Los Angeles is a great city but it’s not always easy to find the best of what it has to offer. That’s why I created this site – to share my discoveries about the best of Los Angeles with you.
There are already tons of restaurant review sites and sites covering attractions in L.A. But, when you go on a date, there are a lot of important factors that are often not covered. For example, what else is there to do in the immediate area? What is the ambiance like? What is the parking situation like? Is the restaurant too noisy for conversation?
While restaurant review sites do a good job of describing the food, they often neglect these factors. Maybe the food is awesome, but maybe the parking is a nightmare. So, logistics on a date are very important on a date.
I believe that a great date moves from one fun place to the next, preferably without the hassle of driving and parking. Maybe you’ll start with dinner, then go to a different place for dessert or drinks, then see some attractions nearby or do some activity, like playing pool, or going dancing, or sitting on a beach at night. So, I try to give date itineraries, not just a single date idea.
Second, I believe that ambiance is really important. Yes, good food at a restaurant is awesome, but if the ambiance sucks, it can be a mood-killer unless you’re prepared for it. And yes, sometimes it’s great to get some great ethnic food at a hole-in-the-wall restaurant, but you will want to know in advance that it’s a hole-in-the-wall and prepare accordingly!
Finally, I believe that on a date, you need a mix of interesting sights and activities along with some quiet time to talk. That’s why I think a movie, by itself, is a bad way to get to know someone. So are loud dance clubs. I think the most successful dates are ones where you can walk around and experience cool and interesting things, and learn more about each other.
I hope these ideas are helpful, and please leave your thoughts and suggestions as well. I’d love to hear your great L.A. date ideas!
If you’d like to contact me, please comment below. You can find me on Instagram with more date ideas at brianshimla.
Thanks,
Brian
Los Angeles native currently living in Santa Monica, CA
Ask Me a Question or Leave a Comment
Hi Brian!
Larchmont Sanctuary Spa is the ultimate Spa Date for couples! I think you would love it. Email me if you want to come by and check us out!
In Gratitude,
Bevin
Hi Brian,
This is such a great site for date night ideas! I would love your viewers to try salsa and bachata dancing for a fun and unique date night.
At Movers and Shakers Dance Academy, we specialize in beginner-friendly classes for both salsa and bachata, perfect for couples looking to infuse their date nights with a dash of excitement and romance.
I believe your readers would love the idea of trying out something new together, and our classes offer the perfect opportunity for them to do just that. To sign up for our classes they can call 844-543-7645 or they can visit our website https://www.moversandshakersdance.com/
Thank you so much!
Barbra
Hi Barbra,
Thanks for writing! I’ve added Movers and Shakers to these two articles:
https://www.ladateideas.com/meet-single-people-los-angeles/
https://www.ladateideas.com/swing-dancing/
Best,
Brian
Thank you, Brian! :)
Hey Brian & LA Friends!
Sharing a truly unique experience with you: What The Float.
Float is the world’s first mobile silent disco dance adventure. We lead a group of people through a neighborhood while listening to music that only we can hear in our special headphones. The music matches our surroundings as we pass them in real time. So it’s part dance party, part curated adventure, part bar crawl! (We typically start, intermission, and end at bars.) It’s a unique and wonderful event- all walks of life welcome!- and an incredible date idea. My husband actually proposed to me at the end of a Float, and we had one at our wedding!
If you happen to be free this weekend, we have our season kick-off event at 8 pm on Fri and Sat, in a fancy section of DTLA! It’s a great example of what we do and how special it can be. These signature mobile events happen every first weekend of the month, Fri & Sat.
We are also taking over the Arts District Brewing Company’s patio every third Saturday night of the month. We stay put there all night, so it’s a stationary event and a more ‘normal’ way to get introduced to silent discos if you prefer!
Hope to see you there! DM with any questions :)
__
Mary Ann & What The Float
Hi Brian,
I would like to invite you to come and visit the Los Angeles Museum of Love.The information below is from our website will give you an idea of what we are and why we would like to be included on your site.
The museum is a celebration of human connection. A large 3000 square footbuilding houses various exhibits that are all interactive. The museum createsexperiences that foster human connection. It is low-tech and relies on simple interaction to fuel its energy.
Upon arrival, you will be presented with a memory book to keep as a cherished memento. Each activity is designed to help couples discover new insights about one another, and is often both enlightening and surprising. Each couple is taken on a connection adventure, traveling through the stages of a relationship, learning, and participating in interactive adventures and games at their own pace. You will travel through loneliness, romance, intimacy, and, yes, even a storm, but end your journey by playing games in the fun room.
Please let me know if you would be interested in coming as my guest.
