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Location: Grand Hope Park, DTLA
Getting to downtown for trick-or-treating may seem like the real Halloween scare but its worth it when you make it to The Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids! The locals know how to throw quite the shindig and the event continues to thrive as parents celebrate the spookiest night of the year with bounce houses, puppet shows and faux trick-or-treat-doors.
Location: Theatre at The Ace Hotel, DTLA
Menace lurks behind every shadow in a remote village filled with secrets. The LA Opera’s annual Halloween mash-up of opera and cinema returns to the spectacular Theatre at Ace Hotel with filmmaker Carl Theodor Dreyer’s surreal 1932 masterwork, one of the most unsettling vampire movies ever made. LA Opera and The Theatre at Ace Hotel invite you to be their guest immediately following ‘Vampyr’ for a Halloween party with music and cash bar. Entry to the party is included with ticket to the October 31 ‘Vampyr’ performance.
Location: Disneyland, Anaheim
Perfect for all ghouls and goblins is this Halloween Extravaganza at the Happiest Place on Earth. ‘Mickey’s Halloween Party’ brings out all your favorite villains from ‘Cruella’ to ‘Lady Tremaine’. Delight at a ghostly ‘Space Mountain’ and Tim Burton-ized ‘Haunted Mansion’ as lively Jack-O-Lanterns line Main Street. Trick-or-Treat throughout the park until the evening hours end with a spectacular ‘Halloween Screams’ firework show. Be sure to arrive early if you’d like a true thrill on any of the rides up to three hours prior to the event.
Location: Santa Monica Blvd (starting at Doheny), West Hollywood
Considered the largest Halloween street party in the world, there isn’t really a better place to be for the true costume aficionado. Yes the crowds are massive and to some quite rowdy but the amazing display of themed attire and general merry-making spirit deem it as at least a worthy stop along your way. Enjoy dancing in the streets, festive beverages in the bars and a night full of spooky fun!
Location: The Edison, DTLA
Spend your Halloween underground (a little closer to the dearly departed) at The Edison. The clubs’ Cabaret L’Enfer will feature DJ sets, live performers, stilt walkers, tarot card readers and an “extraordinary selection of Attractions Diaboliques”. Like most other parties at the Edison, expect an old-time but sleek subterranean shindig. Costumes are not required but recommended (come on it’s Halloween)!
Location: Avalon, Hollywood
Since coming back from the dead a few years ago, Hollywood and Vine’s historic playhouse ‘Avalon’ has put on a ghoulish extravaganza each All Hallows’ Eve. Break out your provocative costumes and make your way to the dance floor and four themed areas!
The Gables is a counter-order, neighborhood restaurant, serving an all-day, market-driven menu of homestyle California cuisine and fresh baked goods by Chef Vicki Fan Matsusaka. We recommend the Bodega Breakfast Sunny, a pairing of busted eggs, nueske’s bacon and American cheese on ciabatta.
The crispy diner-style hashbrowns, loads of melty cheddar, eggs, and bacon make the breakfast burrito at Lucky Boy the absolute platonic ideal. If you only eat one breakfast burrito for the rest of your life, it should be this one.
The Village Bakery and Cafe is a neighborhood place, located in a real neighborhood: Atwater Village in Los Angeles. All of of their food is prepared right in their kitchen every day from fresh and natural ingredients, including farmer’s market fruits and vegetables. Our go to is the Atwater Special–Grilled polenta cake topped with parmesan cheese, scrambled eggs, spinach, tomatoes and crumbled bacon. Served on a parmesan crisp plate. Morning Perfection!
The restaurant is a collaboration between some of LA’s best names in wine and sushi, with an extensive wine selection and food from celebrated chef Kiminobu Saito. Gibbs’ sushi and wine approach is a casual one, as he wants diners to pair anything their hearts desire, even if it’s a delicate piece of snapper with a bold Napa red. Chef Saito has also brought on Takeshi Matsuzaki from Tama Sushi as his second in sliced-fish command.
Not exactly lunch but we all need an afternoon pick me up from time to time. Milk Bar is an award-winning bakery led by chef and owner Christina Tosi. They believe in a world of endless possibilities, and create playfully nostalgic desserts that celebrate innovation and quality. Indulge in the seasonal favorite Pumpkin Dulce De Leche- a sweetness overload of vanilla spice cake, milk crumbs, roasted pumpkin ganache, dulce de leche, and roasted pepitas. Your inner fall fanatic will thank us later!
Greater Los Angeles’s pizza moment continues with Roberta’s at the Platform project in Culver City. The famed Brooklyn pizza joint that counts Beyonce and Jay-Z as fans fired out their popular East Coast menu. West Coast Roberta’s carries much the same menu as the original, with a lean on blistered pizzas as well as wood-fired vegetables, pasta, and cured meat. There’s room for lots of funky wines as well, and a full bar for cocktails to boot.
The long-awaited restaurant from James Beard Award-winning chef Jessica Largey is now open in Los Angeles’ Arts District. The multifaceted space features a dining room serving relaxed, produce-driven California fare, with a classic, elevated wine list by Beverage Director Jordan Egan (NoMad), and craft cocktails from Bar Director Iain McPherson (Edinburgh’s Panda and Sons).
This fresh addition to Melrose, called Ronan, is a newcomer project from Daniel Cutler (Sotto and Alimento) and his wife, Caitlin, whose resume includes experience at popular LA spots Hatchet Hall and Huckleberry, Eater Los Angeles reports. On the menu, expect to see shareable dishes such as chicken liver pate; pollen-dusted pork chops; and grilled snapper with fermented green tomato and roasted fennel. Craving pizza? Come try wood-fired specialties like the White Dynamite with ricotta, basil, garlic and Calabrian chili oil; or the Pixxa — a pie topped with mole rosso, squash blossom, Jersey ricotta and coriander flower. (You can check out the dining menu here.)
If you want to understand Asanebo, the sleek Japanese restaurant at the heart of Studio City’s sushi bar strip, you could do worse than to look at the tiny dish of chawanmushi there, the inevitable beginning to one of the long, multi-coursed omakase meals that are the restaurant’s reason for being. All Asanebo asks from you is an open mind, plus rather a lot of money. In exchange, you spend an hour or so in an elevated state of being.
Location: DTLA
The American American Contemporary Ballet invites you to their Halloween “Hellraiser” this weekend. This one night only event includes the world premiere of Burlesque and the opening night of Inferno. You will meet the composer Charles Wuorinen (one of the most eminent in the world), hear from ACB’s Artistic Director Lincoln Jones about his vision for the future of ballet, and have an opportunity to support one of the most cutting-edge performing arts companies working today. The evening will also include a reception where a selection of fine foods, wine, and other surprises will be available to indulge in. For ticket prices and more information click here.
*A portion of your ticket purchase is tax deductible.
Location: LACMA, Los Angeles
Spend your evening beneath the stars and amongst the art of the Los Angeles Contemporary Museum. The LACMA Jazz series is free to the public and takes place in the museum’s Smidt Welcome Plaza. Arrive early to claim your seats and enjoy a selection of gourmet food and wine from Ray’s special Jazz night menu. This weekend’s concert features famed pianist and composer Josh Nelson. Nelson has performed and toured with some of the leading names in jazz. For more information click here.
Location: Lake Balboa Complex
Don’t miss this weekends showing of the cult classic family favorite(so many adjectives!) Halloween film Hocus Pocus. The event is being hosted by San Fernando Valley’s Halloween Drive-In Night where patrons cruise in for a truly authentic retro-style movie experience. The night will be a double-feature screening of Hocus Pocus and Christine. Guest have the option to purchase tickets for one or both films. Additionally, a variety of food trucks and family-friendly pre-show entertainment will also be provided. To join the Sanderson sisters and find out more information click here.
