35 Fun Los Angeles Date Ideas To Try at Least Once

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A view over a city with highrise buildings and trees under a blue sky with clouds
There's no shortage of fun things to do with your date in Los Angeles!

Are you looking for fun Los Angeles date ideas? Whether you live in the city or are visiting, you can find an array of unique and memorable things to do with your partner in LA!

Some of the activities to try include watching a movie at the Melrose Rooftop Theatre or the Electric Dusk Drive-In and having a coffee date with cats at Crumbs & Whiskers.

There are also many outdoor date ideas, like hiking at Runyon Canyon Park or hanging out at one of the city's many beaches. Keep reading to discover all of the best date activities in Los Angeles!

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35 Fun Date Ideas in Los Angeles, CA

  1. Fun Things to Do on a Date in Los Angeles
    1. Ride swan boats on Echo Park Lake
    2. Find dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
    3. Look around the gallery and gardens at The Getty
    4. Check out the best eateries on a food tour
    5. Eat your way through Grand Central Market!
    6. Buy your date a bouquet at the Original Los Angeles Flower Market
    7. Tour the TCL Chinese Theatre
    8. Admire artworks at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
    9. Catch a movie at Melrose Rooftop Theatre
    10. Wander around Beverly Gardens Park in Beverly Hills
    11. Go bowling at Highland Park Bowl
    12. Surf at Venice Beach
    13. Take in the views from Griffith Observatory
    14. Learn to make delicious dishes together at a cooking class
    15. Walk alongside the Venice Canals
    16. See the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall
    17. Hang out at Santa Monica Pier
    18. Share Brunch at The Eveleigh on the Sunset Strip
    19. Experience a concert at the Hollywood Bowl
    20. Cheer for local LA teams
    21. Cuddle Cats at Crumbs & Whiskers
    22. Hike at Runyon Canyon Park
    23. Discover something new at the California Science Center
    24. Shop at the Original Farmers Market
  2. Things to Do Near Los Angeles on a Date
    1. Spend the day in Long Beach
    2. Enjoy a day at Universal Studios Hollywood
    3. Fly above LA on a helicopter tour
    4. Sip wine at local wineries
    5. Visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
    6. Road trip to Solvang
    7. Relax at El Matador State Beach
    8. Watch a movie at the Electric Dusk Drive-In
    9. Plan a trip to San Diego
    10. Go to Joshua Tree National Park
    11. Explore Angeles National Forest

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Fun Things to Do on a Date in Los Angeles

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One of many fun Los Angeles date ideas is riding swan boats at Echo Park Lake
Riding swan boats at Echo Park Lake is one of many fun Los Angeles date ideas

Ride swan boats on Echo Park Lake

Echo Park Lake is a scenic lake surrounded by a park filled with palm trees. It's another of the great places to spend some time outdoors with your date.

If you're looking to do something a bit different when visiting, renting swan boats at Echo Park Lake is a must. Additionally, wandering around the beautiful park on a sunny day will help you and your date understand why the Los Angeles nickname, the City of Flowers and Sunshine, exists!

🏨 Accommodations close to Echo Park Lake

Find dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

An LA attraction that makes a unique date spot is the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. You and your other half will learn about various topics covering 4.5 billion years of history via fascinating exhibits.

The most popular exhibit is the Dinosaur Hall, where you can see 20 dino skeletons and over 300 fossils. Because the attraction gets busy, book Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County tickets before you arrive.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

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A pond with a maze of greenery and a garden, steps, and modern buildings around it
The Getty has an art gallery and beautiful gardens where you can take photos together

The Getty, also known as the Getty Center, features an art gallery and beautiful gardens. The famous Los Angeles landmark is located in the Santa Monica Mountains and is an interesting place to spend a few hours with your date.

After seeing all the artworks, you can wander around the tranquil gardens that have pretty floral displays, fountains, and sculptures. If you want to learn more about the Getty and its collection, take a Getty Center guided tour.

