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As far as date night tool kits go, Los Angeles is pretty well-stocked.

Beaches: check. Canyons: check. Sun: check. Food: check. Booze: check. An eclectic mess of things to explore in between: check.

But navigating your way through all the options - and dodging the tourist traps - can seem like a mission.

The beauty and challenge of LA is its many neighborhoods; the city is more like a collection of 30-plus areas, each one with its own twist and style. 

City for two: Los Angeles is the perfect vacation destination to enjoy with your loved one

Here, we present a roundup of gems dotted across California's capital to set you up for a heart-eyed getaway.

1. Start the day on a high

The hilly city gives you plenty of opportunities to take it all in from on-high.

A popular option, that shouldn't be dismissed lightly, would be to head up to Griffith Observatory on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood. 

Grab a to-go breakfast from Grand Central Market in downtown LA before driving up the winding hills to settle on the grass.

Foodie heaven: Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles brings together a variety of cultures and cuisines all under one roof

For those seeking something a bit more off-beat, check out the swing at the top of Elysian Park on the east side of the city, which gives the rider a view of sprawling Downtown. It is just on the edge of Silver Lake and Echo Park, two 'trendy' areas that have garnered a name for themselves as the antithesis of the glitzy, bling LA we all picture. 

2. Go for a wander

If you're not already on the east side, get yourself over there and grab a pedal boat in Echo Park. 

Not interested in setting sail? Stay on solid ground in the incredibly romantic and secluded rose garden in Exposition Park. After, you can head over to the Natural History Museum or California Science Center for a cultural fill. 

Alternatively, get closer to the coast. Go to Venice Beach to push your feet through the sand then wind around the Venice Canals, picking which of the quirky water-side houses you would want to live in. 

On a high: The swing at the top of Elysian Park on the east side gives you a stunning view of sprawling Downtown 

3. Get stuffed

INSTAGRAM-TASTIC BRUNCH

Yes, Angelenos know how to do social media bait. We've all seen the sun-soaked acai bowls, juicy salads, and drool-inducing avocado toasts. 

For some, that could all sound too basic. For others, that is all your dreams rolled up perfectly. 

If you fall into the latter, take your SO to Sqirl in Silver Lake, Moon Juice in Venice, Juice Served Here in West Hollywood, or Cafe Gratitude in Pasadena.

MEXICAN FOOD

For the authentic experience, hit a taco truck. Try Mariscos Jaliscos on Olympic Boulevard, touted by food critics as one of the best taco trucks in LA.  

El Chato and Tacos El Korita have also made a name for themselves in the fiercely competitive taco truck scene.

If you really want to see how they do it in a restaurant, Broken Spanish is your place. Its high-end twist on a tamale and a tostada is bang for your buck.

Perfect view: Griffith Observatory on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood is the perfect place to gaze out over downtown Los Angeles 

ASIAN FOOD 

Koreatown and Little Tokyo are both walkable unusual pockets of this big sprawling city. In the first, head to Jeon Ju for possibly the best bibimbap in the city. Bibimbap is a Korean combo of rice, beat, vegetables, a poached egg, sesame seeds, and a sweet and spicy sauce. 

When it comes to sushi, you can't go wrong with Hama Sushi where you'll be treated to some of the freshest fish in California, with portions that could easily serve two.

4. Walk it off

RUNYON CANYON

This is a classic hike destination. Walk, across the 160-acre park on the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, then wander back down to reality in West Hollywood. 

Breath of fresh air: Feel clean and inspired walking the 160-acre park of Runyon Canyon

OTHER HIKES

If you want something more unconventional, you have options aplenty. Check out Palos Verdes, the cliffs of Malibu, Eaton Canyon, Chantry Flats, the Angeles National Forest, Monrovia Canyon, Rubio Canyon, Santa Ynez Falls, and Los Liones - to name a few. 

SHOPPING 

If hiking is not your style, LA has the perfect alternative exercise: shopping

If you're in West Hollywood, check out the flea market on Melrose Ave. Prices aren't the most modest, but it is jam-packed with vintage, homemade and local goods.

Downtown, on the other hand, will give you your fill of eclectic trinkets. Kinokuniyajapanese, OOGA BOOGA and Poketo are just a few highlights among the many book/gift stores in the area filled with unusual things.

