Category: Romantic

I love the idea of extreme rock climbing, but I don’t relish the thought of dangling on a thin nylon rope over a deadfall drop. If you’re like me, you’ll be happy to know there’s fun alternative. You’ll find it in Joshua Tree, and it’s a great day trip for a hiking date.

Only 140 miles east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree National Park boasts three distinct eco-regions and six mountain ranges; but the most compelling feature of all lies to the west, in the giant piles of stone known as the Wonderland of Rocks.

It’s as if Salvador Dali sculpted these formations, which twist, bend and reach up in a surrealist fusion of monoliths, obelisks and spires. But it was millions of years of tectonic forces deep beneath the earth that formed these bizarre rocks, assisted by the unseen artistic hand of erosion. Luckily, the final masterpiece happens to be ideal for bouldering.

“Bouldering” is rock climber-ese for scrambling over, around and under piles of boulders and large rocks. It’s exhilarating and fun, but it requires strength, agility and commitment. In other words, if you and your friend are fit hikers, you’ll be fine.

Small-scale bouldering doesn’t require any special equipment, however, a good pair of leather gloves with the fingers cut off (biker gloves work great) and sturdy hiking shoes are an absolute must. They allow you to grip the rocks with Spiderman-like ease. Long sleeve shirts and blue jeans protect arms and legs from rocky scrapes. My more advanced bouldering buddy uses a thick, knotted rope of about 15 feet in length to help me out of crevices or up smooth walls. A rope and a buddy are just good sense - and more fun - to bring along. In summer bring plenty of water. In the winter just add plenty of layers and a warm hat. I always have some kind of head covering and sunscreen – temperatures here are 15 to 20 degrees cooler than Palm Springs, but there’s not a lot of shade!

If bouldering is not for you or your friend, the following trail hikes will give you the lay of the Wonderland without as much difficulty:

Fortynine Palms Oasis Trail is three miles round trip and of moderate difficulty. Over 50 fan palms make up this natural oasis with its pools of water. This palm oasis is one of five in the park.

Willow Hole Trail is an easy hike of seven miles round trip and features large water pools and willow trees. The trail begins at the Keys West Backcountry board, and goes through a modest gorge surrounded by tall boulders.

Boy Scout Trail is a scenic sixteen miles round trip, along the western edge of the Wonderland of Rocks. It is moderately difficult. You’ll find the trailhead at Keys West Backcountry board a half mile east of the Quail Springs picnic area. It’s not a bad idea to make this a shuttle hike, with a car parked at both ends.

To get to Joshua Tree from Los Angeles, take the I-10 East. Go North on the Twentynine Palms Highway to your selected destination.

Bouldering is an exciting alternative to extreme rock climbing that will get your blood pumping without the high risk. And while you’re up there, enjoy a romantic picnic for two on a cozy pancake of granite, and see who can find the craziest shapes in the rocks!

Photos by Randolph Scott

If you enjoy hiking, and you want an out of the way romantic adventure with a like-minded friend, you'll find it deep in Angeles National Forest on the rugged trails of Switzer's Falls.

Part of the Upper Arroyo Seco River Basin, Switzer's is located off the Angeles Crest Highway, seven miles north of interstate 210 above La Canada/Flintridge. The shady trail head features picnic tables, charcoal grills, and restrooms situated along a gurgling, stony creek. Switzer's offers beginner to advanced trails, sunny mountain views, cool wooded glades, and the highlight of it all: the falls!

Fall and winter hikes are some of the best in these mountains, especially after a swell of rain has replenished the creek. This is when the falls are the most spectacular (during the hottest droughts of summer they can dwindle down to a meager trickle.) But elevations here range from 1,200 to 10,064 feet, and that means it’s always much cooler than L.A. The views are spectacular, but wear warm layers under your coat and something over your ears. A cuddling companion is also highly recommended!

To get there take the 210 to the Angeles Crest Highway exit, (State Route 2), going north. To park you will need a National Forest Daily Adventure Pass (one per vehicle). These can be purchased for $5.00 at the Shell station on Angeles Crest Highway, near the junction for the 210. Continue north on Route 2 another seven miles up the mountain.

You'll pass a small ranger station on your right, (another place to buy an Adventure Pass), and shortly after you'll turn right at Mile Marker 34.2. This is the Switzer Picnic Area.

The hours posted at the gate are 6 am to 10 pm. Signs indicate that the gate is locked at 6:00 pm, but you will still be able to exit the park if you stay after dark. Drive down the curvy spur road to the parking area at the bottom. Take the footbridge over the creek, and you are on your way to the falls!

