There's a good probability that your date will appreciate the suggestion to get to know you while staying fit on Los Angeles' miles of steep trails, as it is one of the fitness-obsessed cities in the world. The Runyon Canyon route offers some of the city's most beautiful vistas, including those of the Hollywood sign. The paths in Topanga State Park offer stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from certain vantage spots for couples who are closer to the west side. And while a Sunday morning hike before brunch is a classic Los Angeles activity, take a date to the next level by suggesting a hike at sunset so that you can both watch the city come to life below you.

In the Hollywood Hills (a region of the Santa Monica Mountains), above West Hollywood and the Hollywood district of Los Angeles, California, there are 130 undeveloped acres that make up Runyon Canyon Park. Dogs can use the off-leash areas at Runyon. Starting a few blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park ascends south-facing mountains all the way to Mulholland Drive (with trailheads at the top and bottom of the park). The middle canyon of the dog park is framed by two lovely ridges. View the Hollywood Sign in Griffith Park, the Los Angeles skyline, and whether Santa Monica Bay is visible to the west as you look out over Hollywood into the city.

North of the Pacific Palisades, east of Topanga Canyon, and south of Reseda, Topanga State Park protects nearly 11,500 acres of the Santa Monica Mountains (location map). The park, which is totally contained within the confines of Los Angeles, is referred to as "the largest wildness within the bounds of a major metropolis." When you take a hike in Topanga State Park, you won't feel like you're in a city at all. View the ocean from ridges covered with chaparral or unwind in shady oak trees.

Location:

• Runyon Canyon, 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 323 666 5046
• Topanga Canyon, 20828 Entrada Rd, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 310 455 2465

The Getty Villa, built by oil tycoon J. Paul Getty to house his collection of ancient Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities and designed in perfect replica of a villa in the shadow of Mount Vesuvius, is an excellent alternative if whisking your date away to Tuscany isn't exactly within your budget. Even without the free performances of Shakespeare plays and Italian operas, the antiques and the finely planted grounds overlooking the coast are worth exploring. Parking is usually $15, but admission is always free. You'll need to use a car to get there because it's perched on a cliff next to the Pacific Coast Highway.

On the grounds of the Getty Villa, there are four different gardens that are filled with Mediterranean-native flora that are thought to have been nurtured by the ancient Romans. The Outer Peristyle garden, which is a precise reproduction of the one at the Villa dei Papiri, is the largest garden. Manicured bay laurel, boxwood, oleander, and viburnum plants are used to mimic traditional Roman landscaping schemes. The Outer Peristyle garden has rows of date palms lining each long side, and pomegranate trees at each corner, both surrounded by ornamental plants like acanthus, ivy, hellebore, lavender, and iris. The garden is filled with replicas of Roman bronze sculptures discovered elsewhere and at the Villa dei Papiri.

Location: 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, California

Don't let the Huntington Library's name mislead you; a trip here offers much more than just books to wow your date. (Though it wouldn't hurt to display the library's Gutenberg Bible and the first copy of The Canterbury Tales to prove your age.) However, a stroll through the 207 acres of gardens on the property will amp up the romance considerably. The grounds contain something to charm almost everyone, from a rosebush-lined English garden to a Japanese botanical plan. On the first Thursday of each month, admission is free; otherwise, it costs $25.

Permanent exhibits housed in the Virginia Steele Scott Gallery of American Art and Huntington Art Gallery showcase the Huntington's treasures. Smaller, more focused shows are shown in the Works on Paper Room at the Huntington Art Gallery and the Susan and Stephen Chandler Wing of the Scott Galleries. Special temporary exhibitions are staged in the MaryLou and George Boone Gallery. Additionally, the gallery offers a variety of photography exhibitions throughout the year, including those focusing on various social and political issues.

The 120 acres (49 hectares) of botanical gardens at The Huntington have a diverse collection of flora. Huntington put forth effort to help them flourish in the hospitable California climate. His numerous horticultural endeavors continue today, offering chances for both leisure and botanical research. More than a dozen different themes are represented in the gardens, such as the Australian Garden, Camellia Collection, Children's Garden, Desert Garden, Herb Garden, Japanese Garden, Lily Ponds, North Vista, Palm Garden, Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Subtropical and Jungle Garden, and Chinese Garden.

Location: San Marino, California, U.S.

El Matador State Beach, which is perched on the northern end of Malibu, is one of L.A.'s longest beaches, featuring miles of cliffs and a stunning coastline. After a strenuous day at the beach, stop by Neptune's Net in the neighborhood, a dive bar and seafood restaurant with a loyal following that has previously hosted Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra.

