Hearts, Flowers and More

1. DON’S EARLY LIGHT

* 42741 N. 45th St. West, Unit G, Quartz Hill

High-altitude types can be uplifted on a sunrise hot-air balloon ride above the Antelope Valley, complete with champagne during and after the flight. Post-flight breakfasts at a nearby restaurant are included with the flights, which range from $70 to $125 per person. (800) 943-7616.

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2. RED BARON AIR ADS

* 12653 Osborne St., Pacoima

When only a grand gesture will do, consider calling the Red Baron. Your tender message of love (tender but succinct--the limit is 40 characters) will be set in five- or seven-foot-high red block letters and towed on a banner across the skies of Los Angeles, circling above your sweetheart’s home or workplace. The average one-hour cost is $250. (818) 896-6667.

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3. SUNSET RANCH STABLES

* 3400 N. Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles

Saddle up for a moonlight trail ride through Griffith Park, into Burbank and to a sprawling hacienda, where riders head in for a leisurely candlelight dinner. The ride alone is three hours. Friday night price is $35 per person (not including dinner). Other nights of the week are reserved for private groups of 15 or more. (213) 464-9612 or (213) 469-5450.

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4. SHAKESPEARE BRIDGE

* Franklin Avenue between Myra Avenue and St. George Street, Los Feliz

It may not be the Golden Gate, but use your imagination for an out-of-the-ordinary romantic scene and take a late-night drive or stroll over this beloved 1925 landmark, which, with its Gothic turrets and arches, remains one of the city’s most photographed and most whimsical spans.

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5. MALIBU SUNSET

For superlatively awesome sunsets, drive north on Pacific Coast Highway into Malibu. Turn right on Corral Canyon Road and then drive to the top, where the road ends. Walk the trail off to the right. From atop some boulders, there is an idyllic view of the ocean, the mountains and even the San Fernando Valley.

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6. SANTA MONICA AIR TOURS

* 2907 6th St., Suite 100, Santa Monica

Here’s something for everyone who needs to get a relationship off the ground. “Mile-High Adventures” offers couples a one-hour moonlight flight aboard a twin-engine plane equipped with romantic amenities that include a “cloud-like featherbed” in a cabin “securely partitioned off from the cockpit.” When the plan reaches 5,280 feet, the pilot rocks the wings “to let the couple know they have reached that ‘golden’ altitude.” Basic cost is $285 to $329; options include round-trip limousine service and a three-course gourmet dinner. (310) 450-4447.

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7. GONDOLA GETAWAYS

* 5437 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach

For an hour of waterborne smooching, a gondolier who may even sing to you will propel you around the canals and waterways of Naples Island at Belmont Shore, while you munch on French bread, cheese and salami, which they provide, and listen to Italian music. Bring the beverage of your choice and they provide the ice and glasses. $55 per couple. (310) 433-9595.