There’s something in the air, and nothing can mask it; It’s love! Valentine’s Day is almost upon us, so we want to let you know that Downtown Long Beach has plenty of activity options that might encourage bonding, stimulate conversation, or perhaps heat up a romance.
Here are 26 Downtown Long Beach businesses offering special attractions on Valentine’s Day and the weekend preceding it. If reservations are required, make them early; We anticipate many Valentine visitors throughout the weekend – including celebrants of “Galentine’s Day,” which is a chance for platonic friends to share their love. NOTE: Hours listed below are for Valentine’s weekend and Valentine’s Day, which falls on a Monday.
AMMATOLI MEDITERRANEAN BITES
285 E 3rd St
Fri – Sun 11am – 9pm, Mon 6pm – 9pm
Chef Dima’s five-course Valentine’s Day dinner for $75 per person is sure to blow your mind! Her extraordinary dishes, interesting wine list, and romantic ambiance will be the perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day adventure.
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
100 Aquarium Way
Fri “Night Dive” 7:30pm – 11pm, Sat – Mon 9am – 6pm
On Friday night, February 11, you and your Val-pal will have a chance to explore the mysteries of the deep together while immersing yourselves in local music, art, and culture; In a Valentine-themed iteration of the Aquarium’s ongoing “Night Dive” event, couples can get matching temporary tattoos before entering the Great Hall, grabbing some cocktails, and dancing to a reggae-soul band that will be playing in a Lover’s Rock style. Sneak up to the surrounding galleries, where several DJs will be keeping those good grooves going. After you work up an appetite, head out to the front plaza for a bite to eat from the food trucks. COVID protocols will be in place; For more information on those, visit the Aquarium’s website.
BEACHWOOD BBQ & BREWING
210 E 3rd St
Fri – Sun 12pm – 9pm
Have the “hoppiest” Valentine’s weekend ever with your favorite local brews and barbecue! Stop in as an adjunct to your Valentine’s weekend Downtown Journey of Discovery. Sample such house beers as Joe Long Beach Coffee Stout, Oatmonster Nitro, and Hops of Fury. Go all the way and complement your bevvies with the Beachwood House Platter, which is piled high with smoked and barbecued meats.
BERLIN BISTRO
420 E 4th St
Sat – Mon 7:30am – 3pm
This popular spot adjoining Fingerprints Music will be offering a “Galentine’s Brunch” on February 12 and 13 as well as a special Valentine’s Dinner on the 14th. “For brunch we are offering special Mimosas featuring fresh juices, Chocolate-and-Strawberry Waffles, and a Crab Benedict,” said General Manager Alexa Tornquist. “Reservations are recommended. For our Valentine’s Dinner we are serving a prix fixe dinner for $65 per person. There are two seatings, one at 5:30pm and one at 7:30pm. Reservations are required. Dinner will be an amuse bouche [an appetizer to stimulate the appetite], two main courses, and dessert. We will announce the dinner menu in more detail on our social media when it is finalized. All of our produce comes from the Downtown Farmers Market so we have to wait to see exactly what produce is available for the weekend!”
BROADLIND HOTEL
149 Linden Ave
Partake of the riches of the East Village with your Valentine’s Day playmate, then retire to a Long Beach Historical Landmark! The Broadlind Hotel, built in 1928, combines Spanish Colonial, Italian Renaissance, and Spanish Mission architectural styles to create an evocative look that’s as cool and classic as Downtown itself. Each room is unique as well. Book a two-night stay on the Hotel website (click link above) and get complimentary chocolates and a bottle of champagne. This is a great way to celebrate Valentine’s Day locally, yet feel like International People of Mystery.
BRUSHSTOKES + BEVERAGES
501 E Broadway, Unit C
Sat & Mon 7pm – 9pm, Sun 4pm – 6pm
Creating art brings people together; Ever seen the pottery scene in the movie “Ghost?” Brushstrokes + Beverages is offering a somewhat similar experience on Valentine’s Day. We’ll let Owner and Creative Director Michael Mosselli explain: “You and your special someone will attend a fun and relaxing Paint + Sip experience! This painting is Diptych Style (duo 16×20 canvases) which means you and your special someone will each paint half of the final picture that will combine to make one. In a relaxed group setting, an artist will guide you through replicating the night’s featured painting step by step. By the end of the evening you will be amazed at the artwork you have created. Create a special memory for Valentine’s Day this year, with a unique keepsake to hang on your wall and remind you of your special day!”