A few miles south of Leo Carrillo State Beach, El Matador State Beach is one of Malibu's most stunning beaches. El Matador has a modest parking lot, although it tends to get crowded, especially on pleasant summer days. There is a $8 parking cost in this lot, which is subject to vary on holidays. On the Pacific Coast Highway, there is also free on-street parking, but there are a limited number of spaces available. If you must park on the street, be sure to closely observe the parking signs that specify where and when you can park.

Bring shoes with some traction because the trail leading down to the beach requires a short hike. Sadly, this trail is not accessible to people with disabilities. The journey down there, though, is certainly worth it. Large boulders that are located on the shore are what draw many beachgoers to this specific beach. Additionally, the views of the enormous boulders and the deep blue water covered with kelp forests from the higher cliffs are breathtaking.

There is plenty of sand for sunbathers on the lengthy beach. There are a few stray rocks in the water, so take caution. Although there is no lifeguard tower, a lifeguard will be on duty at the beach. Boogie boarding, swimming, fishing, and other beach activities are just a few. Except for a porta-toilet in the parking area, there are no restrooms and no showers. Also, advise bringing your own food and beverages, but not alcoholic beverages. No concession stands are present.

Location: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, U.S.

The Groundlings is one of the best free date ideas in Los Angeles. This intensive improvisational and sketch comedy training ground in Hollywood boasts performances by students in its advanced seminars that will have you laughing so hard that you'll swear they're professionals. Alums include Will Ferrell and Conan O'Brien. And occasionally, they very well could be—actress Kristen Wiig is known to perform in secret on occasion. Tickets for general admission cost only $12.

The Groundlings Revues, or Main Shows, as they are now more popularly known, were the company's initial productions, and they created the Groundlings improv, character, and sketch comedy style. The revue was given the name "L.A. 200, Groundlings 3" in 1981. Every revue from that point forward had its own name and the word "Groundling" in the title. The number of revues performed each year increased from one or two in the beginning to three in the 1990s, four in 2007, and a special holiday show in December. Every Friday at 8:00 p.m. and every Saturday at 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., the main show is presented.

Location: 7307 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA

Nothing is more romantic than riding a huge Ferris wheel over the pier and gazing out at the water, that is one of the best free date ideas in Los Angeles. Even though it is romantic at all hours of the day, the scene is particularly beautiful at sunset, so if you plan your trip carefully, you may give your date a sunset they won't soon forget, with nothing but the shimmering Pacific in the distance. After enjoying fish, chips, and a beer, take a stroll along the boardwalk and try your hand at an arcade game.

Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Southern California coastline from more than 130 feet above the Santa Monica Pier on the world's only solar-powered Ferris wheel. The 85-foot-long Wheel rotates at 2.5 rotations per minute while stopping sometimes to pick up passengers. Contains more than 174,000 energy-efficient LED lights that, at night, show off vibrant, stunning computer-generated illumination entertainment.

Location: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401, U.S.

The enormous Amoeba Music store on Sunset is undoubtedly the best place to take a date who enjoys music. The aisles are jam-packed with thousands of records, movies, and CDs that you can all browse. A jam-packed live event series at the store, which is absolutely free, features both up-and-coming local talents and household celebrities. American independent music retailer Amoeba Music has locations in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Hollywood, Los Angeles. It was established in 1990 in Berkeley, California, and is still going strong today despite the fall in CD sales that occurred in the 2000s.

March 22, 2021, Amoeba Music will start accepting customers at its new location on April 1, 2021, more than a year after revealing its final relocation plans. The new, smaller storefront is located in the El Centro complex on Hollywood Boulevard, close to the Fonda Theater. Customers will receive a special poster created by artist Ivan Minsloff with purchases in honor of the grand opening (while supplies last) and can stop by an outdoor, live screen-printing station to create a unique souvenir to take home.

Location: 6200 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, U.S.

One of the best free date ideas in Los Angeles is City Hall Observation Deck. It might seem strange to advise a government building as a great place to go on a date, but if you can suspend your disbelief, take your date. Take a 27-story ride to the top of L.A.'s tallest structure and get ready to be astounded by the expansive views of the city from every angle. superior to the view itself? the free admission policy. Following your tour of the attractions, descend to the ground and meander through the Grand Central Market, which is close by. Here, you may brunch on everything from paella and wiener schnitzel to the renowned EggSlut.

With more than 14.5 acres of floor space, City Hall is a masterpiece of architecture both inside and out. It is also the largest municipal structure in the United States. The 548-foot tower is the tallest masonry construction in the world without a steel frame and was the tallest building in Philadelphia until 1987. It is topped with a famous monument to Philadelphia's founder, William Penn. The City Council Chamber, Mayor's Reception Room, Conversation Hall, and Supreme Court Room are a few of the most elaborate public spaces in the city. As of July 2021, only guided tours of the building's façade are offered; tours of the interior and observation deck have been put on hold because of COVID-19.

