35 Long Beach Date Ideas to Impress Your Other Half

11 min read

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A lighthouse and buildings with palm trees, rocks, and the ocean in front of them
Long Beach offers couples numerous fun and memorable things to do

Located on the West Coast of the United States, Long Beach is a vibrant Californian seaside town. This destination has stunning beaches and lots of other attractions.

You can also discover numerous things to do with your other half. Some of the many Long Beach date ideas to try include going to cocktail bars, taking a gondola ride, and flying above the city on a helicopter tour.

If you're looking for some fun things to do with your partner in Long Beach, read on for 35 unique date suggestions.

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🏨 Top accommodations in Long Beach

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Long Beach

35 Fun Date Ideas in Long Beach, CA

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Things to Do in Long Beach, California, on a Date

One of many Long Beach date ideas is dining on the Queen Mary
Dining on the Queen Mary is one of many Long Beach date ideas

Dine on the Queen Mary

The Queen Mary is a unique hotel that's located in a vintage ocean liner. Located in Queensbay Way, the hotel also has dining options, and taking your date to dinner here is a unique and memorable experience.

The hotel has a casual restaurant and a fine-dining eatery. There's also a bar with views of the bay, and brunch is offered on Sundays.

☂️ Experience The Queen Mary with a tour

🏨 Accommodations close to The Queen Mary

Interact with wildlife at El Dorado Nature Center

One of the best attractions in Long Beach, California, is the El Dorado Nature Center. If your date likes wildlife, a trip to this park is a must! The El Dorado Nature Center covers 105 acres and features trails, lakes, and forests. Animals you could see here include turtles, rabbits, and over 150 species of birds.

🏨 Accommodation close to El Dorado Nature Center

Admire artworks at the Long Beach Museum of Art

An ideal spot for a date is the Long Beach Museum of Art. Founded in 1950, the gallery has around 4,000 works, including paintings, drawings, and sculptures.

You and your partner can wander around the museum, admiring the works and learning about the artists.

🏨 Places to stay near the Long Beach Museum of Art

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A round sign on a building that says "Laugh Factory"
A laid-back thing to do with your date is watching a show at Laugh Factory

Catch a comedy show at Laugh Factory

Another of the fun dates in Long Beach is going to a comedy show at Laugh Factory. This venue is one of the best comedy spots in the area. You can watch a range of shows by well-known and local comedians. While most performances are ticketed, Laugh Factory hosts some free events too.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to the Laugh Factory

Enjoy a glass of wine at District Wine bar

Whether it's your first date or you've been together a while, having drinks at a wine bar is a classic couples' activity to enjoy. A popular venue in Long Beach is District Wine.

You can order from a vast wine menu, and they have flights if you can't decide what to try. District Wine also serves small plate dishes, charcuterie boards, and flatbreads.

🏨 Stay in close proximity to District Wine

Kayak in Belmont Shore

If you like outdoor activities, one of the fun couple things to do in Long Beach is kayaking in the ocean and waterways around Belmont Shore. You can bring your one equipment or rent kayaks from a provider, like Kayaks on the Water. As you paddle through the water, you can enjoy the views and each other's company.

🏨 Accommodation nearby Belmont Shore

Hang out on Alamitos Beach

As one of the best beach towns in California, going with your date to the beach is a fail-safe idea. One of the most popular beaches in the area is Alamitos Beach.

The beach has vast sandy shores, warm water, and some beachside restaurants and bars. Packing a picnic to enjoy on the sand or visiting the beach at sunset are some great romantic ideas to try.

🏨 Accommodation near Alamitos Beach

Red and white buildings with water and rocks in front of them
Shoreline Village has numerous shops and eateries

Shop at Shoreline Village

Long Beach's Shoreline Village is a shopping village located on the harbor front. You and your date can discover an array of specialty shops selling products like clothing, home decor items, and jewelry.

After exploring the shops, you can get something to eat, with fine dining and casual eateries on-site. You can also pick up ice cream, candy, and other sweet treats.

Get ice cream at Hug Life

Treat your date to some ice cream by going to Hug Life. This quirky plant-based ice cream spot offers flavors like cookies and cream, yuzu creamsicle, and peanut butter.

You can get a one, two, or three-scoop cone. Ice cream sandwiches, waffle bowls, and brownies with ice cream are also available. If you and your date are planning to have a date night at home, you can pick up pint tubs to take away too.

Fly above Long Beach on a helicopter tour

One of the most romantic things to do in Long Beach is taking your date on a helicopter tour. The 15-minute ride will fly you over Long Beach and Los Angeles.

