With its idyllic seaside setting, charming neighborhoods, diverse culinary scene, and abundance of areas to explore, Long Beach makes for an ideal romantic getaway. Couples will discover plenty of date spots from sunset gondola rides to beachfront fine dining that set the mood for romance.
| Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Paddlewheel Boat Brunch Cruise | Brunch cruise with views, live jazz, and champagne brunch buffet. |
| Beachfront Dining at Parker’s Lighthouse | Dining with ocean vistas, sustainable seafood. |
| Rooftop Drinks at The Sky Room | Chic rooftop lounge with city views, cocktails, and share plates. |
| Self-Guided Mural Tour | Explore vibrant murals around Long Beach. |
| Naples Island Canals Gondola Ride | Romantic gondola rides through canals with possible serenades. |
| Beachfront Yoga | Relaxing beach yoga classes with ocean sounds. |
| Picnic in El Dorado Park | Lakeside picnic in nature. |
| Sunsets at Rosie’s Dog Beach | Sunset views with dogs welcome. |
| Laugh Factory Comedy Club Date Night | Comedy club evening with stand-up routines. |
| Hike to Inspiration Point | Hike with panoramic views of Long Beach and surroundings. |
| Whale Watching Cruise | Seasonal whale watching experience. |
| Night Paddleboarding | Paddleboarding under the moonlight in Alamitos Bay. |
Here are the top 12 most romantic things to do in Long Beach for couples looking to connect and enjoy their time together.
Paddlewheel Boat Brunch Cruise
Name and Location: The Harbor Breeze Cruise paddlewheel boat offers scenic brunch and dinner tours sailing through Long Beach Harbor departing from its berth along the waterfront at Rainbow Harbor downtown by the Aquarium.
History and Significance: As a recreation of 19th century Mississippi riverboats and constructed intentionally for harbor cruising, the Harbor Breeze and its unique dual paddlewheel propulsion system has served as an ideal, smoothly-navigating vessel allowing guests unobstructed exterior viewing during Long Beach sightseeing voyages or specialty events since beginning operation in 1989 quickly becoming a signature maritime activity.
What to Expect: During leisurely narrated 90 minute loops passing the historic Queen Mary and visiting shipping terminals, guests indulge plated meals on deck or inside ornate climate-controlled dining rooms illuminated by crystal chandeliers soaked in vistas of passing attractions and landmarks while their captain details aspects of important harbor history perfect for celebrations, tourists or staycations.
Visitor Information: Brunches run Weekends and select weekdays at varies times. Evening dinner, dancing and entertainment cruises available. Reservations recommended booking online or over phone. Guests board 15 minutes prior to departure time. Close-toed shoes advised for safety. Parking options situated nearby the dock.
A brunch cruise along Long Beach Harbor aboard a delightful old-timey paddlewheel boat ambiance provides a distinctly romantic experience. Couples can cuddle up on deck under sunny skies and swaying palms while their captain provides informative commentary on passing sights like the Queen Mary ocean liner, harborside mansions, and charming lighthouses. Or head inside the boat’s ornately decorated dining room for the award-winning Sunday champagne brunch buffet overflowing with decadent breakfast favorites. With live jazz music setting the mood, the relaxing brunch cruise makes for quality couple time.
Beachfront Dining at Parker’s Lighthouse
Name and Location: Parker’s Lighthouse is a waterfront restaurant perched along Shoreline Drive directly overlooking the beaches of Long Beach, CA minutes from Downtown high-rises with close proximity to major attractions.
History and Significance: Built originally in 1957 as Apartment House Pike, eccentric businessman Parker opened a restaurant on premises 1978 striving to replicate grand coastal manor themes. With 10,000 square-feet of contemporary beach house décor, an elevated patio and unparalleled views of breaking waves, Parker’s has won awards becoming an iconic fine dining destination.
What to Expect: Guests request window seats gazing upon surfers and strollers along sand between homes. Signature seafood like the whole Maine lobster packs Parker’s recognition while premium cuts tempt steak enthusiasts. An extensive wine list dazzles amid stunning seascapes painted nightly by sinking oranges melting into purple hues as beach ambiance accompanies memorable evenings.
Visitor Information: Serving dinner daily from 4PM–10PM. Reservations strongly recommended with ample validated parking. Lower price happy hours offered weekday late afternoons if seating available. Relaxed dress code but highend clientele customary. Special occasion services gladly arranged when booking.
