From Floating Hotels to Sunset Parks, This California City Turns Marina Walks, Sweet Treats, and Art Into a Romantic Escape

A memorable date often comes from the small details that shape the mood and make an evening feel special. It can be the scenery, the atmosphere, or the simple joy of sharing time that feels relaxed and meaningful.

In Southern California, Long Beach brings these elements together with waterfront views, creative experiences, and settings that feel perfect for connection. This listicle rounds up the best date ideas that show how this coastal city turns everyday moments into a romantic escape.

Table Of Contents

1. Start your day with a romantic brunch

The interior of Wild Chive in Long Beach, featuring exposed wooden beams, hanging light bulbs, and modern decor with colorful murals. Tables and chairs are arranged in an inviting layout, offering a trendy and romantic spot for couples to enjoy a plant-based meal. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

We can’t think of any better way to get started with a lovey-dovey day than some form of eggs along with mimosas! Long Beach has SO many delicious brunch spots and you’ll truly be spoiled for options. This city is a great place to dine out if you or your loved one have dietary restrictions, as many of the restaurants are extremely accommodating and have plenty of options catering to different diets.

For example, The Wild Chive restaurant on Broadway makes things especially easy if you are vegan. One of the other things that brunch places in Long Beach can offer is an amazing view, as this city is perched right on the coast.

Claire’s At the Museum is a delicious restaurant with a jaw-dropping outdoor patio that has a dramatic view over the Pacific Ocean. It’s so pretty the restaurant is actually very popular with weddings as well, so it’s best to confirm they are available that day before you head in for brunch!

2. Grab a coffee before a neighborhood stroll

A warm yellow poster featuring a cyclist with the text “Smooth Coffee 70% Less Bitter” decorates the wall at Caffe Luxxe in Long Beach. On the table is a steaming cup of artisan coffee in a black, textured cup. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Pick your coffee spot based on the neighborhood you want to explore. Go to Steelhead Coffee for a refreshing cold brew before a beach walk. If you’re heading to 2ND & PCH, stop by Caffe Luxxe for a perfectly crafted espresso or a creamy cappuccino.

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3. Fall in love with art

The charming Long Beach Museum of Art, housed in a historic brick building with craftsman-style architecture. Pumpkins decorate the front steps, surrounded by neatly trimmed greenery, creating a peaceful and romantic setting for art-loving couples. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Check out some of Long Beach’s unique museums. For a museum fix, check out the Long Beach Museum of Art which has amazing artwork, sculptures, and a fantastic view over the ocean. Claire’s at the Museum is located inside this museum! The Museum of Latin American Art is also noteworthy and worth a visit.

4. Gaze up at the Rainbow Bridge

A modern pedestrian bridge in Long Beach with sleek, curved white beams and a lush green rooftop garden. The surrounding area features colorful apartment buildings and city streets, offering a unique and romantic backdrop for photos and walks. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Take a stroll on this new elevated bridge around the convention center in downtown Long Beach. Extending from Ocean Boulevard to Shoreline Drive, this elevated walkway helps pedestrians travel comfortably through various sections of the convention center. Reminiscent of the High Line in NYC, you’ll find pretty lights at night and lots of beautiful plants lining the pathway.

5. Explore this floating hotel

The iconic Queen Mary ship docked in Long Beach under a cloudy blue sky. The black and white ship with its distinct red funnels sits on the water, offering a historic and romantic setting for couples to explore together. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Visit the Queen Mary. This iconic ship represents the heart and soul of Long Beach. Wander around the historical exhibits or sample the fine dining offerings on board. It’s also a hotel so you can also stay in one of the original ship cabins with your loved one!

6. Take a romantic walk across the marina

A row of colorful buildings at the Shoreline Village in Long Beach, painted in bright blues, pinks, yellows, and reds, lined up along a calm marina. A wooden boardwalk and docked boats complete the picturesque view, ideal for romantic strolls or waterfront photos. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Walk around Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor. This beautiful marina is really close to downtown Long Beach, and has amazing ice cream and beautifully painted buildings! Split a funnel cake from The Funnel House for authentic boardwalk feels – this whole place oozes old-school beach-side charm.

7. Lock your love Paris-style

A close-up of a love locks installation in Long Beach, featuring dozens of padlocks of various shapes and sizes attached to a railing. A sign explains the tradition of locking a padlock to symbolize love. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Don’t forget to bring a lock with you to hang on the Love Lock bridge at Shoreline Village to commemorate your love! This reminded us of the Pont des Artes in Paris – before they cut the locks down. Across the way, you’ll be able to see The Lion Lighthouse, which is a popular place for proposals and photoshoots for special occasions.

