For a little romance, dine al fresco at On Sunset at Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel — Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver

Ready for a day of culture and relaxation in Los Angeles? The Getty Center and Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel are neighbors in location, luxury and learning.

Both have spacious grounds that will make you feel you have left the second largest city in America and escaped to a retreat center with miles of green grounds. Whether you're an LA local or visitor, these are two romantic places not to be missed.

Stay at Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel

Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel is only steps from the 405, but it feels like a world away, with its stunning seven acres.

The lovely lobby at Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel — Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver

The lobby is exquisite, and the staff will assist you to your room. There are suites near the pool with views of the Getty. The location at the intersection of Brentwood and Bel Air allows you to have a one-day staycation or enjoy a longer vacation here, with easy access to all parts of the city.

Explore The Getty Center

Plan to be at The Getty Center for most of a day. Admission is always free, as are the tours, but parking is $15. Just have the hotel drop you off for the tram ride up the hill.

It would be worth a visit just to see the Richard Meier-designed marble buildings. The architecture tour can explain about the fossils and hundreds of thousands of square meters of Roman travertine from the Lippiello family quarry at Bagni di Tivoli.

The Getty Center is captivating in every season — Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver

Other tours include the Collections Highlight tour, Spotlight of the Week tour and the Garden tour. There are also special exhibitions.

Enjoy a picnic from the fantastic cafeteria while relaxing in the stunning gardens, or make a reservation for lunch at the excellent on-site restaurant. 

Dine at On Sunset

At On Sunset – the restaurant on the property of Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel – you can enjoy fine dining al fresco on the comfortable and luxurious patio or indoors in the main dining room.

Chef Olivier Rousselle prepares meals with panache. Try the organic zucchini soup, ahi tuna tartare, seared miso black cod on shishito peppers, roast filet mignon with bearnaise sauce and then chocolate soufflé for dessert. 

The grounds of Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel will make you feel like you're at a retreat center — Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver

Listen to Jazz at the Luxe Lounge

Enjoy live jazz in the Luxe Lounge. This comfortable space is wonderful for an after-work drink with friends, Sunday brunch or relaxing after a sumptuous meal and wonderful day at The Getty Center.

Have a Relaxing Morning

Enjoy the view from your private balcony, or sit by the pool for a relaxing morning start as you enjoy breakfast.

Try the Bel-Air Benedict with two poached eggs, smoked Canadian bacon on an English muffin with homemade hollandaise or a frittata, which is an open-face Italian omelet with tomatoes, Parmesan, asparagus, red onion, new potatoes, Niçoise olives, garlic and fresh herbs.

Whatever you choose, the retreat center feel of these locations will leave you completely refreshed!

The Garden labyrinth at the Getty Center — Photo courtesy of Lisa Ellen Niver