By Chloe Mulliner, on February 3, 2020

Date Ideas in Los Angeles

If you can’t remember the last time you treated your partner to a date night, then you’re long overdue. But don’t worry: Los Angeles is here to help. Whether you live in the city or you’re planning a romantic getaway, this coastal destination promises to treat you and your honey right.

Follow in the footsteps of your favorite rock stars or challenge your partner’s high score at the arcade pier. If you’re a duo looking to get outside in the sunshine or a couple searching for swanky nighttime spots, you’ll find it all and more in the City of Angels. For some good date ideas in LA, check out our guide. Also, don’t miss our picks for some romantic day trips just outside the city.

Where are some good places to go on a date in Los Angeles?

The gardens outside of the Getty Center, which is the perfect LA date location.
Via Alexandre Olive / Shutterstock.com

Whether you’re planning a first date in Los Angeles or a date on your first vacation to Los Angeles, congrats! This is an exciting time for you and your sweetheart. LA is a wildly eclectic city that offers all kinds of amazing places to go on a date, from cultural adventures to romantic endeavors. And if you’re looking for music venues or sun strolls, this SoCal city has you covered.

Santa Monica Pier

Santa Monica

Roller coasters? Funnel cake? Arcade games? Oh, yes, Santa Monica Pier has it all. The pier has its very own amusement park, arcade room, eateries, shops, and even an aquarium, all overlooking the Pacific Ocean. If you’re looking for fun date ideas in Los Angeles, bring your partner to the pier and you’ll feel like kids again as you laugh on the rides and stuff yourselves with fair food. Stick around for a stroll along the beach at sunset.

Sunset Strip

Sunset Boulevard

Venture to the stomping grounds of some of the world’s greatest rock ’n’ rollers as you and your partner bar-hop along Sunset Boulevard. This creative date idea in Los Angeles is a great way to see some of LA’s most iconic music venues. Start your adventure at The Rainbow Bar and Grill, which stars like John Lennon and The Who once frequented. Then get tickets to a show at Whisky a Go-Go, where bands like The Doors got their start. Don’t miss The Rocky Theatre, Viper Room, The Comedy Store, and more.

The Getty Center

Brentwood

Nothing says a romantic day out quite like holding hands as you gaze at exquisite artwork. At the Getty Center, there is so much eye candy, you could get lost in the exhibits for days. The Getty features four pavilions, outdoor sculptures, gardens, and the permanent collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum. Even the building is a work of art.

What are some fancy date ideas in Los Angeles?

View of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which is a great date idea in LA.
Via Chris Eason / flickr.com

Toss aside your flip-flops and slip into something nice for a night out on the town in Los Angeles. Though this city may serve up some beach vibes, it certainly has a chic and swanky side come sunset.

LA Opera

Los Angeles

Bring date night up a notch with tickets to the LA Opera. As one of the nation’s largest theater companies, it hosts a variety of operas that usually run for one-month periods. The opera house already has a packed schedule for 2020 with performances such as Rodelinda, The Marriage of Figaro, and Angel’s Bone. Get your tickets today.

Night-Time Helicopter Tour of Hollywood & Downtown
Burbank

If you’re really looking to impress, take to the skies and for a nighttime tour of LA from the seat of a helicopter. This magical experience flies you and your honey over the city’s most famous landmarks, from the Hollywood sign to Dodger Stadium. Trust us, you’ll earn major brownie points when you go with this date night idea in Los Angeles.

Pour Vous
East Hollywood

A flight to Paris might be a bit much, but you can pretend you’re in France with an evening at Pour Vous. This Parisian-themed lounge has dazzling chandeliers and divine cocktails. Order a round of on-theme French 75s and cozy up by the fireplace for a romantic date night in Hollywood.

Walt Disney Concert Hall
Los Angeles

Get tickets to a performance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The architecture of this famous venue alone is jaw-dropping, but just wait until you hear the musicians take the stage. After an incredible performance, head next door for some fine dining at Patina Restaurant. Let’s just say they have artisanal cheese and caviar service—enough said.

What are the best date night restaurants in Los Angeles?

A romantic dinner for two, which is a great date idea in LA
Via Lucky Business/ Shutterstock.com

We don’t doubt your cooking skills, but sometimes date night calls for someone else to cook. Leave it to the professionals and let one of LA’s local chefs whip up something for two.

Spago

Beverly Hills

If you want to see and be seen, Spago is the place for dinner. Known as the favorite spot of several celebrities, Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant knows how to do it up fancy. Make reservations for a table on the brick patio and order the Italian white truffles and Wagyu steak. Enjoy a candlelit dinner for two and keep your eyes peeled for famous folks.

Margot

Culver City

LA serves up some seriously romantic coastal views, and you can soak them all in from the rooftop restaurant, Margot. Located on the top of Culver City’s Platform complex, this elegant restaurant pulls out all the stops with soft lighting, patio seating, and fine wine.

Providence
Los Angeles

If you and your honey are in the mood for seafood, make it a date at Providence. This highly regarded spot serves up your choice of tasting, seasonal tasting, and chef’s tasting menus. Divine menu items include spiny lobster, box crab, black cod, and more. Pair your meal with a fine glass of wine for an evening you won’t soon forget.

What are some romantic day trips from Los Angeles?

The Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island, a romantic getaway just outside of LA
Via Sim Br / Flickr.com

Los Angeles has much to do and so much to see, but don’t overlook some of its neighboring attractions. Whether you’re looking for amusement park rides or a kayaking adventure, you’ll find plenty more date ideas in these nearby destinations:

  • San Diego: Head roughly 125 miles south and arrive in sunny San Diego. Explore the museums at Balboa Park, walk along the pier in beautiful Pacific Beach, and visit the famous Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island.
  • Anaheim: Spend a day at the House of Mouse. Around 27 miles south of LA, the famous theme park invites you to release your inner child. Take a ride on the teacups and pose with your favorite characters.
  • Santa Catalina Island: If you’re down for an adventure, drive to Long Beach and catch the ferry to the island. Spend your day snorkeling, kayaking, and exploring. It’s best to stay the night to get the full island experience.

The air is filled with romance in Los Angeles, and you and your partner are about to experience it for yourselves. Before you venture to SoCal, book your flights to Los Angeles. You’ll also find a huge selection of amazing hotels in Los Angeles. If you want more advice for your upcoming trip, check out our guide to spending a weekend in LA.