Roller Skating, Antique Shopping and Gondola Rides Await
Looking for love in Long Beach? This South Bay city has a lively nightlife scene, renowned restaurants and a scenic coastline, making it the perfect place to spice things up with a romantic date. However, if you’re not interested in the same old dinner and movie date idea, fear not—there are plenty of creative ideas to explore. Whether you live with your partner and are looking to spruce up your home with some timeless antiques or want to get handsy with a crafty pottery class, these are the most unique date ideas in Long Beach that’ll help you shake things up.
Dinner Date at The 908
Those looking to put a fun and modern twist on the standard dinner date should look no further than The 908. Between the spacious patio with overhead string lights and the massive mural in the main room, the vibes at this Long Beach restaurant are inviting and vibrant. From first dates to double dates to anniversary celebrations, this classic American cookery is the perfect spot for a crisp beer or craft cocktail alongside elevated bar bites and comforting cuisine. The restaurant also places a huge focus on seasonality, and their selection of seasonally inspired cocktails always manages to impress. If you prefer something timeless and year-round, the cold brew martini is the perfect upper, while the paloma is a fresh and zesty libation that’s perfect for those warmer days. When it comes to food, start with the fresh black mussels and spicy tuna on crispy rice before sharing the furikake-crusted sea bass and filet mignon entrees. The juicy prime rib is another favorite that is only available on the weekends. The 908 also has a stellar happy hour on weekdays from 3-6 p.m., where you can enjoy discounted appetizers and drinks.
Explore the Long Beach Antique Market
For a unique and interactive date idea, spend your Sunday at the Long Beach Antique Market. From beautiful rugs to eye-catching mirrors, the decor available at this weekly market allows you to add a one-of-a-kind addition to your home for a super-fair price. You’ll also find great deals on jewelry, clothes, kitchenware and furniture. Even just strolling through the market with a beer in hand makes for a great afternoon date, and you can always grab a bite to eat from one of the many food trucks and vendors if hunger strikes.
Drinks at Baby Gee
Between the pink lanterns and dim lighting, Baby Gee makes for a great first date over drinks. Though the ambiance is totally hip (bring your polaroid), the cocktails are what truly steal the show. The Porcini-tini is a special concoction made with wild mushrooms and gin, while the Tiki Noir offers a taste of the tropics. There is also plenty of wine and beer to choose from, along with a few non-alcoholic options if that’s your style. Though Baby Gee is much more of a cocktail bar than a restaurant, you can snack on small bites like bar nuts, olives and pizzas.
Join the Good Luck Vinyl Club
Every third Tuesday of the month, Good Luck Vinyl Club throws an epic listening party for members who love good tunes and even better vibes. Entry to each event is only $17, with the listening set taking place at 7 p.m., which is then followed by a DJ set where you can dance, mix and mingle. The Hi-Fi stereo equipment is state of the art, and you’ll also have the option to enjoy some craft cocktails and bar bites. This is the ultimate date night idea for music lovers of all genres.
Pottery Class at Clay on First
Looking to let your creative side shine? Clay on First offers a variety of pottery classes that cater to beginners, professionals and those simply looking to get their hands a bit dirty on the wheel. The intro classes are two hours long, giving students enough time to get comfortable with the wheel. However, if you already know the basics, consider booking one of their workshops with your boo that range from throwing vases to coloring and marbling clay. Clay on First also offers membership options if you plan to make this artsy date a regular program.
Skate Date at Pigeon’s Roller Rink
Pigeon’s Roller Rink is the ideal place to let loose during a nostalgic skate date. This retro pop-up roller rink is open Monday through Sunday, with skating times available both in the morning and evening. Though you can walk in, it is best to book your reservation in advance since the roller rink tends to fill up. Pigeon’s also hosts an array of monthly events that include themed nights like a Beyonce Skate, a Disney Skate and a Y2K skate night with a live DJ.
