Places to Go on a Date in Los Angeles Other Than Dinner
The dating scene in Los Angeles is… tricky, to say the least. I paused because for normal Black girls, the dating scene in Los Angeles is almost nonexistent.
Please note, when I refer to Los Angeles, I’m referring to the spaces where myself, former colleagues, clients, and girlfriends, socialize, work, and play. Don’t come telling me about your cousin in Carson, nor your homegirl in Hawthorne, that were born and raised there and date with ease. I’m talking about the dating scene of Los Angeles in general. The Los Angeles that people think of when you say L.A. (the rich, the famous, the immaculate homes in the hills, the highly sought-after social scenes, the fancy rooftop restaurants, the luxury designer fashion, the Hollywood essence.. that L.A.).
Being that I began a job in luxury retail as soon as I moved to L.A., and I reside in an affluent neighborhood, Hollywood L.A. (so-to-speak) is where I’ve come to exist. People tend to play where they work and/or live. It happens naturally out of proximity. You get off work and hit happy hour with your co-workers at one of Beverly Hills’ many fine dining establishments. One night you end up partying at one of the hottest clubs of the moment with fiery Instagram phenom India Love, because she’s one of your regulars that you served earlier that day at work. And then another night, you’re in a private section at the infamous 1Oak LA with Jhene Aiko because you always take care of her assistant when he comes in, so he put you and a plus one on the VIP guest list the night she was hosting.
It happens. It just happens. But you know what doesn’t just happen? Dating successfully as a Black girl in these spaces.
Dating as a Black girl in Los Angeles is difficult.
Successful Black men in Los Angeles pursue non-Black women. I’m sure I’m good for skewed opinions, but this is not one of them. Co-workers, random girls in the mall, and LA-based YouTubers that I don’t know from Adam, have all said the same thing.
But, this is a rant for another blog post. I digress. Send me a tweet, or write me on Instagram, if you’d be interested in more on dating as a Black girl in Los Angeles.
I only opened this way to say that I’m not usually thinking about ideas for couples in Los Angeles. Majority of my girlfriends that visit are single (and very much so ready to mingle), or, they want to act single while they’re here. They ask me about places to party, or where to bump into a… what did Saweetie say on My Type? Yeah. I usually write for my single sistahs, giving them that. Not this time.
This one is for you, fellas.
My cousin reached out to me, saying he’s bringing his girl to California for their anniversary, asking for suggestions of things to do and places to go while in Los Angeles; this got my wheels to spinning.
My cousin that inspired this article, Trey, and his spouse, Jazz.
Though the serious dating scene in Los Angeles hasn’t been the kindest, it doesn’t stop me from fantasizing and recognizing that a lot of the cool places I’ve been in L.A. would make for a lovely time with a lover.
Ladies, don’t stop reading because I said this one is for the fellas. It’s actually for you, for real for real. You better go thru these date suggestions, and if you see anything you like, share this link with your man to drop the hint. “Bae, you know I be reading or whatever.. look what I stumbled across.”
Make it cute. Each of you read the article separately, on your own devices, then guess what the other would most like to do.
There are plenty of great date ideas in Los Angeles and I’ve narrowed it down to 7 of the very top spots. They’re especially ideal for couples that value quality time!
Here are seven (7) places to linger with your lover in Los Angeles:
LACMA
Griffith, at night
Griffith, during the day
Santa Monica Pier
Rosenthal Wine Bar and Tasting Room
Gondola Getaway
Botanical Gardens at The Huntington
Let me tell you why.
LACMA
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Gentlemen, let your lady see the world as you walk among 120,000 objects from around the globe. Ladies, one of the many pieces of art is sure to speak to you, plant the seed in your man’s head for your next baecation. After all that virtual traveling works up an appetite, grab a bite at a nearby food truck on Wilshire Boulevard. If your visiting Los Angeles, eating at a food truck at least once during your visit is a must because I’d argue that L.A.’s food truck scene reigns supreme.
LACMA’s Urban Light has become an infamous landmark in Los Angeles, that can’t be missed by motorists or pedestrians traveling along Wilshire Boulevard.
Griffith at Night
Griffith Observatory
2800 E Observatory Rd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Standing under the stars on the roof of Griffith Observatory at night whispers sweet romance.
Snuggle up under the stars with bae at Griffith Observatory. It’s basically impossible to see stars while in most areas aroundLA (I almost forgot stars existed), but way up in the hills, away from residential areas and building lights, look up into the sky, and there they will be. There’s a small fee for shows at the Planetarium, otherwise Griffith Observatory is free!
My girls, save this date idea for someone you already like.. wouldn’t want the magical night sky confusing you, only to realize at sunrise the guy actually sucks.
Griffith During the Day
Griffith Park Hiking Trails
2715 N Vermont Canyon Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Various hiking trails surround Griffith Observatory
While we’re on Griffith, may as well mention a daytime alternate for those early on in the “talking stage,” possibly with hopes of becoming lovers in Los Angeles one day. There is space to talk, but there’s an objective at hand (getting up the mountain) that takes away from the pressure to have to talk — unlike sitting across from one another in a quiet, upscale restaurant after you’ve placed your order, but the drinks haven’t arrived, so you’re either awkwardly staring at each other in silence or looking around for something to say. “Oh.. this um, this.. tablecloth.. it’s really white.”