The panoramic ocean vistas at Parker’s Lighthouse restaurant provide a dramatic romantic backdrop for couples to connect over an intimate meal. Located right on the Long Beach Shoreline Park and Marina Green, Parker’s floor-to-ceiling windows reveal sweeping views of bobbing yachts, the picturesque coastline, and golden sunset skies while dining. Couples can indulge in the restaurant’s fresh sustainable seafood like seared ahi tuna and king salmon enhanced by Pacific Rim flavors before retiring to the tropical patio for post-dinner cocktails.
Rooftop Drinks at The Sky Room
Name and Location: The Sky Room crowns the historic Breakers Hotel at 210 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach along scenic shoreline bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and city skyline.
History and Significance: Debuting New Years Eve 1953 atop the 13-story Bauer pottery magnate breakers, the swanky Sky Room and its rotating dance floor quickly emerged among Hollywood stars and high society as Long Beach’s premier dining and entertainment venue hosting major events under visually stunning 40-foot glass domes showcasing 360 ̊ views.
What to Expect: Ascending a special elevator revealing the grand penthouse space, visitors soak in unparalleled sunset panoramas from plush circular booths and tables while live piano plays before stepping out to the rooftop observation deck as the lounge pours specialty martinis and classic cocktails befitting mid-century modern atmospheres glowing under the dome light as the sun dips.
Visitor Information: Classic continental dining served nightly 4:30–9PM. The 21+ lounge opens at 4PM for cocktails and small plates with reduced hours off-season. Guests arrive early for coveted window seating. Valet parking and reservations available online or by phone for all visits.
There may be no better way to soak up sweeping romantic city views than from the ultra-chic open air rooftop lounge of The Sky Room located downtown. Sitting seventeen stories up overlooking twinkling city lights, the glittering port, and Long Beach skyline, couples feel on top of the world cozied up together on the rooftop. The handcrafted cocktails, wine list boasting over 300 varietals, and artisanal share plates complement the swanky atmosphere. It’s an ideal spot for happy hour drinks or nightcaps.
Self-Guided Mural Tour
Name and Location: Long Beach contains over 100 murals spanning the 1910s to today across neighborhoods offering self-guided walking tours or drives to soak in public art at your own pace. Pick up printed maps at the visitor center.
History and Significance: Evolving from turn-of-the-century commercial facades to sanctioned installations seen as beautification safeguards against graffiti, vibrant renderings enable artists addressing identity, harmony and history to transform the urban canvas leaving indelible marks speaking to future generations worldwide about chapters and people defining the coastal metropolis through creativity’s emotive lens.
What to Expect: Using provided resources, explorers walk or bike between designated sites to interpret and photograph impressionistic stylings as diverse as the communities inspiring mosaic, Trompe-l’Å“il and brushstroke ridge wall murals conveying prideful senses of place which contagiously elicit feelings of hope from casual observers and cultured art fans alike discovering gems block-to-block sometimes only steps between entries logged once completed encouraging return trips.
Visitor Information: Available dawn to dusk year-round for free self-guided tours using printed or online maps spanning difficulty levels based on locations. Plentiful street parking surrounds various neighborhoods with transit connections useful accessing multiple routes benefitting from tunes, snacks and hydration.
Long Beach overflows with vibrant, imaginative murals infusing neighborhoods with artistic flair around every corner. Exploring these stunning murals hand-in-hand makes for memorable couples moments. Grab a mural map to embark on a DIY walking tour that could reveal anything from surrealist dreamscapes or underwater scenes to incandescent angels. Top mural hotspots include the East Village Arts District, Zaferia neighborhood, Washington School, and Anaheim Street. Couples can discuss the eclectic artworks and stop for photo ops all while admiring local talent and creativity.
Naples Island Canals Gondola Ride
Name and Location: Authentic Venetian gondolas of Long Beach Glide gracefully through miles of Naples Island’s scenic residential canals offering couples romantic floating experiences drifting under quaint foot bridges perfect for proposals, celebrations or casual relaxing excursions year-round.
History and Significance: Inspired by California’s intersecting canal systems mimicking old-world Italian city island infrastructure built early 1900s attracting gondoliers since 1963 privately navigating the narrow passages beneath lush landscapes surrounding charming homes, public access cruises steered by singing experts perpetuate time-honored floating traditions spiriting passengers through historic Valhalla earning naples the nickname Venice of America.
