A Solo Date in LA | Hiking, Golden Hour & Nails

I love living with my boyfriend. But I also solo traveled for three years, and that part of me almost disappeared once we moved in together. Not in a bad way — just in the way identities shift when your life shifts.

This solo date was a reminder that she’s still in there. The girl who books the one way flights, eats alone, and gets lost in hikes in different countries.

I just finished reading Atomic Habits again for the second time and there’s a chapter about how the tighter you cling to one identity, the harder it is to grow beyond it. I’m not “the solo travel girl” anymore but I’m also not “not” her anymore. Learning to hold onto both.

Saving this one as a reminder to do it again and again ❤️‍🔥

#solodatediaries #livinginLAdiaries

4/22 Edited to

... Read moreSpending time alone in a busy city like Los Angeles can be a powerful way to reconnect with your authentic self. From my experience, solo dates aren’t just about being alone—they’re about intentional self-care and reflection. Whether it’s a hike through scenic trails or watching the golden hour light filter through the city’s landscape, these moments create space for mindfulness and personal growth. During my solo adventures, I realized how solo time encourages me to explore my interests without compromise. A hike, for example, becomes a metaphor for my journey—sometimes challenging yet deeply rewarding. It gives a chance to unplug from social expectations and tune into what truly matters to me. Adding small rituals like getting my nails done completes the experience, blending relaxation with self-expression. Living with a partner is wonderful, but nurturing a part of your identity that thrives in solitude is equally important. A solo date reminds me that independence and togetherness can coexist harmoniously. It’s about holding space for both versions of yourself and embracing growth without clinging to rigid labels. If you’re contemplating a solo date yourself, try setting aside a few hours for an activity you enjoy, perhaps somewhere that inspires you outdoors. The fresh air during a hike or the calm ambiance during golden hour can be incredibly rejuvenating. Trust me, these moments can spark creativity, reduce stress, and help maintain a balanced sense of self in a busy world. Remember, solo time isn’t selfish—it’s self-love. It’s a practice worth repeating, no matter where you are in life.

Related posts

A person in a red jacket and jeans walks across an empty parking lot at dusk, with the title '50 Solo Dates The Power of Enjoying Your Own Company' overlaid. The image serves as the cover for an article on solo date ideas.
A white background displays the first five solo date ideas from the article: Café & Bookstore Date, Museum or Art Gallery Visit, Movie Night, Solo Picnic in the Park, and Sunset Walk or Scenic Drive.
A white background displays solo date ideas 6 through 11 from the article, including Spa or Self-Care Day, Try a New Restaurant or Coffee Shop, Take a Solo Day Trip, Attend a Class or Workshop, Go Shopping & Treat Yourself, and Sunrise Coffee & Journaling.
50 Solo Date Ideas for Self Love & Self Confidence
In a world that constantly encourages social interactions, it’s easy to overlook the importance of spending time alone. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or somewhere in between, solo dates can be an empowering way to recharge, reflect, and truly enjoy your own company. For women especia
Chalie_Baker

Chalie_Baker

1874 likes

A couple stands on a sandy hill, holding hands and watching a sunset over water. The image has an overlay text that reads "ALPHABET DATING budget friendly," promoting cheap date ideas.
A list of budget-friendly date ideas for letters A, B, C, and D, presented on lined paper. Examples include art museum, apple picking, botanical garden, baking night, cat cafe, craft night, disc golf, and dollar tree basket making.
A list of budget-friendly date ideas for letters E, F, G, and H, presented on lined paper. Examples include exercise, estate sales, froyo, farmers market, goodwill outfits, game night, happy hour, and hiking.
budget friendly date ideas
cheap date ideas a-z!! #datingideas #wellness #relationship #dateideas #alphabetdateideas #alphabetdate #datenight #cheapdates #cheapdateideas #budgetfriendly
m

m

1238 likes

A cozy scene featuring a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows, cookies, and red berries, set against a warm fireplace. The text "SOLO WELLNESS DATES For every month of the year. SWIPE" is prominently displayed.
Two white text boxes present solo wellness date ideas for January, including forest bathing and vision boarding, and for February, such as a self-care spa day and sound bath, against a winter forest backdrop.
Two white text boxes detail solo wellness date ideas for March, like a spring detox bath and gardening, and for April, including art therapy and a cherry blossom picnic, set against a serene spring stream.
12 months of wellness date ideas for self-care ❤️
Align with the seasons and holidays through mindful wellness dates that bring balance, joy, and self-care into every month. January: 1. Forest Bathing & Nature Walk: Immerse yourself in nature and reflect on your intentions for the year while enjoying the peacefulness of winter. 2. Visi
Ashlee Sunshine