Location: DTLA
For a weekend of laughs and fun performances, join Disoriented Comedy and the JACCC for their 4th annual comedy festival. Indulge your funny bone with over 100 performers and famed comedians like “Adam Ruins Everything”‘s Adam Conover, Danny Pudi and Mary Sohn. Pop in for afternoon humor or enjoy the evening line up at this 3-day fest. The Comedy Comedy Festival is sponsored by the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, CBS Diversity Program and NBC Universal T.I.P. For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
Location: 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona
Take part in this year’s Pumpkin Nights, an interactive experience inviting guests to explore eight different eight themed pumpkin-lands crafted with over 3,000 pumpkins! Demonstrations by professional pumpkin artists, pumpkin fire shows, pumpkin magic shows, and plenty of other pumpkin-themed activities and offerings will take place throughout the special 23 day event. Non-pumpkin offerings will be available as well, including a scavenger hunt, screening of Pixar’s Coco, food trucks, and plenty more for the whole family. For more information click here.
Location: The Rockwell Table and Stage, Los Feliz
For an evening of music, laughs, and scrumptious eats UMPO’s production of Bridesmaids is the trifecta. Based off of the 2011 box office hit film, this musical parody put on at East L.A.’s Rockwell Table & Stage is theatrical magic. Most noteworthy is the venue which is styled as a cabaret with entertainment all around you. Tickets do require a (2) food/drink minimum and the menu never disappoints. Keep an eye out in the crowd as well, as the Rockwell is known to have its celebrity neighbor patrons stop by. For more information click here.
Location: Griffith Park
Join the L.A. Zoo for their spooktacular day’s of fun during the month of october. Weekend events include the Swazzle’s Monster Menagerie Puppet Show, “Spooktacular Science” Show, Masterpiece Pumpkins with Gene Granata, Crocodilian Craft, and the Fearsome Feedings & Creature Treats. It’s perfect outing for the whole family! The L.A. Zoo will also be featuring their Spooky Stroll where you’ll find Halloween games, a mini-pumpkin patch, and “boo-tiful” photo ops. Therefor, all ghouls and goblins are encouraged to wear costumes! For more information on the fun filled activities click here.
Location: DTLA
Is there a better way to spend your Sunday then as your “Cheat Day”? The story of Cheat Day Land is one of family and passion. An experience in which the celebration of family, food, and fun ooze out of every room you will experience. Similar to last summer’s hit the Ice Cream Museum and other recent Pop-Up photo perfect experiences-Cheat Day Land welcomes you with open arms… because you deserve it! For more information click here.
Location: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas
The perfect evening for those wanting a dose of Halloween fun without all the frights. A Night of Jack, invites guest of all ages to meander through Calabasas’ King Gillette Ranch, where thousands of pumpkins will be elaborately displayed. Along with the festive art will be carving demonstrations, a gift shop, and the Fear Garden Bar for drinks and food to satisfy the living and undead.
Date: Now through Nov 03, 2018.
Location: Universal Studios, Universal City
Face your fears at Universal Studios annual Halloween fest. With eight mazes, a scare zone and the ominous The Purge themed “Terror Tram”, all guaranteed to spook. Previous cinematic tie-ins to the parks frightening guest include The Walking Dead, The Shining, and American Horror Story. Visit if you dare, the haunting horror begins nightly at:
Date: Oct 04, 2018
Location: San Gabriel Valley
Instead of binging early on Halloween candy(an acceptable past time), why not opt for eats from the far east at the annual San Gabriel Dumpling & Beer Fest! Entry gets you unlimited beer from 6-10p with an assortment of dumpling and food truck vendors on hand. Tickets are available for purchase through Eventbrite.
Date: Oct 06, 2018
Location: Will Roger’s State Park, Pacific Palisades
Pick out the perfect wide-brimmed hat and your daytime finest because Veuve Clicquot returns to Will Rogers State Park. Led by Argentine polo star Nacho Figures, the annual match is a day well spent of sips and sites. The celeb-filled soiree with the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow, Mandy Moore, and Lea Michele kicks off with Champagne bars and Food Trucks at 11am. After you’ve fueled up head to the field to cheer on the teams in the 2pm game. Tickets are sold out on the Veuve site but still available on StubHub.com.
Date: Oct 07, 2018
Location: Main Street & Ocean Ave, Santa Monica
Explore the city of Santa Monica as this third annual event transforms two miles of streets into a festival for the day. Arrive by bike, bus, train, or walk your way to this free day of fun alongside stilt walkers, DJs, and local bands. Feel the seaside breeze while exploring interactive COAST Zones celebrating arts, culture, sustainability as well as other attractions along the route. Taking place on Main Street and Ocean Ave.
Date: Oct 04-Nov 04, 2018
Location: Secret Location in L.A.
From the minds behind The Tension Experience is a new interactive show that takes inspiration from the grisly theatre of Pars’ Grand Guigmol. Choose between taking in the obscure and strange on stage or embarking on a frightful mission with various ghouls. The show itself runs two hours and admission includes adult beverages.
Date: Oct 5-27, 2018
Location: Warner Bro. Studios–6510 Forrest LAwn Drive, Los Angles
The WB’s famed backlot studio tour goes for full frights as they transform into haunting square. Brave through a maze inspired by The Conjuring or attempt to tour Freddy vs. Jason’s Camp Crystal Lake and Batman’s Arkham Asylum. Other highlights include horror makeup demos, ephemera from Tim Burton films, and a special screening of select scenes from 1973’s The Exorcist. If your feeling parched, True Blood’s Fangtasia will be serving for all the visiting vamps. And if you happened to miss last years scariest haunted attraction. the IT haunted house returns as a pop-up for the fest.
Date: Oct 11-Nov 4, 2018
Location: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas
The perfect evening for those wanting a dose of Halloween fun without all the frights. A Night of Jack, invites guest of all ages to meander through Calabasas’ King Gillette Ranch, where thousands of pumpkins will be elaborately displayed. Along with the festive art will be carving demonstrations, a gift shop, and the Fear Garden Bar for drinks and food to satisfy the living and undead.
Date: Oct 12-Nov 4, 2018
Location: 1101 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona
Take part in this year’s Pumpkin Nights, an interactive experience inviting guests to explore eight different eight themed pumpkin-lands crafted with over 3,000 pumpkins! Demonstrations by professional pumpkin artists, pumpkin fire shows, pumpkin magic shows, and plenty of other pumpkin-themed activities and offerings will take place throughout the special 23 day event. Non-pumpkin offerings will be available as well, including a scavenger hunt, screening of Pixar’s Coco, food trucks, and plenty more for the whole family.
Date: Oct 13, 2018
Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Hollywood
There’s nothing more chilling then a cool night in the fall on the lawn of L.A.’s most famous cemetery. As part of Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s film series-Young Frankenstein will be screening on Oct. 13th with the gates opening at 5:15pm. Arrive early to stake your claim on your plot in the grass as you take in a Tinsletown classic under these stars.
Date: Oct 13, 2018
Location: Secret Location in Los Angles
Take a trip to ancient Rome at this Horror themed soiree inspired by the scandalous legacy of Caligula. Members of the depraved emperor’s court interact with guest as they peruse through the all inclusive one-night event. With an open bar and entertainment that includes DJs, burlesque, and magicians it is sure to be an evening to remember. Lavish attire is encouraged but skip the Toga as your outfit of choice.
Date: Oct 16, 2018
Location: The Rose Bowl, Pasadena
Experience L.A.’s version of the famous German event centered around craft beer! Carefully curated to include over 30 different Southern California breweries. Craftoberfest is an all-you-can-drink celebration that invites participants to discover a brand new world of food and drink choices! Selected restaurants will also be available serving world-class food inspired by “Volksfest,” a German beer festival.
Date: Oct 17-Nov 25, 2018
Location: Ahmanson Theatre, DTLA
The Broadway show everyone’s been talking about finally debuts in L.A. at the Ahmanson Theatre! In this captivating original musical, high school student Evan Hansen is thrust into social relevance after a classmate’s suicide. Benj Pasek and Justin all’s score combine well-crafted lyrics and an exciting pop sound, and Steven Levenson’s book gives all the characters shaded motives.