What to Expect: reliably relaxing ninety minute narrated tours ply popular or remote scenic routes passing historic homes and gardens aboard cushioned vessels carrying up to six guests reclining under shaded canopies while costumed boatmen adeptly employ one oar propelling crafts forward and a 35 foot hand carved pole steering through consecutive turns revealing stunning neighborhoods enhanced from unique waterline perspectives sure to create lasting vacation memories.
Visitor Information: cruises seven days weekly require Reservations made online with varied daytime or moonlight Times available year-round for ages 2+. Private and wine/beer packages offered. Dockside Parking otherwise garage four blocks away. Seasonal hours adjusted per demand. Gratuities appreciated.
Rekindling romance comes easy while coasting through Long Beach’s enchanting Naples Island canals in a classic Venetian gondola. Experienced gondoliers adeptly maneuver the narrow waterways once used for early 20th century transport revealing gorgeous waterfront homes and sailboats docked just footsteps away. Couples snuggle up together under cozy blankets for these idyllic private tours of Naples Island offering unparalleled intimacy and charm. Many gondoliers even serenade with songs to make it even more atmospheric.
Beachfront Yoga
Name and Location: Group yoga fitness classes occur daily on the flat sands surrounding lifeguard tower 18 along wide stretches north of the Belmont Veteran’s Memorial Pier in Long Beach with reliable ocean breezes perfect for.
History and Significance: Capitalizing on the peaceful seaside environment within earshot of crashing waves first popularized decades ago by individuals appreciating the restorative nature of practicing wellness routines surrounded by natural elements, large-scale morning and sunset sessions bring communities together celebrating collective movement aimed at longevity, flexibility and inner joy fueled by marine energies.
What to Expect: Arriving barefoot in comfortable athletic wear while unfurling personal mats across designated areas warmed by rising or falling sunlight, participants flow through sequences in unison lead by experienced instructors synchronized with rhythmic ocean sounds stretching upwards before settling into meditative poses gazing upon the infinite Pacific horizon finding serenity and revitalization amid an escape from urban existence not felt anywhere beyond the stabilizing sands.
Visitor Information: Year-round daily classes span early morning through early evening at low or high tide times posted on host websites and social media pages. Drop-in rates around $20 per person with discounts for multiple sessions if paid upfront. Park along Ocean Blvd near Tower 18 or use public lots and walk 3 minutes to venue.
Sharing new experiences is key for quality couple time and trying out beach yoga makes for lighthearted memories. Long Beach offers drop-in beach yoga classes where instructors lead soothing Vinyasa flows as the sounds of lapping waves and crying gulls fill the air. Feel the stress melt away in utter relaxation while holding Warrior III pose facing the tranquil seascape. Classes held during dreamy sunset hours amp up the romance even more. And the best part? Classes are donation-based so they can accommodate all couples’ budgets.
Picnic in El Dorado Park
Name and Location: Spanning over 450 acres in central Long Beach, scenic El Dorado Regional Park offers picnic areas for public gatherings and recreation amid lush gardens, ponds and trails perfect for families or groups both intimate or large in scale seeking outdoor event spaces.
History and Significance: As one of few large green spaces able to host thousands resident to greater LA’s dense concrete sprawl converging for celebrations rooted in cultures across continents, community foundations poured resources developing the expansive grounds over years so generations may harmoniously carry traditions forward through holidays, festivals and milestone events bonded by nature’s healing gifts.
What to Expect: Visitors arrive via entrance roads winding past brighter floral beds each season before choosing from multiple tree-dotted zones outfitted with permanent tables or open grassy patches allowing customizable areas for energetic games or relaxed conversations strengthened by sharing meals from home or caterers who can provide essential event services reserving spaces solidifying meaningful memories chosen intentionally for milestones.
Visitor Information: Free public access from dawn to dusk year-round. Park roads lead to designated picnic zones first-come, first-served with larger reservable sites available online for rental fees based on residency status and group sizes ranging from 25 to 300+ guests at peak amenity season spanning April – September.
Packing a picnic lunch to enjoy lakeside surrounded by nature allows couples to slow down and fully immerse themselves in each other’s company. Spread out your meal on the grassy fields at Long Beach’s idyllic El Dorado Park just steps from a serene duck pond and rolling hills. Share a bottle of wine, feast on gourmet finger foods, and lose yourselves chatting under shady trees. After eating, stroll hand-in-hand along the paved paths to explore lush gardens exploding with vibrant blossoms. It’s an easy romantic escape from city life.
