Stereotyped as the land of tastemakers, juice and boob jobs, LA is often overlooked by more cerebral prospects in favor of seemingly more cerebral cities like New York or Chicago. But LA can get intellectual and, dare we say, “nerdy” too. Sure, we have our fair share of Ron Jeremys, Kylie Jenners and 33 year-old lifestyle bloggers who live in dad’s backhouse, but we also have loads of neurosurgeons, professors, artists and rocket scientists. LA is after all, the home of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Caltech, one of the top science and engineering schools in the country.
And, wherever they may live, nerds need love too. As an LA nerd, it’s often easy to get lost in a world of the newest “it” bars and nightclubs. Not all of us are cut out for 1 OAK or Blind Dragon. What’s a nerd in love to do?
Turns out that beneath La La Land’s glossy veneer lies plenty of places that promise stimulating fun. Like dates to the Griffith Observatory (see #9) with a bunch of mini bottles of wine. Look no further, because here is a list of LA’s top nerdy date spots:
The Last Bookstore
DTLA
California’s largest used and new book and record store is an emporium of ideas in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. Browse the seemingly endless maze of bookshelves and reminisce reading Lolita back in college and then snag a quick smooch under the cozy archways made of books. You could spend the entire day rifling through texts old and new, but the upper level (aptly titled “The Labyrinth”) is worth the trip upstairs too. Local artists rent out small spaces to create display their art. Finish off by grabbing a bite at Grand Central Market.
The Last Bookstore. Image courtesy of @kdotphotography
The NerdMelt Showroom
Hollywood
The Nerdist Showroom inside of Meltdown comics is a nerd mecca, where comic books and comedy collide. Browse the impressive array of comic books at Meltdown and then head next door for a comedy show, live podcast, workshop or guest speaker. This place is overflowing with fan art, rare comics, posters and tons of collectibles. The friendly staff and enthusiastic vibes will hopefully bring out the best in you and your date.
Image courtesy of @nerdmelt
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Universal City
Tell your date to pack a wand and take them to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, where you can explore Hogwarts castle, sip butterbeer and attend a Triwizard Spirit Rally. Grab your honey’s hand while you enjoy one of the Potter-themed coasters together—for safety, of course.
Image courtesy of @unistudios
Escape Room LA
DTLA
Put your critical thinking skills to the test at Escape Room LA, where boo and you must find clues and solve puzzles in order to escape different themed mazes. Nothing like being trapped in a room together to bring out those romantic feelings!
Image courtesy of @charlesbrewer
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park
Griffith Observatory boasts one of the most spectacular views of the city. Grab some sandwiches and a bottle of wine (or three) at The Oaks Gourmet in nearby Franklin Village, and enjoy a sunset picnic. Then, recline side-by-side as you take in a show at the planetarium. We can ay from personal experience that there’s a 100 percent chance you’ll get a kiss at the end of the night.
Sherman Oaks
Challenge your date to a game of Donkey Kong while simultaneously enjoying hand-crafted cocktails and above par bar food. The One-Up has all of the old school arcade games of your dreams. You can even stop by Sherman Oaks Castle Park for a game of mini-golf beforehand. Nothing like a good competition to liven things up a little.
Image courtesy of @theoneupla
Natural History Museum
Exposition Park
Is your date a dino-enthusiast? The first Friday of every month the Natural History Museum puts on an evening of music, talks by scientists and guided tours. Listen to bands presented by KCRW in the Concert Hall and sip drinks in the lounge while DJs spin.
Image courtesy of @erikajanine
Pasadena
Pasadena is a veritable hotbed of nerd activities. Artistic nerds can tour The Gamble House, a gorgeous craftsman home that is over 100 years old, before heading to the Norton Simon Museum to view the world-class art exhibit. The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens are a great place for a romantic walk amongst the roses, and Border Grill just took over the food program. If science is more your thing, learn about robotics and space exploration at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Finish off the date with dinner and drinks in Old Town.
Huntington Gardens. Image courtesy of @tavo_war24
Dearly Departed Tours
Hollywood
Calling all history buffs with a taste for the macabre! This is no regular LA bus tour. The Tragical History Tour takes you to fascinating sites of tragedy like the location of The Body Of the Black Dahlia, the Menendez brother’s family mansion and The Viper Room where River Phoenix overdosed.
Dearly Departed Tours. Image courtesy of @badmoon_89
Heritage Square Museum
Montecito Heights
Heritage Square Museum is one of LA’s best-kept secrets and a great date spot. The “open-air” museum consists of a cul-de-sac of beautifully maintained Victorian houses as well as a 19th century style church, barn, drug store and depot. Step back in time with your love and meander the verdant grounds and then stop for a bite in nearby trendy Montecito Heights.
Heritage Square Museum. Image courtesy of @alienz_exist
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Alex Dew is a writer and native Angeleno who enjoys puppies, graveyards and protesting Donald Trump. Follow her shenanigans on Twitter and Instagram at @alexd3w.
Header image courtesy of Chris Alcoran
