35 Long Beach Date Ideas to Impress Your Other Half

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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.

Heading to Long Beach and planning last-minute?

Book your Long Beach accommodations and experiences early! Here are some top choices to make your trip enjoyable.

🏨 Top accommodations in Long Beach

• The Westin Long Beach (relax by the pool)
• Hyatt Centric the Pike Long Beach (rated highly)
• Hyatt Regency Long Beach (4-star rating)

☂️ Top tours and experiences in Long Beach

• Los Angeles Hollywood Five-Hours Private Day Trip (rated highly)
• Skip the Ticketing Line - Aquarium of the Pacific General Admission Ticket
• Catalina Express Round-Trip Ferry Service - Long Beach or San Pedro to Avalon
• Shared Eight Hours Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour From Long Beach
• Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon

35 Fun Date Ideas in Long Beach, CA

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

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.

☂️ Explore The Queen Mary on a tour

• 25 Hour Premier Dolphin & Whale Adventure (usually sells out)
• Private Helicopter Tour of Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, & Long Beach

🏨 Accommodations close to The Queen Mary

• Renaissance Long Beach Hotel (lounge by the pool)
• Hyatt Centric the Pike Long Beach (rated highly)

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.

🏨 Accommodations in close proximity to El Dorado Nature Center

• Best Western Los Alamitos Inn & Suites
• Ayres Hotel Seal Beach (well-rated)

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.

🏨 Stay nearby the Long Beach Museum of Art

• Hyatt Regency Long Beach (very highly rated)
• The Westin Long Beach

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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.

🏨 Stay nearby the Laugh Factory

• Beachrunners Inn
• Best Western Plus Hotel at the Convention Center

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 nearby District Wine

• Hotel Royal
• Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown

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.

🏨 Place to stay close to Belmont Shore

• Hotel Current (top-rated)

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.

🏨 Stay near Alamitos Beach

• Hilton Long Beach (lounge by the pool)
• Hotel Maya A Doubletree Hotel

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.

🏨 Nearest accommodation to 3250 Airflite Way

• Long Beach Marriott (relaxing pool)

Pedal through Rainbow Harbor on a swan boat

Rainbow Harbor is a charming waterfront area of Long Beach. One of the great activities on offer here is sailing around the 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.

appalachianview/Depositphotos.com

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!

☂️ Visit the Naples Canal with a tour

• Private Helicopter Tour Over Long Beach (high demand)

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!

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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.

🏨 Stay nearby Brushstrokes Beverages

• Residence Inn Long Beach Downtown

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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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

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.

🏨 Stay nearby Los Angeles

• The Hoxton, Downtown LA (scored highly by guests)
• The Los Angeles Athletic Club (4-star rating)

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!

🏨 Nearest accommodation to Planet Escape Room

• Bluestem Hotel Torrance Redondo Beach, Ascend Hotel Collection (value for money)

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

• The Pacific Inn (well-regarded)
• Hampton Inn & Suites Seal Beach

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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.

🏨 Accommodations near Knotts Berry Farm

• Doubletree by Hilton Buena Park (unwind poolside)
• Knott's Berry Farm Hotel (4-star rating)

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.

🏨 Place to stay near Paramount Drive-In Theatres

• Aspire Inn Studios & Spas (rated highly)

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.

🏨 Stay near Orange County

• Residence Inn by Marriott Tustin Orange County (highly acclaimed)

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.

🏨 Accommodations nearby Donut Life Museum

• Quality Inn & Suites Westminster - Seal Beach Westminster (relax by the pool)
• Best Western Westminster Inn

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.

🏨 Places to stay close to Signal Hill Park

• The Cove Hotel (relax by the pool)
• Residence by Marriott Inn Long Beach

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.

🏨 Place to stay near Golf N Stuff

• Best Western Norwalk Inn (unwind poolside)

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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