45 Fun And Totally Unique Date Night Spots In Los Angeles

45 Fun And Totally Unique Date Night Spots In Los Angeles

Los Angeles has no shortage of things to do. By the transitive property, that means there’s also no shortage of date spots either!

Best known for its bountiful beaches and sunny weather, LA is the perfect place to enjoy a romantic day or evening out with your significant other.

But with so many options, it can be tough to decide where to go. This guide will help you plan the perfect day out.

Having lived in LA for 7+ years, I’ve been able to explore a lot of Los Angeles in order to bring you this post. So without further ado, here are a few of the best date spots in Los Angeles!

This post may contain affiliate links. You won’t be paying a cent more, but in the event of a sale, the small affiliate commission I receive will help keep this blog running/pumping out useful and free content. Thanks a lot!

Limited Time Date Night Ideas In Los Angeles

Black Rabbit Rose: Magic Show and VIP Potion Cocktail Experience

Head to Black Rabbit Rose and explore the only magic-themed lounge in LA with weekend magic shows, tableside magic, and nightly live music!

Located right off of Hollywood Blvd is a secret little venue that transports you back 50 years. This hidden, ornate theater holds a magical world where you’ll be totally immersed in magic, music, and cocktails!

Shows run Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (what a way to spend your weekend!) featuring a rotating roster of magicians and variety artists. Cocktails are specially crafted so you know they’re going to be good.

We recommend booking Black Rabbit Rose tickets ahead of time to secure your spot.

1. Go stargazing at Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is famous for its great sunset views. It offers unbeatable views of the city and surrounding areas. Each month, the Observatory even offers a sunset hike led by a Park Ranger and a Museum Guide.

While you’re here, take advantage of the free guided tours or check out the self-guided exhibits inside the observatory–you can learn so much about space there! Their daily programs can be found here.

In the evenings, the conditions are usually great for stargazing, so it can get pretty packed. Free telescope viewings are also available each evening the Observatory is open and when the skies are clear.

If you want to extend your date a bit further, you can even go for another nature stroll at Griffith Park.

2. Stroll along Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice isn’t just about the tourist-packed boardwalk. It’s a beachy, artsy neighborhood with layers of culture and some seriously good local eats.

Beyond the skate park, the boardwalk, and muscle-y men at Muscle Beach, locals love strolling the canals for a quieter, more picturesque experience.

Stop at The Win-dow, a hidden café tucked along a side street, for a solid cup of coffee and avocado toast, or check out Gjusta for smoked fish, pastries, and a grab-and-go deli vibe that’s classic Venice.

Don’t sleep on the small wine bars and divey taco spots sprinkled around—you’ll often see locals slipping in after work for a casual bite!

3. Dinner and drinks in Abbot Kinney

When the sun dips, head over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, which is Venice’s main artery for shopping, nightlife, and people-watching. You can zip around by beach cruiser, wander indie boutiques like Tumbleweed or Friends & Lovers, or grab a cocktail at The Otheroom.

For dinner, try The Tasting Kitchen for seasonal California plates or Nico for modern Italian. A post-dinner stroll down the street will reveal street murals, tiny galleries, and gelato spots, all perfect for digesting and soaking in Venice’s bohemian energy.

4. Enjoy nostalgic rides and treats at Santa Monica Pier

Sure, the Santa Monica Pier is iconic, but there’s a lot more to explore if you stick around like a local.

Beyond the Ferris wheel and midway games, take a walk along the oceanfront promenade toward Palisades Park for elevated views of the Pacific and some quiet spots for photos or just sitting and people-watching.

Grab a bite at Blue Plate Taco for fresh, casual Mexican fare with a view of the beach, or swing by my personal fave, Cha Cha Cha, for casual Caribbean fried chicken and lively vibes (after your first bite, you’ll see why us locals keep coming back).

If you want a more laid-back vibe, wander a few blocks into downtown Santa Monica, where you’ll find little wine bars, artisanal chocolate shops, and boutique stores hidden from the main drag.

Evening sunsets here are unbeatable! Around 5 to 6 PM (depending on the time of year), grab a drink, park yourself on a bench, and watch the sky change colors over the ocean.