Ladies, it’s great for you because you don’t have to waste a drop of expensive foundation, nor a wear of your favorite reusable mink lash strips, and most importantly, your time. If it turns out you don’t like the guy, at least you got in some physical activity for the day.
Santa Monica Pier
The quiet end of Santa Monica Pier at night will make you want to get up close and personal.
Santa Monica Pier and Pier Park
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
My man, go ahead and feel like a hormone-racing, high school kid again, sneaking to get a feel on the Ferris Wheel. Bright lights from the rides, up against the night’s dark sky, are sure to make your girl feel the vibes. Joyous laughter, excited screams, the oceans swooshing below your feet, and the lovely smells of artery-clogging treats… Ahhh. Breathe it in.
Sit in the midst of it all, or go peer out from a less noisy end of the dock, as shown here (in this picture that is 4.5 years old, with a guy that has been blocked *inserts shoulder shrugs* I still thought it was a cute example of the idea I’m trying to paint for you). Or, if you’d like to be even more intimate, take it down to the sand for a long walk on the beach.
Ladies, you know I have to warn you. Be careful to not go with any ol’ Joe Blow. The juxtaposition of adventure and romance… girrrrrrl, you’ll want to ride a ride, alright.
Rosenthal Wine Bar and Tasting Room
Enjoy sips and scenic views while wine tasting in Malibu.
Rosenthal Malibu Estate
18741 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
Have your own picnic in the garden patio of this estate set at the bottom of a hill on one side and looking out to the ocean on the other. Rosenthal Wine Tasting boasts “to feature the only wine bar and tasting room on Pacific Coast Highway.” You can taste a few wines in the wine bar’s tasting room, buy a bottle, then head to the outdoor space to enjoy the food you brought. If you don’t want to pack a picnic basket, the wine bar has cheese and crackers for purchase, and on Saturdays and Sundays, food trucks pull up to the location. Sit for hours sipping wine, snacking and enjoying each other’s company.
As is pretty much everything in California, Malibu is expensive. The wine isn’t cheap at Rosenthal’s Malibu Estate, and no outside liquor is allowed. That’s why I suggest taking advantage of the opportunity of bringing outside food. Stop at the grocery store on the way to Malibu and pick up some bread, cheese and meat. Boom! Not purchasing food or snacks on-site, you’ve made up what you’ll spend on wine.
Trust me, it’s worth the price. One of my homegirls from Louisiana and I went while she was in town, meaning we paid for ourselves. I’d remember if I felt like we didn’t get our money’s worth.
Click the above screenshot to see what it’s like visiting Rosenthal’s Malibu Wine Estate.
Gondola Getaway
Gondola Getaway
5437 E Ocean Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90803
Another way to save money, fellas, is by taking your girl to Italy right here in Los Angeles County. The Naples Canals and surrounding architecture in this part of Long Beach beautifully resembles Venice, Italy. Customize a package to pick the right cruise for you and your girl. It’s so serene and romantic, being waded thru the scenic waterways by a gondolier, I’m telling you she’ll eat this up.
Ladies, you know I have a little something extra, in the back of my mind while I write this, for you. Yes, you will be woo’d, he will get you. If you’re any type of romantic, and you appreciate nice experiences, and you have feelings for the man you’re doing this with, he’ll win you over the evening of this date. This is what you do, though.. let your man know that if he was impressed by what this area modeled after Italy inspired you to do, imagine what’s in store for him in actual Italy *inserts upside-down smiling emoji*.
Botanical Gardens
The Huntington
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
The Huntington is a library, art museum, and botanical garden. It’s 120 acres of space. There’s 15-thousand plant varieties, 42-thousand works of art, 430-thousand rare books, 7-million manuscripts, and 11-million library objects. You know what that adds up to? A whole lot of ways to make her feel like she’s the only 1 woman for you.
You can peacefully stroll hand-in-hand for hours on end thru The Huntington. My specific suggestion is their botanical area’s Rose Garden and its Rose Garden Tea Room. Fellas, bare with me. I know sticking your pinky up as you sip from a cute, little ceramic cup may not be your idea of fun. This is where I urge you to let the lady be a lady. Let your baby get all dolled up for high tea and be bourgeoisie. And, if you and your baby have babies, especially if she’s a stay-at-home mom, she probably spends a considerable amount of time wiping stinky butts and doing kiddy activities. This is a moment for mommy to be completely clean and sophisticated.
Colors and fragrances of the roses combine with perfumes and textures of the Herb Garden to ignite a sensory delight — setting the space for all the feels with your lover. Tea not sounding too bad now, is it?
Actually, this one is for the lovers.
See, this was inspired by a man, but of course I’ll always lookout for the ladies. Now, we’ve talked enough. You lovebirds go enjoy yourself (well, each other). And, if you check out any of these spots with your lover in Los Angeles, tweet me a pic! Let me know how you enjoyed the date.
This is my first piece about dating in Los Angeles, but it doesn’t have to be my last. If you enjoyed this article, and you’d like to see more, please let me know @aroundLAwithTK on Instagram or Twitter. This is for you. ♥
None of these were restaurant suggestions. I wanted to give date night ideas other than the usual going out to eat. Gentlemen, your lady will appreciate you taking her to do something different. She still has to eat, though. So, check out the While in Los Angeles… EAT section of this site for options to feed your girl!