Date: Now through Oct 18, 2018
Location: Atwater Village
It was a dark and stormy night for three siblings—and for audience members gathered around them. Written by Rattlestick Playwright Theater’s Daniel Talbott, this peace is described as part ghost story, part memory play.
Date: Oct 20, 2018
Location: Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
They’re creepy and they’re kooky, Mysterious and spooky, They’re altogether ooky, The Addams Family! Now that that’s stuck in your head make your way to the Santa Monica Pier enjoy this film classic under the stars and with the ocean as a backdrop. The event will allow guests to relax on the Pier, with access to all the fun amenities. This is including rides, games, food and more! So grab put on your best Wednesday or Cousin It attire and head to the pier for the ultimate movie night. Just don’t invite Debbie!
Date: Oct 26, 27, & 28, 2018
Location: Private residence in Pico-Union
“Botanical horror’ and man-eating plants are at the center of this elevated Halloween dinner party. The lofty price tag pf $300 will provide you with a tantalizing 5 course meal from Chef Laurent Quenioux, cocktail pairings and wine, coffee and tea service, desserts, and optional edible bug pairings by Bugible. Lavish set design by The Grim Weather will sprawl indoors and outdoors of the secret location,. This will be complimented by theatrical activations, puppets, live music and dance performances throughout the evening. Your favorite holiday…exaggerated with all the opulence, grandeur and hedonism of any Disco Dining Club soiree.
Date: Oct 26, 27, 28, 31, 2018
Location: 650 Laguna Canyon Rd., Laguna Beach
Patrons of Pageant of the Master’s will know this live performance as artwork coming to life. Pageant of the Monsters is the ghoulish re-enactment of notable tableaus that awakens from their slumber every 5 years. This year’s theme is “Raiders of the Lost Art”. The fest includes a haunted house, Halloween arts and craft, and activities for children. The haunted house is suitable for even the tiniest of terrors, sans gore and recommended for children 5 and older. Food and non-alcoholic berates will be available for purchase.
Date: Oct 31, 2018
Location: Walt Disney Concert Hall, DTLA
Prior to era of Twilight and True Blood, where vampires looked like Alexander Skarsgard and dressed in fine fashions, film director F.W. Mrnau created the classic expressionist retelling of every kid’s favorite fireside tale. Settle into Walt Disney Concert Hall for a screening and live score of the film from organist Clark Wilson on Halloween night.
While those who don’t live in LA may not believe we have seasons, the arrival of heat lamps on patios and the ability to wear more than one layer is reason enough for us Angelenos to celebrate the arrival of autumn. What better way to welcome the season than by planning a brilliant date that offers plenty of opportunities to cozy up with your special someone? From culinary adventures to stunning views from both rooftops and horseback, here are our favorite fall date ideas that we’re totally willing to let you take credit for.
Carson
Take a break from your usual hop-heavy brewery date night, and discover refreshing new flavors together at Honest Abe’s Cider House and Meadery. Located just down the road from the spooky and sour brews of Phantom Carriage Brewery in Carson, this cider house features 15 rotating taps of classic ciders (as well as creative ones like pineapple and pomegranate), plus a variety of meads, wine, and even brandy — perfect for warming up on a chilly fall night. The cozy tasting room has couches and games, plus Taco Thursdays and free pizza and movies on Fridays.
Old Man Bar might not be the name that first springs to mind for a date, but the dark and cozy cocktail haven hidden inside Culver City’s Hatchet Hall is prime date territory and not some old fogey hang. They’ve also just launched a new “Late Night Burger Bang Bang” special every Sunday and Monday from 10pm to 1am perfect for an after-hours meetup — complete with ’80s jams on the turntable. Of course, you may need to clarify to your date that the “bang bang” implies a tempting combo of a beer and a shot paired with a juicy burger and beef fat fried potatoes for $25 — but that’s up to you. Also, the burgers are limited each night, so don’t be late.
Going to the Bowl is a quintessential summer experience, but it’s the hardcore fans of the iconic outdoor venue who know it’s worth braving the elements when the chill of fall descends. Of course, this is LA, so the most you’ll likely need is a light sweater — but if you’re really on your game, you’ll pack a blanket to cozy up with your date. The season continues into fall with an epic lineup that includes Ozzy Osbourne, Arctic Monkeys, and Willie Nelson. Plus, don’t sleep on the annual Halloween tradition of The Nightmare Before Christmas with Danny Elfman and a live orchestra and choir. You can also impress your date with top-notch eats before and during the show courtesy of James Beard Award-winning chef Suzanne Goin, and excellent wines curated by Caroline Styne. Consider booking a pre-show dinner at The Backyard for a wood grill-focused al fresco meal overlooking the Bowl, or treat your date to Supper in Your Seats if you’ve scored a box and have your meal brought to you.
While more adventurous than first or second date material, a day trip by train along the coast aboard the Pacific Surfliner is full of so much romantic California charm, it’s perfect for more advanced date plans. Hop on an early(ish) train on Saturday from Union Station, admire views of the Pacific as you breeze northward, and you’ll be in Santa Barbara by lunchtime, sipping local vintages at tasting rooms like Kunin Winesor artisanal booze at Cutler Spirits, and eating at Funk Zone staples like The Lucky Penny, The Nook, Les Marchands, Helena Avenue Bakery, or the patio at Shalhoob’sfor Tri Tip and burgers. After a leisurely stroll around town, you can hop back on the train, sip craft beer and wine on board, and catch the sunset on the way back home. (Unless things go really well, and you wind up staying the night.)
Each year there seems to be more spooky haunts to explore around LA come Halloween, but one of the best in town is still Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. What better way to get close to your date than by getting totally freaked out together, making your way through eight movie-caliber mazes including the new Stranger Things, Poltergeist, and Universal Monsters experiences. If you’re looking to really impress your date, consider splurging for the new R.I.P. Tour, which offers a private guided tour with trolley access, unlimited Universal Express line privileges for mazes and available rides, a gourmet buffet dinner and drinks, free valet parking, access to a special Stranger Things-themed lounge, and plenty more VIP perks.
Trying to find romance at a hotel bar is not typically advisable, but bringing a date to some of the coolest bars in town that just so happen to be in beautiful hotels is a solid choice. Consider dropping into the newly restored stunner Hotel Figueroa where you two can sip Spanish-style gin and tonics at Bar Figueroa or drink poolside at Rick’s (and stay tuned for the opening of Bar Alta). Over at the utterly stylish Nomad Hotel, you’ll find craft concoctions at the sleek Giannini Bar just off the main lobby; nearby, the Freehand welcomes you with creative, tea-inspired drinks at Rudolph’s Bar & Teain the lobby, and seasonal sips on the rooftop with Broken Shaker. Other highlights include Metropole Bar at Hotel Indigo, the always-hip Upstairs rooftop bar at Ace Hotel, the Rooftop at The Standard, and Spire 73 on the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown — which lays claim to the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere.
Lebec
The thrill of hiking is amplified tenfold when you’ve got two magnificent wolves leading the way. Thanks to IfOnly — a company that peddles one-of-a-kind experiences — you and your date can trek through Los Padres National Forest with ambassador wolves from Project Wildsong. The hands-on experience includes a handler, who will teach you all about the species and answer any questions, lots of lupine licks from the animals, and plentiful selfie opportunities.
Downtown
Yes, you’ll have to deal with long lines and masses of people taking photos of every bite they eat, but it’s worth it — and now that the weather is cooling (slightly), you won’t melt on the asphalt. Every Sunday, this sprawling food fair hosts vendors with plenty of fall-friendly fare like Katsu Sando with their fried cutlet sandwiches, Filipino brioche from Ensaymada Project, and Brothecary, known for its bloated XLB dumplings. Pro tip: Share one of everything so you can try it all, go as early as possible to avoid the afternoon hordes, and don’t forget to spend some time in the beer garden.
