Couple celebrating Valentine's Day on City Cruises yacht
California / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Special Events & Holidays / United States / Valentines Day

Sun-Kissed Cupid: Celebrate Valentine’s Day 2025 in Southern California

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and create unforgettable memories with that special someone. What better way to do that than with a unique celebration on the scenic Southern California coast? It just so happens that the Los Angeles area is one of the best places in the world to celebrate this romantic holiday. With its warm, sunny weather, stunning beaches, scenic mountains, and charming towns, SoCal offers endless ways to make the holiday of love unforgettable. Whether you’re a fan of fine dining, thrilling adventures, or low-key beach strolls, there’s something for every couple. Here’s a guide to some of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Southern California, including a romantic dining cruise with City Cruises.

The History of Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day, celebrated every year on February 14th, has roots that trace back to ancient Rome. No wonder it’s so “Rome-antic!” It is thought to have originated from the Roman festival of Lupercalia, a celebration held in mid-February to welcome spring and encourage fertility. The day later became associated with Saint Valentine, a Christian martyr who, according to legend, defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage for young men in order to keep them focused on military service, thus leading to his demise.

The romantic traditions of Valentine’s Day as we know it began to take shape in the 14th and 15th centuries, especially in England and France, where love poetry and exchanging tokens became popular. Today, Valentine’s Day is celebrated around the world as a day to express love and affection, evolving from its historical and religious origins into a secular celebration of romance and friendship.

Group enjoying a holiday party on a City Cruises vessel
California / Christmas / City Cruises / Corporate Events / Greater Los Angeles Area / Group Events / Special Events & Holidays / United States

Season’s Meetings: Host Your Corporate Holiday Party in Southern California

As the holiday season approaches, corporate holiday parties are the perfect way to celebrate team achievements, boost morale, and foster strong connections among colleagues. If you’re hosting in Southern California, you have a wealth of options to make your celebration truly memorable. There’s nothing quite like taking the festivities to the water. City Cruises operates across Southern California and offers unique and memorable venues for corporate holiday gatherings, whether you’re celebrating in Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, or Long Beach. Here’s a guide on how to host an unforgettable corporate holiday party with City Cruises in SoCal.

Why Choose City Cruises for Your Los Angeles Corporate Holiday Party?

Southern California’s mild winter weather means you can take advantage of various venue styles, including indoor and outdoor settings. Hosting your corporate holiday event with City Cruises offers an experience unlike any land-based venue. Imagine setting sail with the beautiful California coastline as your backdrop, complete with panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, ocean breezes, and the marina’s holiday lights. Not to mention, a yacht party is inherently memorable. It’s a chance for your team to enjoy the holiday spirit with an added touch of adventure, elevating your event above the typical restaurant or banquet hall setting. Our floating venues offer a dynamic and ever-changing backdrop for your holiday celebration.

The best part? We provide everything you need for a successful event, from catering and entertainment to customized decor and full-service staff. This all-in-one approach makes planning easier and ensures a seamless experience for everyone. Thanks to the expertise and guidance of our event coordinators, our customizable all-inclusive packages make this often stressful event a breeze.

chef with brunch
California / City Cruises / Eat & Drink / Greater Los Angeles Area / Things To Do / United States / Water Activities

The Best Waterfront Dining is Within Reach in Long Beach

Long Beach is known for being one of the many beautiful cities in Southern California. This city on the waterfront boasts spectacular views from wherever you’re standing. Gorgeous sunsets, great weather, and a host of attractions come together, making Long Beach inviting to all. It’s where you will find exciting things to do and places to visit, such as The Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and a plethora of events throughout the year. The nightlife is hopping, and you can find spots to listen to classic rock ‘n roll, jazz, salsa, and alternative music.

The city’s Rainbow Harbor and Rainbow Marina are in the center of downtown Long Beach, between Shoreline Village and the Aquarium, according to Longbeach.gov. While the marina has 87 slips, “the harbor area of the facility features twelve, 150-foot docks, that are home port to an array of exciting waterfront attractions, including sports fishing; whale watching; harbor cruises; dinner cruises; private charter boats; rental boats; personal watercraft rentals; and more,” the website said.