CAFE SEVILLA
140 Pine Ave
Sat & Sun 11am – 2am, Mon 5pm -2am
“If music be the food of love, play on,” said a wise man, and at Cafe Sevilla, you and your honey can indulge in both food and music all Valentine’s Day weekend. With its outstanding live music, authentic Spanish food and moody, vibe-appropriate decor, Cafe Sevilla will take both of you on a memorable journey. Throughout the weekend and on the big day itself, the Cafe will be hosting Valentine-themed events: an “Anti-Valentine’s Day” brunch on the 12th, a “Galentine’s Day” brunch on Sunday, and the highlight, a “Lovers In Spain” Four-Course Prix Fixe Valentine’s Day Menu, priced at $89 per person, which features “romantic classics with a Spanish twist,” such as Lobster Paella San Valentin, a duet of Grilled New Zealand Lamb Chop and Seared Diver Scallop with Honey Mint Glaze, and a shared Sangria Tart for dessert. The “Lovers in Spain” menu is also available for delivery, in the event you and your companion would rather share this epic meal privately. More more information about live music, start times and menu details, please visit the Cafe Sevilla website.
DISTRICT WINE
144 Linden Ave
Sun 2pm – 8pm, Mon 4pm – 10pm
If you want to combine all things Valentine’s Day into one experience, this is your go-to! Champagne & tapas pairing, check. Sparkling wine flight and to-go Cava special, check. Four-layer brownie dessert box, charcuterie box, and cheese box with a bottle of wine, check. Live music (Saturday only), check. Mimosa flight (Sunday only), check.
DOLY’S DELECTABLES
245 E Broadway
Fri 6am – 12pm, Sat & Sun 7am – 1pm, Mon 6am – 12pm
The fine folks at DoLy’s will be up well before sunrise, preparing to help you start your sweetheart’s day off right with breakfast or a sweet, freshly-baked treat. Their huge selection of macarons and croissants will win over even the coldest heart! Come in for breakfast with your Valen-date, or pick some dessert items to take home and add to the romantic atmosphere you’re preparing at home – or on a picnic in some secluded location.
FUEGO AT HOTEL MAYA
700 Queensway Dr
Fri & Sat 6am – 11pm, Sun & Mon 6am – 10pm
Fuego has plenty of reasons to celebrate the weekend: Saturday brunch, Super Bowl Sunday Tailgate brunch, and Monday Valentine’s Day dinner. Enjoy their Latin spin on brunch standards, their classic take on Valentine’s Dinner, or tailgate favorites while you watch the big game on the waterfront.
THE FUNNEL HOUSE
425 Shoreline Village Dr
Sun & Mon 10am – 11pm
Everyone loves a stroll along the boardwalk complete with a hot, fresh, delicious funnel cake! Celebrate the weekend of love with a “Be My Valentine Funnel Cake,” a heart-shaped confection with strawberry whipped cream and gourmet strawberry jam on top.
GEORGE’S GREEK CAFE
135 Pine Ave
Sun 11:30am – 9pm, Mon 11am – 8pm
Maybe the surprise trip to the Greek Isles you wanted to spring on your Valentine didn’t pan out; Instead, take ‘em to George’s, a little piece of Greece on Pine Avenue, where you can dine like Dionysus on authentic Greek cuisine! Valentine’s Day specials include a Chocolate Old Fashioned cocktail, a Strawberry Rum Punch cocktail, and Chicken a la Creme – lightly breaded chicken breast with a white wine cream sauce, served with sauteed vegetables and whipped mashed potatoes.
HI-LO LIQUOR MARKET
707 E Ocean Blvd, Ste A
Fri – Sat 9am – 9pm, Sun 10am – 8pm, Mon 9am – 8pm
Whether you’re looking for a fun wine tasting activity or a fabulous gift box, Hi-Lo has something for everyone – even those who prefer not to imbibe! Hi-Lo prides itself in a well-curated selection of craft beer, wine, and spirits at a wide variety of price points. Hi-Lo also stocks fresh, organic fruits and veggies, along with plenty of snacks. Stop in! By Hi-Lo’s own website description, it’s a place “born to amp up the daily celebration.”
INTERNATIONAL CITY THEATRE
Beverly O’Neill Theater, 330 E Seaside Way
Sun matinee 2pm
If you’re more of the anti-Valentine’s Day-type, “Marry Me a Little” may be your speed! “Marry Me A Little” weaves 17 songs by Stephen Sondheim into a tale of love and loneliness. The story of two single strangers who unknowingly live close by is told entirely through songs written early in Sondheim’s career or cut from his groundbreaking Broadway musicals. You can use the promo code “Buy2save20” for $20 off the purchase of 2 tickets.
MABEL’S GOURMET PRALINES
625 Pine Ave
Sat 10am – 4pm, Mon Noon – 5pm
Owner Saundra Christmas employs secret family recipes to create her enticing Pralines and Banana Puddin, and she wouldn’t mind us describing these traditional New Orleans desserts as “decadently delicious.” Visit Mabel’s on Valentine’s Day, buy one dessert and get your second one for half price. Sweets for your sweetie!
MARAL DESIGNS
455 E Ocean Blvd, Ste 21
Fri & Sat 12pm – 6pm
The collection of women’s fashions and accessories here is extensive, so it’s the perfect place to discover a new outfit with your Galentines. You’ll also receive a free gift for your purchase of $40!