Ashlee Sunshine

125 likes

Golden hour tips✨🌸
When minimal meets luxury — a soft blush base with sharp golden edges and a delicate floral moment to seal the look. 💅✨ Every detail screams goddess energy. Would you rock this set? 👑 #LemonadeNails #NailGoals #GoldFrenchTips #LuxuryNails #NailArtLove
Lovely’s Nail Lab

Lovely’s Nail Lab

1038 likes

A person types on a laptop in a coffee shop, with a coffee cup beside them. The image features the title "SOLO DATE IDEAS TO INCREASE SELF ESTEEM" and the Lemon8 username @staci_york.
A list of solo date ideas, numbered 1 through 5, is displayed over a blurred background of a cafe. Ideas include visiting a coffee shop, watching the sunrise, hiking, attending a yoga class, and networking events.
A list of solo date ideas, numbered 6 through 10, is presented over a blurred background. Ideas include a relaxing Sunday, solo movie, driving with music, cooking a new recipe, and taking oneself on a date.
Solo Date Ideas To Increase Self Esteem
Doing things by yourself is the cure of low self-esteem. If you spend your entire life doing what everyone else wants to do, you’ll never have confidence in your own voice or your own decisions. These are a few of the things that I did (and still do) to build my self-esteem. Some of them might seem
staci york 💛🍋

staci york 💛🍋

1075 likes

The image displays the title "ABC DATING IDEAS" above a photo of two people toasting champagne glasses with the illuminated Eiffel Tower and city lights in the background at night. The username "@QVEEN.LAY14" is at the bottom.
This image lists various dating ideas for the letters A, B, C, and D, presented in two columns on a pink background. Examples include Arcade, Brunch, Cheesecake Factory, and Dinner.
This image lists various dating ideas for the letters E, F, G, and H, presented in two columns on a pink background. Examples include Escape Room, Farmers Market, Gourmet Dining, and Hiking.
ABC date ideas from a-z (save for late)💖
✨dating can be difficult at times, but with this list youll have lots of options to help plan the perfect date whether your solo or with your significant other! ✨abc dating is about going through the alphabet and finding a date for each letter! ✨these date ideas are fun & engaging which
Lay 🩵

Lay 🩵

80 likes

A museum hall with dinosaur skeletons and glass ceilings, overlaid with text promoting "Self Love Date Ideas," "Learn to be Alone," "Alone isn't Lost," and "Growth Mindset."
An immersive art exhibit with projected visuals and people, featuring text asking "Why should I go on a Solo Date?" and listing benefits like self-discovery, confidence, and empowerment.
A picnic scene with watermelon, a water bottle, and a book, accompanied by text asking "Why do I need Alone Time?" and explaining reasons like avoiding loss of individuality and dependence.
- Date Yourself: The Ultimate Act of Self-Love💞🙆🏼‍♀️✨
Solo dates are a form of self-love, allowing you to prioritize and nurture your own needs and desires. They deepen your connection to your inner world by tuning into your thoughts and feelings without distractions, fostering self-reliance, confidence, and personal growth. Engaging in solo a
Brooke˚₊‧♡ ‧₊˚

Brooke˚₊‧♡ ‧₊˚

333 likes

An outdoor cafe setting with a black purse, a menu, and an iced coffee drink with a blue straw on a table. The text "SOLO DATE IDEAS" is overlaid on the image, suggesting a coffee shop solo date.
Six heart-shaped images illustrate solo date ideas: a coffee shop, an art museum, a sip and paint session, a bookstore, a beach picnic, and a pottery class.
A grid of twelve cartoon illustrations depicts various budget-friendly solo date ideas, including visiting a cafe, art gallery, hiking trail, farmer's market, or having a 'sip and paint' night.
solo date ideas 🤌🦋
#solodateideas #solodate #solodatetips #solodateday #solodateexploration
b <3

b <3

31 likes

Golden hour glow on my nails #nailart #luxurynails
Golden hour glow on my nails #nailart #luxurynails #floraldesign #longnails #naillnspo
dandan

dandan

271 likes

GOLDEN HOUR GLOW WITH SUN KISSED NAILS🍋🌸☀️💐✨
#summernails #NailArt #pinknails #frenchtips #Lemon8Diary
KB with the cute nails 💅🏽

