Pro Tips for Dating in Los Angeles

happy couple embracing on sailboat in sea
Inspiration

In the sprawling city of Los Angeles, you’d be hard-pressed to run out of things to do. With so many unique neighborhoods from the west side all the way to Silver Lake, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and creative theaters in the city you’ve yet to discover. Even if you’re tight on cash, there are plenty of affordable date ideas in Los Angeles to let you see the city with a special someone without breaking the bank. You can hit the beach, take a hike, or visit one of L.A.’s many art galleries for free. Or you can simply embrace the car culture and go for a drive until something catches your eye.

Whether you’re looking to be in nature, try a new restaurant, see a movie in an unexpected setting, spend the night out on the town, or explore the sites, here are 18 date ideas in Los Angeles, perfect for a first date or a 10-year anniversary celebration.

Go to First Fridays in Venice

abbot kinney boulevard
 

While it may be a packed scene, going to First Fridays in L.A. is a bit of a rite of passage. Plan ahead and make the drive to Abbot Kinney Boulevard on the first Friday of the month to enjoy street food and a stroll through unique shops. If all goes well, head to one of the many bars that also line the bustling street for an after-dinner cocktail.

Get Outside

Beach Date

Head to the beach for a day of sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking. Even in the winter, the beach is the perfect place to take a stroll and enjoy each other’s company.

Take a Hike

runyon canyon

Dating in Los Angeles can be great fun! Los Angeles Personals is a great a great platform to find that ‘idea one’ for you, at least it worked out for me 😉 If it’s your first date and too soon to really trek out to the wilderness together, follow an easy trail at Runyon Canyon. Once you trust each other, head up to Malibu for a day hike at Escondido Falls or Parker.

Rent Bikes

venice beach
 

Head to Venice or Manhattan Beach, pick up a pair of bikes (or a tandem ride if you’re feeling confident) and cruise up and down the coast. If you start in Venice, you can easily ride up to Santa Monica, and if you start in Manhattan Beach, you can pedal down south toward Redondo for a change of scenery.

Grab a Drink

cocktails

Yes, it’s a bit overdone, but there’s nothing wrong with getting to know someone over a round of drinks. If things go well, you can order dinner or head to a second location, and if you can tell that a second date isn’t in your future, you can go home after one cocktail. Try The Hudson if you’re not sure where the rest of the night will take you. It’s surrounded by other fun spots in case you want to keep the night going.

Have a Proper Dinner Together

burgers

It’s a classic date idea that will never get old. The key is to try new places and venture to new areas. A few places to start are The Welles Bourne, Melrose Umbrella Co., The Little Door, Firefly, Redbird, and Perch.

See a Movie at the Cemetery

Cinespia

Cinespia shows classic films at Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and it’s the perfect date night in L.A. for a couple that’s not intimidated by a grassy picnic on cemetery grounds. Pack your own snacks and drinks for a cozy night under the stars.

Enjoy a Rooftop Screening

melrose rooftop theatre
 

There are a few different ways to catch a flick on a rooftop with sprawling city views in L.A. Head to Melrose Rooftop Theater located on the roof of the popular West Hollywood bar E.P. & L.P., or find a screening in Downtown L.A. or Hollywood through Rooftop Cinema Club.

Catch a Street Food Cinema

street food cinema

Find a Street Food Cinema showing of your favorite flick and pack a bottle of wine to share. No need to bring a picnic—the showings always include a variety of food truck vendors to grab a bite from before the feature begins.

Watch a Film While Listening to the Live Score

hollywood bowl

The Hollywood Bowl plays classic films on the big screen while a live orchestra plays the entire soundtrack. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience perfect for enjoying with someone special.

Go Dancing

salsa dancing
 

Aside from the usual bar scene in Santa Monica and Hollywood, venture to The Warehouse in Marina del Rey for salsa dancing.

If you get there early enough on a Friday night, you can take advantage of a free lesson before the real dancing begins.

You can also head downtown to Clifton’s Republic for three different levels of musical entertainment, from hip-hop to ragtime. Another under-the-radar spot is the Cicada Club.

Wondering to practice socially distanced safe relationship amid the current pandemic? Check out this article on sizzling magazine.

See a Concert

the forum

Between low-key bars with live music and major venues that attract popular artists, there’s pretty much always a concert happening somewhere in L.A. Enjoy outdoor seating at the Greek or the Rose Bowl, or take in a show at the Shrine or the Forum.

Go Bowling

bowling

Don’t judge until you try it. Head to Lucky Strike to experience bowling that’s nothing like what you remember from middle school. There’s music, mood lighting, hand-crafted cocktails, and delicious food.

Explore a Museum

Museum Date

Between LACMA, the Getty, MOCA, and the Broad, there’s always new art to be discovered in L.A. If you don’t want to pay the price of admission, find a smaller gallery like the L.A. Louver or Blum & Poe for a more affordable date. Spend the day walking through a peaceful art space and learning about the greats together.

Visit the Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory

This free date idea offers truly stunning views of the entire city, day or night. Wander inside to observe scientific exhibitions then take in the sights from the observation deck. If you go at the right time, you may even be able to look at planets and stars through telescopes placed around the building with the help of astrologists.

Go Boating at Echo Park Lake

echo lake park

Spend the date enjoying one of the best parks in L.A.’s Echo Park neighborhood. You can rent paddle boats or have a picnic in the grass.

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