Date ideas in Los Angeles: 15 ideas from the beach to the hills

• Budgetfree
• Best forfirst date
• Time1 hour
• WhereVenice, Westside

Just a few blocks from the busy boardwalk, the Venice Canals are a quiet neighborhood of small bridges, gardens and houses facing the water. Ducks paddle past, and every house seems to have its own style. It's an easy walk with plenty to look at and talk about.

Tip: Afterwards, head to Abbot Kinney Boulevard for coffee or a bite. Morning and late afternoon are the prettiest times to visit.

• Budgetlow to medium
• Best forfirst date, downtown
• WhereBroadway, Downtown LA

Grand Central Market has been feeding Angelenos since 1917, and today it's a busy food hall where you can share tacos, noodles and dessert from different stalls. Sharing small plates is a low-pressure way to get to know each other.

Tip: Ride the tiny Angels Flight railway across the street up to Bunker Hill afterwards. It's one of the shortest railways in the world and a fun two-minute detour.

• Budgetfree
• Best forfirst date, any weather
• WhereGrand Avenue, Downtown LA

The Broad's general admission is free, and its collection of contemporary art is full of pieces that start conversations, from the playful to the baffling. The building itself, with its honeycomb shell, is worth a look too.

Tip: Reserve a free timed ticket online to skip the line, especially on weekends. Some installations need a separate reservation, so check the website first.

• Budgetlow to medium
• Best forplayful, sunny day
• WhereSanta Monica

The Santa Monica Pier has a solar-powered Ferris wheel, an old carousel and a view along the coast. Rent bikes and ride the beach path south toward Venice, with the ocean on one side and palm trees on the other. It's touristy, but it's fun for a reason.

Tip: Ride the Ferris wheel just before sunset. Then walk out to the end of the pier and watch the sun drop into the Pacific.

• Budgetfree to low
• Best forromantic, third date
• Timehalf a day
• WhereMalibu, Pacific Coast Highway

El Matador is a small beach in Malibu with dramatic rock formations and sea caves. A steep path leads down from the cliffs to the sand. It's one of the most beautiful sunset spots on the coast, and driving there along Pacific Coast Highway is part of the date.

Tip: Parking is limited, so arrive early. Check the tide before you go and wear shoes you can climb in.

• Budgetfree
• Best forrelaxed, South Bay
• WhereManhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is calmer than Santa Monica, with a long pier, volleyball nets and a small aquarium at the end. Walk the pier, watch surfers and then explore the streets nearby for something sweet.

Tip: Bring a blanket and stay for the sunset. The Strand path along the beach is perfect for a walk afterwards.

• Budgetfree
• Best forromantic, evening
• WhereGriffith Park

Griffith Observatory sits on the south side of Mount Hollywood with a view across the whole basin and the Hollywood Sign nearby. Admission to the building is free, and on clear nights telescopes are often set up for the public. Watching the city lights come on from the terrace is one of the most romantic moments LA offers.

Tip: Sunset is the busiest time, and the nearby parking fills quickly. Hike up from the Greek Theatre or take the public shuttle when it runs.

• Budgetfree entry, paid parking
• Best forsecond date, art lovers
• WhereBrentwood, Santa Monica Mountains

The Getty Center sits on a hilltop with white stone buildings, a world-class art collection and gardens overlooking the city and the ocean. Ride the tram up from the parking area and you'll already feel like you've left LA behind.

Tip: Reserve a free timed entry online. Stay until sunset in the Central Garden, it's one of the best views in the city.

• Budgetfree
• Best foractive, morning
• Time2 to 3 hours
• WhereGriffith Park

Griffith Park has miles of trails, and several lead to great views of the Hollywood Sign and the city. A morning hike is a good third date: you talk while walking, and the view at the top is a shared reward.

Tip: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Follow official trails, as some routes to the sign itself are closed.

• Budgetmedium
• Best forrainy day, playful
• WhereExposition Park

The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has an impressive dinosaur hall, a gem vault and a garden outside. Wandering through millions of years together is surprisingly good for conversation, especially when one of you knows a few dino facts.

Tip: Make it a quiz: each of you guesses the age of an exhibit before reading the label. Loser buys coffee.

• Budgetfree to low
• Best forrainy day, book lovers
• WhereSpring Street, Downtown LA

This huge bookstore in a former bank downtown is known for its book tunnel and quirky art. Browse together, set a small budget and choose a book for each other. It's a sweet date that leaves you both with a souvenir.

Tip: Write a short note on the first page of the book you pick for your date. They'll find it later.

• Budgetmedium
• Best forsummer, special occasion
• WhereHollywood Hills

The Hollywood Bowl is an outdoor amphitheater in the hills with its famous arched shell. In summer, it usually hosts everything from the LA Philharmonic to pop stars. Bringing a picnic and a bottle of wine to a concert under the stars is an LA classic.

Tip: Check the rules about food and drinks before you go, and take public transport or a shuttle if you can. The season usually runs through the summer.

• Budgetfree
• Best forevening, short stop
• WhereWilshire Boulevard, Mid-Wilshire

Chris Burden's "Urban Light," a forest of restored antique street lamps outside the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, is one of the most photographed spots in the city. At night the lamps glow, and walking between them is a small, romantic moment.

Tip: Combine it with a visit to LACMA or a walk past the La Brea Tar Pits next door. Then find dinner on nearby Miracle Mile.

• Budgetlow
• Best forcute, sunny day
• WhereEcho Park

Echo Park Lake has a walking path, lotus plants and pedal boats shaped like swans. With the downtown skyline peeking above the palm trees, it's a sweet and playful date that won't cost much.

Tip: Grab snacks from a nearby café and finish with a walk around the whole lake. Late afternoon has the best light.

• Budgetfree to low
• Best forrelaxed, history
• WhereEl Pueblo, Downtown LA

Olvera Street is at the heart of the historic area where the city was founded, with market stalls, old buildings and Mexican food. Across the street, Union Station's art deco waiting room is one of the most beautiful interiors in LA.

Tip: Sit in Union Station's lobby for a few minutes and imagine where you'd travel together if you could take any train.