🏨 Places to stay near The Getty

Check out the best eateries on a food tour

Los Angeles has numerous fantastic dining options. If you and your date can't decide where to eat, going on a downtown LA food tour is a fun thing to try.

On the three-hour tour, you'll be taken to a variety of top restaurants, bakeries, markets, and more. You get to try dishes at each stop, and you and your partner may also find a new favorite dining spot!

🏨 Accommodations near 545 S Olive St

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A building with a yellow wall and a sign that says "Grand Central Market"
You and your date can try a range of cuisines at Grand Central Market

Eat your way through Grand Central Market!

Grand Central Market is an over 30,000-square-foot food court and shopping complex. Instead of picking one restaurant for a lunch or dinner date, trying dishes from multiple vendors at Grand Central Market is a great idea.

Things to try range from fresh-made pasta dishes and authentic tacos to delicious desserts and Mexican-style fruit cups. You can also find coffee shops, juice bars, and much more at the market.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to Grand Central Market

Buy your date a bouquet at the Original Los Angeles Flower Market

Buying your partner some flowers is a failsafe way to please them! A fun way to do this is by taking them to the Original Los Angeles Flower Market.

This large indoor market is filled with numerous varieties of flowers and plants. Your date can choose pre-made bouquets or have one made from scratch with all their favorite blooms.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to SOS flowers market

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A Chinese-style entryway with red accents under a clear blue sky
TCL Chinese Theatre is a renowned LA movie theater that you can tour with your date

Tour the TCL Chinese Theatre

One of the best things to do at night in LA is seeing a movie at the renowned TCL Chinese Theatre. Along with hosting movies to the public, this landmark is the location of film premieres. If you want to learn more about the venue, you and your partner can also go on a TCL Chinese Theatre tour.

🏨 Accommodations nearby TCL Chinese Theatre

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Lots of white lampposts in a square with palm trees behind them
Urban Light is a famous art installation at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Admire artworks at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Going to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art for a daytime or early evening date is a great idea, especially if you and your partner love arts and culture attractions. Opened in 1961, the museum houses a collection of over 120,000 pieces.

After thoroughly exploring the museum, don't forget to see the renowned Urban Light installation that features 202 restored street lamps.

☂️ Experience the Los Angeles County Museum of Art with a tour

🏨 Stay near the Los Angeles County Museum of Art

Catch a movie at Melrose Rooftop Theatre

Located in West Hollywood, Melrose Rooftop Theatre takes dinner and a movie to a new level. The stylish rooftop movie theater allows you to watch films under the stars, and you can have alcoholic drinks ordered to your seats.

Before the movie, make a reservation at E.P. Restaurant, located below the rooftop theater.

🏨 Accommodations near Melrose Rooftop Theatre

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A sign that says "Beverly Hills" with a lawn, trees, and a path around it
The Beverly Hills Sign is an iconic landmark to see when in Beverly Gardens Park

Wander around Beverly Gardens Park in Beverly Hills

Despite being a relatively small park, Beverly Gardens Park is a charming place to go for a walk with your loved one. Notably, you will see one of the most photographed spots in the city, the Beverly Hills Sign.

You can also wander around the rose and cactus gardens and hang out on the surrounding lawns.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Beverly Gardens Park

Go bowling at Highland Park Bowl

If you want to plan a super fun date night in Los Angeles, CA, book a lane at Highland Park Bowl. Opened in 1927 and known as "LA's oldest bowling alley," it's an excellent spot for a memorable yet relaxed night out.

As you play, you can order food and drinks, including specialty cocktails, beer, and wine. The bowling alley stays open until 2 AM, but it doesn't generally open until midnight on Saturday and Sunday.

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A beach with ocean waves crashing onto the sandy shore
You and your other half can learn a new skill by taking surf lessons at Venice Beach

Surf at Venice Beach

Sunbathing and walking along the boardwalk at Venice Beach are some of the best things to do in Los Angeles. However, if you're looking for a more unique date in LA, consider learning to surf at Venice Beach.