5. Take a coastal drive over to Malibu

For a more upscale date experience, head to Malibu via the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for a day of wine tasting at one of the many wineries dotting the landscape.

Then enjoy a romantic dinner overlooking the ocean at one of Malibu’s exquisite seafood restaurants like Geoffrey’s Malibu, Duke’s of Malibu, or Moonshadows.

If you didn’t already catch my drift, Malibu can be quite romantic, making it a great date idea!

For something more casual, you can go hiking at Point Mugu State Park or Topanga State Park, followed by a feast of fried calamari, fish and chips, and clam chowder. I love recommending Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market to all my friends/family!

6. See a concert at the Hollywood Bowl

There’s something truly unique about seeing a show at the Hollywood Bowl. Maybe it’s the LA setting, with the perfect weather and the stunning backdrop of the Hollywood Hills.

Or maybe it’s the history of the venue itself – the Bowl has been hosting performances since 1922, and has been host to some of the biggest names in music, from Adele to The Beatles.

The Hollywood Bowl has an amazing line-up of concerts every year, so there’s bound to be something that piques your interest. Be sure to monitor their website in advance so you can snag tickets before they sell out – and trust me, they will sell out.

If you’re looking for a romantic date spot in LA, this one’s hard to beat. There’s nothing like sharing a picnic dinner and some fine wine while watching your favorite artist perform under the stars.

7. Enjoy art at the Getty Villa

The Getty Villa is one of the most popular date spots in Los Angeles for art and architecture lovers. This postcard-perfect villa in Pacific Palisades sits on 24 acres and features lovely gardens, fountains, and sculptures.

What makes it so popular is the fact that admission is free! (You’ll simply need to make a timed-entry reservation online ahead of time.)

Visitors can tour the villa’s museum, which houses a collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan art, or take a walk through the gardens. The Getty Villa is also home to a restaurant, cafe, and gift shop.

In addition to being a beautiful and historic spot, the Getty Villa is also conveniently located near several other popular spots in Los Angeles (like Malibu and Santa Monica), making it the perfect place to start or end a day of exploring the city.

8. Take a food tour through Venice Beach

If you’re looking for a date night that’s casual, active, and full of flavor, this food tour through Venice Beach is a great pick.

You and your partner can start with a stroll on the iconic Venice Fishing Pier, feeling the ocean breeze while enjoying a locally-loved smoothie bowl. From there, you’ll wander the scenic canals, take in all kinds of cool street art, and sample a range of dishes from plant-based surprises to Argentinian empanadas, crispy fish tacos, and photo-worthy quesabirria.

Along the way, you’ll pass Muscle Beach, the famous skatepark, and the colorful boardwalk, making it equal parts food adventure and people-watching!

Plus, with a local guide who plans the entire route and handles the food, you can focus more on your date’s company than on pesky logistics.

9. See free art at The Broad Museum

If you’re into art with a side of cool Instagram moments, The Broad is still one of LA’s best free museum experiences. The collection spans major names like Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons, Jasper Johns, Barbara Kruger, Jean‑Michel Basquiat, and many other heavy hitters of contemporary art.

One of the biggest draws remains Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, which transport you into immersive, optical environments that feel completely otherworldly and undeniably photogenic—yes, perfect for couples who want a fun, shared experience and a selfie backdrop that lives up to the hype.

The museum frequently rotates special exhibitions too, so even if you’ve been before, there’s a good chance you’ll see something new.

10. Spend a day at Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios needs no introduction. This place is a mix of blockbuster thrills, immersive worlds, and genuinely fun experiences that go beyond just rides.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must‑see for HP fans. Walking through Hogsmeade, sipping Butterbeer, and riding Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey feels like stepping into the movies themselves.

Then there’s the revamped Jurassic World — The Ride, a splashy, photo‑worthy water adventure, and the park’s newest hit: Super Nintendo World. You can chase coins, battle bosses, and explore all your favorite, familiar Mushroom Kingdom scenery.

Whatever you do, don’t miss the Studio Tour! It’s a real behind‑the‑scenes tram ride through backlot streets, soundstages, and practical sets, with live guides and surprises like simulated earthquakes, flash floods, and King Kong animatronics.

