Dinner and a movie? Yawn – we all know that song and dance gets old after a while. Time to spice things up, lovebirds. Lucky for you two thrill-seekers, Los Angeles has an insane lineup of off-the-beaten-path date night adventures that’ll reignite those sparks in the most exhilarating ways. We’re talking amped-up escape rooms to put your problem-solving skills to the ultimate couples test, sure, but also whimsical outings like paddling a swan boat across a glittering lake at sunset. Whether you crave an adrenaline rush or just some swoon-worthy romance, LA’s date night options are about as unlimited as your imagination. Get ready to fall head-over-heels for these uniquely creative ways to bond.
Fun Dates in Los Angeles
There are many places you can have fun as a couple in LA, but none will exceed the fun you’ll have in escape rooms and also in pedaling a boat. Here’s where to go:
Visit Mazerooms Escape Rooms
One of the best places to go on a date in Los Angeles is Maze Rooms Escape Rooms, with multiple locations scattered around the city. Their themed rooms run the gamut from spooky (“Ghost Hunters“) to whimsical (“Steampunk Alice“), so you can pick a vibe that suits your dynamic duo. Will you two communicate effectively under pressure and escape victorious? Or will the tension cause your relationship to get locked up tighter than the room itself?
And if you do manage to escape with your romance intact, cool off afterward by pedaling a swan boat across the tranquil waters of Echo Park Lake at sunset. Bonus points for feeding the ducks together and debriefing about your harrowing adventure over a picnic basket.
Pedal a Swan Boat on Echo Park Lake
Speaking of swan boats, this charming activity offers a picture-perfect way to unwind after an intense escape room session. Reserve an evening ride and witness the illuminated boats gliding across Echo Park Lake’s shimmering surface, creating a romantic backdrop for reconnecting with your date. As you paddle together, you can reminisce about the thrilling moments you conquered as a team – or the hilarious blunders that nearly sealed your fate.
Best Places for a Date in Los Angeles
Of course, not every swoon-worthy outing in LA needs to get your pulse racing. This city has plenty of picturesque backdrops for more laidback rendezvous too, perfect for best day dates in Los Angeles. Here are some of the best places for a date in Los Angeles:
Spend an Afternoon at the Huntington
For romancing a bibliophile or art aficionado, few places in LA compete with the cultural treasures and lush gardens of the Huntington estate. Lose yourselves exploring the galleries housing ancient manuscripts and masterpieces, then treat your date to a spot of tea and crustless sandwiches in the Rose Garden like a pair of 19th-century lovebirds. Pinky’s up.
Stroll Along the Venice Canals
Seeking a quaint, off-the-beaten-path corner of LA for a dreamy date? Meander the charming Venice Canal district, where you’ll find arched footbridges, tiny beach cottages, and maybe even a family of ducklings to “aww” over between hand-holding interludes. Don’t forget to BYO picnic basket and bottle of wine for an impromptu canal-side feast if you’re really aiming to impress and create a memorable date in Los Angeles.
Adventure Dates in Los Angeles
But if blood-pumping thrills are simply a must, prepare for some dizzying heights and up-close wildlife encounters on your adventurous dates in Los Angeles. Here are some of the adventure dates in Los Angeles:
Take in the View from Griffith Observatory
Here’s a rewrite of that section about the Griffith Observatory in that same playful, conversational tone:
For an amped-up romantic adventure, you gotta take your date to new heights at the one-and-only Griffith Observatory. We’re talking working up a sweat on a hike to the iconic hilltop spot that’ll have you two bonding over those crazy gorgeous views. Once you catch your breath, prepare to get straight-up starry-eyed gazing out at the glittering LA skyline laid out before you while the celestial bodies wink flirtatiously from above. Seriously, is that a shooting star you spy…or just your heart racing from being so darn smitten?
Cap off this swoon-worthy expedition by cozying up together to take in one of the observatory’s jaw-dropping planetarium shows. As you snuggle close surrounded by visions of vast galaxies, you’ll realize you’ve both already seen the most dazzling, out-of-this-world sights – in each other’s eyes, of course. Somebody cue the aww!
Visit the Wildlife Learning Center
Animal fans can turn things wild at the Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar, one of the best places to take a date in Los Angeles. Get up close and personal with the rescued furry, feathery, and scaly residents through special “animal encounter” experiences. Just resist the urge to literally go ape if things get too awkward on your date – that’s the sloth’s job.
Best Dates in Los Angeles
Whether bonding over mouthwatering eats, live entertainment, or physical feats, sharing new experiences fosters fresh connections – making these some of the best date spots in Los Angeles. So rev up your dating playbook with these additional LA gems.
Eat All the Things at Smorgasburg LA
Nothing brings two people together like drool-worthy food. Every Sunday, hit up the Smorgasburg LA food fest, an ever-changing bazaar of food trucks, pop-ups, and soon-to-be culinary superstars hawking their wares. Sharing bites is caring, after all – and a sure way to taste if your budding romance has that special sauce on one of the best dates in Los Angeles.
Watch a Show at the Hollywood Bowl
Quintessential LA date night? You’re talking about the one-and-only Hollywood Bowl, baby. This iconic outdoor jam has “wildly romantic evening” written all over it. We’re talking about scoring tickets to catch some amazing live music, belly-laughing at the latest comedy tour, or getting all glammed up for an elegant ballet performance – all while soaking in those stunning Hollywood Hills views. Can you say “swoon?”
And you’d better pack a picnic basket loaded with all your favorite snacks and sips to make this date night even more epically memorable. Just picture it: you and your bae cuddled up on your blanket, munching and sipping away as you get swept up in the incredible onstage action. Seriously, the atmosphere doesn’t get much more magical.
One key pro tip though – maybe map out those bathroom break windows ahead of time, wink wink. You don’t want any untimely bladder pangs totally killing the mood during the most fire moments.
Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the most memorable date places in Los Angeles are the unexpected ones that forge inside jokes and lasting conversation starters. So don’t be afraid to get a little adventurous out there, thrill-seeking lovebirds. From heart-racing escape room escapades to romantic outings taking in LA’s best views and hidden gems, the City of Angels has countless options to wow your special someone on truly unforgettable dates in Los Angeles.
