Gondola Getaway in Naples
Nothing says romance quite like a drift down the canals of Naples, Long Beach. With a trained gondolier and one of the largest fleets of gondolas in the nation, treat your partner in viewing the beautiful million dollar neighborhood that lines the coastline with extra ingredients to brew intimacy such as rose petals, appetizers, or messages in a bottle available for purchase.
Photo via IG: @aswerkatzin // @inthe_midst_ofitall
Retro Row
Take a stroll down memory lane with a visit to Long Beach’s 4th Street, specifically named “Retro Row” to locals due to the resonating diversity of cultures that span Long Beach’s rich history. With intimate locally-owned restaurants, bars, and specialty curated antique shops, retro row is an attraction to all ages. Our recommendations? Dinner at Aji for a refreshing dive into fresh crafted Peruvian cuisine, a leisurely browse at The Hangout’s curated goods, and Art Du Vin’s exquisite wine selection to end the night.
Photo via IG:@4thstreetlb // @the_hippea
Long Beach Antique Market
Speaking of nostalgia, pay a visit to the world renown Long Beach Flea Market for vintage and specialty goods handmade and curated by local artisans. On every 3rd Sunday, collectors and curators of the furthest reaches of SoCal gather at Long Beach’s Community College to showcase their one-of-a-kind collections including furniture, clothing, artworks, and plants, which make for the perfect gift for a distinctive romance. Admiring the diverse works, chatting with the collectors, and strolling through memory lane makes for the perfect daytime adventure.
Photo via IG: @longbeachantiquemarket // @longbeachantiquemarket
Water Bikes next to Ballast Point
Once you watch the sunset on a water bike there’s absolutely no going back. Enjoying either a sunset or night-themed glowing ride next to Long Beach’s iconic brewery: Ballast Point on a water bike is sure to satisfy the romantic craving for adventure. From making a reservation to completing your ride, you and your partner will find that while boats are fun, water bikes provide a unique twist on exploring our city on the sea.
Photo via IG: @lbwaterbikes // @lbwaterbikes
Duffy Boats
If biking on the water isn’t particularly your speed, then Duffy boats are sure to satisfy your craving for exploring Long Beach’s unique coastline. Enjoy a warm and cozy ride through Alamitos Bay and the Naples Canals on a motorized duffy boat with options for enclosed vessels, music from your smartphone, and free ice/popcorn provided by London Boat Rentals. We recommend reserving a boat during sunset for utmost romance and then strolling over to 2nd Street for an intimate dinner.
Photo via IG: @anchorsawayboatrental // @anchorsawayboatrental
2nd Street
Like 4th Street, 2nd Street near the Belmont Shore area is known for its diverse restaurant and bar options. While 4th street represents the nostalgia of Long Beach’s rich history, 2nd street upholds a more modern perspective of our city’s diversity. Located right up the street from Naples and Rosie’s Dog Beach (a must-go for couples with dogs), 2nd street is the perfect place to peruse with your partner after a meal to grab a drink and people watch. Our recommendations? Saint & Second for a romantic dinner with exquisite cocktails, and a stroll to Sweet Jill’s Bakery to satisfy that sweet tooth.
Photo via IG: @belmontshorelb // @saintandsecond
Yogalution on the Bluff
Everyday at 11am (and 6pm during the summer months) Long Beach’s renown yoga studio: Yogalution brings together citizens for their donation-based yoga flow for an hour. Located on top of Bluff Park between the streets of Junipero and Cherry, grab your yoga mats and prepare to flow in the open air under the sun with certified Yoga teachers, all equipped to soothe aches, relax your breath, and enhance one’s focus. End your flow with a freshly pressed juice or handcrafted fruit bowl from Tru Nature Juice bar right up the street for utmost vibrations, Namasté!
Photo via IG: @yogalutiononthebluff // @yogalutiononthebluff
Ferris wheel at the Pike
Release your inner child with a ride on Long Beach’s iconic ferris wheel, located at the Pike Outlets near shoreline village. With views that extend out to the ocean and towards Long Beach’s Pine Avenue, you and your partner are able to access a one-of-a-kind bird’s eye view while enjoying the excitement and intimacy ferris wheel cabins can provide. Our recommendation? A movie at the Cinemark theater at the pike, and ending it off with a ride on the highly decorated attraction.
Photo via IG: @jesus_ej // @abc7la
Swan Boats at the Hyatt in Downtown Long Beach
Romancing on swan boats pairs well with weekend adventures! Located at the waterfront near the Hyatt Hotel in Downtown Long Beach and right next to the Pike’s ferris wheel is the unique swan boat rental agency that allows for couples to pedal their way in the pond across from shoreline village’s distinctive shops and restaurants.
Photo via IG: @wheelfunrentalsofficial // @happilybeardedafter
Picnic at Hilltop Park, Signal Hill
At the highest point of Long Beach is Signal Hill’s Hilltop Park, which boasts a spectacular view of not only our city, but also of the port of LA, San Pedro, Redondo Beach, all the way to Downtown Los Angeles. Grab a charcuterie board, some chilled wine, and a blanket for the perfect picnic!
Photo via IG: @focalities // @xoxsusana
