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Looking for the ultimate date night in Long Beach? Follow along as we explore the city, paddle through the waters in romantic swan boats, and dine in style at the historic Queen Mary. From scenic strolls at Shoreline Village to indulging in delicious jalapeño burgers at Tugboat Pete’s, this guide has everything you need for a magical night out.

Here's your plan for a date night: explore Long Beach, paddle swan boats, and dine at the Queen Mary

The Perfect Date Night in Long Beach 

At Tugboat Pete's, enjoy delicious jalapeño burgers while saving on parking. A must-visit for a tasty treat on the waterfront in Long Beach.

Jalapeño Burgers

💪 Pro tips
• the jalapeños are so good in the burger !!! 
•make sure to get your parking validated it saves $15

Tugboat Pete’s

At Rainbow Lagoon Park's Swan Boats, visitors can enjoy a romantic paddle around the lagoon. Remember to book online and bring a blanket for chilly beach evenings.

Paddle Swan Boats

✅ Before you go
• pre order your tickets! You can only get them online and show the confirmation at the desk

💪 Pro tips
• bring a blanket because it gets cold by the beach

Swan Boats

Dine overlooking the ocean at the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Experience the speakeasy No. 3 with live jazz and a wide selection of drinks.

Fine Dining

💪 Pro tips
• Reserve a spot at the restaurant ahead of time and show the email confirmation to get in
• parking is $10 with validation at the restaurant 
•The speakeasy No. 3 is on instagram where they post updates weekly: https://www.instagram.com/n.o3qm?igsh=MTlxaGJudHd5aXc1cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr 

Queen Mary

Come with me to have the perfect date night in Long Beach,

and then heading to the Queen Mary for a nice dinner and speakeasy.

where we got hamburgers with jalapenos inside,

and we'll be back to add our own locks soon.

which we brought our own blankets for because it was kind of cold that day.

and we even took a few pictures in the front.

We had so much fun biking them around the lake and looking at the other pretty swans.

where we had dinner reservations at the Promenade Cafe.

and it was a really beautiful experience.

we got invited to a speakeasy called Number 3.

They had so many different drink options.

which was so relaxing and a beautiful way to end the night.

I highly recommend this experience if you're looking for a fun day in Long Beach.

Take a zen hike on the Betty B Dearing Mountain Trail and end up in a peaceful clearing 

Here's your plan for a peaceful, moderate-to-hard hike with wildflowers, valley views, a swing, and creek

Peaceful rainforest hike with a swing 🌳

Take a moderate to hard, dog-friendly hike on the Betty B Dearing Mountain Trail in Studio City, and relax by a swing in a peaceful forest clearing.

Hiking trail

✅ Before you go
• I started from the trailhead on Fryman Rd but it was a very long hike from there to the forest part

https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvWGWF4cHSeodUUQA?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

• I would start here instead for a 5 mile hike:

https://maps.app.goo.gl/JdP8Zr5VfrrB5Sj86?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy

• here is the AllTrails link: 
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/betty-b-dearing-mountain-trail?sh=2lsmfd&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

💪 Pro tips
• bring lots of water and sunscreen! 
• dog friendly 
• moderate to hard hike


Betty B Dearing Mountain Trail

I went on the cutest dog friendly hike this weekend and had the most peaceful time.

I took my dog Granola with me and we started the hike off strong.

The hike was moderate to hard depending on where you started from,

I stumbled upon a swing and a little creek,

and it was the cutest clearing to spend some solo time.

I would highly recommend this hike in Studio City.

Pull up, pick a vinyl, and romanticize your morning  while enjoying a cup of coffee! 

Here's your plan for sipping coffee, spinning vinyl, exploring Melrose vibes, and working in cozy calm

Sip, Work, & Spin Vinyl 🎧☕️

Cozy up at Established Today in Melrose with specialty coffee or matcha while spinning vinyl from your favorite artists—a perfect spot to relax or get work done.

Coffee & Vinyl Listening

✅ Before you go
• street parking only, usually plenty in the neighborhoods surrounding 
• If you don’t see it on the menu, just ask the barista for some help! 


