Santa Monica may be California's most underrated romance capital. Where else can you go from a scenic morning walk to a candlelit dinner at Yamashiro Hollywood without leaving the region? Here are our 8 favorite romantic things to do in and around Santa Monica, sorted by distance.
Planning the trip itself? Browse tours and experiences in Santa Monica, California →
Romantic Dining12 mi1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
A 1914 hilltop pagoda above the city grid — gardens, lanterns, and the whole of Los Angeles glittering below your table.
Romantic Dining16 mi22706 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
The most photographed table in California — black cod miso and ocean sunsets from a deck suspended over the Pacific.
Romantic Dining72 mi900 San Ysidro Ln, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
A 19th-century citrus packing house on the ranch where JFK honeymooned — ocean-view terrace tables, a chef garden, and wine-cellar nooks.
Romantic Dining75 mi9 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Downtown Santa Barbara French-Californian charm — duck for two and local wines in a brick-walled room made for lingering.
Romantic Dining105 mi5200 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego, CA 92130
San Diego's two-Michelin-star zenith — a serene dining room, nine orchestrated courses, and sunsets over the resort gardens.
Scenic & Sunsets< 1 mi200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
The iconic end of Route 66 offers carnival rides, street performers, and spectacular Pacific sunsets.
Scenic & Sunsets14 mi2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
The crown jewel of LA's skyline views with the Hollywood Sign, downtown LA, and the Pacific in a single panoramic sweep.
Culture & Entertainment118 mi1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Spanish-Renaissance arcades, seventeen museums, and hidden gardens — America's most beautiful urban park at golden hour.
Romantic Dining237 mi3799 Las Vegas Blvd S, Las Vegas, NV 89109
A temple of French haute cuisine inside the MGM Grand. Chandeliers, two Michelin stars, and only 40 tables.
Culture & Entertainment237 mi3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109
Vegas's free masterpieces — a five-season botanical show rebuilt from 10,000 flowers, then the fountains dancing to Frank across the lake.
Classic Romance244 miHwy 1, Big Sur, CA 93920
Where the Santa Lucia Mountains plunge into the Pacific — dramatic cliffs, hidden cove beaches, and the iconic Bixby Bridge at golden hour.
Outdoor Adventures254 miBlack Canyon Water Trail, Boulder City, NV 89005
Kayak through Black Canyon to discover a secret cave glowing with emerald-green light. An unforgettable adventure.
Romantic Dining339 mi2534 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94110
Dinner and a movie, elevated — classic films projected onto a garden wall above your candlelit table in the Mission.
Culture & Entertainment342 mi501 Stanyan St, San Francisco, CA 94117
1,000 acres of gardens and wonder — the Japanese Tea Garden's moon bridge, paddle boats on Stow Lake, and world-class museums.
Yes — Santa Monica, California is one of our 167 curated romantic destinations, with candlelit dining, sunset views, and quiet corners for two. This guide covers our editor-vetted favorites, sorted by distance from Santa Monica.
Couples come to Santa Monica for sunset strolls, special-occasion dinners, and scenery worth sharing. Start with the places listed above — each entry is curated, described, and easy to reach from Santa Monica.
Romance here is year-round, but shoulder seasons mean smaller crowds and easier reservations. The seasonal picks on our home page help you time the trip.
Pick your favorites from this guide, add them to your itinerary with the My Itinerary tool, and browse local tours and experiences for the splurge-worthy part of the day.
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