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Best Date Ideas This Summer In Los Angeles

couple 610
(credit: Bayly Buck)

It's summertime and the living is easy, but sometimes thinking of a great date idea isn't. Don't sweat, we've got a few refreshing options that will suit a variety of types.

twilight concert samo
FILE -- The Santa Monica Pier. (credit: Santa Monica Pier)

Twilight Concerts
Santa Monica Pier
200 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA. 90407
(310) 458-8901
www.santamonicapier.org
Dates: Thursday nights from 7-10pm

The sand, the sea, and the iconic Santa Monica Pier serve as a beachy backdrop for these 'Twilight Concerts' at the Santa Monica Pier. Ride your bikes here and come prepared with a picnic and plans to arrive early to claim your stake in the sand. The vibe is lively, full of a crowd lit only by the stars, coming together for live music and an eclectic beach party for all. Go barefoot and dance in the sand with your lover to punctuate a perfect midsummer night's fling. These free Twilight Concerts take place Thursday nights from 7-10 p.m. through summer's end. Future shows include genre's ranging from Reggae/Dancehall to Indie Pop, Classic Rock and even New Orleans Brass.

LAFW
(credit: LAFW)

LA Food & Wine
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 850-2000
www.lafw.com
Dates: August 27 - August 30, 2015

During summer there are countless food festivals, but there is only one Los Angeles Food & Wine. On the heels of its 5th anniversary, this much anticipated event takes place in front of the Walt Disney Concert Hall and offers guests the chance to get dressed to the nines for a night of al fresco indulgence. There's a spectacular lineup of tastings, seminars, cooking demos, and live entertainment that is sure to impress your food loving favorite. If you're hungry for more, you can go big and partake in additional special event programming that takes place all throughout the greater LA area. This years celebration will feature a performance by Questlove and The Roots and a roster of culinary talent that includes Michelin-starred honorees, James Beard Award winners, and Food & Wine Best New Chefs including Tyler Florence, Curtis Stone, Thomas Keller, and Michelle Bernstein, and more.

diveintheatre mondrian
(credit: Mondrian LA)

Dive-in Theaters
Skybar at Mondrian
8440 W. Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069
(323) 650-8999
www.morganshotelgroup.com

We all love the quintessential outdoor movies of the season, but the Skybar takes it up a notch by screening them poolside on the rooftop of the Mondrian high above Sunset Boulevard. Swimsuits are encouraged, just be sure to bring a blanket for blustery nights. Film screenings are open for hotel guests and LA locals alike, with gourmet bites and bubbly concessions available to enjoy during the show. This 21 and over event takes place every Monday at 8pm through summer.

the walker inn
(credit: The Walker Inn)

The Walker Inn
3612 W 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 263-2709
www.thewalkerinnla.com

Accessible through The Normandie Club, The Walker Inn is a bar within a bar. Just push the button at the door, get bathed in red light, and be welcomed into this intimate 27-seat hideaway. A reservation at the bar for an omakase style experience is where the magic happens. Your evening kicks off with two thoughtful courses based on your individual taste preferences. Talented barkeeps will lead you on a journey through the Walker menu, whose limited time offerings center on thematic inspiration of the moment; they may also include a classic concoction from their larger menu of 50 classics, depending on how many courses you fancy.

summer sessions Grand Park LA
(credit: Grand Park LA)

Sunday Sessions
Grand Park's Performance Lawn
200 North Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(213) 972-8080
www.grandparkla.org
Dates: August 16, 2015 & September 20, 2015

They say the best things are free, and Sunday Sessions is living proof. Catch a ride with your special someone on the Metro Red or Purple Line and pop out at the Civic Center/Grand Park Station for the breeziest mode of transport around. Once at Grand Park, enjoy beats from LA's best DJ's in the heart of downtown. It's the perfect spot to set up a picnic, so be sure to bring blankets. Upcoming events on August 16th and September 20, 2015.

