Tired of the Apps? Here’s How to Meet People in Real Life
Tired of the Apps? Here’s How to Meet People in LA in Real Life
How to Build Community in Los Angeles Without Apps: The IRL Social Guide You Didn’t Know You Needed
Let’s just say it out loud: we’ve gotten weird about meeting people.
I’m not just talking about dating, I’m talking about making friends, building community and interacting in real life (not just on your phone)! Are we spending more time per day scrolling Instagram (or YouTube, or TikTok) than interacting with humans face-to-face? I suspect we are… so we are losing our basic, human social skills! It’s not normal! How uncool is that?
Dating wise…We’ll swipe on someone, text for another week, schedule a coffee, reschedule it, and then… never meet. Meanwhile, we walk past dozens of interesting humans every single day and avoid eye contact like it’s the plague. Then we wonder why we don’t have any good dating prospects… I think we should start with eye contact and a smile! LOL
In some ways the Boomers and X-Generation had it right… they had clubs like the Kiwanis Club, the Elk Club, The Rotary Club where they gathered regularly and facilitated group interactions. This gave us community, stability and consistency! They know that building relationships takes time and intentional action.
But recently, there’s been a shift. People are tired. Tired of holding their phones as a stand-in for real relationships, tired of low-effort bot comments, tired of feeling like they’re in some weird algorithm loop where the goal is to keep you scrolling, not actually connecting.
So naturally, we’re going back to something a little more… old school:
meeting people in real life.
And here’s the good news: LA actually has a ton of these IRL communities. First off, we’ve already had communities (you can seek out your kind of people) but now, we’re even going with a little nostalgia! What was it like before phones, what if we went back to cutting out paper images and gluing it together in a collage or scrap book? What if you actually went for a walk outside instead of looking at reels about the undiscovered LA hikes? You just have to know where to look, and more importantly, which ones are worth your time.
Rummiklub LA: For When You Want Sleek-Social-Night Vibes
Image from Rummiklub LA Instagram
Let’s start with Rummiklub LA.
This one feels… curated. Think stylish venues, well-dressed people, and a slightly elevated game night vibe. Tickets aren’t cheap, currently ranging from $25–$50, but that’s kind of the point. You’re paying for a smoother, sexier, more intentional experience.
The game is Rummikub (if you know, you know… if you don’t, you’ll learn quickly), but the real value is the environment. People show up open to meeting others in fancy places like the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. It’s not chaotic, it’s not awkward, and (lets hope) it’s not trying too hard.
Who it’s for:
If you want something social but polished, sleek and a more seen-and-be-seen vibe. You like a little structure, a little ambiance, and people who made an effort to be there.
Love, Peace & Spades: Community First, Games Second
Image from the Love, Peace and Spades Instagram.
Then there’s Love, Peace & Spades…this isn’t just a game night. It’s a community-centered experience rooted in culture, connection, and history. They host free or donation-based gatherings centered around games like Spades, Uno, Bid Whist, and Dominoes—games that carry deep cultural meaning, especially in Black communities.
What stood out to me is that they’re very intentional about the space they’re creating. They describe it as a modern-day “hush harbor”; a place for intergenerational connection, creativity, and healing through play. They have Spades Academy, which teaches strategy and gameplay in a structured way.
So yes, you’re playing games, but you’re also participating in something that feels bigger than just “let’s hang out.”
Who it’s for:
If you want depth, culture, and community…not just small talk. This is less about dating and more about meaningful connection.
LA Chess Club!
Image from the LA Chess Club Instagram
If you’re not into loud mixers or forced conversations, LA Chess Club is a very different entry point.
The crowd tends to skew 20s–30s, and the vibe is focused but still social. You don’t have to be a chess expert…people are there to play, learn, and hang out. It’s one of those environments where the pressure of “what do I even say?” kind of disappears because you’re already doing something. The interaction happens naturally.
I personally find chess a bit more thoughtful than other games… but it doesn’t have to be. You can play fast, lose fast, and just keep it moving. Growing up, my biggest complaint was that I took way too long to make a move. People literally wanted me on a timer so we could just get on with it 😂. I hated making the “wrong” move, so I’d sit there thinking through every possible outcome.
What I’ve realized since is that strong players aren’t just thinking slowly, they’ve already practiced thinking ahead. That’s why they can move quickly in real time. They’ve mentally run through the scenarios before.