When thinking of dinner cruises, it doesn’t get any better than City Cruises for the best dining experiences in Long Beach. Find out firsthand where fine dining meets the water and the best views in the city.

Brunch is Better in Long Beach Aboard a Yacht

Everything in Long Beach is better on the water, especially brunch. Bring along your best friends or closest family members for an elegant day on Rainbow Harbor with our Long Beach Premier Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise.

This 2-hour cruise will let you kick back and relax while on an adventurous journey along the harbor. Get ready to see the magnificent views of Southern California’s world-famous beaches, harbor views, Lions Lighthouse, and The Queen Mary.

Enjoy chef-prepared menus that feature a variety of options, including breakfast pastries and Scottish smoked salmon for early risers, as well as Caesar salad and sun-dried tomato pasta salad for those looking for a lunch option. Indulge in delicious cocktails to enjoy with your meal. There will be free-flowing champagne, mimosas, sparkling cider, unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea, and water. Live entertainment will set the mood and entice your group to the dance floor. Everything on board is delivered with top-notch service.

Group toasting at a retirement party on City Cruises vessel
California / City Cruises / Corporate Events / Greater Los Angeles Area / Group Events / Special Events & Holidays / Uncategorized

Throw a Rocking Retirement Party in Long Beach

Retirement parties are such special events. Your friends, family, and coworkers come together and celebrate your entire career—which is why this occasion needs to be special. When you host your next event on the water aboard a unique floating venue with exceptional views of southern California’s world-famous beaches and pristine harbor, it’s a surefire way to elevate your party. City Cruises offers chef-prepared menu options, full bar service, and all-inclusive packages that can be customized to fit your budget and party size. Your guests will love our distinctive hospitality, climate-controlled interior, and open-air outdoor decks. Experience greater Los Angeles from the water and enjoy picturesque views of Long Beach’s coastal city skyline and sandy shoreline! If you’re ready to learn more about how to make the ultimate retirement party a reality, read on.

Why Choose City Cruises for Your Retirement Party in Long Beach?

There are plenty of reasons why you should book with City Cruises for your retirement party in Long Beach. The one-of-a-kind ambiance of hosting a party on a boat, surrounded by stunning cityscape and waterfront views, speaks for itself. Not only that, but from intimate gatherings to larger celebrations, flexible options and personalization are our specialties. This means your retirement party is carefully crafted around your wants and needs. With a fleet of top-of-the-line yachts and charter vessels—including the Mojo, Dream On, Entertainer, Endless Dreams, and Icon—you can’t beat City Cruises Long Beach for your retirement party plans.

The Benefits of Hosting a Retirement Party with City Cruises

You’ll have unforgettable scenery and a luxurious atmosphere when you book with City Cruises. After all, have you ever been to a retirement party on a yacht charter? Probably not. That’s what makes our venues so unique: the changing city views, sunset or night-time skyline, and the lively waterfront atmosphere all come together to create the perfect setting for any celebration.

You can opt for all-inclusive packages, which prioritize convenience and ease and cover catering, drinks, entertainment, and décor. The best part about booking with City Cruises is the ease of no hassle! With our team of event coordinators, you’ll have all the support you need to plan and execute a seamless party. That means all you have to do is focus on having a good time. Speaking of which, we’ve got plenty of onboard entertainment options, including live music, DJ services, and interactive activities for all ages.

Gift being opened ribbon pulled
California / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Group Events / Special Events & Holidays / United States

Blow Out Your Birthday Candles on the Coast with City Cruises in Southern California-2025

Birthdays come just once a year and you want to make them really special. If you’re looking for the ultimate way to commemorate another trip around the sun-City Cruises Southern California is a top choice. Imagine sailing under the stars, with the gentle swaying of the waves and your favorite people around you to set the scene for an incredible birthday celebration. Whether you have 20,40, or 90 candles to blow out on your cake, our luxurious yachts provide the perfect backdrop to elevate your soiree for an unforgettable experience on the water. Let our attentive crew ensure that everything runs smoothly, allowing you to focus on enjoying your guests. There’s no better place to host an epic birthday celebration than in the City of Angels with its mix of sunny weather, endless entertainment options, and vibrant atmosphere. Sail into your best birthday party yet with City Cruises.

