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Outdoor Date Ideas This Fall In LA

el matador state beach header credit darleene powells
(credit: Darleene Powells)

Summer in the city often transitions into autumn without any Angeleno really realizing the change of season. Translation: Fall continues to keep the city warm if you choose the right place to play out that al fresco scene with the right amount of flourish and anticipation. So, whether you're aiming for alone time near the beach or in the hills, on a restaurant terrace or by trying a new activity, the City of Angels is the perfect place for an ideal outdoor date this fall.

US-FEATURE-CITYSCAPE-LOS ANGELES
(credit: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Los Angeles Helicopter Tours
16700 Roscoe Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
(877) 335-7038
www.liteflighthelicopters.com

Just like on nearly every episode of "The Bachelor," nothing woos a potential partner more than a thrilling helicopter ride over sweeping terrain. Los Angeles Helicopter Tours offers a mighty fierce selection of those wild rides, but arguably the most romantic is its itinerary that takes the two of you spinning above Malibu for a grandiose glimpse of lively waters crashing into Pacific shores in which you'll often spot a seal or a dolphin if you're lucky enough to get there when these critters decide to arrive. While up in the air with the greatest of ease, expect awesome views of the fancy homes and craggy cliffs part and parcel to this memorable sector of Los Angeles County known and admired by lovers from all around the world and all included in a tour price that is about the equivalent of a top meal enjoyed in Beverly Hills. 

Man fishing in shallow water
(credit: Nicolas Russell/Getty Images)

Fisherman's Spot
14411 Burbank Blvd.
Van Nuys, CA 91401
(818) 785-7306
www.fsflyfishing.com

Fly fishing doesn't have to be a platonic, buddy-bound activity. In fact, this chance to stand in flowing water and cast your line in unison while going tech free (power off those cell phones) can be an extremely bonding experiences for budding couples looking for some silent time during which to relate without having to force any serious talk. Semi-private lessons for two are offered by Fisherman's Spot experts Steve Ellis and Ken Lindsay who honed their collective fly-fishing skills learned in places as far afield as Argentina, Belize, Chile and New Zealand. Their outfit operating in our stunning corner of the world, otherwise known as Van Nuys, lets you simultaneously try your hands at this pastoral sport, side-by-side, becoming one with nature and one with each other all at the same time while on a bona fide date. Sounds idyllic, doesn't it?

El Matador State Beach credit Darleene Powells
(credit: Darleene Powells)

El Matador Beach
32215 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265
www.lamountains.com

Malibu's El Matador Beach at sunset is about as romantic a setting as you will find in all of Southern California. So pack a picnic and head for the sand. And be sure to get there before the sun disappears to join your date for a swim in the clearest Pacific waters this side of Tahiti. Get the opportunity to explore the caves jutting out in this unique aquatic getaway that offers jaw-dropping views and secluded sections on the beach where you and your new honey will find harmony during a fall rendezvous. For this date, bathing suits are definitely on order and huge rocks are on hand, making for great natural dining sites far away from the crowd.

Related:  Best Bikini Boutiques In Los Angeles

NYC Moviegoers Experience 1950s At Drive-In Theater
(credit: Chris Hondros/Getty Images)

Electric Dusk Drive-In
1000 San Julian St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(818) 653-8591
www.electricduskdrivein.com

What's more romantic than a drive-in movie for a first date on a balmy fall night? Not much, but finding a proper drive-in downtown LA is nearly impossible. To share this kind of amazing retro experience, head for Electric Dusk Drive-In, located on top of a parking garage where classics like "All About Eve" and "Home Alone" are shown. Trivia about the flick you're about to see flashes on the screen to get you ready for the big event and the snack bar selection is fortifying in the way movie fare typically is. At the end of your date and even if there won't be a second one, both of you will be talking about the rad venue where you had a Tinseltown experience not to be duplicated anywhere else in this show business-oriented town.

Yamashiro Pool 2
(credit: LA City Farm)

Yamashiro
1999 N Sycamore Ave.
Hollywood, CA 90068
(323) 466-5152
www.yamashirorestaurant.com

As temperatures cool off in most parts of the nation, our City of Angels stays warm enough into the night so that dining al fresco in one of a slew of romantic LA venues will promise to keep your relationship cozy. One spot that's perfect for this kind of rendezvous is Yamashiro, a stunning Japanese restaurant that has long been the place where Angelenos go to celebrate special occasions. Sitting outside this manse perched high over Hollywood means grabbing the greatest views of the city's many lights while being surrounded by lush gardens complete with a 600-year-old pagoda. No doubt, any date here will mean another date somewhere else in the very near future.

Related:  LA's Best Restaurants For Eating Shrimp

Los Angeles freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist. Check out her articles on Examiner.com.

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