For the first leg, the trail follows the creek, and occasionally the trail will seem to end. When this happens, cross the creek and the trail picks up on the other side. The creek crossings are man-made but natural - large strategically placed rocks or logs.

Eventually the trail will seem to dead-end at a natural stone wall. Follow the signs to Switzer Falls, which points you to a railed footpath that zigzags up the rock face. Leaving the creek, take this to the top and continue on the trail. The trail will start going down into the canyon, and eventually will meet back up with the creek, which now becomes the trail. Follow the rocky creek-bed upstream until you reach the falls.

After your hike, check out the rustic and relaxed village of La Canada Flintridge. Warm up with a hot drink at Zeli's Coffee Bar at 639 Foothill Blvd. If you’re hungry, go up a block to the Dish restaurant. The cozy fire and all American cuisine make for a nice ending to a romantic winter's day.

After months of closure due to last year’s devastating fires, Griffith Park is now happily open to the public. While there is still some evidence of fire damage, the greenery is coming back and Griffith’s hills are on the mend. The recent rainy season in L.A. is feeding that new growth, and with it comes the hope in 2008 for a full park recovery.

The largest municipal park and urban wilderness area in the United States, Griffith offers gorgeous views with California oak trees, wild sage, and 53 miles of hiking trails over chaparral covered hills.
While some of these trails are still restricted to hikers, there are still plenty of paths from which to choose.

An ideal hike this time of year takes you straight to the newly renovated Griffith Observatory. Advance reservations are no longer required, but parking is limited, so hiking there is ideal. From Western Avenue, enter Griffith Park off Los Feliz Blvd, turning left at the first traffic light onto Fern Dell Drive. Go north and park in the large parking lot on your left. From here cross the street and take a small foot-bridge over the Dell. The trailhead is behind the playground slide. You’ll see two trails. Take the one the left that slopes upward. It’s a nice wide trail, but it’s uphill, so offers a nice workout even at a leisurely pace. Whenever the trail splits bear right and keep hiking up until you reach the Observatory. The rangers at Griffith advise to please respect the closed/roped off paths as they are still in the recovery process, or are not legitimate trails.

Once you reach the Observatory, you might want to visit the Café at the End of the Universe for a nice hot cup of tea, and an incredible panoramic view that goes all the way to the Pacific. Then maybe take in a Planetarium show or film. For Griffith Observatory show schedules and hours, check out: http://www.griffithobs.org/vshuttle.html

Believe it or not, this time of year in LA, winter hikes can offer majestic views of foggy banks cascading over rocks, crisp clean air and no bugs. If you and your companion dress for the weather, you have a pretty romantic date in the making!

One of my favorite date spots in Los Angeles is Miceli’s – located at the corner of Las Palmas and Hollywood Blvd in Hollywood. From beginning to end, you and your date will love the unique atmosphere, absolutely delectable food, incredible fine wines, and their top notch service. I took my here girlfriend for our first anniversary, and the memory of that night will always be with me; Miceli’s is the place to make those kind of memories.

Opened in 1949, Miceli’s is a Hollywood landmark, and a must stop for many tourists. Don’t let this deter you though; the food is one of a kind. My favorite dishes are their world famous lasagna, and the to-die-for Chicken Marsala. My girlfriend prefers the Alfredo, but I think it’s safe to say that everything I’ve had has been absolutely amazing. Miceli’s also offers some of the best diner roles and house wines around (I’d go with the White Zin, but that’s just me). I will say that the only thing on the menu that leaves a little to be desired is the pizza, but I don’t usually go to Miceli’s for pizza.

Once you walk through the front door, you will immediately understand what makes Miceli’s such a great date place. The old world Italian vibe runs deep throughout the restaurant, from the empty wine bottles swinging from the roof to the piano player who entertains ever night. As a matter of fact, the majority of the waiters and waitresses are grade-A singers and grab the mike several times throughout the night, belting the standards to roaring applause.

With better food than Musso an Frank’s, and a slightly better atmosphere than the Pig and Whistle, Miceli’s really stands out as one of the more unique food landmarks of the city. One can’t help but feel the history in the place. It’s almost like walking into the Godfather movies and having dinner with the Corleone’s!

Please note there is a Miceli’s located on Cahuenga in North Hollywood, but I would not recommend stopping. Their service is not nearly as good, and it’s busy (which doesn’t make much sense, but what does?). If you’re coming from the valley, don’t be tempted, drive the extra mile. The service alone is worth it.

If you’re looking for the perfect place to bring your significant, or even your first date, Miceli’s is just the spot. So hop in the car and head to Hollywood, tonight’s your lucky night!

