Long Beach is a great city for date nights. Long Beach has everything that you could possibly ask for when you think of the cliche movie date scenes, there are beaches, gardens, bars, restaurants overlooking the ocean and much more. However, since there are so many choices when picking the perfect date idea we made it easy for you and picked some of our favorite date ideas in Long Beach. For romantic date ideas, consider gondola rides, the Queen Mary, and other unique activities that create memorable moments for couples.
Take a Gondola Ride on the Naples Canals
The Naples Canals are located right next to the Belmont Shore neighborhood of Long Beach. The Naples community has a circular canal that wraps around it where you can kayak, paddle board, boat and even gondola in. A Gondola is a perfect option of a date night as the sun is starting to set. Gondola rides can accommodate up to six people, making it suitable for double or triple dates. What makes the ride even better is how authentic the ride is. You can bring wine, snacks and listen to your favorite tunes to set the perfect date mood.
Laugh at the Laugh Factory
The Laugh Factory in Downtown Long Beach is a great option to break the potential first date awkwardness and to get both people to let loose a little. The Laugh Factory has comedy shows almost daily and you can get your tickets in advance. Also, it is located right by the Long Beach Waterfront so you can take a romantic stroll before or after the show. After the show, couples can grab coffee at one of the nearby local coffee spots.
The Aquarium of the Pacific
Why not walk around the famous Long Beach Aquarium and have some fun. The Aquarium of the Pacific has many fun exhibits that are fun and engaging. To get in it is a little over $20 per person, but the cost is worth the fun.
For a complete day of fun and culture, consider visiting the Long Beach Museum nearby, which offers modern art exhibits and dining at Claire’s with picturesque views.
Signal Hill Hilltop Park
Hilltop Park is one of the most iconic parks in Long Beach because of its panoramic views of Long Beach and its surrounding cities. The Park offers ample outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot for picnics and social gatherings. The Park has a vast grass lawn for picnics, benches for sitting and even BBQ pits for grilling. Parking is free too!
Rancho Los Alamitos
Rancho Los Alamitos is located just behind CSULB campus and is quite the historic landmark. Don’t let this place fool you though, it is a perfect place take a stroll around the gardens and have a great conversation with your significant other while maybe getting a couple cute Instagram photos along the way.
For couples who enjoy history and beautiful gardens, Rancho Los Alamitos is also a wonderful romantic date idea.
CSULB Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden at CSULB is a wonderful and well-kept garden that many go to for wedding photos and much more. Its beauty is breathtaking and it is also a wonderful place to take a date. It is the perfect spot for a romantic date due to its breathtaking beauty.
Paddle Board or Kayak
If you are the adventurous type and the summer heat is calling your name then it might be a good idea to take your date outside and rent a paddleboard or a kayak and swim around the Belmont Shore in Long Beach. Whether you stay around the beach or wander around the canals you are sure to have a blast.
For a unique and fun date idea, consider visiting the Long Beach Antique Market, which takes place every third Sunday and features over 800 sellers offering a diverse selection of items like decor, jewelry, and food.
Long Beach Waterfront Sunset Stroll
The Long Beach Waterfront is a picture perfect location for a sunset stroll. You can start by the Pine Street Pier and work your way around the Long Beach Lighthouse and the Queen Mary. There is plenty of parking the Pine Avenue parking structures or you can take a RideYellow and get dropped off right at the waterfront.
To complete the romantic evening, consider a dinner date at The 908, a nearby restaurant known for its inviting atmosphere and vibrant setting. The 908 offers a modern twist on traditional dining, paired with seasonal cocktails and elevated cuisine, making it an ideal choice for a memorable dinner date experience.
2nd Street Boutique Shopping
2nd street is famous for its local shops both big and small. Spanning up and down 2nd street in the Belmont Shore there are many stores and boutiques that have interesting things for sale that would make a window shopping date a lot of fun!
For more unique shopping and dining experiences, consider visiting Retro Row on East 4th Street, known for its eclectic mix of vintage clothing and furniture stores, as well as nearby dining and entertainment options.