Double Date Ideas in Long Beach

Double dates can be tricky. Whether you’re meeting new people or spending time with longtime friends, there’s a delicate balance between excitement, comfort and finding activities that are fun but also offer opportunities to learn about each other. Long Beach is home to many unique spots that cater to just that. Whether you're looking for something low-key, an adventure to bond over or a combination of the two, here are some great places to double your fun.

PANIQ ESCAPE ROOM/ALTAR SOCIETY

Working together on a common goal is a great way to get to know someone or deepen bonds further with old friends, especially if the goal is escaping bloodthirsty pirates or tricky wizards. PanIQ Room Long Beach’s (327 Pine Ave) immersive experience plunges players into lifelike scenarios with realistic props, professional voice actors and high-tech puzzles. Afterward, walk one block to Altar Society Brewing and Coffee Co. (230 Pine Ave) and talk about your narrow escape while enjoying hearty pub food–wings, sliders, pizza–that pairs perfectly with their house-brewed beer.

COWBOY COUNTRY SALOON

Hailed as Southern California’s last true honky tonk, Cowboy Country (3321 E. South St) is large with 15,000-square-feet encompassing three dance floors, two full bars, a pool room and lots of live band performances. All that means your crew will never have to be concerned about having something to do. Cowboy Country offers free dance lessons on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 7 and 8PM. You can learn the likes of the Cowboy Cha Cha and Texas Two-Step from expert dance teachers.

HAMBURGER MARY’S

Does anything forge a relationship as quickly as sharing a good laugh? Well, maybe it’s sharing some great food and drinks. Fortunately, the iconic Hamburger Mary’s (330 Pine Ave) has it all. Home to the most popular drag shows in the area, you can meet there for a day date at Mary’s most popular shows, their raucous Saturday and Sunday brunch performance packed with lots of performers. You’ll also get great food as well as mimosas by the glass or enjoyed in the restaurant’s signature 20-ounce leg glasses.

TOP GOLF SWING SUITE/DISTRICT WINE

Friendly competition is fun while providing insight into someone’s personality. Topgolf Swing Suite (500 E First St) at Courtyard by Marriott in Downtown Long Beach lets you compete in a relaxed atmosphere, complete with food and drink. Twin simulators allow you to play golf, football, hockey and Zombie Dodgeball. Afterward, walk around the corner to District Wine (144 Linden Ave) to discuss your zombie dodging successes in this downtown favorite. Cozied up in its series of dens and conversation pits, you’ll enjoy terrific small plates, especially the prosciutto-wrapped dates with goat cheese and great flat bread options.

DAVE & BUSTERS

Sometimes you want it to be easy and it doesn’t get any easier, or fun, than Dave & Buster’s (7515 Carson Blvd). No matter the vibe or relationship, you’ll find an activity or two–or 10–in this 41,000-square-foot barcade located at Long Beach Towne Center. It has great food, drinks and more than 180 games; virtual reality to classics like pop-a-shot and skee ball. If you’re meeting to watch a game, they have a massive 40-foot-wide LED screen. If things go well, you’ll be happy it stays open until midnight Sunday through Thursday, and until 1AM on Friday and Saturday.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.