Did you actually find someone special through a hookup app? Maybe you hit it off right away through messages and phone calls, and now you want to give it a go in person.

Taking a girl on a first date can be terrifying. At such a pivotal point in your budding relationship, you’ll want to make sure you make a good first impression.

One of the best ways to do this is by taking her on a great first date. But don’t just take her out to dinner and a movie – everyone does that! Instead, find unique first date ideas in Los Angeles to really wow her.

Do you need some inspiration? Keep reading to discover 7 awesome first date ideas in Los Angeles that will win her over.

1. Take a Gondola Ride on The Venice Canals

What’s more romantic than floating on the canals of Venice, Italy in a gondola? While you won’t be able to fly her out to Italy for your first date, we have the next best thing right here.

One of the best first date ideas in Los Angeles is to hit the Venice Canals. Here you’ll find pristine canals surrounded by foliage and bridges. Of course, the best place to experience the view is in a gondola.

Take her on a once-in-a-lifetime gondola ride – it’s the perfect way to share an intimate conversation and get your first kiss. Bonus points if you include an Italian dinner to complete the experience.

2. Play Some Games at Button Mash

Are you and your lady friend nerds at heart? Why don’t you embrace that with one of the most fun first date ideas – an arcade bar.

That’s right, you can play your favorite classic arcade games while enjoying amazing craft beers. If you love pan-Asian food, then take a break from the gameplay to enjoy some of their top-notch cuisine. She’ll love that you went out on a limb to take her on a quirky date – so be prepared to top this for the inevitable date number two!

3. Snuggle Up at Electric Dusk Drive-In

Did your family go to the drive-in when you were younger? Maybe the two of you reminisced about the “good old days” growing up.

Heading to the Electric Dusk Drive-In is the perfect way to bring a unique spin to a classic date idea. There are even dine in options to remove the stress of uncomfortable fancy dinners. Just make sure you have plenty of pillows and blankets to make this one of the most fun first date ideas.

4. Take a Hike in Angeles National Forest

Do the two of you share a love for nature? Maybe you met on Facebook and saw she had tons of pictures of her camping and hiking. Of course, you could always take her to the park or your local hiking trail, but you want to make this first date extra special, right?

That’s why you should take her to the Angeles National Forest. You can hike through the forest as you enjoy light conversation. Then, give things a more intimate twist as you relax by the beauty of the waterfall.

What makes this one of the best first date ideas in Los Angeles is the impression it’ll give her. She’ll be looking forward to all your adventurous and nature-inspired dates in the future.

5. Try Salsa Dancing at The Warehouse

There’s no denying that dinner and dancing makes one romantic evening. But, if you’re gravitating towards clubs for the dancing part of the evening, you could be doing better.

Sure, clubs are fun (and they’re great for the dates that’ll follow), but you want a good first date idea that’ll wow her. That’s why you should take her salsa dancing at the Warehouse.

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to salsa – they offer free lessons before the night begins. So, make sure you get there early to enjoy some of their delicious food and take a quick lesson before you salsa the night away.

6. Play with Animals at The Wildlife Learning Center

Who wouldn’t love spending a day around adorable animals? You can’t go wrong with a first date to the Wildlife Learning Center.

You’ll get to spend your day bonding with her as you look at and learn about some beautiful animals. But, don’t just leave it at that. To truly make this one of the most incredible first date ideas, opt for an interactive tour or individual animal experience.

There are many options to choose from, ranging from touching a fluffy Fennec fox to holding an eight-foot-long Burmese python. Find the one you think she’d like best and watch her eyes light up with excitement on the best first date ever.

7. Be a Kid Again at The Santa Monica Pier

Are you a life-long resident of Los Angeles? Your parents may have taken you to the Santa Monica Pier more times that you can count. But over the years, you’ve gone less and less.

The Santa Monica Pier makes one of the best first date ideas in Los Angeles. It doesn’t matter if you’re 14 or 40 – everyone loves the pier. You can win her a stuffed animal from one of the many carnival games and share a giant cotton candy.

When the sun starts to go down, enjoy the sunset from the top of the Ferris wheel. There’s no better way to have fun on a first date then letting your inner child out for a night.

The Best First Date Ideas in Los Angeles

If you’re looking for a way to wow your date, you may be worried about finding the perfect place to take her. But, don’t worry! Just follow our top 7 awesome first date ideas in Los Angeles to give you both a night you’ll never forget.  If you’re gluten free and looking for somewhere to take your date, check out these Gluten Free Los Angeles suggestions.

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