Your kitchen
Some nights you just want to enjoy a home-cooked meal — but if neither of you feels like slaving away in the kitchen, Cozymeal is the answer to “So, what’re we having tonight?” Based on the kind of cuisine you want, Cozymeal will send a top chef — some of whom have worked at Michelin-starred restaurants — to whip up a gourmet feast in your kitchen. You can choose to help mix, chop, and stir, or just sit back with a glass of wine and watch how it’s done.
Temecula
Falling in love is all about taking risks, so take your date to gamble the night away at the West Coast’s largest resort and casino. The two of you can easily make a day trip out of Pechanga, which recently completed a $300 million expansion to add a luxury spa, yoga studio, 4.5-acre pool complex, and over 500 new rooms and suites. Stroll around the massive casino floor and try your hand at everything from blackjack to baccarat, then use your winnings to indulge in some pampering at Spa Pechanga. If getting massaged and moisturized isn’t your cup of tea, hit up the picturesque golf course, or dive into one of the splashy new pools (preferably the one with a swim-up bar serving blackberry mojitos and banana coladas).
Pacoima
While booking a flight with your date might be a bit premature, you can still hop aboard a retro-themed flight with the Pan Am Experience and sip cocktails together in first class. The immersive, five-course dinner experience features an exact replica of the airline’s Boeing 747 done to the last 1970s-era vintage detail. Order martinis from the open bar, feast on chateaubriand carved seat-side by flight attendants in the iconic Pan Am uniforms, and even shop old school items from the duty-free cart. You also tour Air Hollywood studios, where pretty much any film or TV show set on an airplane is filmed. It’s a fun, one-of-a-kind experience that’s sure to impress.
Arts District
Unlike any other distillery tour you’ve experienced (and there are some great ones in LA), Lost Spirits Distillery will take you and your date on an immersive Willy Wonka-esque journey that’s half amusement park ride, and half mad scientist laboratory. Along the way, you’ll sample their award-winning rums and peated malt whiskeys, which utilize innovative technology to reverse-engineer the otherwise lengthy aging process within a matter of weeks. The team — which includes founders Bryan Davis and Joanne Haruta, and their autonomous talking computer system TESSA — are happy to geek out with you if you’re a booze enthusiast, but you can also just enjoy the ride, parts of which are inspired by Pirates of the Caribbean. Either way, don’t forget to grab a bottle to go, so you can continue the date at home.
Hollywood and DTLA
Take your date to new heights with an al fresco screening from Rooftop Cinema Club’s latest season, which includes a mix of classics and recent award winners. Forget lugging your own gear and fending off crowds; they provide cozy deck chairs, blankets, and wireless headphones, plus it’s way less crowded than most other outdoor screenings. At the Hollywood location, the terrace rooftop of NeueHouse, you can also score booze and bar snacks on-site, and at the Downtown location on the rooftop of LEVEL, you’ll find a rotating lineup of food trucks, plus classic movie concessions at both locations. Best of all, you can opt for the standard seating with the option to upgrade to bottomless popcorn, or splurge a few bucks more and cozy up in a double deckchair love seat — this is a date, after all.
Arts District
Drinking and games have been essential date material since the dawn of time, so you owe it to your ancient ancestors to make good on this tried-and-true combination. One of the best spots to do so is in the Arts District, where it seems like a new game-filled brewery opens weekly. Head to the neighborhood’s OG, Angel City Brewery, where you’ll find darts, cornhole, and on Tuesdays, trivia and tacos — all of which pair excellently with their ever-increasing roster of creative beers. Make it a brewery crawl, and head over to Arts District Brewing Company, where vintage Skee-Ball, pinball machines, and other classic bar games will entertain you both as you sip on a wide range of brews and chow down on eats from Fritzi Coop. Boomtown Breweryfeatures pool, darts, table-top shuffleboard, ping-pong, and cornhole; while Iron Triangle Brewing has foosball, cornhole, plus trivia and board game nights.
Glassell Park
Steam up your windows with your date at the only drive-in movie theater left in LA proper. Order food from Electric Dusk Drive-In’s Snack Shack, bring your own hooch, and watch (or don’t, WINK WINK) classic movies up on the big screen from the comfort of your car.
La Cañada Flintridge
This massive botanical garden (over 150 acres!) is a great daytime date destination to wander among the blooms and greenery, but come fall you’ll definitely want to check out the annual Enchanted Forest of Light. Running from November 17 to January 6, the interactive nighttime event features a mile-long walk through illuminated installations, like electric tulips that shimmer in colorful waves and giant oaks that change color as you approach. Hit up the opening night festivities where tickets include delicious eats from Patina, brews from Golden Road, and wine from Cardinal Rule, plus The Flashdance DJs on the ones-and-twos and plenty of surprises.
Downtown
There’s nothing like an exhilarating experience to bring people closer together, which is why you should take your date to OUE Skyspace LA at the top of the U.S. Bank Tower. There, you can zip down a 45-foot glass slide from the 70th floor to the 69th(!) floor on the outside of the building; afterward, soak up spectacular views from California’s tallest open-air observation deck. They also recently debuted the new Skyspace Bar, one of the highest bars in SoCal, where you’ll find LA-inspired craft cocktails, premium California wines, local craft beers from nearby breweries, as well as bites from the new grab-and-go counter. If stretching is your thing, there’s also sunset yoga classes up there the first Tuesday of the month on the observation deck. And if you’re ready to pop the question, they offer a wedding proposal package with a private dinner, string quartet, and a helicopter tour that leaves from the roof. If you’re not quite ready for that, though, just head up to 71Above, one of the most romantic restaurants in town, for a fantastic prix fixe dinner and cocktails. The sunset views up there are so legendary, they even have their own Instagram account.
Downtown
Venture below street level to discover the hidden tunnels, former speakeasies, and lore of the city’s underbelly with Cartwheel Art’s Underground LA tour. In partnership with Hotel Indigo, the tours will give you and your adventurous date an up-close look at the legendary secret passageways once used to transport booze (and bodies!) during Prohibition, and the clandestine watering holes used by those in the know. Once you’ve seen a side of the city that most haven’t, you’ll likely want to whet your whistle at a modern-day LA speakeasy like The Varnish, The Slipper Clutch, or Jackalope. Also note that Cartwheel Art has several other tours for other options as well, in case secret tunnels aren’t quite the date you had in mind.
Exploring LACMA’s numerous exhibitions and taking selfies in front of Levitated Mass and the streetlamps of Chris Burden’s Urban Light could constitute a respectable date on its own, but why not kick your creativity up a few notches and sign the two of you up for art classes at the museum? The adult classes include drawing and painting, mixed media printmaking, and more, and not only will you learn about composition, color, and technique together, but you can gift each other your own works of art. Most of the classes are five, once-a-week sessions, so this is really more for advanced dates (if you’re more of an entry-level option with less commitment and the addition of booze, try Paint Nite). Chat about your artistic progress post-class over gourmet farm-to-table bites at Ray’s & Stark Bar (another Patina Group star). Still can’t get enough of your art endeavors? Check out the museum’s new 3D exhibit starting July 15 — which Ray’s & Stark Bar will play off of with a special 3D menu and experience you guys won’t want to miss.
Long Beach
Head down to Long Beach to the historic (and haunted) Queen Mary, which offers a multitude of date options in one location. The retired ocean liner, which sailed from 1936 to 1967, hosts numerous historical tours, as well as the Ghosts and Legends tour and paranormal-themed dinners sure to bring you and your date closer together. It also features monthly comedy shows and local band nights at the Observation Bar & Art Deco Lounge, and you can check the calendar for special seasonal events. If things go really well, you can even book one of the stylish staterooms for a luxurious staycation.
