If you’re searching for fresh date ideas to make your sweetheart swoon, there’s no need to look any further than Los Angeles. A huge city packed with a myriad of things to see and do, LA can offer plenty of dating options that range from romantic outings to fun-induced thrills. The heart of the entertainment industry, this thriving metropolis knows how to impress with a variety of exciting activities and unique adventures. Whether you’re anticipating a blind date or planning a special date with a long-time significant other, if you want to score big points you must scroll down to see this list of top date night ideas in Los Angeles, California.
Stunning viewpoints in Los Angeles
Angels Point: Situated within Elysian Park, Angels Point is an underrated hill that offers stunning views of Dodger Stadium and downtown Los Angeles. According to LA Times, Angels Point is a favorite among the locals!
Jerome C. Daniel Overlook on Mulholland Drive: Mullohand Drive in its entirety is known for its beautiful views and offers plenty of scenic overlooks. Jerome C. Daniel Overlook is no exception and offers exceptional views of the Hollywood Bowl Amphitheater and downtown Los Angeles, and if the weather’s great, you can even spot Catalina Island.
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1. Hike through Griffith Park
With over than 4,100 acres (1659 hectares) of natural greenish terrain, Griffith Park is known as the largest urban wilderness in the United States. Filled with trees, bushes, plants, luscious grass, plus an actual observatory in the area, it is a place great for hiking and other family activities. Hike with a well-organized tour with friends and family, and be rewarded with the stunning view of the City of Los Angeles. If you are currently in the big city and you’re tired of all the noise, then spending time in nature by hiking in a beautiful park is a great option to ease your mind.
Hike through Griffith Park
Website: Griffith Park
Address: Los Angeles, CA 90046
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Price: 39 USD
2. Saddle up and ride at Sunset Ranch Hollywood
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to show off your horseback riding skills to your date then visit the laidback atmosphere of Sunset Ranch Hollywood. This western-style adventure on a rustic ranch features splendid day and nighttime horseback riding tours. The scenery through the wonderful Hollywood Hills is awesome, and the horses are well cared for by the attentive and knowledgeable staff. As an added bonus, guests can enjoy a delicious homestyle feast at the barbecue buffet.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood
Address: 3400 N Beachwood Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Website: Sunset Ranch Hollywood
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 50 - 125 USD
3. Snuggle under the night sky at Rooftop Cinema Club
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Enjoy a blend of classic films and blockbuster movies in a breezy atmosphere at Rooftop Cinema Club. This fabulous outdoor moviegoing experience offers an out-of-the-ordinary setting for date night. The staff provides warm blankets, comfy deck chairs, and nifty wireless headphones. Two great locales are available. If you opt for the Downtown LA location, you can enjoy dinner and a movie with a line of tasty food trucks available. In Hollywood, the NeueHouse rooftop locale affords guests alcoholic beverages and yummy bar snacks. Both locations allow for an upgrade to a double deckchair-style loveseat so you can cozy up to your sweetie.
Rooftop Cinema Club
Address: 6121 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 and 4th floor, 888 South Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
Website: Rooftop Cinema Club
4. Get your heart racing aboard an evening helicopter tour
For a supreme adrenaline rush, take an exhilarating helicopter tour. See this dazzling city from a different perspective when you board a helicopter helmed by a professionally trained pilot. Marvel at many of the landscapes’ iconic sights brilliantly illuminated when darkness takes over. You and your date can catch amazing views as you swoop past the Hollywood Sign, Hollywood Hills, Staples Center, Dodger Stadium, Griffith Observatory, the Kodak Theater - home of the Academy Awards ceremony - and so much more!
Book Tours : Los Angeles at Night 30-Minute Helicopter Flight
5. Cozy up in the car at Electric Dusk Drive-In
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you want to shake up the typical date-night movie scene, head over to Electric Dusk Drive-In. The only drive-in left in Los Angeles, Electric Dusk Drive-In oozes nostalgia with a festive feel. From bygone era movies like the 1980s Gremlins and ET to the on-site snack shack supplied with yummy concession goodies, this retro-style drive-in theater is a pleasant step back in time. Open year-round, Electric Dusk Drive-In allows visitors to bring in outside food but no alcoholic drinks are permitted. Be aware that pricing is per person, not per car, and to listen to the feature presentation you have to tune your radio to FM station 88.3.
Electric Dusk Drive-In
Address: 2930 Fletcher Drive &, N San Fernando Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90065
Website: Electric Dusk Drive-In
Price: 14 - 16 USD
6. Cuddle by a bonfire at Dockweiler State Beach
You’re sure to spark a romantic mood at Dockweiler State Beach when you light one of the beach’s collections of fire rings for a toasty bonfire. Don’t forget to bring weiners for hearty hotdogs and all the ingredients for gooey smores. Dockweiler State Beach also features 3.7 miles (5.95 kilometers) of sun-kissed shoreline and many amenities such as clean restrooms, efficient showers, picnic facilities, fun volleyball nets, and an extensive bike path. This beach setting is ideal for a day-long beach date that stretches into the night.
