Adventure for Two in L.A.

A romantic getaway right here in L.A.? So much easier than you might think. There are plenty of romantic escapes in So Cal, but whether you want an urban art experience, a romp in nature, music and theater or a spa indulgence, it’s hard to beat our city for a day of adventure and romance.

Rendezvous des Artistes

Start your downtown art experience with a delicious organic juice flight or nitro cold-brew iced coffee at Verve Coffee Roasters on Spring Street. From the greenery-rich patio to the cool industrial chic interior, this spot feels like a treat—and it is. Try the delicious vegan banana bread, too.

Once fortified, you’ll find a multitude of great galleries to explore all around downtown. A few top spots: Mission 356 Gallery, just across the L.A. River, is 12,000 square feet of cutting-edge art plus a trendy and eclectic boutique, Ooga Booga. Just around the corner is the practically brand-new Corey Helford Gallery, relocated and massively expanded from its previous Santa Monica location. CB1 Gallery, another large former warehouse space with an always-interesting selection of artists, is just south on S. Santa Fe Ave., and a bevy of galleries on the Chinatown walk-street Chung King Road also awaits—Chung King Studios, Coagula Curatorial and the Charlie James Gallery are just a few. A short ride west, you’ll find amazing street-art alley murals surrounding the Gabba Gallery on Beverly in Filipinotown, curated by gallery owner Jason Ostro. The gallery itself features group and solo shows that highlight the Los Angeles art scene.

When hunger strikes again, take a five-minute drive to a repurposed 100-year old vaudeville theater on Sunset—Mohawk Bend. Veggie burgers here are some of the best in town and there are an impressive 72 craft beers on tap, plus a full complement of vegan and veg options. Note for future dinners: There’s an outside patio with a romantic firepit.

It may be difficult to tear yourself away, but another nearby art spot or two awaits. Heading west again, Loft at Liz’s on La Brea, above what may be the coolest antique hardware store ever, features themed exhibitions, art talks and more. You’ll be close to LACMA, so wander over for a stroll under the towering rock of “Levitated Mass,” or among the city lights of Chris Burden’s iconic installation, “Urban Light.”

Finish up your day at Crossroads Kitchen on Melrose, where candlelight and white tablecloths set the stage for inventive, elegant vegan dining.

Nature and Nurture

You could live here for years and never know about some of the most fantastic view-hikes in the Santa Monica Mountains. You’ll work up an appetite, so stock up on provisions from Chomp Eatery & Juice Station in Santa Monica. This unassuming spot in a small strip mall offers delicious vegan and vegetarian sandwiches, superior cold-pressed juices and handcrafted almond milk in a variety of flavors—perfect picnic fare. Fuel your tank with a vegetarian breakfast burrito and green juice made from apple, spinach, cucumber, celery, lime and ginger, or a Clarity juice made with watermelon and chia seeds.

Now you’re ready to hike. Head up PCH toward Malibu, where the Sandstone Peak Trail is a seven-mile adventure beneath oaks with glorious views of Tri-Peaks and Inspiration Point. Or look west for stunning ocean views with the Channel Islands in the distance.

Afterwards, stop off at the casual Malibu Seafood for fresh fish in a picnic-like setting on the hillside.

Still can’t get enough of that ocean view? Visit the intimate rooftop lounge Suite 700 at the 1939-built art deco Shangri La Hotel in Santa Monica, which offers a stellar view of the lights and amusement park on the pier, as well as the coastline.

That’s Entertainment

New York has nothing on the eclectic theater and music scene in L.A., and for a fraction of the cost of a single Broadway show, you can take in three separate performances in intimate settings.

Brunch before theatre? But of course. Just off Sepulveda Boulevard, there’s Sage. Vegan delights abound here, from corn cakes to tempeh sausages Florentine. The lovely indoor/outdoor setting encourages lingering, and be sure to save room for Kind Creme ice cream for dessert.

Then head on over to a matinee performance right up the road at the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble in West Los Angeles. From cutting-edge to classic productions, you can’t go wrong watching professional theater here.

After the show, head to Wheel House Cheese in Culver City for a delightfully curated cheese board, pickles, jams and breads, or a glass of unique wine, beer or cider. International tastes and an intimate, charming brick patio encourage lingering.

L.A.’s music scene is jumping, but nearby are a couple of quieter venues. Boulevard Music on Sepulveda offers an eclectic mix of performances in a cozy setting that’s part of a music store and music school. The legendary McCabe’s Guitar Shop on Pico offers well-known acts with folky flavor in a similar setting.

When the last notes have faded, take a trip across town for a quick bite at the casual Doomie’s Restaurant on Vine for inspired meatless comfort foods, such as fried “chicken,” tacos and burgers. Best of all, it’s open until 1 a.m.

And, you’ll be positioned just a few blocks from either Upright Citizens Brigade Comedy Theater on Franklin or IO West comedy theater on Hollywood Boulevard. At both venues, brilliant young improv and sketch performers take the stage starting as late as midnight. This is edgy, hilarious comedy you just won’t find at more traditional venues around town. Hot tips: at IO, Top Story Weekly is a hilarious take on the week’s current events; at UCB, the late night Sketch Cram is always inventive.

Spaahs

Simple relaxation your thing? Then enjoy a spa experience without leaving the city.

Kreation Juice, with locations from Santa Monica to Hollywood, is a great way to start the morning. Cold-pressed juices, wraps, tonic shots, syringe shots and raw snacks all make a quick, cleansing beginning to your spa experience.

It’s still early, so ease into the day with a meditative labyrinth walk at the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens Spiritual Center in Jefferson Park. The meditation garden features 16 fountains and a variety of meditation spots.

Mind relaxed, it’s time to renew and relax your body. Eco-friendly Dtox Day Spa in Los Feliz offers ahh-some options like hot stone massages and a detoxifying eucalyptus steam room. Beverly Hot Springs utilizes mineral waters drawn up from their source, thousands of feet beneath this midtown street. Body scrubs, massages, exfoliation, dry saunas and a steam room are just one part of the pleasure at this unassuming spot; some people go exclusively for the soothing thermal pool.

Keep it light with a dinner of spa-type cuisine. Sun Café in Studio City offers juices, raw foods, vegan and even gluten-free items in a charming cottage-like setting. A beautiful patio, exquisite salads, cashew-cheese nachos, and a lovely wine and beer selection will round out your spa day in healthy style.

Whatever bliss day you choose—or perhaps you’ll try all four—you’ll be a world away from the every day, and isn’t that what a great adventure, anywhere, is all about?