. In order to get to Sacred Cove Beach, walk south along Palos Verdes Dr (from the parking lot) and you’ll run into 2 trails that will lead you there.

You can enjoy a view of the coast from the grassy area atop the 180-foot bluff. If this is a romantic outing, why not pack some sandwiches and have a picnic. Afterwards, head down to the shore via a steep trail and take a walk along the beach; the trail is approximately ¼ mile in length.

* photo courtesy of Ed Shea

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Picnicking In The Pacific Palisades

by Ron

Temescal Canyon Road in the Pacific PalisadesTrying to figure out where to have a picnic? Look no further. As you drive along Temescal Canyon Rd in the Pacific Palisades, you’ll notice about a dozen areas on both sides of the street that are a perfect for that afternoon picnic (not to be confused with Temescal Canyon Park). There is plenty of green space for a traditional picnic on the grass, or if you’d rather sit down at a table, each area also has a picnic shelter. It’s usually pretty busy on warm Sunday afternoons, so just keep that in mind if you’re looking for some quiet time.

If you want to make a day out of it, bring a kite or frisbee along for some fun after your picnic. You can also head down to Will Rogers State Beach which is only a few blocks away (depending on how far up you are along Temescal Canyon Rd). Once you’re there, you can go rollerblading, bike riding, or just take a casual stroll along the beach.

Getting There

Getting to Temescal Canyon is extremely easy. Simply take PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) to Temescal Canyon Road and make a right. Alternatively, you can travel westbound along Sunset Blvd until you reach Temescal Canyon Road and then make a left. You can park your car right on the street. Depending on how busy it is, you may have to park a little further from the site and then do a little walking.

Just in case, here's a link to the directions

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El Dorado Nature Center - Long Beach

by Ron

El Dorado Nature Center in Long BeachSince 1969, the El Dorado Nature Center in Long Beach has hosted over 2 million visitors coming to enjoy its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. The Nature Center is home to a variety of animal life, including coyotes, hawks and squirrels. As you step in to the Nature Center, you’ll be immediately drawn to it’s lush greenery – composed of Oak, Redwood, and Alder Tress.

The 102 acre nature center can be traversed by way of a paved trail, which is 1/4 mile in length, and/or a 2 mile dirt trail which winds around a pair of lakes. As you walk through the Nature Center, you will find dozens of peaceful spots where you can relax and simply take in all the beauty it has to offer. If it’s been an especially chaotic week, or you just need a quiet place think, swing by the El Dorado Nature Center for a few hours.

The Nature Center is also a fantastic location for a date, especially the first one. It’s a great place to talk and get to know each other without all the distractions you may find in the city.

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Romantic Date Ideas in Los Angeles

by Ron

Romantic Date Ideas in Los AngelesTaking your date out in Los Angeles should be pleasant and memorable for both of you. Finding romantic date ideas in Los Angeles is certainly not hard work, and you owe it to your girl and yourself to get out and enjoy what the city has to offer.

Los Angeles has the perfect date weather and you can do pretty much everything year-round. Candlelight dinners and rose petals aside, if you are looking to go the extra mile for your sweetheart, here are some romantic date ideas.

The Beach

The southern California region is full of what makes California famous - beaches. There are many varieties of romantic date ideas these beaches provide. Pack a picnic or a kite and head to your closet beach, or get closer to celebrities at Malibu Lagoon State Beach. Enjoy the sun together during the day, or visit the beach at dusk for a more isolated stroll through the waves. Set out an evening picnic and enjoy the quiet stillness of night while you gaze at the starts. Of course, it goes without saying that you should name a star for your date.

Catalina Island

For a romantic day together, head to Catalina Island. While there, enjoy time together in a couple's spa or head to the beach for snorkeling or scuba diving. Have dinner in any of the romantic restaurants on the beach, and then head back to the mainland after a fulfilling day together. Another option, of course, would be to spend an entire weekend or at least a night together on the island and enjoy all of the romantic date ideas available.

Gondola Ride

Experience a little taste of Venice inside Los Angles. Gondola Adventures in Long Beach offers an opportunity to snuggle together on a classic gondola, complete with a singing gondolier. Have some wine and cheese while you admire the houses off the canal and simply enjoy each other’s company. Enjoy the romantic serenade of the gondolier and let dusk wash over you as you experience this, a truly different romantic date idea.

Take A Drive

Los Angeles has some of the most beautiful weather in the world. Rent a convertible or take the top down on yours and just drive. The Pacific Coast Highway offers amazing views and plenty of opportunities for sneaking your arm around your sweetie or stealing a kiss at a lookout point. Stop for a sweet treat and discuss other romantic date ideas you might have for the future. Feel the wind whip through your hair while you declare your love for her and Los Angeles.

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Fun Date Ideas in Los Angeles

by Ron

Fun date ideas in Los AngelesSo you managed to survive the first date and now you want to plan something fun for the second. What do you do on those in between dates, anyway?

Los Angeles is among the most famous cities in the world, and not only celebrities come here to play. There are endless fun date opportunities available in and around the city, so let your imagination come out to play.

Disneyland

Relive your childhood in true form. Head over to Anaheim from Los Angeles and see all the fun date ideas Disney has cooked up. The classic fairy tale appeal and rides are still available at Disneyland, but other options are available at Disney's California Adventure and Downtown Disney. Get your picture taken with Donald Duck and find a personalized set of mouse ears for a souvenir. Spin teacups together until you're sick and see the true Pirates of the Caribbean. Disney has made a business out of making things fun, and these parks are no exception.

Sporting Event

Take in a baseball game in a city known for beautiful weather. The Los Angeles Dodgers play in Dodger Stadium frequently and nothing can beat a three foot giant blue foam finger to wave together. If baseball season is over, the Los Angeles Lakers make a fine alternative with some of the largest names in sports today. The Los Angeles Kings Hockey team would also make a fun date idea. Hockey is best viewed from behind the glass next to the rink where you can enjoy the fights and action up close.

The Zoo

For an afternoon in the sun, head to the Los Angeles Zoo. There are frequent special attractions in addition to the regular animals, and with the balmy weather LA enjoys year-round, the animals are always out enjoying the easy life. Hold hands and laugh at the monkeys. Feed the ducks and share an ice cream while you stroll through the reptile house. Throw peanuts to the elephants and take time out to generally enjoy each other's company.

Play Golf

The city of Los Angeles owns the largest golf course complex in the United States. There are a total of thirteen courses available throughout the city, so surely one will suit the fun date ideas you've planned. Demonstrate your handicap or help your date fix hers on a breezy Sunday afternoon on the links.

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