Even if you aren’t a cinephile, the scale of it and the way it blends real production spaces with staged thrills is unlike anything else in LA.

You can get discounted Universal Studios tickets here.

11. Warner Bros Studio Tour

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If the studio tour part of Universal Studios sounded cool but you’re not ready to commit to a whole day of theme park activities, how about the Warner Bros Studio Tour?

The studio lot in Burbank spans over 100 acres, and the tour actually takes you through real working soundstages and backlot streets that you’ve definitely seen on screen.

You’ll recognize full neighborhood facades that have doubled as everything from small-town America to New York City, you’ll get to step onto iconic sets like Central Perk from Friends, see original costumes and props up close, and walk through immersive exhibits tied to franchises like Harry Potter and the DC Universe.

I haven’t personally done it (it’s not the cheapest activity in town), but my best friend took her parents when they visited, and all three of them said it was 100% worth it.

12. Enjoy the botanical gardens at Huntington Library

Located in San Marino, The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens is home to a world-renowned art collection and one of the most impressive botanical garden complexes in Southern California.

You can easily spend half a day wandering through themed gardens—one minute you’re under bamboo in the Japanese Garden, the next you’re walking past towering cacti that look straight out of Arizona.

The Japanese Garden is one of the most serene and beautifully designed spots in the Huntington’s 120-acre grounds. Locals love it for its traditional Japanese landscaping, which includes carefully raked gravel paths, graceful koi ponds, arched wooden bridges, and flowering cherry and plum trees that feel like a miniature escape from the bustle of LA.

The garden’s authentic tea house is a highlight, offering an intimate peek into Japanese architecture and hospitality, while the winding pathways and bamboo groves make for peaceful exploration and plenty of photo opportunities.

Spring (March–May) is the peak season here, when cherry blossoms and wisteria are in full bloom and the weather is mild, creating the most picturesque setting. Fall is also quite lovely. The changing leaves give the maples a fiery glow, and the crowds are smaller than in the springtime.

I don’t recommend visiting during summer if you can help it (it gets HOTTTT, especially in the open areas near the ponds).

13. Explore Silver Lake on foot

Known as a longtime hipster haven, Silver Lake has that slightly offbeat, creative energy that shows up in everything from the street style to the storefronts.

There’s a ton of personality packed into a small area, so expect everything from colorful murals splashed across building walls, indie boutiques, vintage stores, and yes, more than a few woo-woo crystal shops that feel very LA.

You can easily spend your afternoon just walking along Sunset Blvd and the surrounding side streets, popping into random shops or grabbing a snack somewhere new.

If you want to balance it out with something active, you can loop the Silver Lake Reservoir for a straightforward workout walk, or head over to Echo Park Lake for a more scenic path with skyline views and lotus blooms in the summer.

Food-wise, you’ve got everything from low-key ethnic eateries to trendier sit-down spots. You can do brunch at Sawyer, All Day Baby or Millie’s Cafe, grab beers and pizza at Mohawk Bend for happy hour, then wander into whatever spot catches your eye next.

14. Ride swan boats at Echo Park

Echo Park is one of the cutest date spots in Los Angeles, and a big part of that is due to the adorable swan boats made for pedal boating!

After getting fitted with lifejackets, set off on the water and soak up the scenery and skyline views as you pedal.

You can rent them by the half hour, and they’re perfect for a romantic day or evening on the lake. The best time to go is just before sunset, when the sky becomes ablaze with sunset colors. Trust me, your date will be impressed. You can make rental reservations in advance here.

Other quirky attractions here include the Bob Baker Marionette Theater (a totally fun and campy activity) and the Echo Park Time Travel Mart (another must-visit for those of you who love kitschy attractions).

Once you’re done enjoying the quirky wonders of Echo Park, enjoy a leisurely lunch/dinner at one of Echo Park’s many eateries, such as Masa of Echo Park (Chicago-style pizza).