Once in the air, you'll be able to see various Long Beach and LA landmarks. You can also enjoy views across the ocean.

🏨 Place to stay near 3250 Airflite Way

A harbor with green trees surrounding it and buildings on the shore
Rainbow Harbor is a beautiful place to explore with your partner

Pedal through Rainbow Harbor on a swan boat

Did you know that Long Beach's nickname is the Aquatic Capital of America? This is due to the many water activities you can enjoy in the city. One of the most fun things to do on the water is sailing around Rainbow Harbor on a swan pedal boat.

You and your partner can rent a swan boat on the shore and then pedal it through the lagoon. You'll also get to admire the surrounding views. In the evening, you can even rent swan boats with LED lights.

Discover hidden treasures at the Long Beach Antique Market

If your partner likes unique and vintage items, exploring the Long Beach Antique Market is a fun daytime date idea. The outdoor market is held every third Sunday and has an array of one-of-a-kind treasures to find. Pieces on offer include decor items, clothing, accessories, and furniture.

Sip on cocktails at Bamboo Club

Another perfect spot for a Long Beach date night is Bamboo Club. This relaxed tiki bar has an extensive cocktail list to order from.

Drinks on offer include Mai Tai, a rum, lime, passion fruit, and Aperol mix, and a vodka, pineapple, lime, creme de peche, and blue curaçao beverage. You can also get food, and Bamboo Club has a happy hour from 3 PM to 6 PM.

Explore the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens

One of Long Beach's most popular attractions is the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens. The scenic botanical garden makes for a romantic date spot too. At the gardens, you can wander along the paths, admiring the pretty flowers and tranquil ponds. The beautiful scenery also acts as a great backdrop for photos.

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A canal with boats on it and houses and palm trees on the shore
Wandering along the Naples Canals is a romantic thing to do

Walk along the canals in Naples Island

Naples Island is an area of Long Beach with canals that stretch through residential areas. Walking along the banks of these canals is a romantic thing to do with your partner. Doing so at sunset is highly recommended!

Have dinner at Bo Beau Kitchen + Roof Tap

If you're planning a date night in Long Beach, CA, making a reservation at Bo Beau Kitchen + Roof Tap is a great idea. This French-style comfort food spot serves dishes like beer tartare, vegan mushroom scallops, and wood oven flatbreads.

The restaurant itself is rustic yet sophisticated and offers the perfect date night atmosphere.

Go to vintage stores on 4th Street Retro Row

4th Street, also known as Retro Row, houses an array of vintage and thrift shops. A laid-back date idea is to check out some of these shops with your partner. Pieces to discover include clothing and jewelry, decor items, and records. There's even a shop selling retro roller skates!

appalachianview/Depositphotos.com
A canal with boats on it and palm trees and buildings on either side of it
Taking your date on a gondola on the Naples Canal is a great idea

Take your date on a Gondola Getaway cruise

Another perfect date idea in Long Beach is going on a gondola ride with Gondola Getaways. You and your partner will be taken through the Naples Canals and across Alamitos Bay. The one-hour experience will make it seem as though you're on a date in Venice, Italy, not California!

Share brunch at Padre

A brunch date is always a cute date idea! In Long Beach, Padre is a popular place to go. For brunch, they serve a selection of Latin-inspired dishes.

Options include chilaquiles, breakfast burritos, and coffee French toast. You can accompany your brunch meal with craft cocktails, wine, or beer.

Paint a masterpiece at Brushstrokes + Beverages

If your date likes crafts, one of the Long Beach activities for couples to try is going to Brushstrokes and Beverages. During a visit, a professional artist will guide you through a class where you can create your own artwork.

You can also bring your favorite drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) to enjoy as you paint.

A blue lagoon with a bridge over it and greenery, palm trees, and a path around it
Rainbow Lagoon Park is a pretty place to spend time with your date

Explore Rainbow Lagoon Park

Rainbow Lagoon Park is one of the prettiest places in Long Beach and is a fun place to visit with your partner. As you walk around the park, you'll see the sparkling lagoon, tropical plants, and water features. It's a great spot to go to on a sunny day.

Solve crimes at a Dinner Detective event

Going to dinner is a tried and tested date idea, but going to a murder mystery dinner makes this activity more unique.

At a Dinner Detective event, you can enjoy a multi-course dinner while watching a murder mystery comedy performance. The show is very interactive, and the diners work together to solve the fictitious crime.

Spot sea creatures at the Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a five-acre venue located in Rainbow Harbor. At the aquarium, you and your date can see exotic fish, otters, sharks, penguins, and more!

