45 Unique and Fun Date Night Ideas in Los Angeles
There are so many ideas for a good date night in LA, right? But what about for those of us who have been to the Griffith Observatory and the Santa Monica Pier? What else is there to do?
Keep reading for some actually unique and fun date night ideas in Los Angeles. I’ve included some ideas at home as well as some ideas for getting out of the house. There is a little something for everyone on this list!
Love a good date night? Headed to San Diego? Check out my most romantic date night ideas in San Diego next!
For some of the best date nights, check out my posts on date night questions, date ideas at home, and bucket list date ideas for couples!
Date Night Ideas in Los Angeles
First up, decide if you are staying in or going out. Or you can read through all of the ideas before you decide!
Going Out
Street Food Cinema: Enjoy an outdoor movie screening with live music and gourmet food trucks at various locations.
Descanso Gardens Enchanted Forest of Light: Explore nighttime light displays in the beautiful Descanso Gardens.
Magic Castle: If you can snag an invitation, enjoy a night of magic shows and fine dining at this exclusive club.
Velaslavasay Panorama: Visit this unique venue for a 360-degree painted panorama and immersive experience.
The Last Bookstore: Explore this iconic bookstore's labyrinth of books and unique art installations.
Angels Flight Railway: Ride the historic funicular railway and explore the nearby Grand Central Market.
Museum of Neon Art: Take a neon art class or tour the vibrant exhibits.
Korean Bell of Friendship: Visit this beautiful bell pavilion in San Pedro for stunning ocean views.
Tam O'Shanter Restaurant: Dine at one of LA’s oldest restaurants with a cozy Scottish-themed atmosphere.
Electric Dusk Drive-In: Watch a classic movie at this retro-style drive-in theater with rooftop views.
Time Travel Mart: Visit this quirky store with time-travel-themed merchandise and support 826LA’s nonprofit activities.
LA Boulders: Try indoor rock climbing together at this popular bouldering gym in the Arts District.
El Matador Beach: Explore this stunning Malibu beach's sea caves and hidden coves.
Murder Mystery Dinner Theater: Solve a thrilling murder mystery while enjoying dinner with professional actors.
Skyline Drive-In: Watch a movie under the stars overlooking the downtown LA skyline.
Saddleback Ranch Chop House: Enjoy a mechanical bull ride and line dancing at this Western-themed restaurant.
Glassblowing Class: Learn the art of creating your own glass pieces at a local studio.
Echo Park Swan Boats: Rent a swan pedal boat and enjoy a leisurely ride on Echo Park Lake.
Malibu Wines: Taste local wines at this picturesque vineyard and enjoy live music and outdoor seating.
K1 Speed Indoor Karting: Race each other on high-speed go-karts at this indoor racing venue.
Cinespia Cemetery Screenings: Watch classic movies projected on the walls of Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Rooftop Cinema Club: Enjoy a movie under the stars with panoramic city views from a rooftop.
Griffith Observatory Star Parties: Join an evening star party for telescope viewings and astronomy talks.
Brewery Tour in the Arts District: Take a brewery tour and sample craft beers in LA’s trendy Arts District.
Venice Canals Gondola Ride: Take a romantic gondola ride through the picturesque Venice Canals.
Santa Monica Pier Trapeze School: Try a trapeze class on the Santa Monica Pier for a thrilling experience.
Horseback Riding in Griffith Park: Go for a scenic horseback ride through Griffith Park with Sunset Ranch.
Huntington Library Garden Tour: Explore the diverse gardens and art collections at the Huntington Library.
Staying In
Virtual Wine Tasting: Take a virtual wine tasting class and sample wines from around the world.
Cooking Class with a Twist: Join an online cooking class and prepare a dish inspired by the best restaurants in Los Angeles.
Indoor Picnic in Style: Create an indoor picnic with gourmet snacks and a beautiful setup using blankets and fairy lights.
At-Home Escape Room: Design your own escape room experience using clues and puzzles around your home.
