Dreaming of a first date that feels straight out of a movie? In Los Angeles, you can step into the scenes of Hollywood classics and create your own story, romantic, quirky, adventurous, or peaceful. Welcome to Wink’s Real Filming Location Date Guide: where real LA movie spots become your next date destination.
From iconic dance numbers under the stars to rooftop views and boardwalk laughs, this guide pairs each famous filming location with unique date ideas, practical info, and that unmistakable LA vibe. Ready to impress your co-star? Read on – and don’t forget to download Wink to find your perfect match!
.png)
1. Griffith Observatory (Griffith Park Observatory)
As Seen In: La La Land, Rebel Without a Cause, Terminator, Yes Man
🌐 griffithobservatory.org
📍 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
🕐 Wed – Sun, 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Few spots are as legendary as the Griffith Park Observatory, from the iconic domes and panoramic city views to being the backdrop for La La Land’s rooftop waltz above the city. This date night classic is nestled high in Griffith Park and promises cinematic romance with every visit.
Date ideas:
- Meet before sunset, set up a picnic on the lawn, and watch the lights come on across LA.
- Grab a seat for a planetarium show and discuss the cosmos with your date.
- Cap off your evening by catching the cityscape from the rooftop terrace, with the Hollywood Sign and stars above.
Local tip: Arrive early for the best spots and park in Griffith Park to enjoy a sunset walk up.
2. The Getty (Getty Center)
As Seen In: The Italian Job, Star Trek: Into Darkness
🌐 getty.edu/visit/center
📍 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049
🕐 Tue – Sun, 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Fri & Sat until 9:00 PM)
For those who crave art, architecture, and a breathtaking rooftop view, the Getty is a masterpiece. This world-famous hilltop museum (and filming spot for modern blockbusters) offers endless inspiration for creative couples. The white travertine terraces are a dream for any “date night with a view.”
Date ideas:
- Wander the galleries together, sharing your reactions to the art and sculptures.
- Take in the sunset from the Getty’s rooftop terraces and gardens, then share a coffee in the café.
- Plan your date night for Friday or Saturday evening for a magical golden hour overlooking LA.
Local tip: The tram ride up to the Getty Center is part of the fun – snap photos of the city as you ascend.
3. The Bradbury Building
As Seen In: 500 Days of Summer, Blade Runner, The Artist
🌐 thebradburybuilding.com
📍 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
🕐 Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (lobby access hours may vary)
This downtown landmark is pure cinematic eye candy. Its dramatic ironwork staircase and sunlit atrium are instantly recognizable from 500 Days of Summer’s bittersweet moments and the futuristic noir of Blade Runner. If your date loves architecture, movies, or just cool vibes, this is your spot.
Date ideas:
- Wander the lobby together, snapping photos under the skylight – pretend you’re on set.
- Stop at Grand Central Market across the street for coffee and people-watching.
- For book lovers, walk a few blocks to The Last Bookstore and hunt for a quirky find.
Local tip: Lobby visits are free and quick – perfect as a romantic first stop before food or drinks downtown.
4. Grand Central Market & Angels Flight
As Seen In: La La Land, Bosch, 500 Days of Summer, The Soloist
- grandcentralmarket.com | 📍 317 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013 | 🕐 Daily, 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- angelsflight.org | 📍 350 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90071 | 🕐 Daily, 6:45 AM – 10:00 PM
Combine these two historic spots for a “main character in your own LA story” date. Angels Flight’s iconic orange railway and the bustling, foodie paradise of Grand Central Market have both starred in countless LA-set films.
Date ideas:
- Start by riding Angels Flight – take a selfie at the top for classic vibes.
- Explore Grand Central Market together: each of you chooses a vendor, then swap bites (pupusas, ramen, oysters, you name it).
- Take your treats up to a nearby rooftop bar for a cocktail with a city view, or head up to Bunker Hill.
Local tip: Mid-afternoon is best for crowds and daylight; weekends bring live music and extra energy.
5. Echo Park Lake
As Seen In: Chinatown, Training Day, Yes Man, Under the Silver Lake
🌐 discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/echo-park-lake
📍 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
🕐 Daily, 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
A favorite of filmmakers from Roman Polanski to Jim Carrey, Echo Park Lake is equal parts romantic and relaxed. With the downtown skyline as your backdrop, you can paddle out on the water, stroll shaded paths, or simply people-watch.
