25 Things to Do Alone in Los Angeles (Solo Date Ideas)

Going out alone used to come with a weird stigma. Not anymore. Solo dates, solo movies, solo dinners: taking yourself out is officially a whole vibe, and LA might be the best city in the country to do it. If you're solo-maxxing, new in town or just craving a day that's entirely yours, here are 25 things to do alone in LA, from free sunset views to museums, markets and nights out that don't need a plus-one.

Why going out alone in LA is worth it

Doing things alone lets you go at your own pace, try what you actually want and meet people more easily than you'd expect. No compromising on the restaurant, no waiting for a friend who's always late, no "what do you want to do?" loops. And when you're alone, you're more approachable. Strangers are way more likely to start a conversation with you than with a group of four.

If you want your solo day to turn into something social, the Bebs dating app helps with that too. Open the events map to see what's happening in LA tonight, grab tickets right in the app, and meet people in real life who are into the same things you are.

Free things to do alone in LA

Some of the best solo activities in LA cost nothing at all. Perfect for a reset day.

• Watch the sunset at Griffith Observatory. Free to get in, huge city views and an easy place to sit with your thoughts (or headphones) as the lights come on.
• Spend a slow afternoon at the Getty Center. Admission is free (you pay for parking). The gardens and views are almost better than the art.
• Visit The Broad. Free general admission and some of the most photographed art in the city. Reserve a time slot so you can skip the line.
• Hike to the Hollywood sign views in Griffith Park. Pick a trail, bring water, and get your steps in with the best backdrop in LA.
• Bike or walk the beach path in Santa Monica and Venice. Ocean on one side, people-watching on the other. Peak main character content.
• Explore the Arts District murals. Wander DTLA's Arts District with a coffee and find your new favorite wall.

Museums, books and movies for a solo day

Museums, bookstores and movie theaters are made for going alone: nobody talks, and you move at your own speed.

• The Last Bookstore. A downtown maze of books, with a famous tunnel made of novels. Lose an hour, leave with something you didn't plan to buy.
• The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. A must for movie lovers, and somehow even better when you don't have to rush for anyone.
• LACMA and the Urban Light. Walk through the galleries, then grab the classic photo at the lamp-post installation outside.
• The Huntington. Huge gardens, a library full of rare books and a Japanese garden that feels like a mini vacation.
• The Japanese American National Museum. A moving, thoughtful museum in Little Tokyo. Easy to combine with a ramen lunch nearby.
• A solo movie at the New Beverly Cinema. A beloved revival theater showing classics on film. Solo movie dates are underrated: best seat, your snacks, zero spoilers.

Solo food spots in LA

Eating alone in LA is easy because so many of the best food spots are casual, counter-style or market-based.

• Grand Central Market. Grab a seat at a counter and try a little of everything. Nobody blinks at a solo diner here.
• Smorgasburg LA. The Sunday food market in the Arts District is basically designed for wandering and snacking.
• The Original Farmers Market. A classic LA spot with food stalls, coffee and great people-watching.
• A ramen counter in Little Tokyo. Ramen is the ultimate solo meal. Pair it with a walk around the neighborhood after.

Outdoor solo date ideas in LA

LA's weather makes it easy to spend your solo day outside.

• Echo Park Lake. Walk the loop, rent a swan boat if you're feeling chaotic, and read on the grass.
• Sunset in Malibu at El Matador. Dramatic rocks, golden light and one of the prettiest beaches on the coast. Worth the drive.
• The Venice Canals. A quiet, pretty walk that feels miles away from the boardwalk chaos.
• Runyon Canyon. A short, popular hike with city views. Go early on a weekday for a calmer trail.
• The Rose Bowl Flea Market. Held once a month in Pasadena. Go with coffee, no plan and a small budget, and hunt for vintage treasures.

Things to do alone in LA at night

Going out alone at night is easiest when there's a show or activity to focus on. These are great for solo nights:

• A comedy show. LA has stand-up every night of the week. Laughing in a room full of strangers is weirdly bonding.
• A concert at a small venue. Indie gigs are full of people who came alone for the music.
• Trivia or game night at a bar. Teams are always looking for an extra player, which makes it an easy way to meet people.
• An event from the Bebs dating app. Check the events map to see what's on in LA tonight, buy tickets in the app and show up solo. You can even create your own event and invite people who share your interests.

Tips for going out alone (without feeling awkward)

The trick to enjoying a solo day is going in with a plan, not a script. A few tips:

• Start small. Coffee or a museum alone is easier than a fancy dinner for one. Work your way up.
• Bring a prop. A book, a sketchbook or headphones give you something to do between moments.
• Sit at the bar or counter. It feels less exposed than a table for one, and it's easier to chat with people.
• Stay open. Say yes when someone starts a conversation. That's half the fun of going alone.
• Stay safe. Share your location with a friend, keep your phone charged and plan how you'll get home.

Go solo, meet people anyway

The Bebs dating app helps you find what's happening in LA and meet people in real life. Browse the events map, grab tickets in a few taps or create your own event.

Download the app