While you can visit all year, many locals say that the best time to visit Long Beach to go to the aquarium is during the summer. Additionally, buying admission tickets for the Aquarium of the Pacific in advance is recommended.

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A beach pier with flags, streetlights, and benches on it next to the ocean
Belmont Pier is a scenic place to go for a walk with your loved one

Stroll along Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier

Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is a seaside pier located at the end of Long Beach City Beach. This Long Beach landmark is one of many romantic places in Long Beach and is especially scenic at sunset. As you wander along the pier with your loved one, you'll be able to enjoy the ocean view and beach scenery.

Taste local cider at Ficklewood Ciderworks

If you and your other half like cider, going to Ficklewood Ciderworks is a must. They have many options on tap, and you can get a flight if you want to try multiple brews. The laid-back brewery also has some board games that you can play together as you enjoy your drinks.

Grab coffee at Ground Hideout

There are many coffee shops in Long Beach to grab a drink and relax with your date. A cool place to check out is Ground Hideout. They serve classic coffees, like cappuccino or mocha latte, plus more unique options, such as an orange cardamom latte.

Things to Do Near Long Beach, California, on a Date

A city skyline with trees in the foreground under a blue sky with clouds
LA is just 40 minutes from Long Beach

Plan a trip to Los Angeles

Los Angeles is just 40 minutes away from Long Beach, so taking a trip to this world-famous city is a must. You and your other half could spend the day there or go for a date night.

There are many things to do in LA, including going sightseeing, shopping, or visiting some of the numerous bars and restaurants in the area.

🏨 Accommodations close to Los Angeles

Work together to get out of an escape room

Trying to solve puzzles to get out of an escape room is a great way to bond and have fun. At Planet Escape Room, you can choose from a range of themed rooms, like medieval and mafia-themed games. No matter which you choose, you'll have a great time trying to win the game!

🏨 Accommodation near the Planet Escape Room

Visit Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge

Visiting the Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is a must for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. When in the wetland area, you and your partner can take an educational tour. During the tour, you'll spot an array of wildlife and plant life.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge

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A yellow and red roller coaster in a theme park
Knott's Berry Farm is the perfect place for a fun daytime date

Have a fun day out at Knott's Berry Farm

You and your partner can be kids again with a daytime date at Knott's Berry Farm! The 57-acre theme park is located 20 minutes from Long Beach and has multiple roller coasters, rides, and other amusements. There's also a waterpark and numerous places to grab something to eat.

🏨 Nearest accommodations to Knotts Berry Farm

Watch a movie at Paramount Drive-In Theatres

Paramount Drive-In Theatres is another of the many great date spots near Long Beach. The outdoor movie theater shows most new releases. You can also buy classic cinema snacks on-site or bring your own for a car picnic.

🏨 Stay nearby the Paramount Drive-In Theatres

A pier stretching out into the ocean under a blue sky
Huntington Beach is one place to go with your date when in Orange County

Spend the day in Orange County

Orange County is another great area of California that's located 40 minutes from Long Beach. You'll find numerous things to do in Orange County during the day and at night.

Just a handful of the cute Orange County date ideas to try include relaxing at the beach, wandering around Fullerton Arboretum, and going whale watching.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to Orange County

Take sweet photos at the Donut Life Museum

Located 25 minutes from central Long Beach, the Donut Life Museum is an interactive gallery with photo backdrops. The backdrops are fun and colorful, and all feature donuts! It's the ideal place to snap some adorable Instagram pictures with your other half.

🏨 Places to stay near Donut Life Museum

A park with grass and trees and a view across a city
Signal Hill Park offers stunning views of Long Beach

Watch the sunset at Signal Hill Park

Signal Hill Park, also known as Hilltop Park, is a scenic attraction located about ten minutes from central Long Beach. Due to its elevation, you and your partner can enjoy stunning views from the park.

While these views are good at all times of the day, going at sunset and watching the sky turn orange and pink over Long Beach is highly recommended.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Signal Hill Park

Challenge your date to a mini-golf game at Golf n Stuff

At Golf n Stuff, you and your other half can have a friendly game of mini-golf. The venue has an 18-hole course, plus an arcade and go-karts. Golf n Stuff stays open until 10 PM or midnight, meaning you can go for a daytime or nighttime date.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to Golf N Stuff

In Summary

Long Beach is a great destination for all types of couples. Whether you're visiting or live in the area, this list of romantic dates in Long Beach should have given you some inspiration for your next couples' activity.

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Written by Alli Sewell

allisewell FORMER WRITER Currently based in Canada, Alli has also lived and worked in the UK and Brazil and traveled in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. She loves finding the best photo-ops and food and drink locations wherever she goes.

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