Share a Dessert at Drips Cheesecake
Nothing goes better than date night and dessert. As the name suggests, Drips Cheesecake specializes in chocolate-covered slices of cheesecake, all of which are conveniently served on a stick. Whether you’re hoping to share a slice or indulge in your own, choose between five different flavors of cookies and cream, fruity, Ferrero, strawberry shortcake and orange cream. There is also a rotating flavor of the week that remains a mystery, so be sure to ask about it before making your decision.
Late Night Tea at Twelfth House Tea Sanctuary
Those hoping to sip more mindfully will love the late-night tea offerings at Twelfth House Tea Sanctuary. For $25 a person, guests are treated to an unlimited array of beautiful herbal blends and light snacks like cookies and pastries. For an additional $20, you can book an astrological reading to see if love may be in the stars for you and your date. Whether you’re alcohol-free or sober curious, Twelfth House Tea Sanctuary is a great alternative to a basic bar for a late-night date in Long Beach.
Gondola Ride with Gondola Getaway
Treat your date to a taste of Venice, Italy with a gondola ride from Gondola Getaway. This Venetian-style cruise company takes you through the canals of Long Beach’s Naples Island, making this one of the most romantic date ideas in Long Beach. Prices start at $140, and though a boat ride for two is most intimate, the gondolas fit up to six people for those embarking on a double or triple date. In addition to the private boat ride itself, booking also includes an ice bucket and cups so you can bring your own wine or beer along!
Workshop at Plantiitas
From jewelry making to terrarium building, the workshops at Plantiitas allow you to embrace your creativity while improving your green thumb. This adorable, LGBT+-owned plant store hosts a variety of interactive events that allow you to connect with nature and each other. Best of all, many of these workshops teach you valuable plant lessons that you can utilize at home to create your own sanctuary with thriving greenery. Keep an eye on their Instagram for other fun workshops like an “art through healing” class or a soy Latina candle workshop.
Explore the Dark Art Emporium
Take a walk on the dark side when you plan a date to the Dark Art Emporium. This 21+ art gallery showcases the most eclectic exhibits, with art styles ranging from dark surrealism to artistic taxidermy. You’re sure to see plenty of pieces that you’ve never seen elsewhere, and there’s no doubt that intellectual conversation will spark during your date. The Dark Art Emporium is located within The 4th Horseman bar and restaurant, and the exhibit is only open on the weekends.
Local Insight: The Dark Art Emporium is currently closed, but is set to reopen soon. Check their Instagram page for updates!
Beers and Grub at SteelCraft
What could be better than sipping on a brewski while having some fun in the sun? SteelCraft is a community-oriented food court that features ample outdoor seating and a handful of tasty vendors. The best thing about going on a date to SteelCraft is being able to cure a variety of cravings. Grab some beers from Smog City Brewing before deciding on burgers, pizza, tacos or chicken and waffles (or a combo of all four). You can also grab a latte from Steelhead Coffee or end on a sweet note with an acai bowl from Koolberry.
Pizza Date at Speak Cheezy
When it comes to perfecting the art of pizza, Speak Cheezy does it best. As one of the original purveyors of sourdough pizza crust in SoCal, this renowned eatery takes quality seriously. Ingredients are sourced from generational producers and farmers markets, and the dough is made with locally milled and organic flour. The round pizzas are the most popular, but Speak Cheezy does serve a small amount of Detroit-style pies each day until they sell out. The Brooklyn Bee is the perfect combo of savory and sweet, but be sure to save room for the salted chocolate chip cookie for dessert.
Allie Lebos graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2017 with a BA in Communication. While in school she was a staff writer at The Daily Nexus for nearly two years. Since graduating she has written for The Palisades Magazine, as well as Hidden Hills Magazine. Currently living in Santa Monica, Allie loves to indulge in good food, hot yoga, and daily walks along the beach; writing articles on travel, special events, as well as features on local businesses and individuals.