So now, if I’m playing socially, I’ve made peace with losing. The point isn’t to win every game—it’s to enjoy the experience, meet people, and maybe get a little better each time. It shifts the whole vibe from performance to participation, which honestly makes it way more fun.
Who it’s for:
Anyone. Introverts, extroverts, thinkers, casual players. If you like a little strategy with your socializing or you want connection without needing to “perform”—this is a really easy, low-pressure way in. They have a Chess dating app that you download, so perhaps this is the new hot way to meet singles??
Junk Journal Club: Creative, Cozy, Surprisingly Social
Image from the Junk Journal Club Instagram
If you’re craving something slower, tactile, and a little therapeutic checkout Junk Journal Club ; it’s a thoughtful IRL community based around crafting!
The concept is simple: junk journaling is a mix of scrapbooking, collage, and creative journaling where you use everyday materials (ticket stubs, photos, stickers, even random things like coffee sleeves or napkins) and turn them into something personal. There are no rules, no “right way” to do it, and that’s exactly the point.
What makes this club special isn’t just the craft, it’s the intention behind it. The founder, Nandi Owolo, actually started junk journaling after breaking her foot and being stuck at home. It became a creative outlet during a time that could have easily felt isolating. That same energy carries into the events now: they’re designed to bring people together in a way that feels low-pressure, inclusive, and genuinely human.
And clearly, people are craving this. Her first event sold out immediately, and now gatherings (usually 20–30 people) often sell out within minutes. That smaller size is intentional; it keeps things cozy, not overwhelming, and makes it easier to actually talk to people instead of just sitting in a crowd.
There’s also something deeper going on here. In a world where everything is digital, fast, and kind of overwhelming, this is a chance to slow down and create something physical. It taps into nostalgia, creativity, and connection all at once. As Nandi put it, it’s a way to quiet the noise and I think a lot of people are looking for exactly that right now.
Who it’s for:
Anyone who wants a softer, more intentional way to meet people. Creative or not, you don’t need to be “artistic”. If you like the idea of connecting while doing something with your hands (and getting off your phone for a few hours), this is a good start.
The Crafters Clubhouse: Scrapbooking and Nostalgia
Image from The Crafters Clubhouse Instagram
Image from The Crafters Clubhouse Instagram
If you like the idea of doing something creative and make memories try The Crafters Clubhouse.
One of their recent events was hosted at Lore Leimert Park (my local bookstore!): get your photos out of your phone and turn them into a physical scrapbook you’ll actually keep.
The vibe is very relaxed, very come-as-you-are. You’re sitting around a table with other people, cutting, gluing, decorating, chatting. They provide pretty much everything you need—photo album binders, scissors, stickers, washi tape, paper, all the fun little creative extras. You just bring your printed photos and anything personal you want to include. It’s low effort to show up, but high reward in terms of what you leave with.
There’s also something very grounding about it. In a world where everything can feel transactional, this is the opposite. You’re slowing down, being a little creative, and making something that actually means something to you. It feels nostalgic in the best way (take me back to middle school, yall!).
Events are usually smaller and RSVP-based (with limited spots), which helps keep things manageable. It’s not a massive crowd…it’s a cozy table of people who all decided to spend their afternoon doing something intention (slowing down to enjoy life!).
Who it’s for:
Anyone who wants a creative, low-pressure way to meet people. You don’t need to be artistic… just an interest in crafts or learning crafts…if you can glue and stick things onto a page, you’re qualified. This is for people who want connection and nostalgia!
WeHo Backgammon Club: Game Night, With Energy
Image from the WeHo Backgammon Club Instagram
If you’re into competitive play and boardgames, try WeHo Backgammon Club.
Their events feel more like a scene: evenings at places like Palihouse West Hollywood or private clubs, with a mix of people rotating through games, drinks in hand, and a steady hum of activity. It’s definitely lively.
What makes them stand out is how they structure the gameplay. They run formats like the “Gammon Ladder,” where you win a game and move up, lose and work your way back. It keeps things moving, and more importantly, it means you’re constantly playing against new people throughout the night.
They also host larger tournament-style events, and the turnout can be substantial. One recent event had close to 90 players competing and over 150 people there overall.
There’s also a bit of a competitive edge if you want it. Some nights have prizes, like a $300 backgammon board, which gives people something to worth winning.