I love Los Angeles and one of the main reasons is because it never stops recreating itself. A city known for its shock value, it's distinctive when it comes to numerous choices of dating places. With that said, I hate the idea of a traditional "romantic date." You know the ones I mean; the soft lights, candles on the table, easy listening emanates from the restaurant's walls while the waiter shoves the menu at you which of course list the customary "lobster" as their main course.

Los Angeles is the place to shake it up when it comes to romantic dating. From the Bungalow Club complete with individual bungalows, to the very intimate Nirvana on Wilshire artfully decorated with fireplaces and canopy beds throughout.

But who says romance has to be all candles and dark lighting. I personally like the fun dates that include things like pool at places like Break Shot Billiards, (nothing like someone trying to show you how to hold a cue) miniature golf or moonlight bowling. (same principals can apply)

If you've checked out everything you can in Los Angeles, but don't want to travel far, then Long Beach is the place to be. The Pike by my opinion is still one of the best kept secrets in Southern California. Forget about the restaurants although there are a number of them to choose from, but there is also Gameworks if you're into playing things like pinball, etc., or grab a blanket and find a spot right near the historic Long Beach Light House. Plus, the city has several choices of either day or night time cruises. But what if you're on a first date and getting comfy-cozy might not be the smart thing to do, then rent some bikes and take a ride on the beach, or to really make it unique, then check out renting a couple of Segways.

So if you are having a problem finding places for a romantic date, then the problem might not be the city, the problem might just be you.

I've lived in New York most of my adult life and never even gave California a thought except when my mother spoke about her trips to San Francisco; and even then she only spoke about Fisherman's Wharf. Any thoughts or comments I had on California were based on what I saw on television, in the movies or what my musician friends would tell me when they had returned from their trips to Los Angeles. I knew that there was always some competition between NY and Cali. After all, both coasts talk big when it comes to being in the forefront of fashion, music and entertainment.

When I started giving thoughts to moving out of New York, I wanted to move to a place that was similar. After not too much consideration, I chose California. New York had been good to me and I loved the liveliness and excitement of it, but I couldn't take the weather anymore, so I decided to give California a chance.

However, there was one thing I wasn't expecting. How challenging it would be to find out where all the eligible men hung out in Los Angeles. After all, in New York City, it was easy to meet men. I was never without a date, unless I chose to be.

What made it so easy was simple. Very few people drove in the city and because of the accessible transportation (subways, metro lines and buses) you were constantly forced into social situations and because New York City is such a great place to stroll on the weekends, you'd have to be virtually invincible not to get at least one verbal greeting whether you wanted it or not. Add to the constant nightlife--how could you not meet someone?

So if I had to chose which coast is easier when it comes to meeting men, I'd have to say hands down New York. But does that mean single women should move in herds to New York to get a date—no. Yes, it is a challenge to meet men in Southern California, but is it impossible…absolutely not.

If you are new to Los Angeles, here are few places I'd suggest. First, you have to start thinking like a Californian. What are they known for? I can think of three easy answers; healthy eating, exercising and beaches. Right there you have three different destinations to meet single people; health food stores, gyms and the many, many beaches.

California is also known for its many outdoor club activities. There's bike, hiking and back packing clubs. But what if you're not into the exercise or outdoor scene? Then check out your local church and other weekend events. In other words, if you're new to Southern Cali, and if you want to have a dating life, you might just have to think outside the 'dating' box.

Located off the coast of California, Catalina Island is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and plethora of activities. Whether it's spending a wonderful day golfing, or exploring the island on horseback, Catalina offers scenic splendor and activities everyone can enjoy.

Catalina is a hot spot for tourists and sees nearly one million tourists per year. The island is accessible by ferry or helicopter and day ferry tours are also provided. You can access the island by private boat and you’ll find that there are many cruise lines in California that make Catalina a favorite destination.

When visiting the island, you’ll have your choice of staying in one of the four star hotels and enjoying all of the amenities afforded by a luxury island resort. For example, the plush Catalina Canyon Resort and Spa offers benefits such as a garden courtyard and private balconies. The resort is styled in true Mediterranean architecture and you’ll wonder if you’re in Greece or Italy instead of California. The spa offers the best service and you’ll enjoy candlelit rooms where you experience the powerful healing benefits of aromatherapy and the most cutting edge trends of massage.

In addition, you’ll find that a trip to Catalina Island may also be explored best by staying in the campground, Two Harbors. You will need a permit to camp but you will find that the experience is well worth the stay. There are facilities available that include showers, toilets, a barbecue pit, lockers, and fresh water. You can choose to either set up your own tent or take advantage of one of the tent cabins that sleeps up to six people and includes cots, a stove, lanterns, and picnic tables. Whether you choose one of the exquisite hotels on the island or to experience the beauty of Catalina Island first hand while camping, you’ll discover that the island offers some of the most exciting adventures and exhilarating activities for all visitors.