Dockweiler State Beach
Address: 12000 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Catch a movie at the cemetery via Cinespia
Surrounded by tall palm trees, polished headstones, and a large mausoleum wall that doubles as a film screen, Cinespia is one of the most unique moviegoing experiences in Los Angeles. Held at the famous Hollywood Forever Cemetery, this event began as an intimate viewing space for classic movies and has ballooned into a huge local phenomenon showcasing a variety of film genres. A rare setting for a date yet also an exciting gathering for film lovers, Cinespia encourages visitors to pack food and drinks - wine and beer are allowed - and enjoy a lovely picnic on the grassy cemetery grounds while screening such well-known movies as When Harry Met Sally, Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, and The Sixth Sense.
Cinespia
Address: 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038
Website: Cinespia
Price: from 12 USD
8. Savor a tasty meal on board Los Angeles Dinner Cruise
Nothing says romance like an inviting evening meal at sea. With Los Angeles Dinner Cruise, participants can indulge in a scrumptious and freshly made four-course dinner while cruising the scenic, tranquil Southern California waters. After the sun goes down, drink in views of the twinkling lights of the harbor while you and your sweetheart sip a glass of sparkling champagne. This exclusive adventure is sure to show any date how serious you are about spending top-quality time with them.
9. Watch a movie at Pacific Theatres
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
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Posted by Pacific Theatres on Wednesday, April 17, 2013
The Pacific Theatres Winnetka 21 is one of the earliest places to have a 79-foot screen in its auditoriums in the City of Los Angeles. They use dual digital projectors to provide the viewers with crisp visuals throughout the entire movie. Paired with some of Meyer Sound’s EXP sound system, people watching will surely appreciate the amount of immersion the whole auditorium provides when playing a movie. They have recently upgraded a few things, one of which are the replacement of their old seats with new reclining seats that can be adjusted to each viewer’s preference. If you want great amounts of immersion while being comfortable when watching a movie, then the Pacific Theatres is the perfect place for you.
Watch a movie at Pacific Theatres
Address: 9201 Winnetka Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91311
Website: Pacific Theatres
10. Be a part of Public Star Party at Griffith Observatory
Located on Mount Hollywood in the Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory is a public facility owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles. Since it is a public facility, the observatory offers free admission to anyone who would like to visit the place. Visitors can have a look at the cosmos through the telescopes provided, the place also offers exhibits and live shows in the planetarium. For people who are planning to hike the Griffith Park, visiting the Griffith Observatory can also be an awesome detour anyone can partake.
Public Star Party at Griffith Observatory
Address: 2800 E. Observatory Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90027-1299
Website: Griffith Observatory
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Prices: 7 USD for adults, 5 USD for students, 3 USD children
11. Go for a dinner and movie at Broadway Theatre District
Got a guy or gal who is more into staring into the silver screen than your eyes? Downtown Los Angeles offers a couple of vastly different options for dinner and a movie. In the Broadway Theatre District, you and your date can grab a quick bite at one of a dozen great food stalls inside Grand Central Market, a covered market that’s recently been reinvigorated by some of the city’s newest culinary heroes. After wandering the stalls and settling on something splendid and speedy, pop into a nearby single-screen picture palace. These cinemas, popular during the era of silent films, are gorgeous temples to the artistry of cinema and open to the public each May and June for screenings of classic films during a series called “Last Remaining Seats”. For the rest of the year, walk a few streets over to the Downtown Independent, a newer single-screen that features foreign and independent pictures.
If it’s a new release you’re in the mood for, head to LA Live, where you can grab a bite at one of several mainstream sit-down chains before dipping into Regal Cinema’s 14-screen LA Live multiplex. Don’t worry, there’s no silent films to be seen here.
12. Have a midnight snack at Fry Madness
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located in Downtown Los Angeles is a restaurant known as Fry Madness. Why Fry Madness you ask? Well, they serve fries on everything they serve. You want shrimp fries, s'mores fries, Nutella fries? As long as you can imagine it, you can have it, its called Fry Madness after all. As weird as some of the menu items may sound, they are actually delicious and very tasty. In fact, this place is gaining popularity because of its unique take on serving fries to people. If you love fries, then this crazy joint will surely impress you.
Fry Madness
Address: 555 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90013-2303
Website: Fry Madness
Opening Hours: 11:00am – 1:00am
Prices: 15 USD
13. Check out the Universal CityWalk
The Universal City Walk is a three-block theme park owned by the popular film studio Universal Studios. This park is great for people coming to the City of Los Angeles together with their family and friends. They offer live shows such as Howl and the Moon, a multiscreen movie theater, concerts, dozens of hops, and even indoor skydiving. If you so happen to be in Los Angeles, then visiting the Universal City Walk is a great place to shop for gifts and memorabilia.
