Best Spots to Propose in Los Angeles

Perhaps the only positive aspect of global warming is the opportunity it provides for more outdoor activity. As the unusually warm season evolves into Valentine's Day and promises to deliver an even warmer spring, thoughts turn to romance. Marriage may be out there on the horizon. But first, where is a good spot to pop the question? You may want to take advantage of climate change and propose in the great outdoors. Providing a bit of inspiration, here is a guide to superb al fresco locations in the Los Angeles area that make perfect spots to propose to your loved one.

Getty Villa: After nine years of renovations and new construction, the Getty Villa in Malibu has been reopened. This facility is quite different from its big brother, the Getty Center designed by architect Richard Meyer. The Villa, tucked into the Malibu hills, is smaller and more intimate. It is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. It contains the most dramatic reflecting pool in the city. You will find an aromatic herb garden and a separate pocket garden to your liking. If the mood grabs you, the Villa's amphitheater may be the platform for proposing marriage. Admission to the Getty Villa is by timed tickets and reservations must be made several weeks ahead. But if you are planning on proposing, then you are planning ahead anyway, aren't you? It is located at 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, California. The Villa is open Thursdays through Mondays (closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays) from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. See ticket availability online at getty.edu/visit or call (310) 440-7300.

Gondola Getaways: Near the Long Beach district of Belmont Shores there are charming canals and waterways weaving throughout Naples Island. Authentic Venetian gondolas skim these canals under the operation of Gondola Getaways. They provide experienced gondoliers, soft music and everything you need for a one hour water tour that mentally transforms you to Italy. Reservations are needed at least two to three weeks in advance for this romantic experience. Gondola Getaways is located at 5437 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California, and is open seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Call (562) 433-9595 or access online at gondolagetawayinc.com.

Stoner Recreation Center Twilight Hikes: The Santa Monica Mountains offer some of the most spectacular hiking trails in the region. If you are not too out of breath, you could pop the question surrounded by nature. The Stoner Recreation Center invites everyone on regular twilight hikes at no charge. The center is located at 1835 Stoner Avenue, Westwood, California. Gather at the east end of the center's parking lot usually about 6:00 p.m., depending on the time of sunset. Call (310) 253-9840 for information.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art Friday Night Jazz: From April to November, the museum known as LACMA sponsors free outdoor jazz concerts in the front courtyard on Fridays from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Drinks and food service are available. The museum galleries and gift shop are open until 9:00 p.m. With music, dancing, food, drinks, art and shopping, you've got it all. Now all you need is the nerve to propose. LACMA is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, California. Call (323) 857-6000 or access online at lacma.org/programs/MusicPrograms.

Catalina Island: Visible from the mainland on a clear day, Catalina Island is a quaint, self-contained destination close enough for easy access and distant enough to be adventurous. Avalon is the port city of Catalina and it offers shops, restaurants, inns and sightseeing. Much of the charm of the island is that cars are not allowed from the mainland and the main means of transportation is by electric cart. Catalina has beaches and vistas galore to enhance any proposal. A variety of boat ferry services carry passengers to the island, including a couple dozen round trips a day by Catalina Express (800-481-3470) departing from Long Beach, San Pedro or Dana Point and Catalina Explorer (catalinaexplorerco.com) departing from the Pine Avenue Pier in Long Beach. By sea, the trip takes from an hour to an hour and a half. There is also helicopter service available through Island Express (800-228-2566).