Your private instructor will teach you all the basics before you can hit the waves. If you're already good surfers, take lessons to improve your skills.

🏨 Accommodations close to Venice Beach

A white building with domed roofs and grass and a path in front of it
At Griffith Observatory, you can enjoy views of the city and learn about astronomy

Take in the views from Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is a famous California landmark that makes for a unique date location. Situated on Mount Hollywood, you and your partner can enjoy stunning city views from the observatory.

You can also see interesting exhibits on astronomy and look up at the galaxies. To reach the attraction, consider taking the Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory, a 1.3-mile-long hiking route.

🏨 Accommodations close to Griffith Observatory

Learn to make delicious dishes together at a cooking class

Instead of going to a restaurant for dinner, why not learn to cook a delicious meal together? Taking a cooking class is one of the most fun LA date ideas. At Hipcooks, you can choose from a variety of cuisines and dishes.

Things to cook include Spanish tapas, classic French dishes, and Moroccan-style food. Classes can last two or three hours, and there's a fun happy hour option where you can also mix cocktails.

🏨 Accommodation close to Hipcooks

A canal with trees on either side, a small bridge across it, and kayaks on the water
Kayaking on the Venice Canals is a fun outdoor date activity

Walk alongside the Venice Canals

You and your loved one can enjoy a little bit of Italy in LA by taking a romantic walk along the Venice Canals. Inspired by the canals of Venice, Italy, the waterways have been a unique part of the city since 1906. If you don't feel like going for a walk, you can also canoe or kayak on the canals.

☂️ Discover the Venice Canals on a tour

🏨 Places to stay near the Venice Canals

A modern silver structure with steps leading up to it under a clear blue sky
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is a unique structure that's home to the LA Philharmonic

See the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Walt Disney Concert Hall

While the name may suggest Disney-themed performances are held here, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is actually home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic.

When taking your date to this sophisticated cultural attraction, you'll be able to see an outstanding classical music concert. Performances of other music genres are sometimes hosted too.

☂️ Discover Walt Disney Concert Hall on a tour

🏨 Stay nearby Walt Disney Concert Hall

A beach with a colorful Ferris wheel on the left-hand side under a blue sky
At Santa Monica Pier, you can ride the Ferris wheel, admire ocean views, and more!

Hang out at Santa Monica Pier

A fun and laid-back date idea is to spend some time at Santa Monica Pier. You and your partner can enjoy the ocean views and stroll along the pier and boardwalk. You can also ride the famous Ferris wheel, play funfair-style games, share some ice cream, and check out the beachside shops and cafes.

🏨 Accommodations near Santa Monica Pier

Share Brunch at The Eveleigh on the Sunset Strip

The Sunset Strip is a famous area of LA, known for its restaurants, bars, and hotels, like Chateau Marmont. While heading there in the evening is a must, stopping at The Eveleigh for brunch makes for a romantic daytime date.

Dishes to order include toasted banana bread, Dungeness crab pasta, and truffle fries. Don't forget to treat your date to a cocktail or mocktail too!

🏨 Accommodations nearby Eveleigh

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A sign that says "Hollywood Bowl" with grass and palm trees around it
Hollywood Bowl is one of the best live music venues in the US

Experience a concert at the Hollywood Bowl

Having been named one of the best live music venues in America, taking your date to Hollywood Bowl is a must if they love concerts. The outdoor theater hosts a range of performances, from jazz to classical music. There are also many dining options and bars on-site, allowing you to enjoy dinner, drinks, and an excellent show.

☂️ Visit the Hollywood Bowl with an experience

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to the Hollywood Bowl

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A baseball stadium with a game in play on a clear day
The Dodgers are just one of many sports teams to watch with your partner in LA

Cheer for local LA teams

If you and your loved one are sports fans, one of the best LA date ideas is going to a game; and there's lots of choice in Los Angeles!

While the city has minor league and college teams, it also boasts a team in all five of the most popular professional US sports: the Kings in the NHL, Lakers in the NBA, Rams in the NFL, Dodgers in MLB, and the Galaxy in MLS.