Date ideas:
- Rent a pedal boat and compete to see who can reach the fountain first.
- Grab street tacos or pastries from local vendors and picnic by the lotus beds.
- Go for a golden-hour walk and listen for live music or street performers.
Local tip: Look out for free summer movie nights and pop-up events on weekends.
6. Santa Monica Pier
As Seen In: Forrest Gump, Iron Man, Her, Hannah Montana: The Movie
🌐 santamonicapier.org
📍 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
🕐 Pacific Park: Mon – Thu 12:00 – 9:00 PM, Fri – Sun 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
If your date vibe is playful, sun-soaked, and a bit nostalgic, this is the ultimate LA boardwalk. Films from Forrest Gump to Her have used this pier for good reason: it’s pure fun, whether you’re on the Ferris wheel, playing arcade games, or just strolling under the neon lights.
Date ideas:
- Compete for prizes at the arcade, then share funnel cake by the water.
- Ride the Ferris wheel at sunset for unbeatable views.
- After dark, walk barefoot in the sand or rent bikes to cruise down to Venice.
Local tip: Visit during golden hour on a weekday for smaller crowds and that classic movie glow.
7. El Matador State Beach
As Seen In: The Notebook (promo), Grease 2, The Big Lebowski
🌐 parks.ca.gov/elmatador
📍 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
🕐 Daily, dawn – dusk
Tucked along the Malibu coast, El Matador’s dramatic cliffs and sea caves have starred in romance movies and music videos for decades. Far from the city, it’s the spot for daters who crave natural beauty and a cinematic sunset.
Date ideas:
- Pack a gourmet picnic and hike down to a semi-private cove.
- Take photos among the arches and rock formations (they’re all over Instagram for a reason).
- Stay late to watch the sun set – this is the time to ask for that second date.
Local tip: Parking is limited. Arrive early or during weekdays to get a spot.
Bonus: Marina del Rey
As Seen In: Modern Romance, Californication, Valentine’s Day
🌐 visitmarinadelrey.com
📍 13755 Fiji Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
🕐 Marina: Open daily; specific restaurant and cruise hours vary
If you’re after a breezy, waterfront date night that feels straight from a romantic comedy, Marina del Rey is your go-to. This scenic harbor and its stylish rooftops and seaside restaurants have hosted countless date scenes and sunsets in Hollywood films.
Date ideas:
- Book a sunset harbor cruise or rent a tandem kayak for adventure and amazing skyline photos.
- Enjoy a seafood dinner at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the boats.
- End the night with a walk along the promenade, watching yachts and city lights.
Local tip: Look for free outdoor concerts and movie nights at Burton Chace Park in summer.
Bonus: Bar Lis (Rooftop Bar & Restaurant in Hollywood)
As Seen At: Celebrity afterparties, fashion shoots, and Hollywood nightlife events
🌐 barlisla.com
📍 1541 Wilcox Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 (Pendry Hotel Hollywood)
🕐 Wed – Sat 5:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Sun 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Looking for a date night that feels like it belongs in a movie – even if it hasn’t been filmed there yet? Bar Lis is LA’s new rooftop darling, channeling Old Hollywood glam with a French Riviera twist. Perched high above the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, this spot is where you might spot celebs at an afterparty, enjoy DJ sets under the stars, or toast your own leading-role romance.
Date ideas:
- Dress to impress and book an outdoor table for sunset drinks and unbeatable rooftop city views.
- Sip cocktails, share small plates, and take in live jazz or DJ nights for a truly cinematic experience.
- Start or finish your evening here after visiting Griffith Park Observatory or your favorite restaurant in Hollywood – making your date night a true “Hollywood story.”
Local tip: Bar Lis can get busy, so reserve ahead and check their schedule for special themed nights or guest performers.
Looking for more LA date inspiration? Take our LA First Date Quiz to find your perfect match and discover even more unique first date ideas in Los Angeles!
Create Your Own LA Movie Moment
Why just watch the romance when you can live it? With Wink’s Real Filming Location Date Guide, your first date is more than a meet-cute – it’s a scene that could be straight from the big screen. Whether you’re seeking rooftops, creative date night adventures, or peaceful water views in Marina del Rey, LA has the perfect backdrop for your story.
Don’t have a match yet? Download Wink to find someone who shares your movie magic vibe. Already have a partner (or met your match on Wink)? Head to Wink Feed to swap date ideas and get advice for planning your perfect LA movie date!