Location: 201 N Main St Los Angeles, CA 90012

On a Sunday morning, stroll through a farmers' market with your date while pacing for coffee, crepes, and fresh blueberries. Any L.A. farmers' market will give you the chance to get a gorgeous bouquet of flowers for around $10 if you're in the mood to be extra romantic. A particularly charming farmers' market may be found in West Hollywood, and it is held on lovely Melrose Place. And if you're in Santa Monica, pick up some supplies from the market and go to a neighboring beach for a picnic there. Farmers’ markets is one of the best free date ideas in Los Angeles.

Compared to some other markets, the Melrose Place Farmers' Market is more intimate and calm. There is no shortage of fresh vegetables, but you may also find some prepared food stands to grab a bite. Here too, some cool old stands have recently started to appear. Due to its central location, parking can be challenging later in the day.

By encouraging the success of Californian farmers and small food enterprises, the preservation of the agricultural arts, and the development of sustainable food systems, Santa Monica Farmers Markets help to promote flourishing, vibrant communities that are inclusive, connected, and diverse. Farmers visit the Downtown, Main Street, and Pico areas on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays to participate in one of four weekly markets.

Location:

• Melrose Place Farmers Market, 8400 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA, USA, +1 818 591 8161
• Santa Monica Main Street Farmers’ Market, 2640 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, USA, +1 310 458 8712

The Pacific Coast Highway, frequently named one of the world's most beautiful drives, is likely to take your date's breath away. You may stop at a ton of locations along the road to take pictures and enjoy the scenery because Santa Barbara is surrounded by miles of breathtaking cliffs and coastline. On your way out of Malibu, don't forget to stop at Lily's for the renowned breakfast burritos.

A drive along the Pacific Coast Highway takes you past deserted moors and scenic lookout sites, where you may take in the exceptional and breathtaking natural beauty of the coast. The options are unlimited, but a popular route is to go along the coast in a southerly direction from Los Angeles to San Francisco (or vice versa). San Diego is a city with lovely beaches and comfortable weather.

Highway 1 offers more than breathtaking scenery, though. Even history enthusiasts will discover something interesting. The numerous Franciscan missions that were constructed in California beginning in the eighteenth century can be found along the Pacific Coast and are all part of the El Camino Real historical route. Visitors begin the Pacific Coast Highway route in the south at the Orange County beaches and travel north to San Francisco Bay and beyond.

Location: San Francisco to San Diego

Your date will be impressive and you will have lots to talk about after seeing the magnificent The Broad Museum in Downtown Los Angeles. The Eli Broad Museum of Contemporary Art was built by the renowned contemporary art collector Eli Broad to house his incredible collection. As you approach the building, which was designed by Diller Scofidio + Rendro and resembles an enormous honeycomb, the artistic experience starts even before you enter. The collection itself is a masterwork of contemporary art, including works in video, installation, photography, lithography, and a Yayoi Kusama Infinity Room—if there ever was a spot to go in for the kiss.

The museum has a free-standing restaurant on its plaza called Otium, which Eli Broad and Bill Chait of République and Bestia restaurants created. Otium is Latin for "leisure time." The executive chef is Timothy Hollingsworth, formerly of The French Laundry in Napa Valley. Isolated Elements, 2015, a photographic mural by Damien Hirst, was installed on the restaurant's south facade in September 2015. It is based on Hirst's 1991 sculpture Isolated Elements Swimming in the Same Direction for the Purpose of Understanding, a wall-mounted cabinet full of fish preserved in formaldehyde, and it measures nearly 84 feet by 32 feet.

Location: 221 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012, U.S.

The La Brea Tar Pits are a unique and cost-free location to take a date, regardless of your opinion on whether they are an archaeological marvel or merely an oddity of nature. You can observe asphalt seeping and bubbling up from the earth's crevices, as it has done for more than 65 million years, and you can observe an archaeology team at work unearthing fossils. If you're fortunate, they'll find a wooly mammoth's remains while you're there, as they did in 2006. Then, get dinner at one of the renowned food trucks that line Wilshire Boulevard, including El Chato Taco Truck, whose burritos, quesadillas, and tacos have won numerous awards.

The statistics are astounding, and the tar pits have produced one of the world's largest collections of Ice Age fossils. There are about 600 different species, ranging from sloths and mountain lions to snakes and mollusks. Nearly 90% of the mammals at La Brea are carnivorous. Surprisingly, the holes have produced more than 200,000 distinct dire wolf animals. The typical idea is that large herbivores like mammoths would have appeared to be an easy meal to predators when they became caught in the asphalt, leading those predators to become stuck in the tar themselves.

Location: 5801 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036, U.S.