Tickets are required and spots are limited.
Who it’s for:
If you like a social setting with competitive play and a large group to play through.. You’re open to meeting a lot of people in one night, you don’t mind a bit of friendly competition.
Pickle & Tequila: Speed Dating, With a Workout
Image from founder Camile’s Instagram.
If traditional speed dating sounds painful try something that makes you move: Pickle & Tequila . This is a speed dating pickleball tournament, which means you’re playing. You rotate partners every round, so by the end of the event, you’ve interacted with multiple people and avoided the dreadful interview feeling!
The setup is structured but active. You check in, games start on time, and you move through matches with different partners. Two people are crowned “most eligible” at the end.
There are a few things to know going in. First, this is intermediate level and up, so it’s not for total beginners. You don’t need to be amazing, but you do need to be able to keep a game going. The crowd typically falls in the late 20s to late 30s range.
It’s also not just the tournament. After the games wrap, everyone heads to a nearby bar to continue the night. That’s where conversations can open up more.
The Basics: One ticket per person, no refunds, fixed pairings, so people tend to show up ready to participate. Pricing currently starts around $10, which lowers the barrier compared to some other curated events.
Who it’s for:
If you’d rather meet someone while doing something instead of sitting and talking. You’re a bit active, you don’t mind a little structure, and you want a faster way to get a read on people beyond just conversation.
OLA Beach Tennis: Sand, Sun, and Game
Image from the OLA Beach Tennis website.
If you’re into tennis-like sports that combines sand, sun and beach, check out OLA Beach Tennis.
The game itself sits somewhere between tennis and volleyball. You’re playing on sand, rallies are fast, and there’s no bounce, so it keeps you engaged the entire time. The hope is it’s easier to pick up if you’ve played any racket sport before, but challenging enough to keep things interesting.
Most of their gatherings happen right on the beach, with open play sessions where you rotate in and out of matches, as well as larger tournaments and wellness-focused events throughout the year. You can show up solo, join a game, step out, and rotate back in.
They also lean into the broader experience beyond just playing. Some events include wellness activations, local brands, or just a longer hang on the beach after the games wrap. It’s less about rushing through matches and more about spending a few hours outside, being active, and enjoying the environment.
The origin story is as follows: the founders discovered beach tennis in Brazil and brought it back to Los Angeles, which explains why the whole thing feels a little more global and lifestyle-driven!
You’ll see a mix of skill levels at their open plays, but having some basic coordination or racket experience helps you jump in more comfortably. If you’re more serious, their tournaments offer a more structured format.
Who it’s for:
People who want to be outside, move around, and try something a little different from the usual LA fitness or sports scene. If you like beach days but want something more engaging than just laying out, this fits nicely into that middle ground.
Final Thoughts: It’s Scary Meeting People IRL, But Go Anyway!
Somewhere along the way, we got a little too comfortable living life through our phones.
We scroll, we like, we DM, we “keep in touch”… but we’re not actually with people. Not in the way that matters.
Community can absolutely start online. But real connection? That only happens when you show up in person. That’s where the magic is.
When I first moved to Los Angeles (way back in the day) I initially met people via in-person gatherings from MeetUp! From there, I had a small friend group, and everyone knew someone…so they introduced me to their friends. And from there I remember my friend group taking off! So it only takes a few essential peeps, and eventually (viola) you have community! The big-bad city of Los Angeles feels a little less lonely.
So this is your nudge to shift things, get away from just interacting on our screens. Pick one thing. Show up. Be present. Put your phone down. Give the moment a chance to unfold (I know, I love taking pics so this is truly hard for me).
Because the truth is, the life you’re looking for, the people, the friendships, the feeling of actually being part of something… it’s not going to come from your phone. It’s going to come from being present, in the flesh!! So get out there, practice those social skills… the old-fashioned way. You may be surprised at what happens!!
If you have other communities you’d love to share, send it my way.
About Elle Tran
Elle (aka L. Tran) thrives on being a tourist in her own city, generously sharing over 10 years of Los Angeles knowledge with fellow enthusiasts!
An enthusiastic bike-to-work cyclist, also known as a commuter, Elle has recently embraced the world of roller skating. If you have any questions about LA, drop her a line, or simply say HELLO! Meeting new people brings her immense joy. Cheers! linhdy@outlook.com
