Los Angeles has an endless supply of magic for first dates. From visiting an organic coffee house to recreating an iconic scene from La La Land, you’ll enjoy getting to know each other and have a lot of fun with these unique first-date ideas in Los Angeles.
First Date Considerations
On a first date, you and your new potential love interest are just getting to know each other, so you’ll want to meet in a public place where you can get deep into conversation while making sure you both feel safe. That also means that a loud venue like a concert or movie theater might not be ideal for a first date as you won’t be able to hear much above the noise.
Some of the best public destinations for a first date are the walkable neighborhoods of LA where you can leave after coffee if you don’t hit it off or continue on to dinner if things are going well.
A Quirky Coffeehouse
Coffee is a classic date idea that’s relatively inexpensive and lets the conversation flow. Some of the best coffee shops are those of the non-chain variety with a suitably romantic ambiance, table service, and a good cup of Joe. If you’re looking for ideas, some favorite date spots are Urth in Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Melrose, Pasadena, Downtown LA, Laguna Beach, and Orange; The Guest House in Los Feliz; and Bon Vivant Cafe in Atwater Village.
Grand Central Market in Downtown L.A.
For lunch, Grand Central Market in Downtown L.A. is a terrific destination for first-date dining. You can please a picky eater with a wide range of delicious food with flavors from all around the world! After satisfying your cravings for kimchi, tacos, smoked brisket, and donuts, you can make your way over to the Bradbury Building where Blade Runner and 500 Days of Summer were filmed or go to Angels’ Flight and imagine yourselves as Sebastian and Mia from La La Land.
Museums
After a tasty cup of coffee or lunch, check out one of L.A.’s many fabulous museums. Museums are the perfect spot for enjoying long, (quiet) conversations, and they provide plenty of food for thought if you run out of things to talk about. Museums like the LACMA offer indoor and outdoor space for enjoying a casual afternoon out. You could also try a picnic at the Getty or combine a day at the Norton Simon with an evening strolling around Old Town Pasadena.
Escape Room
Fun date night ideas can get even quirkier with a trip to a Quest Room escape room. See how your date rises to the challenge as you walk through a virtual reality adventure and solve mysteries or fight off adversaries together. An escape room experience in Santa Monica can easily be combined with a walk down Santa Monica Boulevard and Santa Monica Pier, a ride on the Santa Monica Ferris Wheel, and dinner at any of the restaurants near Palisades Park on Ocean Avenue.
Venice Canals
If strolling around picturesque neighborhoods is your thing, you’ll fall in love with the Venice Canals. In these canal-lined blocks, you’ll find some of the most romantic date spots in L.A.—flocks of ducklings swimming on the water, beautiful beach houses, and charming footbridges. If you have access to a non-motorized vessel like a canoe or boat, bring it along and tour the scenic canals on the water from the launch ramp at Venice Boulevard.
The Beach
For cheap date ideas, take your date and head to any of the beautiful beaches in Southern California. With sunny days and warm weather all year round, you can take in the seascape in an endless variety of ways—play a game of beach volleyball or soccer at Manhattan Beach, ride beach cruisers along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, or enjoy a romantic sunset walk along the shore at Malibu after a surf lesson or a taste of Malibu wines.
Farmer’s Market
Farmer’s markets offer some great outdoor dining spaces with organic produce and artisan eats. For unique first-date ideas in Los Angeles, try the farmer’s markets in Culver City, Santa Monica, or Hollywood. You could buy ingredients to cook together, fill up on finger foods and samples before transitioning to another activity, or find a farmer’s market that’s close to restaurants so that you can extend the date if things are going well.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is a great casual date idea for a daytime or nighttime expedition—what could be more romantic than looking at the stars? In the daytime, hike up to the observatory together and look down at the incredible views of the city, or visit at night and look at the stars. Expand your knowledge of the universe with the fascinating observatory show, and return with a renewed appreciation of the sky—and potentially of your date.
Ice Skating
What better way to break the ice than with a first date to an ice-skating rink? This fun-filled activity is sure to get you both laughing as you find your feet on the ice and even try a few new tricks. The best date destination in the winter season would have to be Ice at Santa Monica on Fifth Street and Arizona Avenue—an 8,000 square-foot outdoor ice-skating rink complete with all of the magic of winter.
Huntington Library
If your date has an eye for beauty, consider a morning or afternoon at the Huntington Library and botanical gardens in San Marino. This estate—the bequest of railroad magnate Henry E. Huntington—is one of the most stunning attractions of Los Angeles. Arrive early and wander through the 12 specialized gardens (including a meticulously landscaped Japanese garden) and explore the rare books and famous artworks indoors. Then treat your date to a romantic meal at the Red Car Coffee Shop, 1919 Cafe, or put on a spread with a picnic in the Garden Court and patio.
Make Your First Date Magical
There are so many unique first-date ideas in Los Angeles that it really is hard to pick only one. The good news is that if the first date goes well, you can plan for a second, and a third!
Remember: the first date should be casual, relatively inexpensive, fun, and filled with lots of conversation. Even if it all ends there, you’ll both have enjoyed a wonderful day or night out exploring the many unforgettable sights of Los Angeles.