15. Have dinner at Inn Of The Seventh Ray

Inn Of The Seventh Ray is often hailed as one of the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles. Tucked into the Santa Monica Mountains, the restaurant feels like a hidden sanctuary, with candle-lit tables, flowers, and a rustic, woodsy charm that makes it feel worlds away from the city.

The outdoor patio is especially magical at sunset, when the canyon glows in warm light and you can sip wine while listening to the creek trickle nearby.

The menu leans heavily on fresh, seasonal ingredients with a focus on California-inspired, organic cuisine. Standouts include their house-made pastas, locally caught fish, and the wild mushroom risotto. Don’t skip the duck confit or the roasted lamb (they’re frequently praised for both flavor and presentation). Dessert is equally indulgent; the chocolate torte and lavender panna cotta are perfect for sharing.

Pro Tip: Milk your time here by enjoying a slower, lingering meal. Plan for a 2–3 hour dinner! Weekends fill up quickly, so reservations are a must, and if you can snag a table on the creekside deck, it’s worth it for the ambiance alone.

16. Grab dinner at Grand Central Market

Grand Central Market has been a downtown LA staple since 1917, bringing together the many cuisines and cultures of Los Angeles all under one roof!

Do try to come early to snag seats because this spot does get pretty packed during usual dining hours. You’ll have to order food from the establishments, then find your own seats.

If you don’t know where to start because the sheer number of restaurant options overwhelms you, then go with Sticky Rice, Tacos Tumbras a Tomas, or the extremely popular Eggslut.

Whatever you do, do NOT miss the chance to follow up your meal with McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams (Hint: get the cookies and cream flavor–it’ll change your tastebud’s life.)

After your meal, head to the nearby Arts District or Little Tokyo to get your fill of street art, hip shops, and Japanese culture!

17. Spend a day at El Matador State Beach

If you’re looking to spend a day out in the sun, El Matador State Beach is one of the best outdoor date spots in Los Angeles to consider. With epic cliffside views and secluded coves, it’s the perfect place to spend a romantic day with your special someone.

For a half- to full-day trip to El Matador State Beach, start with a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and grab breakfast at Malibu Farm Pier Cafe or a quick seafood-centric snack at Neptune’s Net.

Stop at Point Dume for a short walk along the cliffs and take in the ocean views before heading down to El Matador. On the beach, explore sea caves, tide pools, and the rock formations, or just relax and soak up the sun.

Pack a picnic or pick up sandwiches from nearby Malibu Seafood for lunch. After sun-soaking with your honey, finish the day with sunset drinks at Paradise Cove Beach Cafe for a view that perfectly caps off the day.

18. Play tourist on a full-day tour of LA

If you’re from out of town, this is going to be ONE epic date adventure! And if you’re a local, chances are, you likely haven’t taken time to play tourist in your own city.

This is the perfect chance to do that and have your very own La La Land moment. This epic guided tour of LA seamlessly transports you by coach to all of the city’s top attractions—from Santa Monica Pier to Venice Beach to the Sunset Strip to Griffith Park and more—so that you don’t need to worry about missing a thing.

One of the biggest draws of this full-day tour? Because transportation is included, you won’t have to worry about finding parking anywhere in LA!

19. Go rollerskating at Moonlight Rollerway

If you’re up for date night in Glendale, Moonlight Rollerway is the best place for a night of nostalgia. This vintage roller rink looks like it’s right out of a movie scene!

The retro decor and lighting create such a fun and energetic atmosphere, it’s hard not to have a good time. You can also order drinks and food from the snack bar, so you don’t have to leave the rink if you don’t want to.

There’s nothing like skating hand-in-hand with your date while taking in all the music and vibes that Moonlight Rollerway has to offer!

20. Go to a rooftop bar in Downtown LA

Rooftop bars are the perfect place to enjoy LA’s famously warm weather and stunning skyline views. Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail or a lively place to drink and dance the night away, there’s a rooftop bar in LA that perfectly matches the vibe you’re looking for.

The Standard Downtown LA is an obvious choice for those looking for breathtaking DTLA views. Heck, even I’ve been on a date here! The bar is located on the top floor of The Standard Hotel, which sits atop a skyscraper in downtown Los Angeles.

