fun creative date ideas (Pasadena, Santa Monica: rent, bars, traffic)

[kryswithak]

I am new to the LA area and would like to ideas for a fun date. My boyfriend is coming to town and what else is there to do besides go to the beach? We are young adventurous people so we are open.

[JackSparrow]

I have some fun creative ideas. Let me know when he's left town, and I'll show you PM me for my info

(Plus, remember, guys aren't as into "creative" dates as women are. I'm just sayin'...)

[Rats]

theres plenty of possibilities. how old are you??

[sweettea1]

Take him to a Groundlings Improv Show and go for cupcakes afterwards!

[kareybear]

Take him to the Promenade in Santa Monica, Univeral Studios and hey how about Disneyland and oh yeah Magic Mountains. What exactly are you asking for? Then maybe we can help you out here.

[katenik]

Originally Posted by kryswithak

I am new to the LA area and would like to ideas for a fun date. My boyfriend is coming to town and what else is there to do besides go to the beach? We are young adventurous people so we are open.

take a picnic basket and a book you both enjoy up to the getty center, have lunch in the garden, and take turns reading to each other. (you can tour the museum as well, if you like, but if you've seen it once....)

if you're looking for something more active, there are extensive hiking trails in griffith park. the park rangers will provide maps, but not guides. also, the observatory recently reopened after getting big, expensive facelift. even if you're not interested in astronomy, the hilltop is a lovely spot to catch a view of the city lights at night.

if you're bored with santa monica/venice/south bay beaches (admittedly, they're not that attractive, as beaches go.), you could take a drive south on PCH (not the fwy.) to laguna beach, a charming little "art colony" in orange county. it's the closest thing we have to "quaint" in southern california. it would take 2-3 hrs. depending upon your starting point in LA, and you'll drive past some some very pretty coastline along the way-- huntington beach, notwithstanding. consider stopping in seal beach if you want to stretch your legs or grab a snack. it's the first town you'll come to when you cross the county line, and there isn't much there, but the pier is nice to take a walk on. if you decide to do this, you have to be willing to be patient with the traffic; you can't be in a hurry, or it will be a miserable drive. i suggest getting a very early start.

i know that none of this is particularly creative, but since you're new in town, i tried to think of places that you might not have seen yet. they're all fun to me (except the hiking trails, which i've never done, although i intend to get around to it someday), but i do realize that fun is a relative concept.

[Sorcerer68]

Go to Old Pas or 3rd St. Promenade and have dinner and then wander around and see what grabs you. Hollywood Blvd is the hot spot for young people these days. Lots to do and it stays open late. If you want a treat and a real kick, have dinner at Yamashiro. It's perched above Hollywood Blvd with the best view around and has been everything from a private residence to a bordello.

I stayed general on these because I don't know what either of you are into.

[kryswithak]

Well we are in our mid 20s and I know guys don't look too deep into a date as females. But I just wanted his visit to be memorable. We love going out to clubs, wine bars, and everything else that your madly in love exhibitionist couple would do. Thanks for all the suggestions.

[JackSparrow]

Originally Posted by kryswithak

Well we are in our mid 20s and I know guys don't look too deep into a date as females. But I just wanted his visit to be memorable. We love going out to clubs, wine bars, and everything else that your madly in love exhibitionist couple would do. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Hrmmm... no PM's oh well.

What did you guys end up doing?

[3tulips]

I love the Groundlings suggestion...thanks for the reminder as I haven't been in years myself and I think I've got my next "date night" planned! Obviously, I second that one.

As for wine bars, there are two great ones in Pasadena:
Bodega & Magnolia
www.bodegawinebar.com
www.magnoliaonlake.com

I also think if you can get tickets to the Hollywood Bowl, that everyone needs to do that. It's a great date, just don't forget to pack a great picnic dinner (lots of places sell them too, try Bristol Farms or any specialty grocery store). You need reservations now for the Griffith Observatory, but also a great suggestion.

I'm sure I could come up with more, however, not knowing where exactly you are and how far you want to go, it is hard to help more.

How about renting a tandem bike at the beach?

Going to Catalina, especially overnight, is super fun with lots to do there too.

Whatever you decide, be sure to post back what you decided to do!