Sunsets at Rosie’s Dog Beach
Name and Location: Located just east of Belmont Pier, Rosie’s Dog Beach allows leashed dogs along the shoreline providing pet owners perfect views watching bright orange sunrises and pink sunsets over the ocean from the sand.
History and Significance: Named after the English bulldog mascot of a 1940s lifeguard, the only legal off-leash area was sanctioned in 2001 after activists showed generations of responsible coastal canine recreation. With separate zones for large and small four-legged friends to roam chasing waves alongside owners valueing quality time outdoors, Rosie’s membership grows welcoming diversities celebrated through solstice gatherings.
What to Expect: Beach walkers with pets in tow stake out spots along the surf observing pelicans diving for fish as joyful dogs socialize chasing tennis balls across wet sands between cooling dips under young owner’s watch before sunset hues stretch over gentle swells broken by playing dolphins saying farewell to fading amber waves as the onshore breeze hints night’s approach.
Visitor Information: Always open for public use with onsite parking along Ocean Blvd near the entrance path. Respect 10PM curfew and required leashing policies with harness recommended. Bring waste bags and water for dogs while their humans pack picnic blankets, jackets and cameras to capture dusk magic.
Long Beach spoils couples with spectacular pink and tangerine sunset skies slowly dipping into the shimmering ocean—best viewed cuddling together on the sand at Rosie’s Dog Beach. This scenic beach welcomes leashed dogs giving couples the perfect opportunity to bring their pooch along for the romantic outing. Spread out blankets facing west over the sandy shore to relish the sublime sunset seascapes dotted with surfers atop glowing waves while dogs playfully romp nearby. End with a sweet seaside kiss when the glowing golden orb grazes the horizon.
Laugh Factory Comedy Club Date Night
Name and Location: The legendary Laugh Factory comedy club chain operates an intimate room within the Long Beach Exchange shopping plaza at 4101 McGowen St offering weekly stand up showcases attracting seasoned touring performers through the crowded SoCal circuit mere blocks from trendy restaurants and retail.
History and Significance: Founded in 1979 by iconic Improv pioneer Budd Friedman before expanding fame through Las Vegas and Hollywood ties seeing legends like Richard Pryor or Robin Williams cutting teeth on stage, trademark marquees illuminated prestigious comedy circuits letting staff shape rising talents early promising return visits as famous alumni drop-in unannounced bidding Long Beach crowds explode introducing proven chops.
What to Expect: Arriving before 8 PM showtimes grab drinks from the bar before entering the configurable 330 seat cabaret for free Cheaper-Than-Babysitting Wednesdays or Weekend headliner performances ranging from raunchy to ingenious dazzling ante likely exceeding cover charges with touring hopefuls risking reputations for 15 riotous minutes attempting to conquer the only LBC venue guaranteeing delivery distilling funny bones nightly like American institutions.
Visitor Information: Show times and performers posted weekly on official websites and social media channels. General Admission fees $15 and up unless otherwise listed for special events. Full restaurant and bars onsite at Long Beach Exchange center with parking. Casual evening wear recommended. Strict 18+ age policy enforced requiring valid I.D.
Sharing laughter and amusement draws couples closer together making an evening at Long Beach’s Laugh Factory comedy club pure delight. Snag seats near the stage to best see hilarious stand-up routines before headlining comedians and up-and-coming talent. Order appetizers, drinks, and dessert to enjoy during the show right at your cabaret table or grab dinner nearby beforehand. Comedy sets make for lighthearted couple fun without pressure. Offering shows most nights of the week, it works for all schedules.
Hike to Inspiration Point
Name and Location: Theupd Inspiration Point hike spans 1.5 miles roundtrip across ascending switchbacks atop Brywood Open Space reserve delivering unparalleled vistas over Long Beach and the entire southern sweep of LA basin’s concrete expanse bleeding out to blue where horizons kiss the pacific’s promises.
History and Significance: Originally called Red Hill when Natives walked the land before 20th century quarrying gave way to colonization planting peppers, citrus then homes carved into ridges witnessing besieged coastlines succumbing to swollen ambitions, vacant lots offered refugees brief reprieve while war brewed abroad though insider tips spread redeeming rugged cliffs still framing stunning sunsets despite steeper costs shaping the booming Metropolis earning guardianship in 2013.