Hi Brian,
I am producing two concerts at Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga on September 15th and 22nd at 7:30pm. This is part of a new classical music series called Under The Oaks: Classical. These concerts would be perfect events for date nights, as Theatricum Botanicum is a very romantic and atmospheric venue in Topanga Canyon.
On September 15th we programmed Schönberg’s Transfigured Night and Mendelssohn’s Octet. These pieces are both inspired by literary works, together with actors from Theatricum we have created dramatic readings of these literary works to introduce the music.
The artists featured on this program will be:
Violinists Martin Chalifour, Christina Mok, Niv Ashkenazi and Veronika Manchur, violists Kellen McDaniel and Drew Alexander Forde and vellists Andrew Shulman and Trevor Handy, alongside dramatic interludes by actors Jonathan Blandino, Taylor Jackson Ross and Christopher Glenn Gilstrap.
On the 22nd the program will be J. Seo’s Respiri, G. Crumb’s Voice of the Whale and O. Messiaen’s Quartet for the End of Time. During Respiri we will be joined by a dancer and we will also recite a part of the book of revelations before the piece by Messiaen which he was inspired by while writing his quartet.
The artists featured on this program will be:
Cellists Berber Heerema and Mia Barcia-Colombo, pianist Nic Gerpe, violonists Maia Jasper White and Madeline Falcone, violist Kellen McDaniel, clarinetist Micah Wright, flutist Sarah Wass and dancer Colleen Hendricks.
Here is the website link for tickets and more info: https://theatricum.com/under-the-oaks/
At the beautiful botanical gardens of Theatricum, you can come early and enjoy a picknick before the shows start. You are welcome to bring your own food and drinks, and concessions will be available on site as well. Bring some pillows and a blanket for extra comfort during the performances.
See you soon, under the oaks!
Hi Berber,
Thank you for this great date idea! I’ve added it to my article here:
https://www.ladateideas.com/best-date-ideas-malibu-pacific-palisades/
Best,
Brian
Thank you so much, Brain!
Hello,
I hope you’re doing well!
Please update your city guide
https://www.ladateideas.com/beverly-hills/
in which you mentioned La Dolce Vita restaurant
Could you please include the link to our website:
https://www.restaurantji.com/ca/beverly-hills/la-dolce-vita-/
Thank you in advance for your help!
Linda Alvardo
What was the name of the restaurant and did the restaurant or the lounge turn 360 degrees. My husband invited to marry him in that restaurant and recently passed. I started to remember those amazing times. Thank you!
Hi Deb,
That is the BonaVista Lounge:
https://www.opentable.com/bonavista-revolving-lounge-at-the-westin-bonaventure-hotel
I’m sorry for your loss.
Best,
Brian
What was the name of this building when it was built . Or in the early 90’s
Hi Brain,
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Hello! Can you reach out regarding a story for Los Angeles Magazine?
Hey Brian! I have a boat in Long Beach that I started sharing with my neighbors for date nights during Covid lockdowns. It’s now evolved to a sunset wine date experience that I share with everyone. The boat doesn’t move. Just a change of venue to enjoy beautiful ocean views, wine, cheese, and listen to chill music with your partner! I think your readers will enjoy. Check out http://www.sunkissedmermaidtheboat.com
Hi Rae,
Thanks for the info! Feel free to leave a comment on the actual article promoting this experience. There are not a lot of comments, so it should be on there for a long time: https://www.ladateideas.com/romantic-date-ideas-long-beach/
Best,
Brian
Hey Brian,
I wanted to reach out because I recently helped create a post on the most romantic fast food chains and other Valentine’s Day trends across the nation that I thought you might be interested in covering. You can read more here: https://postmates.com/featured/35a5ec68-0d9d-4ac5-b7f1-169fe623a569
Let me know if you are interested in covering or would like some custom copy sent your way!
Sarah
Hi Brian,
We’d like to introduce you to ArtBar LA, the chill new spot in Los Angeles for art and music lovers.
ArtBarLA is a space for creative celebration located in Mar Vista! It is the best of what the Los Angeles art world has to offer, showcasing the work of all types of creatives. There is always an art exhibit on view in our gallery, where you can dance to the beat of artistic inspiration AND that of the DJ! ArtBarLA is a gathering place for the community, innovators and free thinkers in the art world. ArtBarLA is an open space for open minds. This sense of openness and innovation will bring something to the art world Los Angeles has yet to experience.