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Don’t worry, we’re not recommending hiking hiking — the hikes we’re referring to (10 of which we detailed here) are instead easy-breezy short ones that’ll get you to I-think-I-can-see-San-Diego-from-here heights. They’re all ranked from one to five, with a one being a suuuuuper-easy hike, and five being just a little bit not-easier.
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For both the new transplant in the city, and the longtime local who plainly just loves food, Six Taste’s walking tours hit up five or six different spots in one tour, focusing on the most edible and historical highlights of neighborhoods all over LA.
Multiple locations
Whether you consider yourself a Top Chef or a Boyardee Chef, your cooking game can always use some refining. Hone your skills and get messy together at one of the classes from this fun and affordable cooking school (at the Eastside, Westside, or Woodland Hills locations). You might just learn how to make some dim sum or pasta from scratch. Added bonus: You get a meal (and usually booze!) out of it.
Beverly Hills
Stock up on culture cred with your date by checking out a jazz/theater/dance/classical production at the Wallis, the impressive arts center in Beverly Hills (of all places), and enjoy a sweet happy hour at the upscale Italian bistro Cecconi’s before the show. Hungry diners can pop in and get a little tipsy with some wine and cocktails, and soak up all that booze with gourmet bites (including truffle burgers, pizzettas with porchetta, and short rib croquettes) for $3-9, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 3-6pm.
Malibu
Because Sonoma is a bit far to drive for someone who maybe accidentally swiped right, this handy wine tasting room along Mulholland offers you two a chance to sip vino with a view without awkwardly suffering through the smell of cow pies while driving north on the 5. Pack a picnic/stock up at Trader Joe’s and catch some live folksy music on the weekends, or get wild with the Wine Safaris, where you can take a jeep tour to meet and feed zebras, camels, giraffes, and more wild animals on the property (while tasting wine along the way).
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The Passage is a weekly bike ride that starts and ends at a donut shop (score!), and along the way aims to hit unexplored parts of LA — sometimes hitting pool halls, bowling alleys, and karaoke along the way. Is it oddball? Yes. Is it still an awesome date? YES.
Highland Park
Sure, many of LA’s classic and well-worn bowling alleys have that endearing je ne sais quoi (like All Star Lanes’ karaoke stage!), but if you want to really impress a date, Highland Park Bowl is where it’s at. This historic joint has been open since the Prohibition era and was the former home to punk rock venue Mr. T’s Bowl. The revamped alley’s been given a glam makeover that melds the old with the new, like a recovered mural from the 1930s, chandeliers made of vintage pin-setters, and some seriously good wood-fired pizzas and craft cocktails. Pro tip: Go to happy hour Monday through Fridays from 5-8pm for discounts on drink and food — like a $10 pizza-and-draft combo or $3 PBRs — and lanes.
East Hollywood
Barnsdall Art Park is one of the most underrated spots in LA to get a gorgeous view of the city and some culture under your belt. For the architecture buffs, Frank Lloyd Wright’s first-ever LA project, Hollyhock House, sits on this hilltop and is open for viewing with the purchase of a ticket Thursdays to Sundays. Pack a picnic for a sunset meal for extra bonus points with the date. And check the park’s calendar, as throughout the year it also plays host to wine tasting parties, outdoor movie screenings, gallery openings, and plenty more fun cultural events that are prime date material.
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The Prohibition era may be long gone, but the idea of sneaking into a speakeasy never gets old. A few years back there were only a scant number of LA bars with secret entrances and special passwords — now, we have so many (not-so-secret anymore)bars that you and your date could even do a bar crawl visiting these watering holes. But shh, you didn’t hear it from us.
Culver City
While some people like to have romantic candlelit dinners on dates, others love a good adventure exploring really weird and creepy stuff. Don’t let the name of this place confuse you — it’s not quite a museum like LACMA or MOCA — but rather a bizarre experience exploring art, trinkets, and stuff that will have you giggling and muttering to your date, “What the hell?” We don’t want to spoil it for you, but all we can say is go in with an open mind and just know you’re in for a fun and delightfully unsettling time. An added perk is that you get to end your visit with a trip to the rooftop garden where you can have tea and cookies… because why not?
Hollywood Hills
One of the coolest things about LA is its many, many secret sets of stairs. From Silver Lake to Santa Monica, you’ll find hillside neighborhoods with shortcuts dipping up and down random sets of stairs — something Angelenos used to use back in the day, many for the sadly defunct streetcars. Our favorite route is the Beachwood Canyon one that goes through what old Hollywoodland once was. It’s a chill 2.6-mile hike/walk where you and your date can get a little sweaty (that’s sexy, right?) and have fun figuring out the route and discovering some cool views and architecture porn along the way. If the date’s going well, extend it a little further with a bite to eat at nearby Beachwood Cafe, which just so happens to be owned by Chopped winner Patti Peck.
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LA is #blessed with good weather pretty much most of the year, which means we have a plethora of al fresco dining and drinking options. We’ve highlighted 20 of our favorite restaurants with outdoor patios here, from a sweet rooftop bar with Fijian food to poolside dining at a swanky ‘60s-style hotel.
Watts
Watts Towers is unlike anything else you’ll see around LA. Go on a guided tour and walk through the 17 historic art structures made of steel and mosaics. The tallest one is nearly 100 feet high! After you’ve gotten your dose of history and art, do yourself a favor and take your date to Watts Coffee House for soul-food brunch and get some of the best fried chicken wings and waffles in town.
Los Feliz
Whether you venture up to the Griffith Observatory on a hike or take the easy way by car, it’s always an excellent, starry-eyed date destination offering stunning views of the city. You can, of course, re-enact plenty of movie scenes from Rebel Without a Cause to La La Land — or better yet, take your date to the Star Parties held one Saturday a month, where you two can peer through telescopes to see the real stars of Hollywood. Then head down to date night classic Little Dom’s to get cozy in a booth with a bottle of red and some hearty Italian eats.
Hollywood
You’ve probably heard couples talk about how they want to add some magic back into their relationship, so why not add some actual magic to your next date? Surely you know a magician — er, illusionist — who can get you into the legendary, members-only Magic Castle where illusions abound and dinner is actually much better than it used to be. Or, if you don’t, you could impress your date with an intimate show at Black Rabbit Rose, the new magic theatre from the creative Houston brothers (Break Room 86, Good Times at Davey Wayne’s, etc). After the show you can grab magic-inspired cocktails and excellent Thai-Chinese from Crying Tiger.
Downtown
There’s nothing like a bit of vintage Los Angeles history to inspire swoons straight from a classic noir romance. Start off with a ride on the newly reopened and restored Angels Flight, the iconic funicular railway that originally opened in 1901. Afterward, head over to Grand Central Market, which celebrates its centennial this year, where you and your date can feast from the myriad of delicious vendors (both new and legacy). Pro tip: The market now stays open for dinner, and offers nightly date-friendly events like Prawn’s trivia night, where you can win prizes and gift cards from GCM vendors every Wednesday until the end of August. You could also head down Broadway to historic Clifton’s and grab a drink at the Pacific Seas tiki bar. Explore even more with Esotouric’s unique and fascinating tours, which take you through the darker corners of LA’s literary, cultural, and true crime past.
Flower District
Even if you aren’t a budding botanist yourself, exploring the historic Southern California Flower Market and Original Los Angeles Flower Market is an incredible only-in-LA experience that everyone should check out. Plus, what date wasn’t improved with a bouquet of fresh flowers (especially ones at a fraction of the cost of retail shops). Admission is just $2 per person for the general public, and you two can roam through the fragrant aisles freely, but just be sure to go before noon when most vendors close. There’s also a farmers market between the two flower markets on Saturdays, and you definitely want to grab brunch or lunch at Poppy & Rose. There you’ll find incredibly delicious American classics, including biscuits & gravy and buttermilk-brined fried chicken, as well as salads and egg dishes.