What to Expect: Appropriately prepared adventurers pass harmless snakes on dusty trails snaking upward through brittle vegetation and eroded sandstone switchbacks revealing periodic city and sea views for 1.1 miles before Inspiration Point’s empty vista expands without obstruction across miles of urban sprawl give way to the Pacific Rim’s hypnotic horizon where rarely-shared sanctuaries allow deep human reflections like box held dreams unwrapped by pulling ribbons tied to setting suns.
Visitor Information: Year-round access Sunrise to Sundown . Free parking along Pepper Tree Lane Trailhead with No facilities onsite so pack water/nutrition and plan bathrooms before arriving. Sturdy shoes advised. Avoid extreme heat and watch children near uneven bluffs high above canyons.
Panoramic views embracing Long Beach to Palos Verde Peninsula await couples atop Inspiration Point after a vigorous hike—an active, adventurous date ideal for outdoorsy duos. Climbing nearly 650 feet along the dusty trail lined with cacti and wildflowers gets the heart pumping on the way to the peak’s awe-inspiring vistas. Once reaching Inspiration Point, pairs can soak up vista views of mountains, cityscape, and sea during a breezy picnic before descending back down through fragrant sagebrush holding hands.
Whale Watching Cruise
Name and Location: Harbor Breeze Cruises operates multiple daily whale watching and wildlife tours through winter-spring when the annual grey whale migration passes Long Beach departing from dock #4 Rainbow Harbor behind the Aquarium downtown.
History and Significance: Dedicating ships since 1989 to responsible eco-tourism capitalizing on excellent visibility and currents drawing marine mammals nearshore, veteran naturalists narrate 2-3 hour bluewater sightseeing excursions spotting migratory greys, resident dolphins plus various coastal species generalized tours may glimpse on routes navigating busy ports illustrating world trade 1953 feet from Queen Mary’s regality.
What to Expect: Cruisers enjoy indoor cabin or exterior stern seating with light refreshments available motoring outside the breakwater when whales surface near islands, oil rigs and ships sometimes in numbers joining seabirds, seals and long-snout sea lions whose flowing fins set sights spellbinding generations during fluid migrations between rich feeding areas and birthing lagoons of Baja passing again come November through April.
Visitor Information: Mid-December through April daily depending on sightings. Adults $45-$55, ages 2-11 $25. Voyages last 2.5-4 hours so plan accordingly. Reservations recommended for the regularly selling out tours with parking options downtown near the vessel boarding area 15 minutes prior to scheduled departure.
From December to April, majestic gray whales pass by Long Beach headed north or south on their epic migration journey—best spotted on a whale watching cruise. Leaning upon the boat’s railing shoulder-to-shoulder, couples Fixed 39 track flashing whale tails, spouting blowholes, and giant silhouettes materializing out of the azure sea. In between whale sightings, enjoy coffee and pastries together or admire frolicking dolphins riding the bow wake against glittering ocean waters. It’s an incredible experience for just the two of you to cherish.
Night Paddleboarding
Name and Location: Evening kayak, paddleboard and electric boat rentals launch from the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier to peacefully explore glowing Naples Island Canals after sunset when colorfully illuminated waterside bungalows light up seaside neighborhoods.
History and Significance: Stimulated by early 20th century Venetian residential designs grafting urban grids into scenic Pacific estuaries soon navigated by gondoliers channeling old-world charm, today single oar experts harken nostalgic moments for couples toasting champagne against reflective rippling waters between quaint bridges beneath Victorian and Spanish lampposts radiating romanticism described best through passages pedaled in time by paddle strokes steadying balance.
What to Expect: Balancing atop stable boards guided by instructors or self-propelled gently downstream reveals Alamitos bay by nightfall from hidden perspectives invoking European wonders gliding by ornate.
Under the glow of a full moon, couples can enjoy magical evenings paddling along Alamitos Bay’s tranquil waters—a mesmerizingly romantic activity for two. Peacefully drifting together over the hushed lagoon watching the moonlight shimmer and dance atop the ripples heightens the sense of togetherness and intimacy. Before launching, enjoy a relaxing picnic basket filled with wine, cheese, and fruit to fuel your moonlight paddleboarding adventure. As one of the most romantic cities in America, Long Beach sets the stage for storybook date nights.
Conclusion
From comedy shows to sunset paddling excursions, gondola rides to beachfront brunches, couples have endless options for special time together around Long Beach. Mini vacations are made better here through days filled with simple joys, glorious natural beauty vistas, laughter-filled moments, adventurous activities, and charming hideaways encouraging reconnecting. Use the best loved romantic Long Beach date ideas here to spark a renewed sense of closeness.