Eye on L.A. teamed with Los Angeles Magazine to find some great date getaways. Whether taking the family away for a long weekend date or looking for an overnight romantic escape, the May issue, "52 Great Weekend Getaways" is your guide to some of the hottest spots both in and out of town!
Wine and Magic
Magician David Minkin has created a truly magical date experience with his Evening of Enchantment at the beautiful Beau Rivage restaurant in Malibu. After about an hour of wine tasting and hors d'oeuvres overlooking the ocean, guests move into the wine cellar where they're treated to an engaging and mind blowing evening of close-up magic! A favorite magician of A-listers like Johnny Depp, Josh Groban and Felicity Huffman, Minkin creates an evening that your date will be talking about for a long time!
Mission Tiki Drive-In
If your idea of a great date is catching the latest flick, try going old-school and cuddle up with your honey at the drive-in! With it's cool tiki theme, the latest releases and $7 for a double feature, Mission Tiki Drive-In in Montclair is a fun and unique date that won't break the budget.
Local Hotel Getaways
If you're craving a little romantic getaway but don't really have the time to get out of town, the folks over at Los Angeles Magazine have some suggestions for a few, hot, stay-cation destinations including Hotel Erwin in Venice, The Shade in Manhattan Beach, Hotel Bel-Air or The Langham Huntington, Pasadena.
Eye on L.A.'s pick for a romantic stay-cation getaway is the gorgeous Langham Huntington. Relax with a luxurious massage in their gorgeous couple's suite, stroll the picturesque gardens and then explore the charming city of Pasadena [Watch video].
EYEdeal: The Langham Huntington Pasadena has created a special Romantic Getaway package for Eye on L.A. viewers!
With the Eye on L.A. romantic getaway at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, you can enjoy a romantic overnight stay and breakfast in The Terrace restaurant, to be enjoyed with your special someone.
The package includes:
- Overnight accommodations in a deluxe room
- Continental breakfast for two in The Terrace, Langham's casual dining restaurant showcasing Chef Erik Schuster's seasonal and sustainable California cuisine
- Complimentary valet parking
- Valid now through Dec. 31, 2012 (pending availability)
- Rates starting from $229 per night
To book your stay, call (626) 568-3900 and mention the Eye on L.A. Romantic Getaway Package, or go to The Langham Huntington's website and use the booking code EYEONLA.
Universal Studios Hollywood
With the much-anticipated opening of Universal Studios Hollywood's "Transformers: The Ride 3D" just around the corner, Eye on L.A. got a sneak peak. If you felt the blockbuster "Transformers" movies were a thrill, get ready to be blown away. The epic thrill ride features cars that move on a multi-level track, incredible special effects and one of the most elaborate flight simulation ride systems ever created.
Henry's Hat
Whether it's a first date, date night with your steady or a family date, you can't go wrong at Henry's Hat. Complete with 16 TVs all tuned to sports, table-top campfires to make s'mores, bottomless sangria and mimosas, and lots and lots of board games, a trip to Henry's Hat is more than just a good meal, it's an event! Not to mention their very affordable menu!
Catalina Adventure
Another place parents and kids will love is considered one of L.A.'s most charming getaways. Whether you want to take the whole brood for the day, the weekend or a week, a ferry trip to Catalina is a must-do!
Aulani
Aulani is a family paradise with a touch of Disney magic on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Aulani combines the beauty and spirit of the Hawaiian islands with the magic of Disney storytelling and guest service, creating an unforgettable family vacation experience. Set on a beautiful lagoon along the coast of Oahu, Aulani welcomed its first guests on Aug. 29, 2011. Aulani serves as a gateway to the fun and enchantment of the islands. Disney is the parent company of ABC7 Los Angeles.
Terranea Resort
You don't have to get on a plane to experience a top-rated oceanfront resort. Just jump on the freeway and head to the under-the-radar Terranea Resort in Palos Verdes. You can enjoy spectacular dining venues, a world-class spa, a stunning 9-hole golf course and family-friendly activities, all without leaving L.A. [Watch video]
Gondolas
Imagine gliding through the canals of Venice, overlooking the bay under the twilight. Now, you can evoke all the romance and lively fun that is synonymous with Italy right here in the beautiful bay and canals of Newport Beach, Calif. Ask about special romantic extras like the "message in a bottle" and "gondola kidnappings" from the Harbor's famous Villa Nova restaurant.
Naya Restaurant
If you're looking to up the romance factor, Naya on Sunset is just the place to do it! It's an exotic, visually intoxicating and sensual "one-stop" date destination guaranteed to put the fun back in date-night! The hot spot features an aphrodisiac-infused menu of contemporary Indian food, a dark and moody Moroccan lounge and a fire-eating belly dancer!
Pop Champagne and Dessert Bar
An Eye on L.A. top pick for a great date is Pop Champagne and Dessert Bar! Their yummy sweet treats, delectably sharable bites, and giggle inducing bubbly, are practically guaranteed to score you a kiss [Watch video]!
Joshua Tree
If you want to do something a little out there with your honey, a trip to the desert might just fit the bill! Only 2 1/2 hours from L.A., Joshua Tree and its surrounding cities offer some fun and quirky date options. Must-dos include a stop at the Integratron, an acoustically perfect dome, built by an aeronautical engineer who claims he got the technology from Martians.
You can step into a living cartoon and stay at the cool and kitschy Hicksville Trailer Palace. Originally an artists' retreat, today you can rent vintage trailers in various themes. The colorful and secluded trailer park grounds include summer camp activities like archery, darts and ping pong, as well as a salt water pool, a giant teepee with an indoor fire pit, a rooftop Jacuzzi, a recording studio and film edit bay.
Pioneertown
Just outside of Joshua Tree, Pioneertown is an unincorporated village which started as a live-in Old West motion picture set, built in the 1940s. Today it's a must stop photo op! Check out a hootin' and hollerin' shoot out every Saturday at 2:30 p.m., April through October, by the Mane Street Stampede. The Mane Street Stampede is an all volunteer group of re-enactors who perform entertaining Old West skits amid the same sets once used by cowboys like Roy Rogers. The shows are free, but tips are accepted and donated to various children's charities.
Next, head over to the world famous Pappy and Harriet's. Not only do they serve the most authentic, slow-cooked BBQ in town, but every night they rock the place with incredible live music. Notable acts to have graced their stage include Robert Plant, Sean Lennon and Vampire Weekend [Watch video].
See the complete list of all of the places featured on this week's episode.
[Original air date: April 28, 2012]
