Offbeat Valentine’s Day Ideas in Long Beach

It’s so easy to fall into the trappings of a traditional Valentine’s Day, defaulting to red roses, chocolates, and a prix fixe dinner at a fancy restaurant. While there’s nothing wrong with any of that, your romantic partner may prefer something less conventional. Here’s a guide to planning a Valentine’s Day in Long Beach that your goth girlfriend, metalhead lover, tattooed paramour, adorable anime fan, or fantasy fanatic will love.

METALHEAD CRUSH

Long Beach has legit metal roots: not only have Van Halen, Iron Maiden, and Judas Priest all performed in the Long Beach Arena in the 1980s, but an authentic love of metal abides in the city. Take your metalhead to Grill ‘Em All (5411 E Ocean Blvd), which bills itself as a heavy metal clubhouse with a name that pays tribute to Metallica. Their burger of the month is the King Crimson, featuring a Valentine-y bright red bun. Next, head out on a vinyl voyage to add some new albums to your collection by touring Long Beach’s record stores.

GOTHIC SWEETHEART

On Valentine’s Day, take your goth sweetheart to the Dark Art Emporium (427 E 1st St) and explore its eclectic mix of fine art and oddities. This edgy gallery in the East Village Arts District prides itself on displaying artwork you won’t see elsewhere; spooky, gory, gothic, dreamlike, surreal, and downright scary. After, head to DAE’s sister business The 4th Horseman (121 W 4th St), where you can combine your love of horror with delicious pizza, including vegan and vegetarian slices.

FANTASY FLAME

Does your significant other rewatch The Lord of the Rings and/or Harry Potter every year? Do they own a wand? Book a session in the Wizard Trials escape room at PanIQ Room Long Beach (327 Pine Ave), where together you will try and solve a series of magical puzzles before time runs out! Then, head to The Wicked Wolf (2332 Pacific Ave) for creative libations inspired by fairy tales in their cozy forest-themed lounge.

ANIME DARLING

For your lover who loves anime, plan a day perusing the goods at local comic book stores like Amazing Comics (5555 E Stearns). There you’ll find a great selection, from classics to graphic novels to manga, plus anime figurines, Funko Pops, and Yu-Gi-Oh cards. Then, go on a culinary journey to Japan–in Long Beach. You can find many sushi options, including all-you-can-eat sushi at Aikan Sushi (4201 E Willow St), plus ramen, rice bowls, katsu, and more.

TATTOOED HEARTTHROB

What better way to show your undying commitment to your love on Valentine’s Day than getting tattoos together, and what better place to do it than Long Beach? The city is home to Outer Limits Tattoo (22 S Chestnut Pl), the oldest continually operated tattoo parlor in the United States. Or, make an appointment at Alf’s Body Art Studio (5347 E 2nd St) in Belmont Shore, then you’re in a perfect location for strolling afterward and getting dinner and drinks. Or head to Port City Tavern, where the anchor logo and nautical decor is a nod to Long Beach’s past as a Navy town, and the happy hour, pool tables, and friendly bartenders will welcome you.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.