Laid-back: Exploring Venice Beach (pictured) and the nearby canals makes for a relaxed date

5. Date night

DINNER 

On the east side? Like Thai food? Get to Night + Market Song in Silver Lake. Testament to the claim that Los Angeles has top notch international food, this spot will force you to break out of your pad thai comfort zone.

Don't be disheartened by the line. Put your name on the list and go grab a drink at the Thirsty Crow, a whiskey saloon down the street.

In the same neck of the woods, you can get an excellent fix of North African/Middle Eastern food at Bowery Bungalow, with an idyllic romantic setting in their patio garden.

Vintage: The flea market on Melrose Ave in West Hollywood is jam-packed with local goods

This underrated spot has had relatively scant attention given its flavors. Get the lamb sandwich, some roasted beets, and a cool beer.

If you're in Hollywood, you would be hard pushed to turn down flaming margaritas at El Compadre.

This Mexican favorite will serve you up a helping of spice in your enchiladas, and a buzzing atmosphere to go with the main event (the aforementioned margs). 

For a classically romantic night, The Inn Of The Seventh Ray is a restaurant that looks like it was designed for couples.

Yes, the fairy lights, white cloth round tables, and tumbling greenery could scream 'cheesy'. But secretly you know you'll love it.  

GO SEE A GAME 

LA is home to two NBA heavyweights: the Lakers and the Clippers. 

Historically speaking, the Lakers have always been the bigger stars, but that's not necessarily the case these days. Either way, check out the listings at the Staples Center, the arena they share for their home games.  

Basketball date: Check out the listings at the Staples Center, the arena that NBA heavyweights the Lakers and the Clippers share for their home games

As an outsider, you won't be expected to have all the know-how. However, it may be useful to formulate an opinion on Shaquille 'Shaq' O'Neal and Kobe Bryant in advance if you want to sustain a meaningful conversation with an LA-based basketball fan.

GET A NEW MOVIE EXPERIENCE

It being LA, your movie options are vast. Excitingly, the staggering population of actors, directors and movie buffs has cultivated many different ways for you to get that silver screen fix. 

One of the best options is to catch a silent movie at Cinefamily. Check out their dynamic listings - sometimes they do screenings with live music scores, and they also have Haunted Hangover Matinees for the hardy couples among us. 

LIVE MUSIC 

1642 on Temple Street near Echo Park has live jazz music every Wednesday. Don't be disheartened if you can only go on a Thursday - while the music won't be on, there are unlimited tamales (while they last!)

Out of town: With their stunning views, the cliffs of Malibu are ideal for hiking - and they are conveniently located just a short drive from the city

Another option for live jazz is The Culver Hotel in Culver City, which also has delicious cocktails. 

Looking for something less tame? The Echo and Echoplex is your destination for gigs, which hosts everyone from acts you never heard of to The Rolling Stones. 

6. Get away

Beyond its many city neighborhoods, Los Angeles has a smorgasbord of adventures on its doorstep. Just a 30-minute drive up the Pacific Coast Highway, or short ride west on the I-10, can get anyone to some of the nation's most spellbinding parks and canyons.

TOPANGA STATE PARK

Escape to Topanga State Park and take some time to absorb a sense of California's arid, wild, and sprawling landscape. Sat between Santa Monica and Calabasas, this national park is a magical retreat.

It is especially charming when (on the rare occasion) it's been raining, since it is brimming with waterfalls. While you're there, check out Hidden Treasures, a vintage store nestled in the mountains. 

Magical: Topanga State Park is especially charming when (on the rare occasion) it has been raining, since it is brimming with waterfalls

POINT DUME

Point Dume by Zuma Beach is a little bit of a drive away, but the road views are beautiful and the beach is killer. It is super clean, peaceful, and there are massive rocks that are cool and cave-like. 

Fun fact: Planet of the Apes was filmed there.

MALIBU WINES

What's better than sitting on a secluded hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean while guzzling world-class wine with your SO? That's right: next to nothing. 

Grab your car and head up to Malibu Wines Tasting Room just a few miles north on the Pacific Coast Highway. 

It is probably best to get a hotel up there so you don't have to worry about the drive home, and you can make a whole trip out of it.