alimento
(credit: DYLAN+JENI)

Alimento
1710 Silver Lake Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(323) 928-2888
www.alimentola.com

If there were two words to describe this Silverlake darling, it would be soulful sustenance. The décor exudes an effortless elegance within the confines of this energetic neighborhood eatery and Chef/owner Zach Pollack (GRACE, Sotto) executes delicious, fresh, and memorable Italian inspired dishes with unexpected flavors. A wine list featuring rare finds from small producers and a rotating offering of microbrews is available to keep you nicely lubricated. The timing of courses is just right to allow you and your sweetheart to savor each morsel (and each other) at an unhurried pace. Service is knowledgeable, attentive, and welcoming to boot.

Milwaukee Brewers v Los Angeles Dodgers
LOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 10: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a base hit to break up a no-hitter attempt by starting pitcher Jimmy Nelson #52 during the sixth inning of the baseball game July 10, 2015 at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. (Credit: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Dodger Game
1000 Elysian Park Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
(323) 224-1507
www.dodgers.com

Whether a day game or night game, heading down to Dodger Stadium with your special someone is bound to be a good time. All seats are great at the Stadium, so either come prepared with a ticket, or buy one at the counter, grab a dodger dog and sit back and take in the home team.

eat your drink
(credit: Matthew Biancaniello)

Eat Your Drink Pop Up
Various Locations Around LA
www.matthewbiancaniello.com

Impress the cocktail lover in your life at an Eat Your Drink Pop Up by Matt Biancaniello, a name that is synonymous with the craft cocktail scene in Los Angeles. Here, you can enjoy some of the most distinct libations in town. On one level, there are a bevy of herbs, infused liquors, local organic produce, and edible flowers. And then there are others that are completely next level, featuring unreal combinations finished with visually stunning garnishes.
 
You can find the Eat Your Drink Pop Up at the following locations throughout summer:
 
Fat Dog NoHo in North Hollywood on Wednesdays 6-11 p.m. through August 26. Recently fans went nuts for the lobster ice cream affogato and a tequila based cocktail with uni purée, strawberries, flowering majoram, and tomato currants.
 
Vertical Wine Bistro in Pasadena on August 20th where you can enjoy ocean-inspired libations that incorporate ingredients from Laurent Quenioux's raw bar. Be sure to get a taste of the 17-step Bloody Mary, made with fresh clam juice and Matt's coveted alcoholic oysters.
 
Taste of Venice in Venice on August 30th, a tasting event benefiting P.S. Arts, a local non-profit organization providing arts education to underserved public schools.
 
To keep up with future Eat Your Drink Pop Up location announcements, follow Matt on Instagram.

trapeze school new york la
(credit: Samantha Foremen)

Trapeze School
370 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-5800
losangeles.trapezeschool.com/

Looking to mix it up and have a little fun? Well, head on down to the Santa Monica Pier's Trapeze School. You and your date will have an outing you'll remember forever! Take advantage of this adventurous activity flying through the air with great views of the pier, as well as the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Trapeze School NSNY offers classes including this one where you'll use only the most up-to-date equipment in a focused class environment.

Cinespia
(credit: Kelly Lee Barrett)

Cinespia
6000 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 469-1181
www.cinespia.org/

What's better than sitting with your date under the stars watching a movie? Watching one in a romantic old Hollywood cemetery of course! While it may seem to be a spooky place, first timers are pleasantly surprised. Cinespia is screening movies throughout the Summer and into September including popular flicks like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off," "Fight Club," "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" and more.

Joy Bitonio has the phrase "Joie de Vivre" tattooed on her shoulder, a reminder to enjoy life every single day. She has a voracious appetite for fun, adventure, food, good cocktails and works out like a madwoman to keep it all together. Check out what else she recommends around Los Angeles in the links below.

Follow Joy on Twitter | Instagram | CBS LA | m0th2flame

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