Perch is another good spot that offers panoramic views of the city, along with an inventive menu of cocktails and small plates. You can also check out Broken Shaker–this hip spot features craft cocktails, funky music, and views of Koreatown and Downtown LA.

21. See art exhibits at the LACMA

The iconic lamps outside of the LACMA.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art, or LACMA as it is commonly known, is the largest art museum in the western United States.

LACMA houses a collection of over 150,000 works of art spanning from ancient times to the present. The museum also features a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.

If your date or significant other enjoys art, then LACMA is the perfect place to spend a day analyzing all kinds of art.

22. See an outdoor movie at Electric Dusk Drive-In

Want to impress your date without leaving the car? Electric Dusk Drive-In is a rare LA gem where you can catch classic cult films from your own vehicle (or even set up a picnic on the lawn if you’re feeling extra romantic!).

Bonus: there’s a full bar to sip cocktails while the credits roll. They also throw themed movie nights and live music events, so you never know what wild, fun twist your movie night might take.

23. Catch a film at Rooftop Cinema Club

Movies with a view? Yes, please. Rooftop Cinema Club lets you watch flicks under the stars with the LA skyline as your backdrop!

Order cocktails and snacks from their bar and menu, curl up under provided blankets and pillows, and pretend you’re in a rom-com (even if the movie is a horror classic). The whole experience is casual yet charming and feels way fancier than your average streaming night at home.

24. Experience a Korean Spa

Skip the dinner-and-movie routine and go full-on relaxation mode.

LA’s Korean spas like Wi Spa or Olympic Spa offer pools, saunas (there’s a salt sauna, an ice sauna, and a clay sauna!), steam rooms, and body scrubs that’ll leave you both feeling like royalty.

You can mix massages, facials, and even soak in hot tubs for a low-key yet totally indulgent date. And given that Korean spas are surprisingly affordable, you’ll still have enough budget for dinner or drinks after.

25. Spend a whole day at Disneyland

Um, some would say this is the ULTIMATE date night! Is there anything more romantic and fun than getting surprised with a spontaneous trip to Disneyland??? I think not.

Disneyland is home to more than 60 rides and attractions, including some of the most iconic theme park rides that gave way to all the other Disneyland parks around the world. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There’s the food, the shows, the parades, and–duh–the famed fireworks displays.

There’s also Disney’s California Adventure just across the way, featuring a whole other set of “worlds” to explore such as Cars Land, Avengers Campus, Paradise Pier, and so much more.

The best way to see both in one day is with a park hopper ticket. You can usually snag discounted Disneyland tickets here on Undercover Tourist.

Read Next:

Disneyland vs. California Adventure: Which Is Better?

26. Spend a day in the beach cities

While the South Bay of Los Angeles is not a place known for its crowd-drawing tourist attractions, there are some really fun things to do here. From watching comedy shows to surfing, driving Porsches to beach volleyball–there’s a whole lot to enjoy.

Of course, you could easily spend a few hours exploring the beach towns of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach. Each of these towns offers quite a different atmosphere from the next. They are all filled to the brim with great restaurants/bars, specialty boutiques, surf shops, acai bowl/smoothie joints, and they each have their own piers!

Lastly, how could I mention “beach cities” without mentioning the beach? Specifically, Manhattan Beach has an amazing beach that’s perfect for swimming, surfing, or just relaxing. This is my all-time favorite beach in all of the Los Angeles area because the waves are calm for swimming and the water is actually clean!

Read Next:

A List Of All The Fun Things To Do In LA’s South Bay

27. Ride bikes along The Strand

Looking to spend some time outside? The Strand, officially known as the Marvin Braude Trail is a 22-mile bike path that extends almost the full length of Santa Monica to the South Bay.

You can take on the whole path if you’re an avid cyclist, but most people enjoy The Strand with a light walk or jog, or leisurely bike ride!

28. Spend a Sunday at Smorgasburg Los Angeles

If you and your date both love trying new foods, then head to Smorgasburg LA. This weekly food market features over 100 vendors selling everything from Korean fried chicken to wood-fired pizza. There’s also a full bar, so you can enjoy a few drinks while you eat.