8. Adore pups running in Rosie’s Dog Beach

A happy bulldog runs through shallow waves at Rosie’s Dog Beach in Long Beach on a sunny day. Other beachgoers and dogs can be seen in the background, enjoying the vibrant and pet-friendly atmosphere. — Image Credit: Justinrudd – CC BY-SA 3.0/WikiCommons

Grab your partner and your playful pup and head to Rosie’s Dog Beach! This is one of the only beaches in the area where dogs are allowed to play on the sandy beach and in the water off-leash. It’s fairly expansive clocking in at 4 acres long. Even if you don’t have a pup, you’ll see tons and tons of cute dogs on the sand – what could make for a better day out?

9. Share a romantic dinner together

The entrance of Belmont Brewing Co. in Long Beach, bathed in bright sunlight with a clear blue sky overhead. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

This delicious American seafood restaurant, Belmont Brewing Company, is our top pick for a romantic dinner in Long Beach. As the oldest brewpub in LA County, it’s also the best place for a brew with a view! The restaurant is fairly casual and low-key but has a gorgeous little patio right next to the Long Beach pier.

The food is fantastic, the servers are friendly, and the over-water views are stunning—especially at sunset. Plus, it’s close to many of the bars on Second Street, making it perfect for a short walk to grab an after-dinner drink.

10. Explore LB’s neighborhoods together

A charming canal in the Naples neighborhood of Long Beach, lined with elegant homes and small docks. Boats and kayaks float gently on the water, surrounded by palm trees and a partly cloudy sky. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

There are tons of awesome little pockets of neighborhoods that are absolutely dreamy to walk around. Check out Ocean Boulevard and First Street for amazingly beautiful purple Jacaranda trees and cute neighborhood vibes. Don’t miss walking around Naples, where charming canals lined with picturesque homes and quaint bridges create a romantic, European-inspired atmosphere.

11. Share a sweet treat with your sweetie

A single piece of Pistachio Chocolate Baklava served on a white plate, topped with crushed pistachios and a dollop of cream. The dessert is beautifully lit by natural sunlight, highlighting its golden layers. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Galata Ice Cream & Desserts is a cozy spot in Long Beach that’s perfect for a romantic date. We tried their Pistachio Chocolate Baklava – it was sweet and rich in pistachio flavor. You can also try their famous Turkish ice cream, which has a creamy, stretchy texture. The beautiful decor adds to the charm, making it a great place for Instagram-worthy photos. The welcoming vibe and friendly service adds to the experience too.

12. Catch the sunset at Bluff Park

A serene view of Bluff Park at sunset, featuring tall palm trees and a single twisted tree silhouetted against a pastel sky. — Image Credit: Karl Garske – CC BY-SA 3.0/WikiCommons

Sunset is arguably the most romantic time of day. This park is appropriately named and set on the bluffs overlooking Junipero Beach and is one of the best places to take in an iconic Long Beach sunset over the Pacific. There are so many great spots to watch the sunset in Long Beach but this is one of the best.

Another awesome spot is Signal Hill Park, which is set a little inland up on a hill with sweeping views over Long Beach and the ocean. It’s a great place to have a picnic and have some alone time together.

13. Canoodle at the movies

The Cinemark theater at The Pike Outlets in Long Beach, with its grand facade featuring a striking red curtain design above the entrance. Palm trees line the walkway, and festive holiday decorations can be seen in the distance. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Check out the Cinemark at the Pike for an elevated movie experience. This movie theater has luxuriously comfy reclining seats, allowing you to cozy up to your loved one while enjoying a feature film. You can also order snacks and drinks to be brought to your seat during the movie! This is the ultimate in movie theater luxury. You can also catch dinner before or after at the Pike, or do a little retail therapy and go shopping!

14. Check out the Night Dive experience

A vibrant coral reef aquarium display illuminated in blues and purples serves as the backdrop for a DJ spinning records at the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Night Dive event. — Image Credit: Courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is great during the day with lots of amazing aquatic exhibits, but you’ve never seen it like this before! This evening event is only for those 18 years and up and showcases a DJ, food trucks, cocktails, and art displays. There are also special events, such as a Halloween-themed Fright Dive, which can be a fun and festive way to spend a holiday. There are also periodic festivals held at the Aquarium during the daytime, for example, “Scarium of the Pacific” and the Autumn Festival.

15. Laugh the evening away

The Laugh Factory at The Pike Outlets in Long Beach, showcasing its bold red exterior and retro-style window art featuring comedians. The entrance is framed by palm trees and a bright blue sky. — Image Credit: Bae Area and Beyond

Head to the Laugh Factory at Pike Outlets for a rib-splitting fun night out with your loved one. It’ll bring you closer together as you laugh at the comedians and sip on cocktails. There is a two-drink minimum and there is also food on offer available during the event. You can either buy tickets online to secure your spot or just purchase them by showing up at the box office. There are often visits from comedy royalty making guest appearances here so we wouldn’t be surprised if you saw somebody famous!

This post was written by guest writers, Dev & Yas from That Cool Travel Couple with additional insights by Shreeyeh from Bae Area and Beyond.