Weekend get-a-way for the LA couple

July 4, 3:31 PMLA Dating Scene ExaminerDiana Mategrano

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Celebrating a birthday? Anniversary? Or do you just want a weekend away together? Long Beach is just a hop-skip-and a jump away from LA and it's got much to offer the LA couple (or really any couple who is visiting the area). Let me start by saying, you can get to Long Beach via the Metro or by car. I've done both and I believe they each have their advantages. If you're going to take the Metro, you'll have to take the red line and connect to the blue line. The cost is $3.10 for two people to travel one way to Long Beach.  Depending on where you're traveling from, it'll take approximately one hour to get there. The freeway could take more time or in some cases, you might luck out and it will take less. For a metro trip planner, please see: http://www.metro.net/index.asp. 

I recommend booking reservations at either the Renaissance or the Hyatt. Both are close to all the sights and in walking distance to the Metro Station. When my boyfriend and I did this, we stayed at the Renaissance and walked everywhere. 

The Aquarium of the Pacific is in the area and a must-see for all ages. Adult admission costs $23.95. With it you get to experience all the sights except for the new shark exhibit. The general ticket admission was more than enough for us. For more information on the aquarium hours & prices, see: http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/planyourvisit/prices_hours/. Now, before you go too far into the aquarium, you'll also want to get your picture taken by the staff at the entrance. 

The highlight of the aquarium is the fact that you get to touch so many of the sea creatures. I'm talking, starfish, coral, giant green anemone, purple sea urchin and even the sharks... well, some of the small sharks. You can also step out of the sea and into the Lorikeet Forest. This was by far my favorite part of the whole aquarium. These tropical, beautiful birds will sit right on your shoulder! My advise, buy the nectar before you enter the "forest." You're more likely to get the bird's attention, and boy will you ever! Those birds go crazy over the nectar! If you are not a fan of birds, first off, what's wrong with you? Second, stay out of the lorikeet forest! You will not like this experience! 

Hey, remember that picture you took when you first entered the place? Well, go take a look at it at the right of the entrance. Here you'll have a chance to capture you and your loved one holding all sorts of crazy sea life. Pictures run about $12.95 and up.  If you don't want to spend the money, there is a perfect Kodak Moment on the outside of the building against the big blue wall that reads: Aquarium of the Pacific. Find a friendly face or a staff member to take your picture and you've got yourself a nice photo of the two of you.

Wow! With all that sea-life-sight-seeing you two must be hungry!  Why not head on over to Shoreline Village, walking distance from the Aquarium. Here you can enjoy a nice snack or lunch. For a young and trendy LA couple, I recommend The Yardhouse. No matter what day it is, the place is always buzzing with life. Tequila Jack's is also a fun place to go and the two restaurants just happen to be neighbors. 

After a quick bite to eat, walk around the Village. It's on the water and a great place to hold hands and just enjoy each other and the scenery.  You can also shop at the various stores in the area. 

After this, I recommend heading back to the hotel. Shower up and head out for dinner and drinks. A favorite of mine would be Rock Bottom. This is located right across the street from the Long Beach Renaissance. Here you can get some drinks before dinner and then head over to a nice restaurant in the area. Within a five minute walk, you'll find your next meal is hard to pick from with all the restaurant choices. My favorite is Gladstone's. If you like seafood, go there, or at least think about it for lunch tomorrow. Otherwise there is, Outback Steakhouse, Islands, PF Changs, Bubba Gump's, and the list goes on. Eat. Enjoy. Be happy to be out and begin to look forward to another great day ahead of you. 

On day two, I suggest ordering in some room service. Nothing says, "romantic get-a-way" then ordering breakfast in bed. If you don't like that idea then try out the hotel's other breakfast options or head on over to the Shoreline Village and pick up something quick and easy there. 

Now, let's get on the water! 

One of the best parts about Long Beach is the water activity it provides. There are plenty of boat rides and advertisements in the area. I recommend Offshore Water Sports. Here you can rent a boat or a Jet Ski. I experienced the Jet Ski and had a great time! The cost is $95 for the hour and you can fit up to three people on the ski. The boats cost $110 per hour and can fit up to 6 people. With either rental, they do hold a $400 security deposit. So, beware! I received my deposit back on my credit card within 3 days. 

The experience is definitely worth the cost. While on the ski we passed the Queen Mary and took some fun pictures. We also got up close and personal with about 7 seals! Later we turned the ski off and jumped right into the water. If this interests you (and it should) please call: 562-436-1996 for more information. Offshore Water Sports is located near The Yardhouse and Tequila Jack's. 

After that extravaganza, walk around. Enjoy the day. Spend some time on the beach. When you start feeling hungry head toward any of the happy hour restaurants in the area or get lunch. If you didn't hit up Gladstone's the night before I recommend going there today. The rest of the day is yours. You can either head home or stay another night. No matter your choice, you're bound to have an excellent get-a-way for two that you'll want to repeat over and over again.