In Santa Monica, head to the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows. The property is right near the ocean, so you can smell the salty breeze from the Pacific. Make sure to stroll by the 137-year-old Australian Morton Bay Fig Tree on your way to the Santa Monica Pier, which is less than one mile from the hotel. (Even if you’re feeling romantic, don’t carve a heart into this old guy.)
After check-in, drive less than five miles along the Pacific Coast Highway to The Getty Villa, or about eight miles to The Getty Center, and soak up some culture before or after your time in the sand. It will remind your significant other that you’re able to appreciate a medium other than Netflix.
When you return to the hotel, lounge by the pool and enjoy the food from FIG, a phenomenal on-site restaurant. Chef Yousef Ghalaini’s creations include locally-sourced farm fresh ingredients, often from the nearby Santa Monica Farmer’s Market.
Try the Kale Tabbouli with Bulgur Wheat, Castelvetrano Olives, Radishes, Mint and Sumac as well as the local fish wrap. I also love the organic quinoa and California brown rice bowl with Avocado Mousse – add some coffee-rubbed, all-natural hanger steak or charmoula-seasoned shrimp for a super satisfying lunch. The seasonally-inspired Mediterranean dishes cooked on the wood-burning oven and grill will give your partner a happy belly. For an even happier wallet, stop by FIG from 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily for their incredible happy hour promotion, where everything on the menu is 50 percent off.