Create a Tiktok Dance Challenge: Learn and perform trending TikTok dances together and upload your own.
Virtual Museum Night: Explore virtual tours of the Getty Center and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Make Your Own Ice Cream: Create homemade ice cream with unique flavors and toppings.
Living Room Stargazing: Use a star projector and recreate the Griffith Observatory experience in your living room.
DIY Art Class: Follow an online art class and create your own masterpieces, inspired by local art galleries.
Couples Yoga Session: Try an online couples yoga class to relax and bond.
Home Theater Night: Create a home theater experience with a projector, popcorn, and classic films.
Indoor Rock Climbing Challenge: Set up a fun and safe indoor rock climbing course using pillows and cushions.
Virtual Magic Show: Watch a live-streamed magic show and enjoy the wonder of the Magic Castle from home.
Create a Vision Board Together: Make vision boards with images and words that represent your goals and dreams.
DIY Pottery Night: Use air-dry clay to create pottery pieces and paint them once they’re dry.
Plan a Future Trip: Use maps and travel guides to plan a future trip to Catalina Island.
Build a Blanket Fort: Make a cozy blanket fort and watch movies or read books inside.
How to Have a Romantic Night With My Partner?
The perfect place for a date night with your partner is only the beginning. Whether it is a date night in some beautiful garden, along the Pacific Ocean, or to one of your favorite live shows, make the night truly special by keeping these things in mind:
Dress Up for Each Other: Take the time to dress up nicely. Wear something you know your partner loves to see you in, like what you wore on your first date.
Wear Their Favorite Perfume/Cologne: Apply the scent you know your partner loves. It can trigger happy memories from past dates at places like the Getty Center or Venice Canals.
Plan a Surprise Element: Surprise your date with tickets to a live show at the Hollywood Bowl or a hidden gem restaurant in West Hollywood.
Set the Scene: Whether you’re at home or out, create a romantic atmosphere. Light candles, play soft music and dim the lights to enhance the mood, like when visiting a beautiful garden or botanical garden.
Hold Hands and Touch: Physical touch is a powerful way to connect. Hold hands, touch their arm, or give them a gentle kiss to show your affection, especially during a romantic stroll along Venice Beach.
Prepare a Special Meal: Cook their favorite dish or try a new recipe together. If you're dining out, choose a fine dining restaurant with breathtaking views of the city, such as those found in the Hollywood Hills or Pacific Palisades.
Take a Leisurely Stroll: After dinner, take a romantic walk, perhaps at a local rose garden or along the scenic paths of Griffith Park.
Engage in Deep Conversations: Take the time to talk about your dreams, future plans, and fond memories. Ask meaningful questions to deepen your connection, reminiscent of your visits to the Huntington Library or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Dance Together: Play a favorite song and dance together in your living room or at a quiet spot outside, similar to the experience at a street performer’s show in Santa Monica Pier.
Create a Memory: Do something that you can look back on fondly. It could be taking a photo together at the Hollywood Sign or writing in a journal after a trip to the Last Bookstore.
Share a Dessert: End your evening on a sweet note by sharing a dessert. It’s a simple yet romantic gesture, perfect after a night at the grand central market.
Compliment Each Other: Give genuine compliments throughout the night. Tell them how beautiful/handsome they look and express your appreciation for them, especially during special outings like a wine tasting at Malibu Wines.
Unplug from Technology: Turn off your phones and other distractions to focus solely on each other. It shows that your time together is a priority, like during intimate evenings at the Griffith Observatory.
Look into Their Eyes: Eye contact can be very intimate. Take moments to look into each other’s eyes while talking or during a quiet moment, such as on a pedal boat at Echo Park Lake.
Write a Love Letter: Express your feelings to them in a handwritten letter. It’s a timeless and heartfelt gesture that they will cherish, similar to the romance of the Venice Canals.
I hope this list offered you a great way to make a plan for your next date night in Los Angeles. Whether it is the perfect spot, the perfect setting, or just an all-around good time in one of these cool spots, I hope it makes for some lasting memories!