In addition to the food, the market also features live music and entertainment. Best of all, the market is held outdoors, so you can enjoy the beautiful Los Angeles weekend weather while also enjoying a plethora of cuisines.

Not sure if this market is for you? Head to their site and just browse the vendor pics… drooling now.

29. Hike the Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic views in all of Los Angeles and is definitely something that you will want to get as close to as possible. The good news is that it is possible to hike up to the Hollywood Sign and it’s also completely free!

You have many options of seeing the Hollywood Sign on a hike. Choose between the Mt Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, or the Cahuenga Peak Trail (listed in order of difficulty).

The Cahuenga Peak Trail is my personal favorite because it grants you the opportunity to pay a visit to the Wisdom Tree. Do note that this one is the steepest out of the three options (but still very doable), and will take you to the back of the Hollywood sign, which gives you a very unique perspective of the sign.

Don’t want to deal with the logistics of figuring out how to get there? Take a hike to the Hollywood Sign with a guide.

30. Play retro games at an arcade bar

Looking for a date night that’s equal parts playful and competitive? LA has no shortage of arcade bars where you can sip cocktails while trying to beat each other’s high scores.

Need some ideas on where to start? Over in the Arts District, EightyTwo serves up throwback games alongside craft beers and a chill vibe.

And in the Highland Park area, Barcade combines vintage arcade fun with inventive cocktails and a lively crowd.

31. Melrose Rooftop Theater

If you’re looking for a unique date spot in Los Angeles, look no further than Melrose Rooftop Theater. This open-air theater (and total hidden gem) is located atop a parking garage in the Melrose/Fairfax district. On hot summer nights, it’s the perfect spot for an evening under the stars!

With a mix of new releases and classic films, there’s always something fun playing on any given week. The theater itself is small and intimate, with a cozy lounge area where you can grab a drink before the show.

And if you’re looking to make things extra special, you can pack a picnic basket ahead of time or enjoy a pre-theater dinner meal at E.P. & L.P.

32. Spend a morning at the Melrose Trading Post

If you’re looking for a unique and affordable date spot in Los Angeles, look no further than a Sunday visit to the Melrose Trading Post. This cutesy weekend flea market takes place every Sunday on the grounds of Fairfax High School.

You’ll find everything from vintage clothes to handmade jewelry to antique furniture. There’s also a wide selection of food vendors, so you can grab a bite to eat while you browse the stalls.

At the time of writing, admission is $6 per person.

33. Hike Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon is one of LA’s most iconic hikes, perched right next to Hollywood, and it’s where locals (and allegedly a few celebrities) head to stretch their legs and soak up city views.

This is a relatively chill hike, so you won’t end up a sweaty mess, making it easy to grab brunch or lunch afterward in nearby neighborhoods like Hollywood or West Hollywood.

The loop is about 2.7 miles, perfect for a light workout, some people-watching, and maybe even spotting dressed-down actors walking their dog.

For the best experience, go in spring or fall for mild temps and clear views, or catch sunrise or sunset for that golden LA glow and a refreshing breeze.

34. Explore Little Tokyo on foot

Little Tokyo Los Angeles is a place that offers the visitor a piece of nihonmachi (community) and the chance to seek, taste, and purchase all things Japanese!

Little Tokyo is not only one of three remaining Japantowns in the USA (the other 2 are in San Jose, CA and San Francisco, CA), but it is also the largest too.

Little Tokyo Los Angeles is home to historic places, museums, local Japanese businesses, contemporary cafes, and many great restaurants. It’s the perfect destination for anything from a quick slurp of noodles at lunch to sipping on a warm cup of green tea while enjoying a post-dinner stroll in the evening.

Highlights include the Japanese American National Museum, the largest museum in the United States dedicated to the Japanese American experience, and the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, featuring over 7,000 pieces of artwork.

Looking to refuel? Consider grabbing a Kyoto-style (slow-drip) iced coffee from Demitasse or a chewy mochi treat at Fugetsu-Do!

35. Pick out dinner at The Farmers Market L.A.

Sitting south of West Hollywood is one of LA’s most beloved landmarks: The Original Farmers Market. A beloved destination among locals and tourists since 1934, LA’s world-famous Original Farmers Market features over 100 gourmet grocers and restaurants–all at your fingertips!

