Nightlife Beyond The Bar Scene in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a city known for its endless entertainment and fun with a renowned nightlife. Beyond its bars and clubs are a variety of amazing nightlife experiences waiting to be explored. In this guide, we’ve highlighted a few activities to explore beyond the traditional bar scene in Los Angeles. Also, these would be really cute date ideas!

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Comedy Shows

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Price: Free-$30

What’s better than a night filled with laughter! Experience the liveliness of Los Angeles and its diverse comedy scene. There's a comedy show to suit every taste and sense of humor. Some of my favorite comedy clubs are the Laugh Factory in Hollywood, Comedy Store in West Hollywood, and the SetUp, which hosts different underground shows throughout LA. The comedians featured are big names that you’ve likely seen on Comedy Central or with their own Netflix specials. For an even more elevated experience, check out some improv comedy shows. From renowned theaters like Upright Citizens Brigade to hidden gems tucked away in the city's vibrant neighborhoods, embrace the unpredictable and join in the laughter as the talented improvisers perform!

Options: Laugh Factory (Hollywood), Comedy Store (West Hollywood), and the SetUp (Culver, DTLA), Upright Citizens Brigade (Hollywood), The Clubhouse Improv (Los Feliz, free!)

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Outdoor Movie Night

Price: $20-40

Discover the magic of cinema under the stars with an elevated outdoor movie experience. LA offers a variety of venues whether it’s a rooftop screening with panoramic city views or a cozy picnic set up in a lush park. The Rooftop Cinema Club in DTLA is always a mesmerizing experience and features new blockbusters in addition to cult classics. As spring is approaching, you can expect to see tons of outdoor movie experiences pop up. Cinespia hosts alfresco screenings at iconic venues such as the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and the LA Historic park. Grab some popcorn, snuggle up, and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of an open air cinema affair. 

Options: The Rooftop Cinema Club (DTLA), Melrose Rooftop Theater (Weho), Cinespia (various), Street Food Cinema (various)

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Roller Skating or Ice Skating

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Price: $20

Lace up and glide into a world of retro fun at a vibrant roller rink, where neon lights and groovy beats set the stage for an unforgettable night out. Whether you're a seasoned skater or hitting the rink for the first time, these iconic venues offer a nostalgic escape from the ordinary. With themed skate nights, dazzling light shows, and a lively atmosphere, roller rinks in LA promise endless laughter and memories for all who roll through their doors. Moonlight Rollerway is a must try for a fun night out roller skating with regular themed nights and special events. If you’re missing the ice, there is also year round ice skating at Iceland Rink. 

Options: Moonlight Rollerway (Glendale), Mar Vista Roller Hockey Rink, Iceland Rink (Van Nuys)

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Jazz Show

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Price: Free-$25

A perfect alternative to a wild night out is to immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms and smooth melodies of LA’s classy jazz scene where historic venues and intimate lounges set the stage for unforgettable musical experiences. Some of the best jazz sets can be viewed for free at the Rhythm Room and Vibrato Grill Jazz. From sultry vocals to mesmerizing instrumentals, the city's diverse lineup of talented musicians ensures there's a jazz show to captivate every listener. Sip on a nice cocktail, soak in the timeless ambiance, and let the enchanting sounds of live jazz transport you to a world of sophistication and style!

‍Options: Rhythm Room (Dtla), Vibrato Grill Jazz (Beverly Glen), Pips on La Brea (Weho)

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Escape Room

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Price: $40-60 pp

Embark on an exhilarating adventure through the world of escape rooms, perfect for thrill-seekers and puzzle enthusiasts to put their wits to the test. From mysterious detective challenges to pulsing heist scenarios, these interactive experiences offer an adrenaline-fueled escape from reality. Gather your friends, work together to unravel clues, and race against the clock to unlock the secrets hidden within these captivating and mind-bending environments. I recommend checking out Escape Revolution or Escape Hotel, which offers a variety of different games from Chernobyl themed ones to cryptic Zombie themes. 

Options: Escape Revolution (Weho), The Escape Game (Century City), the Escape Hotel (Hollywood)

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Arcade 

Price: Free entry, tokens for purchase

Arcades are the place to go for a guaranteed fantastic night. Dive into a nostalgia-fueled adventure at an energy-filled arcade, where neon lights, retro games, and endless fun await enthusiasts of all ages. From classic arcade cabinets to cutting-edge virtual reality experiences, these lively venues offer a thrilling escape from the ordinary. Two Bit Circus has it all with immersive VR experiences, game stacked arcade, and even a mini amusement park! Challenge friends to epic showdowns, relive childhood favorites, and enjoy yourself in the electric atmosphere. 

Options: Two Bit Circus (DTLA), Playland Arcade (Santa Monica), Dave and Busters (Hollywood, Westchester)

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Bowling 

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Price:$15-40

Roll into a world of strikes, spares, and endless fun at one of LA's eclectic bowling alleys. Whether you're a seasoned bowler or just looking for a good time, these lively venues offer a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern entertainment. XLanes is a bustling hotpot full of LED lit bowling lanes in addition to an arcade, billiards, and karaoke rooms! For a more sultry vibe, we recommend Highland Park Bowl, a beautiful bowling venue with a rustic charm.

Options: XLanes (Little Tokyo), Highland Park Bowl, and Shatto 39 Lanes (Ktown)

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Magic Shows

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Price: $35-$90

Prepare to be spellbound by the mesmerizing world of magic shows, where magicians perform enchanting acts of mystery and wonder. From intimate parlors to grand theaters, these captivating performances transport audiences to realms where the impossible seems to become reality. Illusion Magic Lounge and Magic Castle are a classic featuring some of the nation’s best magicians. There are also touring magicians that have residencies and frequent popular venues such as the Biltmore Hotel. Pop up shows are also common so keep an eye out for those. Witness mind-bending feats, jaw-dropping illusions, and subtle hand masteries as talented magicians dazzle and delight with their artistry. You are bound to leave feeling both amazed and bewildered.

Options: Illusion Magic Lounge (Santa Monica), Black Rabbit Rose Magic (Hollywood), Magic Castle (Hollywood), The Biltmore Hotel (DTLA), Regular Pop Ups

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Chi Chi LA

Price: $$, varies by order

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Chi Chi LA, located in Ktown, is one of the most thrilling restaurants with a very unique drink game system. Each table has a tablet where they are able to challenge other tables to a variety of dual player games. The best part is a Soju bottle or alcohol of your choice is given or lost per game. You can also chat with other tables, creating a social and energized environment within the vibrant restaurant. Enjoy delicious food, while also sipping on your winnings and vibing to the jams at this one of a kind spot!

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