KB with the cute nails 💅🏽

121 likes

The image features two pairs of feet relaxing on a lounge chair by a swimming pool, with a resort building and palm trees in the background. Overlay text reads "SUMMER DATE IDEAS" and categorizes them as "at home, active, relaxing & creative."
This image displays a list of ten "AT HOME" summer date ideas, such as cooking a meal or stargazing, presented on a white overlay. The background shows soft pink flowers against a light gray backdrop.
The image presents a list of ten "ACTIVE" summer date ideas, including exploring hiking trails or kayaking, on a white overlay. The background features a green playground slide with a person's legs visible at the top.
Summer Date Ideas for each category☀️
Here are 40 summer date ideas for couples! These date ideas are separated by four categories: AT HOME: These dates consist of activities you can do at home. Some of these take place outside in your yard, but the idea is to still go on a “date” even without having to actually go anywhere. AC
Rebekah Joy

Rebekah Joy

180 likes

Get in shape by HIKING 🍋🥰
I don’t know about you guys, but when the sun is sunning and the weather is nice, I don’t always want to be in a gym setting to get a workout in. However, with my adhd and anxiety, I NEED to move my body and challenge myself. Hiking is that fix for me. The second I start walking under a beautiful c
Alyssa Sears

Alyssa Sears

6 likes

✨soft girl nails inspo✨
Happy Friday Babes! REMEMBER to: Pamper and LOVE on yourself today and ALWAYS! Do something that makes you happy, smile, laugh, solo date night if you’re single, mini getaway, shopping, movies, happy hour. trips, massages, total body care. Get your hair done, nails and pedicure, buy yourself flo
💋BEÅU†ÊÊ ÖRGÅÑÏ¢§💋

💋BEÅU†ÊÊ ÖRGÅÑÏ¢§💋

20 likes

Date Night Ideas ✨🫶
Hey Y’all !! So I’ve Been Dying To Try The ABC Dating Trend And Couldn’t Wait To Dive Right Into Creation!! A Lot Of The Lists I’ve Seen Have Places/Ideas That Are Specific To Their Location/State. With Me Living On The Eastern Shore, “Disneyland” Isn’t Exactly An Easy Date Night/Day Feat; Timing O
Raidawave

Raidawave

22 likes

Dandelion Bread Spring Recipe Hiking Foraging Herb
Spring favorite, recipe here: Ingredients: - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup whole wheat flour - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste) - 1/2 cup dandelion flowers (washed and chopped) - 1 cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative) - 1/4 cup vegetable
The Boho Apothecary

The Boho Apothecary

13 likes

Put myself first ERA: perfect solo date ideas
Hello friends! 🍋 Spending time alone can be incredibly rewarding, and solo dates are a perfect way to enjoy your own company. I’ve discovered that taking time for myself not only brings a sense of relaxation but also helps me reconnect with what I truly enjoy. If you haven’t tried solo d
Thamires Cottone | REALTOR

Thamires Cottone | REALTOR

109 likes

The image shows a dark, blurry scene of people at a concert or club, with "A-Z Date Ideas" in pink script and a pink kiss emoji, serving as the title image for a list of date ideas.
Two hands form a heart shape against a vibrant blue aquarium background, surrounded by numerous glowing jellyfish, illustrating an "Aquarium" date idea.
Shadows of two people are cast on a tiled floor in a bookstore or library, with wooden bookshelves filled with books lining the wall, representing a "Bookstore or Library" date.
A-H Date Ideas
Hey lovely people I hope you have a great week. Here are some A-H date ideas for couples who don’t know what date to go on next. This list is also perfect for friend dates and solo dates as well. 🐠A- Aquarium 📚B- Bookstore or Library 🕯️C- Candlelit Dinner 🚗D- Drive-In Movie Theatre 🔓E- Escap
🖤🌕

🖤🌕

9 likes

A smiling young couple is featured with "alphabet date ideas" text and floral accents, set against a dark background with neon lights. The image is outlined with a pink dotted line.
A list of alphabet date ideas for letters A, B, and C, including options like Aquarium, Arcade, Board game night, Beach, and Cat cafe, each with a radio button.
A list of alphabet date ideas for letters D, E, and F, featuring options such as Double date, Drive-in movie, Escape room, Envelope date, Fireworks, and Flower field.
🌺alphabet date ideas🌺
✮❀𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚❀✮