This is one of my favorite spots to go for dinner when I’m in the Central LA area with a group of people who all want to eat something a little different.

Check out their full list of merchants, vendors, restaurants and dessert shops here, or just show up and allow it all to be a surprise to you.

The Original Farmers Market is right next to The Grove, meaning you can pop on over before/after enjoying the lively atmosphere (and maybe even doing a little bit of shopping)!

36. Go SUP-ing in Redondo Beach

While you can easily go standup paddleboarding anywhere along the coast in SoCal, I like paddling in Redondo Beach because the water is actually clean here.

For rentals, go with Paddle House or Olympus Standup Paddleboarding–they both offer a free mini lesson before sending you off to have fun!

After your adventure on the water, I would highly recommend grabbing a piping hot bag of churros from Pier Bakery Churros! Good churros are not that easy to come by and Pier Bakery makes really delicious ones!

If you are looking for a food rec in Redondo Beach, I would highly, highly recommend Jus’ Poke. It’s a shame I don’t live close by anymore because I would be eating their poke at least two times a week! Yup, it’s that good.

37. Visit The Hollywood Museum

Movie buffs with an interest in Old Hollywood, this one’s for you. Located in the heart of Hollywood, The Hollywood Museum is home to an extensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the golden age of Hollywood.

Over the span of four floors, visitors can see items from classic films such as Casablanca and Gone with the Wind, as well as personal belongings of Hollywood legends like Marilyn Monroe and Humphrey Bogart.

38. Experience once of the city’s best escape rooms

Los Angeles has hands-down some of the best escape rooms in the country. No other city even comes close. LA is where movies are born, so you’d expect top-notch production to be at the crux of everything they produce.

It’s no different with escape rooms. The production value here feels more like immersive theater than puzzle-solving in a random strip mall.

Lab Rat and The Nest (both by Hatch Escapes) are standout experiences that nearly every escape room enthusiast in LA knows about. Both award-winning and genuinely unforgettable, even if you’ve done escape rooms elsewhere.

The Nest, created by Scout Expedition Co., blends immersive theater, video games, and escape rooms into one experience and was recognized with a Thea Award, putting it in the same league as Disney’s Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Universal’s Bourne Stuntacular.

If you’re an escape room nerd and willing to drive a bit, Treasure Island by Brain Games in San Pedro is 100% worth the drive!! It’s so funky and fun, especially if you’re into tiki, pirates, and hidden treasure.

39. Take a scenic drive to the Palos Verdes Peninsula

If you thought driving on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu was the only coastal drive in town, think again!

Not many people know this (and not very many have made the effort to drive down this far), but the Palos Verdes Peninsula is one of the most scenic drives in all of California.

Malibu has nothing on the Palos Verdes Peninsula–it’s more scenic and quieter, meaning you can slow down or stop whenever you’d like without fearing the droves of cars coming up behind you and rushing you (which is something that is all too common in the Malibu area).

40. Catch a sunset at Terranea Resort

Located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula is Terranea Resort and Spa, one of the best places to grab a cocktail and enjoy the sunset–even if you’re not a hotel guest! This property is epic, encompassing 102 acres of sprawling seaside grounds with unbeatable Pacific Ocean views.

There are also more than two miles of coastal trails on the property that you can explore, and around sunset is the ideal time to do all of this.

After your stroll, head to the on-site bar and lounge, The Lobby Bar & Terrace, for the perfect sunset with a cocktail in hand.

After the sun officially goes down, you can head on over to Mar’Sel, the property’s iconic restaurant, to grab a bite to eat while enjoying the waves crashing against the seaside cliffs. You may even catch a sight of the migrating whales!

Since Terranea faces south on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, you can actually see the sun rise and set from a single location, which is pretty awesome if you’re lucky enough to snag yourself a stay here.

41. Take a tour of the Queen Mary in Long Beach

The Queen Mary is a historical ship that is the pride and joy of Long Beach, CA.

Once the flagship of the Cunard Line, the elegant RMS Queen Mary sailed between Southampton, England, Cherbourg, France, and New York City from 1936 to 1967.