☂️ Join a tour to see Cryptocom Arena

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Cryptocom Arena

Cuddle Cats at Crumbs & Whiskers

One of the best date ideas in LA for animal lovers is visiting Crumbs & Whiskers. This adorable cafe features a stylish interior with baby pink walls, pastel faux furs, and neon signs. Best of all, it's home to cute cats!

As you enjoy a coffee, you can also pet, play, and snuggle with the kitties. All cats are up for adoption if you and your partner are looking for a feline pal. Cat Cafe Lounge is another cute cat cafe in LA to check out.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to the Crumbs & Whiskers Kitten & Cat Cafe

A view across a city from a hilltop at sunset
The views from Runyon Canyon Park at sunset are stunning

Hike at Runyon Canyon Park

Couples that like hiking don't have to leave Los Angeles to find trails. Runyon Canyon Park is one of the most popular hiking spots in the city with locals and visitors.

The park covers 160 acres within the Santa Monica Mountains and features a few routes. All trails offer spectacular views across the city. Going at sunrise or sunset is recommended to make your hike a little more romantic.

☂️ See Runyon Canyon Park on a tour

🏨 Accommodations nearby Runyon Canyon Park

Discover something new at the California Science Center

A fun and educational attraction to check out with your other half is the California Science Center. Topics covered at the museum include ecosystems, air and space, and evolution. In addition, you can watch some science-themed movies in the IMAX theater.

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A pedestrian street and a white clock tower that says "Farmers Market"
The Original Farmers Market is a bustling place to explore with your date

Shop at the Original Farmers Market

Another famous market to visit with your date is the Original Farmers Market. Operating in LA since 1934, the market has a variety of vendors, including restaurants, specialty food shops, and stores selling other goods like jewelry and housewares.

The Original Farmers Market is a bustling place where you can try different cuisines and find unique items; it's a must-visit spot to add to your Los Angeles itinerary!

🏨 Stay nearby The Original Farmers Market

Things to Do Near Los Angeles on a Date

A lighthouse and buildings with grass and ocean water in front
Long Beach is the perfect place to go on a day trip with your partner

Spend the day in Long Beach

If you're planning an all-day date or an overnight trip, consider going to Long Beach. Located just under an hour from LA, the city features pretty beaches and lots of other attractions.

Date ideas in Long Beach include relaxing at Alamitos Beach, kayaking on the waterways of Belmont Shore, and wandering around Rainbow Lagoon Park. Best of all, you can find many free things to do in Long Beach, making it an ideal destination for all couples, even those on a budget.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Long Beach

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A white arch with a "Universal Studios Hollywood" sign and palm trees next to it
Enjoy a fun-filled day out with your other half at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Enjoy a day at Universal Studios Hollywood

An exciting way to spend a day with your partner in Los Angeles is by going to Universal Studios Hollywood. The theme park features an array of themed rides based on popular Universal Studios movies.

After exploring the theme park, you can get a meal or snacks at one of 57 eateries. To avoid long lines when you arrive, buy a Universal Studio Hollywood skip-the-line admission ticket in advance.

While you can visit the attraction at any time of year, the best time to plan a trip to LA to go to Universal Studios is in the fall. The weather is generally still nice enough to be outside exploring the park, but crowd levels are much lower than during spring and summer.

🏨 Stay near Universal Studios Hollywood

A view over a city with skyscrapers and mountains in the background
Flying over LA on a sunset helicopter ride is a perfect romantic date idea

Fly above LA on a helicopter tour

Seeing the city from above is breathtaking, and taking your other half on a Los Angeles helicopter tour is sure to please! Of course, you can fly at any time of the day, but going on a helicopter ride at sunset is definitely one of the most romantic date ideas in LA. Do note that the flight takes off in Burbank, about 20 to 30 minutes from central Los Angeles, depending on traffic.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to 10750 Sherman Way

Sip wine at local wineries

While many think you have to go to Napa to visit wineries in California, you can find some wineries close to Los Angeles. If you and your partner are interested in wine tasting, book a winery tour.

