Long Beach Date Ideas
Whether it’s a first date or a 10th anniversary date, we’ve got you covered. Plan a romantic afternoon or evening in the international city of Long Beach.
Embrace the Arts
Did you know there are 5 art museums in the city of Long Beach? It’s true! The Museum of Latin American Art offers free admission every Sunday from 11am to 5pm and makes for super Instagramable photo sessions in the sculpture garden (wink wink). The Long Beach Museum of Art’s dreamy views set the tone for an afternoon by the water. You could start with brunch at Claire’s at the Museum or stop by for Happy Hour on Thursday evening & either way, wrap up with a stroll through the ever-changing exhibits. The historic homes that create the campus just make for such a romantic setting – plus the museum is gorgeous as a wedding venue.
Visit Italy
Not really, but plan an evening of Italian delights! Start with a sunset Gondola Getaway cruise through the Naples Canals aboard a genuine venetian gondola. The gondoliers will set the mood with a romantic Italian song as you float beneath the bridges (don’t forget to kiss!). You can even bring your own wine & cheese for appetizers. After your cruise, enjoy dinner at Long Beach’s oldest restaurant, Domenico’s, in Belmont Shore. Order Italian classics made from Domenico Spano’s recipes when he opened in 1954. If you’re in need of dessert, find genuine Italian gelato at Paradis one block over.
Comedy Night
Long Beach has long been a mecca for comedians, thanks to the Popularity of the Long Beach Terrace Theater. Plan ahead and book tickets for one of the many upcoming shows at the Theater or explore the burgeoning comedy scene around the city. Touted as Long Beach’s Best Stand Up Comedy Club, the Laugh Factory never fails to provide the laughs. Catch a show Wednesday through Sunday nights for instant entertainment. The Queen Mary has also joined the comedy scene with their monthly Ships & Giggles Comedy nights in the Observation Bar. The second Monday of each month offers a new lineup of talent aboard our historic vessel. Entry to the ship is free after 6PM so arrive early to grab a meal at one of the restaurants onboard, take in the city views and then arrive early to grab a seat before the show begins at 8PM.
Night Dive at the Aquarium
A visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific any time of the day makes for a perfect date, but for those looking to avoid the crowds check out their Night Dive events. Night Dive is an adults-only event with local bands rockin’ out right next to the fish, DJs spinning in the Aquarium’s galleries, inspiring works of art, cocktails and drinks, and tasty bites from food trucks. For less than $20 you can stroll the galleries hand in hand while sipping adult beverages & snacking on food truck delights. Check their website to find out when the next Night Dive is planned!
An Afternoon on the Water
Whatever that may mean to you and yours, you’ll find it in Long Beach. We have paddle boards, kayaks, water bikes, Duffy Boats, Jet Skis and more for rent near our downtown waterfront and in the Belmont Shore neighborhood. Make your selection and spend a beautiful afternoon on the water, soaking in the SoCal sunshine. Should you choose to rent a Duffy, bring a picnic lunch along to enjoy as you cruise through the Alamitos Bay or Rainbow Harbor.