Today, it’s permanently docked in the port of Long Beach, serving as a floating hotel, restaurant, special event venue, and tourist attraction. There are lots of informative daytime tours as well as nighttime tours themed around ghosts!

During Halloween, Queen Marry holds a special event called Dark Harbor, which is a lot of fun! The event features 6 haunted mazes, a 4D theater experience, hundreds of monsters, live entertainment, resident DJ’s, themed bars, and more!

42. Have a picnic at Elysian Park

If you’re looking for a romantic date spot in Los Angeles, Elysian Park is a great choice. Located just northwest of downtown, the park offers stunning views of the cityscape, as well as plenty of opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and exploring.

The park is also home to the Dodgers Stadium, making it the perfect spot for a baseball fan.

Best of all, Elysian Park is completely free to visit, making it a great choice for budget-minded daters.

43. Go secondhand shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market

Held at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, the Rose Bowl Flea Market takes over the stadium grounds on the last Sunday of every month with more than 2,500 vendors.

Before you get to imagining a quaint little pop-up market, lemme burst your bubble. It’s not. It’s MASSIVE.

You’ll find racks on racks on racks of broken-in Levi’s, old band tees, mid-century dressers, vintage jewelry cases you’ll need to dig through, and the occasional vintage designer piece hiding in plain sight.

If you’re serious about scoring the good stuff, get there early! The best vintage denim, 90s sportswear, sports jerseys, and well-priced furniture usually get scooped within the first couple of hours.

Bring some cash (some vendors still prefer it), wear sunscreen, and don’t be afraid to negotiate. The outer edges of the market often have better deals than the front rows near the entrance, where the highly curated (and higher-priced) vendors set up.

Catch a game or concert at the Rose Bowl!

Since we’re on the subject, if you love live events, check out the Rose Bowl’s events calendar. The Rose Bowl isn’t just for the annual Rose Bowl Game; it regularly hosts major concerts and international tours.

Artists like The Rolling Stones, BTS, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, U2, Green Day, Beyoncé, and Jay-Z have all played here, which tells you the scale we’re talking about!

44. Ride roller coasters at Six Flags Magic Mountain

Yes yes yes, Six Flags isn’t as polished as Disney or Universal. It can feel a little rough around the edges, and you’re not coming here for immersive lands or movie magic. You’re coming for pure adrenaline… and on that front, nothing in Southern California beats it.

This park is basically coaster after coaster after coaster, all packed into one place.

Heavy hitters like Goliath (that first drop is no joke) and X2 (a 4D coaster where your seat flips independently as you dive headfirst) are the kinds of rides that leave your legs shaky when you step off. Add in Twisted Colossus, Tatsu, and Full Throttle, and you can realistically spend an entire day just chasing bigger thrills.

The best part? Many of the coasters are clustered close together, so you can knock out multiple scream sessions back to back without trekking across the park.

If you and your date bond over chaos and competition (aka who keeps their hands up the longest, who screams louder, etc.) this is your spot.

Pro Tip: Play hookie and go on a weekday if you can! Hydrate constantly (it gets hot), and start with the biggest rides early before lines build.

45. Take a day trip to Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara! How can anyone not love the Mediterranean atmosphere of  Santa Barbara, CA? After all, the city’s nickname is the “American Riviera”. The Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and Lotusland are all popular things to do in Santa Barbara.

Head over to State Street for top-notch shopping, great restaurant options, and lively nightlife as the sun sets on the town. When in Santa Barbara, don’t miss the opportunity to eat some fresh strawberries or uni (sea urchin)! Both strawberries and uni from Santa Barbara are world-famous.

From there, grab some wine and even a meal in the Funk Zone, a relatively new area of former fishing warehouses now turned to a hub of trendy restaurants, bars, and wine tasting rooms. Need a restaurant recommendation? The Lark is super popular among locals and tourists.

Read Next:

Santa Barbara In One Day: 11 Top Things To Do

And that just about wraps up this post on great LA date ideas! If you’ve got a date night recommendation in LA, drop it in the comments, we’d love to hear about it!

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