Unique Proposal Spots in Long Beach

With long sandy beaches, fairy tale canals, heart swelling sunsets and inspired ocean creatures, Long Beach is full of beautiful places to pop the question. You know, THE Question. Proposals happen all over the city, from messages placed in bobbing bottles to one’s given via sea lion. In a city made for memories, there’s lots of choices in choosing where to ask your chosen. We propose these!

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

There may be some of you who don’t think of the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) as a romantic spot. But, c’mon, how magical is holding hands with your honey while being mesmerized by dancing jellyfish or strolling in the underwater tunnel where, not long ago, someone popped the question. (She said yes!) The Aquarium is even willing to lend a hand. You see, its Animal Encounters program allows folks to get up close with animals such as penguins, sea lions and parrots. And, a few times each month, someone makes good use of the encounter, utilizing a sea lion or penguin to deliver a let's get hitched message. How cute is that? To arrange this encounter, you’ll need to get in touch with the Aquarium’s special events team. You may be contacting them again later on, since they also help arrange weddings at the Aquarium.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

HILLTOP PARK

When searching for that perfect sunset moment, it’s natural to think of the beach. But more than a few locals will tell you the best sunsets are found pretty much smack dab in the middle of Long Beach, a small city called Signal Hill. At the center of Signal Hill is Hilltop Park (2351 Dawson Ave.), a charming plot of green offering panoramic views: look out to the ocean and you’ll see Catalina, turn around and, on a clear day, the Hollywood sign. And no matter where you look, you’re bound to feel enveloped by the glow cast by another great sunset. Not surprisingly, Hilltop attracts those looking to utilize the perfect sunset moment as a part of their perfect forever-after moment.

GONDOLA GETAWAY

There’s likely no more iconic, romantic activity In Long Beach – and even Southern California – than sharing a gondola with your sweetheart through the canals of Naples. Gondola Getaway’s (5437 E. Ocean Blvd.) traditionally trained and outfitted gondoliers have ferried and serenaded couples through the enchanting waterways and underneath small bridges, where it’s traditional to smooch, for 40 years. Not surprisingly, more than a few have used the ride to propose. Many take advantage of Gondola Getaway’s unique Message In A Bottle service that allows you to write your proposal on a piece of paper, put it in a bottle which is then placed discreetly in the water so your gondolier “discovers” it, retrieves it and gives it to the couple to see what lies inside.

Credit: Elegant Photography

EARL BURNS MILLER JAPANESE GARDEN

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden (Earl Warren Dr.) brings together air, water and earth in a curated way that both honors nature while ordering it. Located on the bustling campus of Cal State Long Beach, this quiet oasis remains unknown to many who rush by its wooden doors. For some people, this makes it the perfect, private, corner of the world to ask the ultimate question, which would likely be whispered. Though the garden is small, it offers a number of nooks allowing visitors the headspace to observe, meditate, catch their breath or ask someone to entwine their life with theirs. You can even entwine it there, as the garden is available to host weddings.

LIONS LIGHTHOUSE FOR SIGHT

One of the great gathering places in the city, especially on the Fourth of July, the Lions Lighthouse For Sight (200 Aquarium Way) was funded by the Long Beach Lions Club and dedicated in 2000 to highlight the organization's quest of “ending blindness in the world.” The 10-story structure rises from a small circled peninsula surrounded by the shimmering water of Rainbow Harbor. Referred to as a “faux” lighthouse, since its light is not really designed for shipping purposes, it is nonetheless highly photogenic and therefore highly Instagrammable, making it one of the top spots in the city for social media moments. Not surprisingly, this fact makes it a place to not only pop the question, but chronicle the very romantic, very Long Beach moment.

FUEGO AT THE MAYA

This waterfront restaurant at the Hotel Maya, has arguably the best view of Long Beach. Fuego’s veranda sits next door neighbor-like to the Queen Mary, and has a unique, southern view of both the Long Beach shoreline and skyline. The shoreline view is gorgeous on any typical, sunny Long Beach day, while the skyline will drop your jaw in the evening as its sparkling glow is reflected in the water. It’s the kind of sight that might move one person to reach across a table for their beloved’s hand or maybe get down on one knee. Making it even more special and advantageous is that you can partake of Fuego’s excellent cocktails and wine list to build up a little courage, and use the same resource to celebrate the inevitable “Yes!”

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About the Author
Steve Lowery
Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.