MO CUTZ AT DEN SALON
300 W Ocean Blvd
Fri 10am – 6pm, Sat 9am – 5pm, Mon 11am – 4pm
You’ll need a new ‘do before your hot date – a High Top Fade, perhaps, or an Executive Contour – so be sure to book your appointment with Mo Cutz at Den Salon. Receive a free conditioning treatment with purchase of a womens’ blow-dry, or free beard trim with purchase of a mens’ cut, available on Friday 2/11 and Saturday 2/12.
MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART
628 Alamitos Ave
Sun 11am – 5pm
Spend the day con tu amor exploring Latin American artwork and strolling the sculpture garden and receive 2 tickets for the price of 1 (through Sunday 2/13)! Cap your day off at the gift shop and receive 15% off jewelry and wallets (until Sunday 2/13), or get free shipping on online orders over $35 from now until February 14.
PARKERS’ LIGHTHOUSE
435 Shoreline Village Dr.
Fri & Sat 11:30am – 10pm, Sun 11:30am – 9pm, Mon 11:30am – 10pm
If you and your Galentines are looking for a relaxing waterfront brunch or dinner scene, you have to check out Parkers’ Lunch for Two for $80 or Dinner for Two for $135, available Friday night through Monday afternoon. Their Valentine’s Day dinner for $89 and wine pairing for $40 per person is filled with creative offerings like Lobster & Shrimp Taquitos, Yucatan Free Range Chicken, Thai Seafood Curry, and Warm Chocolate Brownie Custard.
PEDAL MOVEMENT
223 E 1st St
Sat – Mon 9am – 5pm
You’ve known each other a while, and it’s time to get physical; Head down to Pedal Movement’s GoActiveLB Hub at 223 East First Street, rent a couple of bikes, and spend a few hours cruising and working out together on the beachfront bike path. You can rent beach cruisers, E-bikes, and mountain bikes at the First Street location. Helmets and locks are provided free with every rental. Reserve your bikes on their website at least 24 hours in advance. Learn about Pedal Movement’s beachfront locations (Junipero Beach, Granada Beach) on the website as well; You can rent skates and stand-up paddleboards at those, and on February 12 and 13 the beachfront locations will have a 2-FOR-1 DEAL ON ALL BIKE AND SKATE RENTALS!
THE PIRATES COVE
419 Shoreline Village Dr
Daily 10am – 9pm
Arrrrr you looking for the perfect gift for your matey? Swing by The Pirates Cove in Shoreline Village for some cool pirate gear and get 20% off non-discounted items, and 10% off a love lock for the Love Lock Bridge.
QUEENSVIEW STEAKHOUSE
435 Shoreline Village Dr.
Thu – Sun 5pm-9pm, Mon 5pm-10pm
This is your place for a classically romantic evening at a fine dining steakhouse overlooking the harbor! Every table is the best seat in the house as there are nearly 360-degree views in this beautiful restaurant. Indulge in their spectacular 4-course meal for $98 plus wine pairings for $55 per person.
RECORD BOX
930 Pacific Ave
Sat – Mon Noon – 5pm
A red rose and a favorite song; What could be a better recipe for romance? At the Record Box, you can hook your date up with both; The place is packed with eclectic, tasty vinyl. You’ll get a free long-stem rose with each purchase from February 12 through Valentine’s Day. “We will also be presenting the ‘Purple Reign’ Ube Festival on the12th, from 11am to 6pm,” Record Box Owner Jose Jurado told us. “We’ll be hosting several artists and food vendors with great gifts to really knock it out the park this Valentine’s Day!” FUN FACT: An Ube is a purple root vegetable, grown in the Philippines, known as a rich source of complex carbs, potassium, and vitamin C. Its effectiveness as an aphrodisiac hasn’t been proven — yet.
SCHOLARS COLLECTIVE
236 E 3rd St
Mon 2:45pm – 9pm
Want to celebrate the holiday early with a romantic Saturday evening out, but don’t know what to do with your little rascals? Drop them off for some educational fun and a meal, while utilizing their discounts at local restaurants. Be sure to book your tickets now before they’re sold out!
VIDA PLANT SHOP
748 Pine Ave
Sat & Sun Noon – 6pm
Say it with flowers — or maybe a Creeping Charlie — from this Pine Avenue jungle gem. Open from Noon ’til 6pm on Valentine’s Day, the shop will have fresh flower bouquets available, as well as special red and pink taper candles to help get the mood just right. For those who wish to dig deeper, garden tools are available, along with soil, handcrafted pots, and an exotic collection of plants guaranteed to enhance any couple’s secret garden.
WATERS EDGE WINERY
217 Pine Ave
Fri 3pm – 9pm, Sat 12pm – 9pm
Feeling lucky? Gather your Galentines and celebrate friendship with live music by Ashley Vinitri, a three-course dinner and wine pairings, and casino games starting at 6pm to benefit the MadLove Society of Long Beach! Order their Romeo and Juliette red and white wine pack online and get free shipping.