Whether you are planning the wedding of your dreams, looking for a romantic get-a-way for two, or planning a family vacation, you’ll find that Catalina Island meets your expectations and then some more. Activities abound and in addition to the swimming, boating, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures, you’ll also find that Catalina offers a number of planned events. From outdoor nature hikes and learning adventures to cultural art displays, Catalina offers numerous activities and events to enhance every visitor’s experience. The Catalina Museum also provides insight into Catalina Island’s rich history and is a great way to learn more about this fascinating island.

 

Additional Information On Catalina Island

Boating & Kayaking Opportunities
Catalina Island: Dining
Getting There
History
Horseback Riding
Catalina Island Nightlife
Water Sports & Activities

 

When a romantic dinner just won’t cut it…

Looking for something totally spontaneous and out of the ordinary to surprise that special someone? Whether it’s your anniversary, birthday, or just another date - a helicopter tour of the city is a fantastic experience that’s sure to be a hit (assuming of course that your significant other isn't afraid of heights).

Los Angeles is home to about a half dozen helicopter charter companies that would be more than willing to help you plan that perfect evening. Packages vary from a simple 25-minute tour of popular Los Angeles landmarks and/or Pacific Coast to something a little more elaborate such as a limousine ride, tour, and dinner.

The cost is a little hefty so it’s not the most practical idea if you’re working with a budget. Prices vary based on the charter company but can expect to spend about $150/each for a 30-minute tour and upwards of $200/each for a 45-minute run. Add dinner and a limousine ride and you'll be in for a $1,000 evening.

Here are a few of the companies offering tours in Los Angeles (listed alphabetically):

Adventure Helicopter Tours
Departs From: Whiteman Airport - Pacoima
Reservations: 818-612-3676
Company Website

Briles To Fly Los Angeles
Departs From: Van Nuys Airport
Reservations: 877-863-5952
Company Website

Celebrity Helicopters
Departs From: Varies
Reservations: 877-999-2099
Company Website

HeliClass
Departs From: Van Nuys Airport
Reservations: 661-253-1437
Company Website

The last overlook I covered along Piuma Rd in Malibu (Piuma Lookout: Part 1) was pretty easy to access and couldn’t be missed. The lookout had a couple picnic tables and a breathtaking panoramic view of the canyons. Now if you’re looking for something a little more secluded and want to get a glimpse of the Pacific Coastline, head a little further down Piuma Rd till you see a short trail that leads off the road (first picture below).

You can park your car along Piuma Rd (make sure you’re not actually on the road) and make your way up the hill. It’s a little steep and there are rocks so you’ll want to wear some comfortable shoes that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty. Although it may look difficult, it’s really not that bad getting up there…just be careful and watch your step.

Once you reach the top of the hill there will be a small dirt area where you can enjoy the view (second picture below). If you want to hang out there for a while, bring along a blanket and lay it out on the ground. Although you’re not trespassing and there are no signs prohibiting it, I can’t be certain that you’re allowed up there – so just keep that in mind before you go.

Notice: PlanJam is not responsible for any injuries and/or fines that may be incurred. If you decide to go up there…you do so at your own risk.

If you’re in the mood for a little drive, head up along Piuma Rd in Malibu for a breathtaking experience. The drive up to the lookout is exceptionally charming; you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the Pacific Coastline as you traverse the windy road. There are quite a few spots along Piuma Rd to take in a view, but there are two that I am particularly fond of. The first one, which will be discussed in this post, is a large dirt area overlooking the canyons. The other spot is a little more secluded and does require a little more effort to get to.

Once you reach the overlook, you can park your car on the dirt area. There are two large picnic tables available so feel free to bring along some food or even a board game. I strongly suggest that you take a warm sweater or coat with you because it does tend to get a little breezy up there.

Getting Here

You can get to the overlook from either Calabasas or Malibu. If you’re headed from Malibu, travel eastbound along Malibu Canyon Rd and make a right on Piuma Rd. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Calabasas, go westbound along Las Virgenes Rd and make a left on Piuma Rd.

Once you’re on Piuma Rd, you’ll drive for about 10 minutes until you reach a large dirt area which overlooks the canyons. Since there are no cross-streets on the way up, you’ll have to just keep your eyes open. The overlook will be on your left side as you come around the bend (click here for a map) and you’ll also be able to see it above you as you’re coming up Piuma Rd.