Updated October 2026
For a first date in Los Angeles, try Griffith Observatory, LACMA (Friday evenings), or The Broad (Thursday evenings). Weekday evenings are calmer; on Friday and Saturday, book ahead where you can.
A first date in Los Angeles is often a drink, a coffee or a walk somewhere with a view. Choose a spot that is easy for both of you to reach, because a long drive across town can wear out the mood before you even arrive.
Here are ten real places for every budget, from free sunsets and museums to a classic Hollywood dinner, plus three unusual ideas at the end.
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Observatory and viewpointGriffith Park / Los Feliz$All ages
Free entry, open until 10pm Tuesday to Sunday, with views over the city and the Hollywood sign. Go around sunset and stay for the lights; it is one of the classic Los Angeles dates. Closed Mondays, and parking nearby is paid.
2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 · Walk-in
MuseumMiracle Mile$$All ages
The county art museum stays open until 8pm on Fridays, and from April to October Jazz at LACMA plays on Friday evenings. Book a timed ticket ahead; the Urban Light lamp posts outside are a favourite photo stop. Closed Wednesdays.
5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 · Takes bookings
MuseumDowntown (Bunker Hill)$All ages
A contemporary art museum with free general admission, open until 8pm on Thursdays. Reserve a free timed ticket online; some exhibitions and the Infinity Mirror Rooms need separate reservations. Closed Mondays.
221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 · Takes bookings
Restaurant and barHollywood$$$40+
A Hollywood institution open since 1919, with old-school booths, career waiters and classic martinis. Book a table for a special occasion, or just sit at the bar for one classic drink.
6667 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 · Takes bookings
Restaurant (sandwiches)Chinatown / near Union Station$All ages
A historic deli famous for French dip sandwiches, open daily from 6am to 10pm, with long shared tables. Cheap and cheerful, and a short walk from Union Station and Olvera Street.
1001 N Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 · Walk-in
Jazz clubWestchester (near LAX)$$All ages
A small, intimate jazz club with live sets five nights a week. Buy tickets for a specific show online; good music and a quiet room make it a strong second or third date.
6171 W Century Blvd #180, Los Angeles, CA 90045 · Takes bookings
Independent cinema and video storeEagle Rock$All ages
A non-profit cinema and video store with a library of over 60,000 films, screening classics, new indies and themed nights. Browsing the shelves before the film gives you plenty to talk about.
4884 Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041 · Takes bookings
Pier and amusement parkSanta Monica$All ages
The classic beach date: walk the pier, ride the Pacific Park Ferris wheel and watch the sunset over the ocean. Walking the pier is free; rides are paid.
Ocean Ave at Colorado Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401 · Walk-in
Neighbourhood walkVenice$All ages
Quiet walkways and little footbridges along canals built in 1905, lined with colourful houses. A free, relaxed walk that pairs well with Abbot Kinney Boulevard or Venice Beach nearby.
Venice Canal Historic District, near Dell Ave and Carroll Canal, Venice, CA 90291 · Walk-in
Botanical gardenLa Cañada Flintridge$$All ages
Large gardens with oak woodland, camellias and a rose garden, open daily from 9am to 5pm. A calm daytime date away from the traffic, with plenty of space to walk and talk.
1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011 · Takes bookings
Unusual places worth a special trip when you want a date nobody forgets.
Outdoor film screeningsHollywood$$All ages
Outdoor film nights on the lawn of a historic cemetery, where people bring blankets and picnics before the film starts. Strange on paper, much loved in practice; screenings run mostly in the warmer months and often sell out.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038 · Takes bookings
Funicular railwayDowntown (Bunker Hill)$All ages
A tiny funicular climbing one short block of Bunker Hill, running daily from 6:45am to 10pm for 1.50 dollars each way. Ride up from Grand Central Market to California Plaza for a quick, charming detour.
351 S Hill St, Los Angeles, CA 90013 · Walk-in
MuseumPalms / Culver City$All ages
A dim, puzzling museum of odd exhibits where it is never quite clear what is real. Book a timed ticket online; you will leave with a lot to discuss.
9341 Venice Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 · Takes bookings
Popular places to meet people in Los Angeles include Social Lingo LA (language exchange parties), Highland Park Bowl (bowling alley and bar), and EightyTwo (arcade bar). All of them are easy to visit alone or with friends.
Pick an indoor spot such as LACMA (Friday evenings) or The Broad (Thursday evenings). Both work well for a first date in any weather.
In the YesTonite City Index, Los Angeles is number 39 of 112 cities for dating, with a dating score of 6.8 out of 10.
Open YesTonite and see who in Los Angeles is going out tonight. Say hi, agree on a time and meet at one of the places on this page.
Checked October 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so call or check the website before you go.
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