Taking someone out this weekend. Dinner and a movie feels a bit lazy, I want something better. First date, so nothing so intense it's weird if there's no spark, but enough going on that we're not just staring at each other.
I'm on the Westside near the Marina but I'll drive for the right spot. Give me your actual go-to, the one that's worked, not just "go to a nice restaurant." 
Thank you.
My go-to suggestion is Rooftop Cinema Club, the one in DTLA or the Level in Hollywood. You get the movie so there's built-in conversation, but the rooftop setting and a drink beforehand make it feel like an actual event, not a dark theater.
If you want something livelier, Rowan in Downtown does a great cocktail-and-small-plates thing where you can talk. First dates live or die on whether you can actually hear each other, so I always steer people toward a spot with some room to breathe.
Take her to Two Bit Circus in the Arts District!! It's a big interactive arcade with games and little VR things and a bar, impossible to have an awkward silence when you're competing at something lol. So fun and low pressure.
If she's more chill, a sunset walk at Abbot Kinney with a stop at Great White works every time.
Since you're by the Marina, girl, I'd keep the first one close and easy. Grab drinks at The Brig or Hinano in Venice, then just walk the canals, it's genuinely romantic and gives you something to talk about.
My other classic is the Getty. Free, gorgeous, the tram ride up is fun, and wandering the gardens gives you natural pauses instead of that forced across-the-table thing. Weather permitting it never misses.
If you want something cultural and low cost, the free Friday night jazz at LACMA is my favorite way to start a date, you sit outside, there's music, and you can drift to the museum or grab food after.
It's relaxed and it says a little something about you without trying too hard.
A daytime one that always works, Grand Central Market downtown to graze and try a bunch of things, then walk over and ride Angels Flight up to The Broad if you book the free tickets ahead. Food, a little quirk, and art in one loop.
For a night version, the Griffith Observatory at sunset is a cliche for a reason, the view does half the work for you. Both give you plenty to talk about without the pressure of a formal dinner.
Just go to Duffy boat in the Marina. You can rent an electric Duffy right there, no license needed, snacks and a speaker. Do a slow loop at golden hour. You’re moving, there’s something to look at, conversation is easy and if it’s awkward you just keep steering.
If it goes well you dock and walk over to The Warehouse or Tony P’s for a drink.
Ask her what she likes, that’s the best way. I feel pool, tennis or a nice hike is better than a simple dinner where conversations are kinda forced. Have a drink after that. That makes memories and keeps it simple.
The mentioned boat ride works as well.
I never did something like that, but would be worth a try. Good when people that click.. otherwise this could feel painfully long.
Everything would feel painfully long in that case. 
Fair point. 
I just feel it’s easier to escape a dinner than a boats ride. 
I would prefer something like this.
Maybe with a visit to one of the rooftop bars after that. Depends on the chemistry, of course. Hiking and boat rides largely depend on the weather and time of day. Wouldn't necessarily be my first choice. I don't want to show up in a hiking outfit and then go to a restaurant later. That's better for a second or third date.
I wouldn't expect anything fancy. Yeah... a movie is a bit lame. Go out and grab a drink instead, have some talks, ask for dinner later. Sometimes less is more.
I appreciate a good laugh on a Monday morning.
Thanks.
But he was also painfully right.