22 Fun Date Ideas Around Los Angeles for Couples
We're crowdsourcing the best fun date ideas Los Angeles and Orange County have to offer! Check the map to find inspiration for all sorts of romantic, unique or cheap date ideas near you, and add reviews for your tried-and-true favorite things to do in LA & OC for couples. What do you love to do together when you don't feel like the standard dinner and a movie?
It's worth taking a break from your current binge worthy show to try one of these date night ideas, but we've also got a roundup of stay at home dates for when you'd rather stay in (or can't swing a sitter).
iFly Indoor Skydiving
Book an adventurous date night! Get soaring at iFly where visitors have the opportunity to discover what it feels like to experience the thrill of free fall within the safety of a vertical wind tunnel. First-time flyers get certified instruction and a personalized flight certificate.
Ziplines At Pacific Crest
Erynn: Ziplining is an adventurous way to spend time together as a couple, and with four different regularly available tours, there's something to fit every date night need. Tours start at 1.5 hours long or you can take an "all-day adventure" option. Expect to hit speeds of up to 55 miles per hour, too! There are also full moon zip line tours popular with couples.
Fullerton Arboretum
Gina I.: If you're looking for a place to spend some quality time and enjoy some beautiful scenery, Fullerton Arboretum doesn't disappoint! A hidden gem, Fullerton Arboretum features a wide variety of lush gardens and plenty of space to stroll the grounds and get some fresh air. Check out special collections including: Mediterranean, Desert, and Woodland gardens.
Cost: Admission is a $5 suggested donation
HipCooks Cooking Class
Couples who cook together, stay together! Tap into your inner-chef and cook up a romantic dinner meal with your beloved. HipCooks provides several hands-on cooking classes and several date-night themed classes. All skill levels are welcome. Classes include organic ingredients, supplies, and wine tasting with dinner. Private classes are also available.
Pirate Coast Paddle Company
Kelly R: Pirate Coast Paddle Company guides evening stand up paddle board tours of Newport Bay during the summer. All boards are equipped with LED lights that create an underwater glow, giving an illuminated glimpse at marine life and setting the mood for a fun and memorable experience in LA. Participants must have previous paddle boarding experience, and advance booking is recommended due to popularity.
Rockreation
Newport Landing Whale Watching
Enjoy a day trip or weekend getaway in Newport Beach for a whale watching excursion of blue whales, gray whales, finback whales and more. The "Ocean Explorer," Newport Landing's primary whale watching ship, boasts two full decks, a full bar and snack bar and two restrooms; it also provides great places to whale watch from any part of the ship. Newport Landing also offers a 2-6 passenger whale watching adventure on a US Navy boat, a great option for couples who want a more intimate whale-watching experience.
Pasadena Ice Skating Center
This indoor ice rink near LA gives you the perfect reason to bundle up, keep warm, and hold hands with your loved one as you skate, twirl, and fall into each other's arms. A spacious facility with friendly employees, cool music, and courteous skaters, are some of the many reasons people keep coming back to Pasadena Skating Center. Public skating sessions open to the general public year around.
Gondola Getaway
Leave your worries at the dock, and take a one-hour "international cruise" in an authentic, Venetian-style gondola through Naples Island: a residential island full of beautiful homes and gorgeous scenery. Gondola Getaway offers charming gondoliers dressed in Italian outfits who serenade their passengers and keep them smiling. The cruises fill up quickly, so make sure you have two or three dates in mind for booking. Tip: Bring a small cooler with your own bottle of wine, finger foods, and desserts to add a little more magic and romance to your ride.
Paramount Drive-In Theatres
Paramount Drive-In offers moviegoers a nostalgic way to enjoy current flicks. The outdoor theater offers two 75 foot projection screens, an updated menu of food and snacks, and clean bathrooms. The safe and friendly environment makes enjoying a movie from the inside of your car cozy and romantic; just tune into your FM radio channel, cuddle up under a blanket, and enjoy those movie nachos before the cheese gets cold. Tip: If movie snacks don't tickle your fancy, many regular attendees recommend cooking and bringing your own food.
Grand Central Market
The historic Grand Central Market offers cafes, eateries, coffee shops, juice shops, and sweet treats to satisfy every kind of foodie. The lively marketplace gives off a cool vibe and hosts trivia nights, musical performances, cooking classes, and special events. A great casual place to rub elbows with the locals, make friendly conversation, and connect with your loved one.
Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk
The Downtown Los Angeles Art Walk invites guests to take a free self-guided walk through a variety of galleries and studios around Downtown LA.
Clifton's Republic
During the day, Clifton's Republic is a vintage cafeteria, bakery, and shop on the ground floor; at night the iconic landmark offers four floors of dining, cocktail options, and entertainment. Patrons love Clifton's for its kitschy 1930's feel and decor of chandeliers and faux taxidermy deer; they also love the giant faux redwood tree that runs from the bottom through the all five floors, jazz music, tiki room, and that each floor has its own unique menu.
Wheel Fun Rentals Echo Park
Erynn: Pack a picnic and spend a day at Echo Park Lake for old-fashioned couple time. Enjoy the scenic views, shady picnic areas, and walking paths, then take a spin on a swan boat. Spot wildlife like turtles, fish, and more, plus check out the seasonal lotus beds. Plan ahead and stick around to catch a gorgeous sunset and view of the LA skyline!
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory offers beautiful views of the Los Angeles basin during the day and some of the best views of Los Angeles at night. The observatory usually has telescopes set up on the front lawn with guides who are available to answer questions. Since admission to the observatory is free and its open late, you can stick around after stargazing to visit the building.
Primary photo: Tim Collins on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.