San Pedro
Venturing down to San Pedro may be unfamiliar territory for some, but the drive is well worth it if you’re looking for a unique date adventure — and possibly even a staycation. Kick off the date at Brouwerij West, the massive brewery specializing in Belgian-inspired brews that use unique grains and ingredients. Grab a bite at the food truck parked outside, and catch live music during the warmer months. Across the way, you and your date can also check out works from local artists at Crafted, and you should definitely visit the Frank Gehry-designed Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, where you can explore exhibits of Southern California’s sea life, or get even more up close during guided tide pool walks or local excursions. While you’re in the area, grab a bite at one of the excellent eateries in nearby Long Beach — like Roe Seafood, which has exquisite seafood spreads and classic cocktails, or modern Southwestern restaurant Panxa Cocina.
It’s over. For-real over, change your relationship status on Facebook over, pound a screw-top bottle of red and howl at the moon over. Now what? You might feel heartache or relief or relieved heartache or plain ol’ bell-rung shock. Then you realize: You’re back to being single. And being single is fuuuuuuuuun.
We’ve hit up a gang of writers who’ve probably been dumped at least once in most of the world’s continents for advice to get you back out there, to whatever “there” suits your recent singlehood. Give your doomed mementos to a museum for broken relationships, salsa with tipsy surfers in Mexico, roast your ex-lover over campfire s’mores at breakup camp, or strip in front of strangers in an eastern European spa. If all else fails, we’ve got a line on some very thirsty hotel bar patrons.
Here are the best travel moves to make when you find yourself newly single. You lucky so-and-so.
A quaint distillery town confirms Snoop’s assertion that “Cognac is a drink that’s drunk by Gs”
If you’re ready to mingle, and a bit of a boozehound, there’s no better place to ball out than the birthplace of Henny, Remy, and the rest of the boys. A four-hour train ride from Paris, this hamlet is saturated in the aged eaux-de-vie we know and love. You can’t walk two steps without bumping into a delicious bottle. Most distilleries offer tours and tastings — Hennessey’s immersive, technology-fueled journey through its multicultural history is a must — plus gift shops where you can stock up on some totally unnecessary but 1000% wonderful souvenirs like these neon flask sleeves (I mean, seriously).
After meeting the makers, hit up Hôtel François. Hopefully you’ve done your homework and booked a room upstairs. Either way, you can still chill at the cocktail lounge, Bar Louise, which, spoiler alert, happens to be one of Europe’s best: a gilded back bar and cream-colored banquette, expertly crafted tipples — it’s the place to see and be soused. Unsurprisingly the joint’s an industry hub, so you’ll invariably find a friendly posse of liquor pros posted up there, eager to buy you a drink, chat you up and help you bid your troubles adieu. — Meredith Heil
Lay low in the timeless swamps with locals who are doing the same
You need to heal, dear friend, so you should be somewhere soothing. To this end, neon pink skies and cheap cigarettes are a good start. But you should avoid any spot that smacks of South Beach. Seeing bubbly, model-grade rich kids partying and grinning tightly from bliss and bruxism is just going to bum you out (trust me).
Instead, zag over to Everglades City, a small town in the middle of (you guessed it) the Everglades, a National Park and a mad, murky expanse of sub-tropical swamp. You will see gators. You will meet mosquitos. You may see a panther! You will be two hours from Miami but you’re 50 years behind 2018. You’ll meet back-to-the-land sorts here who’ll be game to chat over a beer. Your new friends wear bandanas and live in trailers they own outright and know how to relax and may share their weed. Plus, if they live down here, there’s an excellent chance they’re also running from something.
Just beyond Everglades City are uninhabited islands you can reach via flooded mangrove paths. Boats are cheap to rent here ($20 per day is typical for a canoe). You’ll paddle onto your own uninhabited shore and drink tallboys while watching long-legged birds spear fish with rapier beaks. The land and the sea here are as postcard-quality as the Florida Keys, but because the ‘glades are protected everything is still pristine. You’re in a sunny place for shady people, and soon your head will feel much clearer, having lived among the animals for a while. — John Marshall
There’s nowhere better than the open road to celebrate your newfound freedom
No one in your apartment building wants to hear your breakup playlist on repeat. So throw some snacks and a spare charger in a tote and turn up the volume on some stretch of infinite asphault that begins with I-. There’s no better place to cry loud than out on the open road where you can sing back at Toni Braxton and Taylor Swift. Watch the scenery smear past at 80-odd mph and realize that you’re only in the opening credits of the next episode of your life.
If you must head somewhere in particular, California makes a nice fat target. Run on sand in bare feet, catch a morning wave, hike a mountain in time for sunset, then sleep under the Milky Way in the wide expanse of the desert, all on the same day. Wake up to the sound of lapping waves and the chill of a foggy ocean morning. Be that mysterious person making coffee for one at the campground. Ruin a tire on some highway debris, change it yourself with pebbles digging into your bare knees, wipe off the blood, keep moving.
Oh, what’s that? A sign welcoming you to Los Angeles, home to an endless supply of people seeking physical affections and shallow affirmations? Do the tour. Or get your more ephemeral likes with a perfect selfie in Big Sur. By all means. Those long stretches of road and beautiful backdrops are there to remind you, as you sort out who you even are now, that you’ll “find” yourself wherever you happen to find yourself at any given moment, in any given place. — Michelle Rae Uy
The je ne sais quoi of Europe, but close enough to go, like, tomorrow
Where do you go when the guy you’re obsessed with breaks your heart and shacks up with your friend? For me, that place was Montreal, a city I selected because I’d never been and I didn’t know anyone there. I found Montreal as Canada’s answer to an artsy European capital, the perfect balm to soothe an aching heart. Wander through the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, take in a concert at Le Belmont or sidle up to one of the many bars along Boulevard Saint-Laurent, where the locals are reasonably friendly, especially if you attempt to chat them up in broken French. Virtually everyone here can speak some English, but many also hold a 260-year grudge for the English hijacking Quebec from the French and would just as soon not. Like you, they’re loyal to the good times.
The real answer to any post-relationship sadness though is carbs: Chow down on the perfectly doughy sesame bagels from St-Viateur or indulge in the poutine at Greenspot, an old-school diner that supposedly serves up the best local version of Canada’s greatest hangover preventer. In the summertime Parc Jean-Drapeau hosts an annual fireworks competition, with two displays a week (befriend someone with a roof deck, but if not the Jacques‑Carter Bridge is a solid vantage). Montreal is the sort of relaxed, easy-going city that allows you to feel your feelings without wallowing too much. And if all else fails, go get a tattoo from a guy who doesn’t speak English. It worked for me. — Emily Zemler
Meditate on love and life in the world’s best spas above the Danube
You’ve rolled in solo, only to find that Hungary’s capital — with its throng of ancient spas, old city walks, castles, welcoming locals, cheap-as-a-song eastern European prices — is yours to embrace. Meet people, go on an adventure, or just to take a relaxing break. I can recommend from experience your best bet is to disrobe in front of a bunch of naked foreigners, and while settling into this new single life of yours, embrace your body, as you sit naked, and sweat it all out in one the world’s best saunas and spas
The Szechenyi Thermal Bath is a century-old spa with vintage architecture, tucked away in one of Budapest’s prime city parks. Once you enter, your emotions in tatters, you realize: nothing stokes the embers of the heart like shvitz in a roasting spa full of large, steaming, semi-naked Hungarians. Winter or summer, you can sit outside in the Roman city and dwell on what was, and what the future holds, soaking in natural hot, thermal mineral waters. Twenty bucks gets you into this steamy, fleshy wonderland. I’ve left the saunas feeling as energetic as if I’d just met a new lover. — Dan Cole
The great crossroads of the American West is the gateway to your next phase
Grand Junction is, as you might imagine, a junction that is somewhat grand in nature. The 70 snakes through, and also connects to the 50 and 141. If you’re traveling America via the 70 — your main Vegas-to-Denver artery, basically where the American west transitions into Kansas — you’re going through this town near the Utah border, and chances are you’ll wind up crashing here for the night. It’s a city of 60,000, none of whom you’ll actually see while you’re here.