Universal CityWalk
Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 91608
Website: Universl CityWalk
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
14. Indulge in retro romance at Cicada Restaurant and Lounge
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
For the active (and retro!) couple, spend an enchanted evening swing dancing with a live big band in Olive Street’s most impressive address, the Oviatt Building’s Cicada Club. The first Art Deco edifice in Los Angeles started as a two-story haberdashery, with high-end men’s fashions and women’s jewelry displayed among velvet ropes and gold-plated ceiling tiles imported from Italy. Today, the mezzanine bar overlooks a dance floor where big bands play 1940s classics for dancehall enthusiasts.
Make dinner reservations for you and your date and arrive early in appropriate attire for a full evening. Sticking with the vintage theme, the Cicada Club strictly enforces their dress code and “no cell phones” rule, so plan to spend the evening exchanging conversation with your date, not your screen. Once you’re seated for dinner, you are in for a treat: salad, entree and dessert are all included in the three-course fixed-price menu. Classic cocktails, like the bourbon and bitters Old Fashioned, a Pimm’s Cup with the classic English spirit and a smoky Scotch Sazerac are par for the course.
Cicada Restaurant and Lounge
Address: 617 S Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014, United States
Website: Cicada Restaurant and Lounge
Opening hours: Fri - Sat: 6:30am - 11pm (closed Sun - Thu)
15. Dance to the tunes at The Viper Room
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Originally owned by the famous actor Johnny Depp in the ‘90s, The Viper Room is a popular club within the City of Los Angeles. If you are a fan of rock, punk, metal, electro, and indie music, then The Viper Room is a great place for you to be. The club is known to feature great acts and talents such as Johnny Cash, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Stone Temple Pilots, Bruce Springsteen, and Oasis. Having great performers on the platform, partnered with an awesome sound system and a wide variety of alcoholic drinks, The Viper Room is indeed a place you must visit on your trip to Los Angeles.
The Viper Room
Address: 8852 Sunset Blvd. at Laherty, West Hollywood, CA 90069
Website: The Viper Room
Opening Hours: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
16. Explore Grand Avenue
Music lovers are spoiled for choice along Grand Avenue, where the Los Angeles Opera performs at the Music Center, the Los Angeles Philharmonic plays their seasons at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the California Plaza hosts outdoor summer concerts with music from around the globe.
Start your date with a wood-fired pizza at Franco-Italian bistro Bottega Louie and then walk up the hill to any of these great music venues for whichever lovers’ symphony suits you best. Check out the summer dance parties on the Music Center’s patio to mix it up after a serious theatrical or operatic production inside.
17. See LA after dark on a fun night tour
Enjoy a fresh approach to sightseeing by participating in a fun-filled night tour of LA’s top tourist attractions. Schedule a date night like no other when you take part in exploring Tinseltown after the sun goes down. Admire views of neon-lit sights like the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and the world-renown Hollywood Sign. This tour is an ideal way to experience the brilliance of the city at night and a great way to show your sweetie a good time.
Book Tours : Hollywood Night Tour with Griffith Observatory
18. Thrill to panoramic views at OUE Skyspace LA
Impress your date by taking them to California’s tallest open-air observation deck. Enjoy expansive views of the city at OUE Skyspace LA. This exciting tourist attraction even offers - for an extra charge - the opportunity to slide from the 70th floor to the 69th floor via a 45-foot (14-meter) glass slide! OUE Skyspace LA also offers one of the highest bars in Southern California called Skyspace Bar. Enjoy delicious hand-crafted cocktails or sudsy craft beer from local breweries. When it’s time to dine, head over to OUE Skyspace’s 71Above restaurant where you can indulge in a delectable meal and admire stunning sunset views!
19. Have dinner at Perch
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
It’s not about what you do, but who you’re with. If you and your lover want a quiet, romantic evening staring into each other’s eyes under the stars while soft music plays in the background, downtown also has you covered!
The proliferation of rooftop bars makes it easy to find a little starlight in the skyline, but where is the best place for romance? None other than Perch, a glowing rooftop inspired by steampunk and a French menu, but with a flourish of its own. The top of a 15-story building that overlooks Pershing Square offers indoor and outdoor seating, quiet corners, and often a live ensemble to crystallize the magic in the atmosphere. Expect craft cocktails, lovely dining and soft, hazy lighting that will put a sparkle in any lover’s eye.
Perch
Address: 448 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013, United States
Website: Perch
Opening hours: Mon: 4pm - 12am; Tue - Wed: 4pm - 1am; Thu - Fri: 4pm - 2am; Sat: 10am - 2am; Sun: 10am - 1am
Date night fun in LA
From uncommon outdoor movie screenings and stunning rooftop adventures to cozy beachside activities, Los Angeles’ entertainment terrain can take your dating game from stale to exciting in a flash. Show someone the time of their life with a few of these awesome diversions in the City of Angels.
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