The Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel

The Skybar was the ultra-hip hangout of the swanky set for quite a while. Frankly, we’re glad the buzz has died down, because the inside-out setting is truly beautiful. The bar is located off of the deck of the Mondrian Hotel, one of Ian Schrager’s swishy urban gems. At night, the space becomes an outdoor lounge, with twinkling candles and scented flowers and oversized futons where you can sip drinks and relax. Take a stroll around the deck and look out on the view, and be sure to take a spin around the lobby, which is a true visual treat. You’ll leave feeling like a true trendista.

The Ferris wheel on the Promenade in Santa Monica

Who says romance has to be all opulence and grown-up sophistication? We like the thought of couples sitting side-by-side in a Ferris wheel on a warm summer night, dangling their legs over the edge and looking down on the scene below. So if you’re in the mood for some innocent summer fun, head down to the promenade on the Santa Monica Pier deck, and hop on board. The good news is, the wheel isn’t even powered with electricity, but rather by solar energy, making it truly guilt-free! While you’re soaking in the view of the ocean and the little people running here and there, don’t forget that it’s good luck to kiss at the top of the ride. Then, when you’re finished going round and round, scout along the pier for ice cream cones or cotton candy or curly fries. Hot tip: If you’re hungry for dinner, you can’t do better than The Lobster, a waterfront restaurant with breathtaking views and oh-so-yummy seafood. Enjoy!

Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens

The Getty is grand and the Museum of Contemporary Art is impressive, but we prefer this private collection of gardens and art to all of the others. Henry Huntington began developing the Botanical Gardens in 1903, and today they span over 100 acres, an oasis of lawns and foliage and statuary. Thousands of plants from all over the world make up the botanical collections, and are divided into themes, including Japanese, lily ponds, jungle, desert, palm, subtropical, herb, and Australian gardens. But don’t spend all of your time outside; the library and three art galleries are absolutely superb. Highlights of the collection include the Ellesmere manuscript of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales (c.1410), a Gutenberg Bible (c.1455), Thomas Gainsborough's masterpiece The Blue Boy (c. 1770) and Sir Thomas Lawrence's Pinkie (1794). Many new pieces are added on a regular basis. After a few hours of browsing, refresh with a traditional English tea at the Rose Garden Tea room, overlooking the lush landscape. The central buffet table is weighed down with tasty bites such as finger sandwiches, miniature pastries, strawberries and cream, and many other goodies. Plan on spending an entire afternoon!