Truth be told, I’ve wound up here after long drives, post-break-up, going in both directions. It’s an excellent dead-zone wherein to re-evaluate every single life choice. One time, I got up the next morning and drove to LA. Another time, I’d left LA the night before and decided I should turn around and drive back. In both situations, that meant that leaving Grand Junction. If you’re heading west in the early hours, the sun will rise behind you, leaving you to see clearly as several hours’ worth of the most beautiful natural lands in America wake up ahead of you, as the pink light rings your orange surroundings and leaves purple shade in your rearview. Grand Junction is nothing special. It’s only the gateway to so much better. — Brock Wilbur
Of all the gin joints in all the towns, these are the ones you want to walk into
So you like cocktails? Strangers with charming accents? Maybe penthouse suites? If you answered with duh, you, mate, are in for a treat. For a strapping singleton, this sprawling world capital offers way more than footie and fish and chips. Welcome to the birthplace of the sexiest drinking establishment on the planet: the hotel bar. We’re not talking warm beer at the breakfast buffet — London’s posh inhouse lounges revolve around premium spirits and seasoned barkeeps. What better hangout for an eligible traveler than a stocked bar in spitting distance of a king bed, full of fellow travelers who may or may not be giving you their real name?
Save the museums and monuments for daylight. Come nightfall — or earlier, you’re on vacation — your agenda is stacked. Hipsters haunt the Curtain’s tiki-esque Green Room while the swank set hits The Connaught or DUKES for martinis spiked with local gin (no American swill here — Plymouth or Boodles for OGs, Fords or Sipsmith for young guns). The legendary American Bar at the Savoy is aces for booze buffs and scores of buddies gather around punch bowls at the Edition’s handsome Punch Room. Fitz’s at the Principal is an opulent Art Deco dream with killer Negronis. The Mondrian’s Dandelyan, with its wildly experimental menu and clubby vibe, is your hookup joint of first resort. Just make sure your HotelTonight app is up-to-date. — Meredith Heil
Yes, it’s a real thing, and you’ll come out of it feeling like a better you
Who wants to sit among the ruins of a relationship in an apartment you once shared (or, due to the brutal nature of the New York real estate market, still share?). Leave town for a real thing I promise is actually called the Renew Breakup Bootcamp. It’s a three-day women-only retreat experience that promises to help you to get over your ex in, what is that, 72 hours, damn. Located in private residences in upstate New York and Malibu, California, the retreat plops you into beautiful scenery into yurts and teepees and hammocks and offers an on-site chef, a psychologist, a tantra expert, yoga and meditation classes, and various exercises aimed at giving you the tools to self-soothe and detach and maybe not set the rest of your life on fire.
This excursion ain’t free: It starts at $1,500 for a private room and $1,000 for a shared room. But maybe it’s a way to return to the city with a scotch-taped heart and a clear head. The retreat may not be a new lover, but let me repeat to you those three little words every girl loves to hear: On. Site. Chef. — Ruthie Darling
A dismal land where you can stew in your own rain-soaked moods
Sometimes you just need to wallow. I brooded after she left, losing myself in the customary single malt (probably a smoky Caol Ila 12) and in what I recall as a smoldering half-blaze hissing in the fireplace — at the Sheep Heid in Duddingston, maybe, where the bitter and wistful have been at this for nearly 700 years, or Edinburgh’s Bow Bar, or one of hundreds of other dim pubs dotting Scotland’s lonesome lands. Maybe I crammed a roll stuffed with freshly slaughtered Highland pig from Oink down my gullet to soak up the booze and memories of meals we’d made. Maybe I paced listlessly about Greyfriars Kirkyard, the world’s most haunted cemetery, looking for spirits who shared my grief. I might, too, have visited the Meigle Sculptured Stone Museum, where the gravestone of Guinevere, wife of Arthur and lover to Lancelot, reportedly lies, thinking on romances more doomed than my own. I must have gazed achingly into the misty moors of the highlands and the gloom of Gothic kirks and abbeys, and seen her face in callous sea spray off the Orkney Islands.
I don’t really remember where my mind was in all of these corners. If you recall your Macbeth, you know Scotland as a land “where violent sorrow seems a modern ecstasy.” Of one thing I’m certain: It’s is the perfect place to lament your lost love. Embrace it. — John Maher
Soak your cares away, or let someone scrub them right off
Being single has exactly nothing to do with your physique. In case you needed reminding, there’s nothing like the seeing the sea of lumpy bodies at a Korean spa to help you realize your ex didn’t leave you because of your bumpy buttocks. You’ll find these havens largely in and around New York, LA, and Washington (and you know, Korea), where for a very reasonably price you’ll enter a realm of calm achieved by when I can only describe as a grueling course of saunas. (Plus you get to lay in a sea of clay balls, like some kind of adult Chuck E. Cheese’s.)
Do it for the day. Bring friends, or don’t. Just reboot. Need to take self-care to the next level and help usher in a new era? Opt for a Korean scrub so brisk, you’ll shed a pound of skin and whatever’s left of your inhabitation. (Wing, breast, thighs — it doesn’t matter, spa attendants will scrub them all down with equal vigor.) End the day with a belly full of bibimbap (crispy rice mixed with vegetables) and a glass of wine (just go easy when mixing alcohol and heat), and you’re certain to reclaim your zen. — Laura Studarus
Ditch the love and skip the pray — just enjoy a food pilgrimage
Some post-breakup locations are classic for a reason. If you don’t have the time and money to go full Elizabeth Gilbert, take a cue from her memoir and stuff your face in Tuscany. The region has science on its side: Italian carbs are proven mood enhancers — not that justification for the avocado ravioli at Florence’s Acqua Al 2 is required. Ditto for chocolate, which is why a visit to Venchi, known for its creamy gelato and nougat-filled chocolate is required. Next, get out the city and into chianti country, an area that Anthony Bourdain called “ridiculously, ludicrously beautiful.” For those not ready for a travel buddy, but up for casual interactions, Torcibrencoli vineyards offers a tour of their property, featuring an optional lunch (opt in: it’s pasta, with locally sourced ingredients) and wine tastings. Keep ‘em coming.
Between meals — if you can move — soak it off in Bagno Vignoni’s free village hot spring (an area that ancient Romans believed belonged to the nymphs), Instagram the imposing medieval towers of San Gimignano, and hop a boat out to mountainous island of Giglio. Sure, it’s a lot to take in, and even more to eat. But whatever, praying and loving can wait. –– Laura Studarus
A getaway for an ayahuasca trip is how to turn confusion into euphoria into closure
Fresh off a breakup, you have to figure out who the hell you are anymore. Peru for an ayahuasca-inspired trip into self-realization. Ayahuasca is an ancient medicinal recipe that blends the extracted liquids from two or more Amazonian vines. Mixed and proffered by shamans, the concoction first quiets the users’ ego and then inspires psychological breakthroughs via visions that pave the way for progressive thinking. A vision quest described by some as “five years of therapy in one night,” the experience includes vice-ending testimonials from people who have quit cigarettes, cocaine, or heroin on the spot and others who have declared war on sexual abuse wounds and chronic depression. And there’s always one person in every group that definitively leaves the pain of a broken relationship behind.
Cusco is the gateway to now overrun Machu Picchu and one heck of a place to have an out-of-body experience that makes you realize that romantic relationship dilemmas are often luxury problems. Our group sat in a circle upon futons on the floor of a candlelit room. We each drank a three-ounce shot of the auburn, woody-tasting fluid. Twenty minutes later, a dizzy euphoria encouraged us to all lie down on our backs in the shadowy room. The dizziness soon subsided and my first vision leisurely wandered in. The dreamy series of visualizations launched with a self-propelled flight — me clutching a flight-worthy two-by-four wing and flying through an infinite, illuminated cave teeming with indented half-dome shelves. Each domed ledge in the hallowed emporium comfortably roosted groups of the important people in my life. I visited dozens of ledges, exchanged greetings or memories with comrades, received reassurance from my parents and nods of approval from my two older brothers. When the breezy voyage landed on the shelf propping up the ex-girlfriend, I said, “Sorry.” She tried to reply but couldn’t find words. We both cried until I flew away. The tears were real, both in and out of the dream.
