With Valentine’s Day approaching, West Hollywood and Long Beach were among four California cities to land on a list released today of the top 25 most romantic cities in America.
West Hollywood placed 16th on the list, which was compiled by the online restaurant-reservation service OpenTable, while Long Beach came in 23rd.
Topping the list was Atlantic City, New Jersey, followed by San Antonio; Providence, Rhode Island; Key West, Florida; Birmingham, Alabama; Louisville, Kentucky; Newport, Rhode Island; Palm Springs; Austin, Texas; and Lahaina, Hawaii.
“The illustrious and insightful (food writer) M.F.K. Fisher noted that sharing a meal is in and of itself an intimate act,” said Caroline Potter, chief dining officer of OpenTable. “This list makes it clear that romance is alive and well in cities in all corners of the country, from the glamorous gambling meccas of Atlantic City and Las Vegas to urban areas with a decidedly down-home feel, such as Charleston and San Antonio — and that Fisher’s sentiments remain true to this day.”
The list was based on three factors: the percentage of restaurants rated “romantic” according to OpenTable diner reviews; the percentage of tables seated for two; and the percentage of people who dined out for Valentine’s Day last year.
The other California city to make the list was Santa Barbara.