I've lived in downtown long beach the past 6 years. Im 2 blocks from the Convention Center and know the town inside and out - if it doesnt work out with the GF we can meet up for a beer at the yardhouse!
1. There is a light house on the penninsula right next to the aquarium. Walk down Pine ave to the ocean and take a right by the marina and it wraps around. You can see some of the Aquarium (if its a Friday night there is a FREE shark night, always a good cheap option for 20 minutes of fun), the boats, a fountain and the ocean. When you get to the lighthouse and its dusk you can get a great view of the city and the water.
2. Queen Mary is a good choice. You willl need to do it on the boat though since the surrounding area is parking lots. Actually there is a grassy area nearby but it is nothing special. Go to the Observation deck bar, grab a cock tail, go to the top level with benches and look out over the ocean and city. View similar to the above, just further away. You can take the RED line passport there for free or cab. Its a long walk if your in a rush.
(Funny story: I took a girl there once on like a thursday night and it was empty. We ended up climbing up to the top of the middle smoke stack and thats where we ahd our first kiss. Pretty cool and never got caught!)
3. Palos Verdes penninsula lighthouse. Was there for a wedding a few years back. Very secluded and romantic view of ocean/catalina as far as the eye can see. The drive there is great too, windy roads. Would be great at sunset, but you're racing the clock. And you have to drive through the port (impressive but industrial)
4. The big hill in san pedro. Never been but I hear the views are nice and it has a big bell, if thats your thing. Same downsides as above.
5. There is a restaurant downtown (i can look it up if you want) that does dinner and helicopter rides of the city. Pretty cool idea. OR you could just takea helicopter to catalina and do it there...?