Listen to your favorite artist and sip a coffee or matcha 

I checked out the coolest coffee shop in Melrose for the first time,

I asked the barista to surprise me based on what I like,

and they made me a Spanish latte with cold foam.

Might be the best cold foam I've ever had,

calming and just perfect for getting work done and just chilling.

And my absolute favorite part were these records that we got to listen to and

I love that they had all of our favorite artists. It’s giving cozy, creative energy.

Definitely the kind of place to romanticize your weekend.

Take a day trip to Santa Barbara for shopping and wine tasting 

Here's your plan for enjoying shrimp tacos, shopping State Street, grabbing coffee, and wine tasting in Santa Barbara

Coastal day trip to Santa Barbara 🛍️🍤🌊

Grab flavorful shrimp tacos and margaritas at Augie's in Santa Barbara—no reservation needed. A delicious spot to kick off your day exploring Lower State.

Tacos at Augie’s

💪 Pro tips
• the margaritas are delicious 
• no res needed

Explore State Street’s charming shops, including Urban Flea Market for unique thrifted clothes and decor. Perfect for strolling, browsing boutiques, and discovering local finds.

Thrift & Boutique Shopping

💪 Pro tips
• it’s so fun just wandering the shops on State Street! Plenty of thrift shops and ice cream shops to browse 
• Urban Flea Market is a great thrift store with clothes and decor, perfect for groups! 

Shopping on State Street 

Grab freshly brewed coffee or pick up a bag of beans at CAJÉ Coffee Roasters, a cozy spot for a caffeine boost while exploring Santa Barbara.

Coffee break

💪 Pro tips
• they sell bags of beans as well! 

Coffee at Caje Coffee 

Enjoy a delightful estate wine tasting at Pali Wine Co, with live music and a welcoming garden. Try natural and organic wines in Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone.

Wine tasting

✅ Before you go
• check the schedule for live music 

💪 Pro tips
• estate tasting was delicious
• they also have a fresh tasting with only organic and natural wines 
• it’s a great place to start at if you want to check out the rest of the Funk Zone 

Tasting at Pali Wine Co

Here's everything I ate and did in a day in Santa Barbara.

I started off at Augie’s with some shrimp tacos.

Then we checked out all the shops on State Street.

We walked into a few pottery shops with the cutest home decor finds.

And then we stopped by my favorite thrift shop,

Then I needed a little pick me up and stop to get some coffee

before heading over to Pali Wine Co where we did an estate tasting.

Brunch and thrift shop during this perfect breezy day out in the Arts District

Here's your plan for brunch at Zinc Cafe's patio followed by plus-size thrift shopping at Thick Thrift

Arts District Brunch & Plus-Size Thrift 🧇🛍️

Enjoy a relaxing brunch on the patio at Zinc Cafe & Bar, savoring fresh juices and tasty dishes in a lush Arts District courtyard.

Brunch on patio

✅ Before you go
• Make a reservation so you can snag an outdoor spot: https://resy.com/cities/los-angeles-ca/venues/zinc-cafe-and-bar-arts-district?date=2025-06-13&seats=2 

💪 Pro tip
• Both their cocktails and mocktails hit the spot, and I especially like their fresh juices!

Have brunch on the patio at Zinc Cafe & Bar

Browse over 100 vendors at Thick Thrift for unique plus-size clothing, accessories, and upcycled finds, all in a lively market with DJs and snack vendors.

Plus-size thrift shopping

✅ Before you go
• Follow their IG to grab your ticket online ahead of time - prices increase at the door: https://www.instagram.com/thickthriftla?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== 

💪 Pro tips
• Give yourself time to visit every booth because with over 100 vendors all with unique collections, there’s plenty to see!
• Use their posted site map to plan out your shopping route so you don’t miss any of your faves 

Shop plus-size finds at Thick Thrift

For a chill and chic day out this summer,

there's nothing better than enjoying brunch on

Head to the Arts District to visit one of Zinc Cafe's

lovely locations, with an inviting plant-filled courtyard patio in back.

Their coffee and drinks start your meal off strong,

With a menu full of fresh takes on your sweet and savory faves,

a monthly market with vintage to new and custom,

all in plus sizes and for a lot of great deals you won't want to miss out on!

I know I always leave with something special.

and the selection of snack vendors on site are on point every time.