Fall Date Ideas in Los Angeles

Walk through the Enchanted Forest of Light at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge, a nighttime route of about a mile through light installations. Take it together after dark, and buy tickets in advance, since capacity is limited.

Follow illuminated paths and light installations at LA Zoo Lights, then share s'mores, churros or hot cocoa along the way. A carousel is on site, while the skating rink needs its own separate ticket. The lights run on select evenings from November 20 through January 10, so check the dates before picking a night.

Take in the city views and catch a planetarium show together at Griffith Observatory, a romantic spot for an evening out. Enjoy the view toward the Hollywood Sign. The observatory is open until 10pm Tuesday through Sunday and closed Mondays. Parking costs a fee near the building and is free farther downhill.

Bar Etoile is a French restaurant in East Hollywood with a sultry, intimate feel that suits a date night, and the banquettes make it easy to settle in together. The menu plays with familiar French dishes, and the place is part wine bar and part restaurant, with a sibling Italian restaurant across the street. We'd start with the Gruyere tart or the Caesar-inspired steak tartare, then add the polenta. Travis Hayden, formerly of Voodoo Vin, is the head chef.

RVR serves Japanese small plates in Venice, with a California influence on traditional flavors. The room has a narrow counter, a wrap-around bar, a main dining room and a rooftop, and the crowd is lively. That energy makes it a fun pick for a date night or a night on the town. Reservations are recommended, especially after 9pm.

Sushi Note brings together two date night favorites, sushi and great wine, in an intimate Sherman Oaks setting. The sleek, understated dining room makes it a lovely spot for a romantic evening, with a thoughtfully curated wine list to complement the sushi. For a special occasion, try the omakase experience, featuring 12 pieces of sushi, a handroll, starter, miso soup, edamame and dessert. It's a great choice for a leisurely dinner where you can explore different flavors and wine pairings together.

San Damian is a seafood-focused Mexican restaurant on Abbot Kinney in Venice, with a beige, sandy-toned room and a blue terrazzo bar where couples tend to linger. The energy is playful and high, with a sexy atmosphere that makes it an easy date night pick.

Henrietta is a charming Echo Park spot that transforms from a casual daytime sandwich shop into a moody, intimate bistro after dark. With a seasonal menu that changes with the market, it's a great choice for a spontaneous dinner date over pasta and wine. Walk-ins are welcome, making it easy to plan a last-minute night out, or you can reserve a table through Resy.

Tucked inside a charming Craftsman house on a quiet hillside street in Chinatown, Baby Bistro feels like a romantic escape from the bustle of Los Angeles. The intimate, homey atmosphere makes it a lovely spot for a date night, with leisurely dinners that encourage you to slow down, enjoy your meal and spend a little extra time together.