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10 Unique Date Ideas in Los Angeles That Are Way More Fun Than Just Dinner and Drinks

No matter if you’re dipping your toes back into online dating or if you’ve been married for years, all of us could use some more date night inspiration beyond the usual drinks and dinner. Here are ten options to make getting back out there fun, exciting and totally fresh. Goodbye Netflix and chill, hello axe throwing, comedy shows and dinner with goats (yep, you read that right). Read on for ten non-boring date ideas in Los Angeles.

9 Decorating Trends Everyone in Los Angeles Is Obsessed With


date ideas in los angeles dinner and a movie poolside at hotel
JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. Live

1. Dinner And A Movie Poolside At An Upscale Downtown Hotel

The JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE has introduced a weekly series where you can enjoy some of your favorite films poolside while dining on casual fare like burgers, chips and guac and quesadillas. You’ll be treated like a VIP as a host walks you to your assigned seats, explains the menu and hands you a snack bag including all of your movie favorites (aka Reese's Peanut Butter Cups). Enjoy unlimited popcorn and great views from the fourth floor overlooking the skyline. (Note: If your date appreciates the genius that is Legally Blonde then you’ll know you have a keeper.)

900 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles; Tickets available on Eventbrite

2. Laugh And Let Loose At Supernova Comedy

Laughing while on a date is usually a good sign, so stack the cards in your favor and head to Supernova Comedy in Hollywood. This show began late last year and continues to impress with its star-studded line-up of comedians like Sarah Silverman, Pete Holmes, Iliza Shlesigner and Howie Mandel—just to name a few. This outdoor venue is basically just a parking lot in Hollywood, but with the brick walls surrounding the theater-in-the-round type setup, and the trippy imagery displayed on the flat-screen TVs hung on said walls, it all comes together as a pretty awesome comedy venue.

1716 Whitley Ave. Los Angeles; supernovacomedy.com

3. Mini Golf At Sherman Oaks Castle Park

If you’re a sucker for YA films, a mini golf date is the perfect evening to spend with the person who “just may be the one.” The mini golf course at Sherman Oaks Castle feels straight out of an 80s rom-com. The course has pirate ships, a windmill and Mayan statues, amongst many other classic-themed mini-golf holes. No reservations are required, and the park stays open until 11 p.m.

4989 Sepulveda Blvd. Sherman Oaks; laparks.org/castlepark

date ideas in los angeles throw some axes
Dyana Goldman

4. Blow Off Steam And Throw Some Axes

Chucking an ax may at one point have been reserved for burly woodsmen, but now, it’s trendy and available for your dating pleasure at LA Ax. In a space that has a bowling alley-like setup, you will be assigned a lane and given axes to toss at a hanging bullseye. Nervous? Don’t worry—LA Ax’s team of coaches gives you a quick safety run-through and lesson on ax throwing. Then, you’re welcome to let your competitive side shine. We tried this sober but as of late, LA Ax now serves beer and wine! You’ll be surprised at how cathartic it is to toss an ax through the air (hopefully it’s just your ex and not your current date that you’re imagining).

7308 Coldwater Canyon Ave., North Hollywood; la-ax.com

date ideas in los angeles smorgasburg
Smorgasburg LA

5. Find Yourself In Foodie Heaven At Smorgasburg

This beloved food festival is now back open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Row DTLA. There are dozens of food vendors with so many mouth-watering options, you may want to wear leggings on this date. From sweet treats at Ice Cream Alley to donuts, tacos and Bangkok street food, come hungry! In addition to food, there are vendors selling crafts, clothing, wellness products and more. Entry is free and parking is easy with an on-site parking garage available.

777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles; la.smorgasburg.com

6. Listen To Live Music At The Penmar

Wednesday just became your new favorite date night. Head to The Penmar and enjoy live concerts outside on the lawn of their golf course. BYO blanket or lawn chairs and you can enjoy wine and food from their restaurant as well as the occasional pop-up vendor. Discover up and coming artists, take some sunset pics for the ‘Gram, and if you have a four-legged friend, they’re welcome to join as well. The event is completely free, although an optional $5 donation is accepted for the musicians.

1233 Rose Ave, Venice; thepenmar.com

7. Go Retro And Go Rollerskating At Moonlight Rollerway

If you’re at the holding hands stage of dating, head to Moonlight Rollerway and get out there for a “couple’s skate”. The place has some serious 80s vibes (the owner kept the ambiance and architecture the same since he purchased the spot in 1985), and as we all know, the 80s was a great era for rom-coms. Monday nights are adults-only and returning this month is Rainbow Skate Night, a gay skate night for all ages featuring disco music.

5110 San Fernando Rd., Glendale; moonlightrollerway.com

date ideas in los angeles dinner at goat landia
Goatlandia

8. Enjoy An Intimate 6-course Dinner At Goat Landia

If you’re interested in having a deeper connection to your food, a la first episode of Portlandia, this monthly dinner experience will be right up your alley. Located at Goat Landia, a private compound in Atwater Village, this intimate dinner party will guide guests through each of the six courses. The chef will explain the ingredients, their historical significance, and stories that tie to their own personal experience. Guests are welcome to roam the event space before and after dinner, and of course, meet and enjoy mingling with the many goats on the compound.

Goat Landia L.A., 3164 Atwater Ave., Los Angeles; Tickets available on Eventbrite

date ideas in los angeles escape reality at the madcap motel
Camy/Soda Pop PR

9. Escape Reality At The Madcap Motel

Dating can be weird, so why not just lean into it? The Madcap Motel is a new immersive experience in downtown Los Angeles. Roam through hidden passageways and atriums as you marvel at floating furniture in this 1960’s themed “motel.” Interact with the staff aka theatrical performers (you know this city is ripe with them), and escape reality, just for a few hours.

940 E. 4th Street, Los Angeles; madcapmotel.com

date ideas in los angeles picnic in malibu
Malibu Country Mart

10. Picnic In Malibu

A picnic is a perfect date activity but DIYing it can become a ton of work. The Malibu Country Mart has recently launched their Picnic Concierge which offers a to-go package with all your picnic needs. For $37 you can pick up one from John’s Garden and then head out to one of Malibu’s many gorgeous beaches for your romantic evening. Our favorite is El Matador, with its beautiful caves and arches.

3835 Cross Creek Rd, Malibu


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Freelance PureWow Editor