✮❀𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐚❀✮

9 likes

A woman with long blonde hair, wearing a green tank top and dark jeans, poses on a white wall during golden hour. Saguaro cacti are visible in the background against a vibrant orange and pink sunset sky, evoking an Arizona desert scene.
Golden hour in Arizona
#golden hour #arizonasunset #cowgirlnails #ai #sunset
Amelie Cami

Amelie Cami

28 likes

Hiking Tips for Beginners (:
Good vibes and healing my graces 💋 there is so much importance to getting out and walking as it provides endless abilities to your body… -Stay healthy 🌱 -Clear your mind 🪬 -Boost your Mood 🧿 -Reduce stress 🫶🏽 -Improve mental awareness 📚 Some tips as you go along the way: 0. ALWAYS DOWNLOAD
Heysaybaby

Heysaybaby

8 likes

Olive Green French Nails During Golden Hour ✨💅🏽
#nails #frenchnail #fallnails #green french tips #fall
Destiny

Destiny

51 likes

A blurred image of green foliage with text overlay introducing a full-day Bonita Springs itinerary for adults 50+, emphasizing peaceful strolls, native plants, and benches.
A serene sunrise/sunset over wetlands with a path, featuring text about a morning visit to Crew Flint Pen Strand, highlighting quiet wetlands, soft light, and wildlife observation.
A tranquil beach at sunrise/sunset with a palm tree and gentle waves, overlaid with text describing a morning visit to Barefoot Beach Preserve for walking and relaxing.
SWFL Hiking Trails - Bonita Springs Itinerary
#florida #hiking #bonitasprings #over50 #southwestflorida
crangelmd

crangelmd

1 like

Golden Hour Nails That Glow Like Sunshine ✨🌞
Soft, glowy, and golden 💫 These nails were made for summer sunsets 🌇 Would you wear this golden hour set?👇 Save for your next mani inspo! 💛🌼 #GoldenHourNails #SunsetNails #NailInspo #Lemon8Diary #HelloLemon8
Polish & Poise💅🏻🌸

Polish & Poise💅🏻🌸

142 likes

A social media post featuring a multi-tiered waterfall at Little Bradley Falls, Saluda, North Carolina. The image includes hike details: 2.84 miles length, 230 ft elevation gain, and 2 hours 6 minutes time, along with a small trail map.
A couple stands on rocks at the base of Little Bradley Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall cascading over rocky cliffs amidst lush greenery. The water flows into a clear pool, with fallen tree branches visible in the foreground.
A couple, viewed from behind, stands close to the powerful cascades of Little Bradley Falls, looking up at the water. The waterfall splashes over rocks, surrounded by green foliage.
Hiking in NC (little bradley falls)
First hike with my partner, but also my first waterfall hike! this is an easy family friendly hike. only and hour ish from Charlotte NC Little Bradley Falls
Monse Mata

Monse Mata

3 likes

Golden hour, glossy leather & dangerous nails 💛💅🏽
The details did all the talking. Glossy yellow leather, vintage-inspired nail art, and that effortless off-duty energy. 💛✨ #Lemon8 #FashionDiary #NailInspo #LuxuryStyle #StreetStyle #SoftGlam #LongNails #FashionInspo #ItGirlStyle #Aesthetic #BaddieStyle #OOTD #LuxuryAesthetic #Ye
Medusa Haze 🖤

Medusa Haze 🖤

27 likes

A white oval with the text "Date Night Ideas" in black, flanked by two pink hearts, is overlaid on a background of parked cars and a bed set up in the back of a vehicle, suggesting a drive-in movie or outdoor date.
A list titled "INDOOR" presents various date night ideas, including homemade pizza night, building a time capsule, movie marathon, building a fort, Disney movie marathon, making snow cones, face masks, karaoke, making smoothies, baking, and homemade sundaes.
A list titled "40 FREE OR CHEAP Date Night Ideas" features suggestions like recreating a first date, stargazing, DIY projects, YouTube karaoke, playing games, coffee shop chats, mini golf, and finding garage sale treasures.
Date Night Ideas
#lemon8diarychallenge #date night ideas #fun date night #cute date night #dates #easydateideas #inexpensivedate #unfiltered #embracevulnerability #Lemon8Diary
Makenna