ArtBarLA is a delight to the senses, not limited to sight and sound, but taste as well. We have partnered with local breweries to provide fine artisan craft beers which can be consumed straight from the tap or bottle or enjoyed in a tasty beer cocktail. All beverages will be savored in our unique setting. Guests can sit back and relax in our whimsical bar and lounge area. Every piece of eclectic furniture has been carefully curated to provide a fun, playful experience.
ArtBar LA
https://www.artbarla.com/
12017 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-881-9312
Open Mon-Sat 4pm-2am
Open Sunday 11am-2am
Thanks for commenting! I’ll try to check it out some time!
Best,
Brian
Hi Brian!
Our escape room is hosting a Singles Event this Sunday (Aug 12) from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. I was wondering if you can post it on your events list! Thanks!
(let me know if you want a pic or video to go along with the posting) Thankssss!
https://www.theexitgame.com/singles-escape
Hi Omar,
Looks great, thanks for posting! Please feel free to share it on my Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/ladateideas/
Best,
Brian
Hi Brian,
Thank you for such a great site! I’d love to have your viewers explore the art of ballroom dancing as a date night.
The Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Sherman Oaks, Ca is offering a complimentary evening of ballroom dancing for newcomers every Thursday from 8:30pm-10:00pm. Fun patterns and turns in dances like Salsa, Swing, Tango. These dances are taking over Los Angeles and when better to learn then summer. Exercise, meet new people and mingle to the most popular music and dances.
For them to rsvp they only need to call us at 818-78-Dance or visit our website http://www.arthurmurraythebest.com
Thank you again for such a great site. We know you have many options but if we get lucky enough to get an article on your website we will definitely share in all our networks. Have a great Thursday!
Hi Daniela,
Thank you for the info! Please feel free to re-post this comment this on this popular article targeted towards singles:
https://www.ladateideas.com/meet-single-people-los-angeles/
I included a link to your studio in item #3 in the article!
And on my Facebook page here:
https://www.facebook.com/ladateideas/
Thanks,
Brian
The San Diego Museum of Art is offering an enchanting way to celebrate romance this Valentine’s Day with an after-hours, love-themed art tour, gourmet picnic for two and live poetry performances. I’ve included all the details below for consideration in upcoming Valentine’s Day/events coverage.
Love-themed Art Tour: This after-hours, docent-led tour showcases the Museum’s most romantic and love-filled works of art. The works featured span centuries and geographies, including romantic works from the Edward Binney 3rd Collection of Indian paintings and exquisite engravings featuring the romantic entanglements of the gods and goddesses of the Greek and Roman pantheons.
Gourmet Picnic Basket: Following the tour dé romance, enjoy a romantic picnic basket meal for two at Panama 66, the restaurant located at the Museum’s sculpture garden. The picnics include gourmet sandwiches, a cheese or vegan plate, cookies and a bottle of wine or craft beer.
Live Poetry Performances: Relax in the sculpture garden while performers from the San Diego Shakespeare Society recite sonnets and passages–the most passionate ever written.
The after-hours art tours begin at 5:30 p.m., with the tour being offered every half hour until 7:30 p.m (exclusively on Feb. 14). The cost for the event is $110 for members and $125 for nonmembers; passes can be ordered through the Museum’s website.
Thanks for sharing! You might want to post this on this article:
https://www.ladateideas.com/best-san-diego-date-ideas/
Best,
Brian
Hi Brian,
This is all great stuff on your site! I’m working on a mobile app for sharing and discovering date ideas and would like to feature some of your ideas for our Los Angeles users if you don’t mind. Each entry would include a reference to this site, the article title and will include links back to each article. Please contact me at [email protected] if interested. Thanks a lot!
Hi Brian,
Do you have any recent articles?
My most recent article is this one: https://www.ladateideas.com/top-culver-city-date-ideas/
It’s from less than a month ago. I also just updated this one:
https://www.ladateideas.com/downtown-los-angeles-date-ideas/
Thanks,
Brian
Hi Brian!
I love your ideas on date nights, especially the Hollywood Bowl one. I believe a great date moves from one place to another as well without the hassle of parking and driving. This is where Luxe comes in – we make parking easy for you. Luxe is an on demand valet parking service that allows you to request your own personal valet via our mobile app, basically a parking spot in your pocket! Please contact for me for info, I’d love for you to try us out!
Look forward to connecting soon.
Best,
Karen
Please contact me at [email protected] if you’re interested.
Thanks!
Karen
Thank you for your site. I’ve been compiling mini lists for awhile. Glad someone was thoughtful enough to share with a large audience. I’ll be visiting often and letting my friends know about this!
Hi TC,
Thank you for your comments! Yes, please tell your friends about my site! I’m working on a list of great vegan restaurants, and also a top ten list of date ideas in Pasadena.
Take it easy,
Brian