Los Angeles is loaded with things to do - but when you're looking for a really special date idea, not just any place will do! If you really want to wow him or her, you'll want to find ideas that are out of the ordinary. Whether you live in LA or are just flying into LAX for a weekend adventure, here are some of my personal top picks for great romantic ideas in and around Los Angeles.

Sailing and Boating Adventures

Spending some time on the beautiful Pacific Ocean is one of the very best ways to enjoy California's magic. There are many different types of beach atmospheres in LA - from the outrageous Venice Beach to more subtle and relaxing atmospheres. Marina del Rey is one of those 'hidden gems' that is off the beaten path - a perfect location for a romantic.

Marina del Rey is weekend dating paradise loaded with romantic activities. If you've got experience sailing (or a sense of adventure!) you can rent a sailboat by the hour. If you prefer to leave the driving to someone else, the weekend dinner dance cruises are amazing! You and your date are served a three-course dinner on a luxury ship before heading back to one of the many peaceful Marina del Ray hotels for a romantic evening.

Just 4 miles north of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Marina del Rey is the perfect solution for travelers who are flying in for the weekend. After a plane ride, the last thing anyone wants to do is travel far to a hotel room. At the same time, it's nice to have some distance between your hotel and the airport, especially when the stay is supposed to be a relaxing vacation trip. Marina del Rey hotels and attractions are close enough to LAX to make travel to and from the airport a cinch, but far enough away to offer a more peaceful and inviting setting.

Santa Monica Third Street Promenade and Pier

Visiting the Santa Monica Beach & Pier is often considered one of the most romantic things to do in Los Angles. Exploring the Third Street Promenade, a pedestrian-only mall, is a fun way to spend a relaxing afternoon date. Enjoy the collection of shops, bars, restaurants and street entertainers as you and your date casually stroll through the mall.

A short walk west of the Promenade sits the Santa Monica State Beach and Pier with its famous boardwalk, seaside Ferris wheel and amusement park. Throughout the summer, every Thursday night on the Pier features their "Twilight Dance Series" which showcases concerts from popular performers in every musical genre.

Santa Monica is in close proximity to Marina del Ray hotels, giving you a whole new place to explore after your evening on the water. After a day of dining, entertainment, and enjoying the beach, you can hop back in the rental and use side streets to navigate back to the Marina del Rey hotels beach area and escape the LA weekend freeway traffic.

Dining and Music

If you're flying into LA for the weekend, be sure to book a late afternoon flight. Before heading back to busy bustling LAX, make time for lunch at Fisherman's village. Every afternoon this beachside restaurant plays host to a live musical concert featuring R&B, Latin, Pop, or Blues. Depending on which of the Marina del Rey hotels you choose, you won't even need to take advantage of the 2 hour free parking validation - just stroll down the beach and dine and relax as long as you'd like.

If you know how to navigate Los Angeles area, its easy to enjoy the best of this great metro area while avoiding the downsides - particularly LA's maze overcrowded freeways! Whether you live in the surrounding area or are flying in for the weekend, Marina del Rey hotels are just a stone's throw away from LAX, Venice, and Santa Monica, yet secluded enough to provide a setting for a romantic weekend getaway.