This day trip will allow you to visit multiple wineries in Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains. The excursion includes wine tasting at every winery, and you can add lunch for an additional cost.

A white building with columns surrounded by a garden with green grass and sculptures
The Huntington Library features beautiful gardens to explore

Visit The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is another of many cultural attractions you and your other half may find interesting. Founded in 1919, the landmark houses an extensive collection of art and exhibits on topics like American history, architecture, and literature.

Don't forget to explore the beautiful botanical garden. Filled with orchids, bonsai trees, and many other plant varieties, it makes an excellent backdrop for some photos together.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

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Houses with thatched roofs and a windmill with a street in front of them
Solvang is a unique town near LA known for its Danish-style architecture and shops

Road trip to Solvang

Another exciting place to spend the day if you're planning a longer date is Solvang. Located two hours from LA, this city is incredibly unique.

It features Danish-style architecture and businesses that make you feel as though you've traveled to Denmark. As you explore, you can visit museums on the history of the area, taste traditional Danish pastries, and even spot a windmill!

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Solvang

☂️ Visit Solvang with an experience

A coastline with ocean, sand, and small greenery-covered cliffs
El Matador State Beach is a quiet and romantic beach that offers beautiful views

Relax at El Matador State Beach

There are many beaches to visit in the greater Los Angeles area, but one of the most fun date ideas in LA is going to some of the less popular beaches. One of these more quiet beaches is El Matador State Beach within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach in northern Malibu.

Once on the sandy beach, you can chat or sunbathe on the sand and cool off in the calm ocean. You can also visit La Piedra Beach and El Pescador State Beach when in the area.

Watch a movie at the Electric Dusk Drive-In

When planning date nights in Los Angeles, going to a movie is always fun. One of the cool places to do so near LA is at Electric Dusk Drive-In in Glendale. The retro drive-in movie theater shows a wide array of genres of films to please all audiences. There's also a snack shack to buy classic movie treats.

🏨 Stay nearby Electric Dusk Drive-In

A city skyline with ocean water and a boat dock in front of it
San Diego is just two hours from LA, making it a fun day trip destination

Plan a trip to San Diego

Located just under two hours from LA is another vibrant Southern California city, San Diego. Whether planning a day trip or spending a weekend in San Diego, the journey is well worth it!

Once you arrive, you'll discover an array of fun activities to enjoy in San Diego. There are also many natural landmarks in San Diego to visit, like Balboa Park and the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. If you stay overnight, you'll discover no shortage of things to do at night in San Diego either.

🏨 Places to stay close to San Diego

A winding road with shrubbery and Joshua trees next to it and small mountains behind
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most famous National Parks on the West Coast

Go to Joshua Tree National Park

One of the best National Parks on the West Coast is Joshua Tree National Park. You and your partner can reach this renowned park in just two hours when driving from LA. Once you arrive, you can hike, see the park's namesake Joshua trees, and spot wildlife like rabbits, bears, and white-tailed deer.

A lake with greenery-covered hills around it
Angeles National Forest is an ideal place to hike and spend the day in the fresh air

Explore Angeles National Forest

Angeles National Forest is another perfect date spot for outdoor activity enthusiasts. The 700-acre park sits on the outskirts of Greater Los Angeles within the San Gabriel Mountains and Sierra Pelona Mountains. It features multiple trails and lots of wildlife and trees native to California.

In Conclusion

This list includes some of the most romantic things to do in Los Angeles for couples, as well as some more laid-back and quirky date ideas. No matter what you and your partner enjoy doing, you'll find a multitude of memorable things to do on a date in LA!

If you're planning a multi-day couples getaway, taking a scenic road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway is also a perfect date idea.

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Written by Alli Sewell

allisewell FORMER WRITER Currently based in Canada, Alli has also lived and worked in the UK and Brazil and traveled in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She loves finding the best photo-ops and food and drink locations wherever she goes.

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