One predictable outcome of an Ayahuasca ceremony is the literal purging of your personal demons. An exorcism, in the form of literally dry-heaving out unhealthy spirits, occurs at intervals after you process unfortunate or unpleasant things from your past. In this shamanic forum, my first confrontation with my unsettled history concluded with purge of that broken relationship. Something stronger than us insisted we finally move on. Other baggage best not remembered was later evacuated in stages. I was free of it, at least for a rapturous moment, maybe longer. Looking back years later, I rarely even look back. — Bruce Northam, American Detour
Don’t overthink this — you want tacos, surf wax, and bodies
Sometimes the best way to get over an old lover is to get under a new one. Or something more poetic but equally real. Often a great way to heal if you’re newly single is to get that palate cleanser. And there is no better place for that than Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca. It’s a beautiful Mexican beach town (because who isn’t healed by the mighty Pacific Ocean with a side of freshly grilled tlayudas) and a legit surfer mecca. Hard bodies of both male and female variety can be found over every inch of the town, surfboard and avocado toast in tow. Hotel rooms are exceedingly cheap (which is saying something considering the exchange rate is still 19 pesos to the dollar). This is handy in case the friends who took you to Puerto Escondido to help you heal don’t actually want to HEAR you heal.
By day Puerto Escondido has athletic types crushing waves, relaxing under palapas sipping local mezcal, or exploring the hidden beaches up and down the coast. By night, the temperature dips and the energy spikes along Calle Moro on Playa Zicatela, the main drag of bohemian beach bars. Check out Revolucion for drinks, Costenito for ceviche, or the famous tlayuda lady who grills up local Oaxacan specialties behind the Oxxo convenience store. Nothing says palate cleanser like a hookup before (and after?) some tasty tacos dorados. — Meagan Drillinger
A cultural institution specifically designed for letting go of your emotional baggage
You’ve unfriended and unfollowed them, disposed of their belongings, and wiped all physical traces of them from your life. But inevitably there’s something — some worthless trinket heavy with meaning and memory — that you can neither throw away nor keep in your house any longer. Enter the Museum of Broken Relationships, where unwanted tokens and digital stories are donated by broken-hearted people around the world. There are two permanent museum outposts in Zagreb, Croatia and Los Angeles, California, as well as various traveling exhibitions — all of which will accept the detritus of your doomed dalliance.
Whether or not you’re donating an item, it’s worth spending some time at the exhibit in solidarity with your fellow survivors. Each memento is displayed with a note penned by the former owner. They range from the devastating (“This iron was used to iron my wedding suit. Now it is the only thing left”) to the cathartic (“I never stopped loving her for a moment and I’m happy for her”) to straight-up gems like “Darling, should you ever get a ridiculous idea to walk into a cultural institution like a museum for the first time in your life, you will remember me.” Laugh, cry, and when you’re ready to leave it all behind you, walk out the door and directly to the nearest bar. — Sarah Theeboom
It’s impossible to stay sad when you’re in Vacationland
When you’re looking for the perfect place to stare into the ocean waves and think long and hard about your life choices, head to Ogunquit, Maine, whose name translates to “beautiful place by the sea.” The sandy beaches and brilliantly blue water are the stuff of much warmer destinations. But how many of those will sell you crustaceans by the pound?
Go wander the mile-or-so Marginal Way that meanders along the sea from idyllic Perkins Cove. Head far from the maddening crowd to Footbridge Beach, a quiet corner on the northern edge of bustling Ogunquit Beach to spread your towel and soak up some sun. For lunch, head to Barnacle Billy’s which has been helping people eat their feelings since 1961. Work on your beach bod with a lobster roll and a pint of locally brewed beer (check the menu for the Maine Brewing Company’s Peeper Ale).
Spend the afternoon hiking through nature preserves in nearby Wells, watching a play at the Ogunquit Playhouse, fishing for an elusive blue lobster, or simply watching the waves while swiping Tinder. When evening falls, head a few miles up the coast to check into Kennebunkport’s 100-year-old Colony Hotel. It’s impossible to feel down when surrounded by happy pups in a hotel that is so dog friendly they have pug upholstery on the sofas in the cozy lobby. — Melissa Locker
Ocean views, rebound targets galore, and a total inability to stalk your ex
Sometimes a cliche is a cliche because it’s true. When it comes to cruises, as with picking yourself up after a breakup, there’s a lot of truth in this one: It’s not the destination. It’s the journey.
Certain destinations that might be better fits for your specific state of mind. For deep introspection, take in some Alaskan vistas, weaving among fjords and feeling a chill in your lungs. Try a beach vibe if you want to compare tan lines with other fellow travelers out for the same thing you are. In any case, the point really isn’t the destination. The point is spending days or even weeks on this floating island, surrounded by beautiful views and affable strangers. Cruises force you to be as social as possible, so there’s no room to grouse. You’re bound to make a friend, and, wouldn’t you know? That friend now lives just a deck or two away. What you and other consenting adults get up to in confined quarters in the middle of an ocean are very much up to y’all.
As for a bug that’s actually a feature: The price of internet on a cruise ship tends to run around $0.75 a minute. Cyberstalking your ex on Instagram is, in this case, for once, literally not worth it. — Vivian Kane
Okay, so that three-year relationship and condo in Boston didn’t work out. Now ask yourself: do you heal your soul in the ocean or in the mountains? Either way, you’ll arrive in Santa Barbara, where you can have both at the same time, plus much more. Every “California time out” properly begins by the sea: East Beach is a local fave as is Hendry’s Beach, where you can brunch at Boathouse with your toes in the sand. Stearns Wharf will follow with clam chowder at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company and rosé at Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room. Ready to hit the town and rebound? The Funk Zone boasts an Urban Wine trail with more than 20 tasting rooms; if beer is your swill, Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. has craft brew, a patio, and live music on tap. Hit up a stranger for serious opinions about chowder.
Hike up to Inspiration Point for panoramic views of the Pacific and a chance to get artsy — hikers rearrange rocks into sculptures at the top. Exercise and art have a way of helping you Figure Out the Big Shit, so also hit up the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, Old Mission, and State Street’s local arts and crafts show every Sunday. Also worth a mention: Jenna Dewan jet-setted to Santa Barbara after her breakup earlier this year. If she can get over Channing Tatum, you’re going to be just fine. — Brooke Sager
A peaceful, polite paradise around the corner from the East Coast.
A solo beach vacation might be just what you need to fully embrace your newly single status. Cancun seems a bit much — college students offering to buy you tequila shots is a later phase of this process. Choose under-stimulation for a while and find Bermuda, probably the most beautiful island you can reach in 2-ish hours for 300ish dollars from New York. You’ll go from crying on a sidewalk to day-drinking by turquoise waters in less time it takes to muster up the strength to block your ex on Facebook.
Bermuda has 34 stunning beaches to choose from. As you gorge on sun, carve out at least a day to lay on the pink sands of the world-famous Horseshoe Bay, which leads to a long stretch of beach dotted with smaller coves — perfect for private meditation or the occasional sobfest. Culturally, the British territory leans conservative. Sunbathing topless is prohibited, skimpy clothing is frowned upon, and approaching a local without saying “good morning/afternoon” is downright rude. Translation: solo travelers won’t have to deal with unwanted shit-showy attention. If your post-breakup regimen involves more distraction than quiet self-reflection, Bermuda can get your pulse up: hit the bioluminescence boat tours, explore the otherworldly Crystal Caves, or scuba diving through sunken ships. You’ll soon be out of this wreckage. — Alicia Lu
Article by Thrillist.