Makenna

16 likes

A person with a brown backpack walks away from the camera on a dirt hiking trail, surrounded by green trees under a sunny sky. The word "Summer" is overlaid.
A turtle with algae on its shell is partially submerged in murky water, surrounded by aquatic plants. The word "Turtles!" is overlaid.
A man with long curly hair and a bandana, wearing a light shirt and backpack, stands on a dirt path looking up at the camera. "BOYFRIEND <3" is overlaid.
Hiking date in Texas
Went on a little hiking date w my boo at cedar ridge reserve! definitely kicked our asses and idk how anyone was running this trail in the texas heat. loved it though saw so many butterflies and turtles and fish & my legs are beyond sore lol. there’s lots of rest places though thankfully and wa
agrimony

agrimony

8 likes

solo hiking tips🥾🌲🦋
#solohike #hikingtips #tennessee #trails
Katherine

Katherine

12 likes

A woman with blonde hair and glasses smiles, looking up at the camera while sitting on a mossy rock next to clear blue water, wearing a brown top and dark pants.
A woman stands smiling by the edge of a clear blue lake, surrounded by green trees and mossy rocks, reflecting the sky and foliage.
A close-up of a hand showing manicured nails with a French tip style, featuring a gold design on one nail and a pink 3D floral design with gems on another.
Hiking and nails
Tamolitch Falls (Blue Pool) #beautifulhike #shorthikes #hiking🥾 #unfiltered #nailinspo
Audrey Rose

Audrey Rose

9 likes

what i wore in california: hiking edition 🌸🥾🌊🪵
i don’t hike often despite living in colorado. the summer months are too hot & the winder months are too cold. but in carmel california, the weather is the perfect balance between the two. here’s what i wore to hike the entire point lobos trail as someone who loves wear a cute outfit, even on a
lylah 🎀

lylah 🎀

90 likes

Hiking Adventures: old and abandoned
Abandoned structures. #hiking #abandoned
KittyKitty

KittyKitty

64 likes

Hiking to a waterfall in Maine
Favorite Maine Hikes: Little Wilson Falls Trail 🌲 Looking for a hidden gem in Maine? Let me take you on a visual tour of Little Wilson Falls Trail in Elliottsville Township. This Appalachian Trail treasure is perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike! 🥾 Slide 2: “🍃 The Start of the
Alyssa Sears

Alyssa Sears

0 likes

🌸 5 Solo Date Ideas for Self Love & Growth 🌸
Taking yourself out on a date is one of the most empowering acts of self-love. Whether you’re looking to recharge, reflect, or simply have fun, solo dates are all about connecting with YOU. Here are 5 solo date ideas to treat yourself, because you deserve it! 💕 1️⃣ Coffee Shop & Journaling S
Caroline 🫶🏼

Caroline 🫶🏼

32 likes

Golden hour magic ✨
Rosy💋

Rosy💋

5 likes

A hike at sunset/golden hour is good for the soul
This hiking trail is less than a mile from my apartment. It stretches 17 miles from the edge of Kansas City southeast through Lees Summit and goes further south and I’d like to think through Pleasant Hill. I did see they are adding to the trail by Arrowhead and Kauffman stadiums so that’s exciting!
kate.danae96

kate.danae96

4 likes

ANTI-VALENTINE SOLO DATE IDEAS
Hey there, Anti-Valentinians! 🚫❤️ Yes, I'm talking to you – the ones who would rather eat a box of nails than a box of chocolates on February 14th. Whether you're flying solo by choice or by circumstance, or just can't stand the sight of another teddy bear holding a heart, I've got
Lushie Club 💖

Lushie Club 💖

37 likes

A scenic view of a lush green forest path leading to a waterfall at Starved Rock State Park. Sunlight filters through the dense canopy, illuminating the trail. The image captures the natural beauty of the hiking grounds.
A close-up shot of a butterfly perched on a person's shoulder, with bright sunlight creating a lens flare in the background. The image highlights a special moment during the Starved Rock hiking trip.
A butterfly rests on a person's arm, with another person's legs visible in the foreground. The background shows rocky terrain next to a body of water, capturing a serene moment during the Starved Rock date.
Starved Rock Date 🦋🌎
My boyfriend and I about a week ago spent the entire day hiking through the Illinois Starved Rock camp/hiking grounds. It was the perfect way to start summer off, was a challenge but so much fun for the both of us. I love to linger and look around for cute things, my boyfriend on the other hand
Ava

Ava

9 likes

See more