Group celebrating New Year's Eve on a City Cruises vessel
California / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / New Year / Special Events & Holidays / United States

A Glamorous Guide to Ringing in the New Year in Los Angeles (2025)

As the clock counts down to midnight, Los Angeles lights up with excitement. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, stunning views, and celebrity culture — making it an ideal destination to ring in the New Year. From upscale parties to unforgettable views of the fireworks, there’s no shortage of ways to spend New Year’s Eve in the City of Angels. For those looking to welcome 2025 with a fresh twist, City Cruises offers a luxury yacht experience that combines scenic views, gourmet dining, and festive entertainment, all while cruising along LA’s coastline. Here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating this epic holiday in Los Angeles, California.

Watch the New Year’s Fireworks from a Rooftop in LA

Los Angeles boasts some of the most beautiful skyline views in the world, and what better way to take it all in than with a panoramic view of the city’s fireworks? Many rooftops across LA host New Year’s Eve parties, where guests can sip champagne, dance to live music and watch the fireworks over the city. One familiar favorite is Perch LA. This French-inspired rooftop bistro in downtown offers sweeping views of the city skyline. The ambiance is chic and romantic, making it perfect for couples or groups of friends. Another popular option is Videre Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, located on top of the Kimpton Hotel Wilshire in the heart of the city. Videre is an intimate rooftop bar offering breathtaking views of the Hollywood Hills and the city skyline. With signature cocktails and a lively vibe, this spot is ideal for a laid-back yet stylish New Year’s Eve experience.

Family celebrating Christmas on City Cruises vessel
California / Christmas / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Special Events & Holidays / United States

Christmas in Los Angeles: A Guide to Festive Fun in the City of Angels

The holiday season in Los Angeles offers a unique blend of festive cheer and coastal magic. Each Christmas season, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with palm trees decked in lights, holiday events, and fun attractions. Despite the warmer weather, Southern California embraces Christmas in its own sun-soaked, sophisticated way. From holiday parades to one-of-a-kind holiday meal ideas, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate. One of the most memorable is on the water with City Cruises, but more on that later! Here’s a guide to making the most of Christmastime in Los Angeles.

Explore the Holiday Lights Throughout Los Angeles

Everyone loves looking at Christmas lights, and one of the most iconic parts of the holiday season in LA is the abundance of lights and decorations that brighten up neighborhoods and popular spots around the city. Check out these must-see locations:
• LA Zoo Lights: During the holiday season, the Los Angeles Zoo transforms into a dazzling display of LED lights, interactive installations, and animal-inspired decorations. Strolling through the zoo at night under the lights is LA’s “wildest” tradition.
• Descanso Gardens’ Enchanted Forest of Light: Located in La Cañada Flintridge, Descanso Gardens offers a mesmerizing experience with illuminated pathways, whimsical landscapes, and installations like the Symphony of Oaks that bring the gardens to life. It is perfect for families and anyone looking to add some holiday enchantment to their season.
• Venice Canals Holiday Lights: The historic Venice Canals offer an idyllic and unique holiday experience. Stroll along the canals to enjoy homes and boats that have transformed into a magical holiday scene.
• Christmas Tree Lane in Altadena: This century-old tradition is one of LA’s most cherished. It features over a mile of towering deodar cedar trees, planted as far back as 1883 and decorated with thousands of twinkling lights. Put on some Christmas music and take a drive through this breathtaking outdoor Christmas display.

Celebrating Thanksgiving on a City Cruises vessel
California / City Cruises / Greater Los Angeles Area / Special Events & Holidays / Thanksgiving / United States

Start a New Thanksgiving Tradition in Southern California

Southern California is a top holiday destination. Celebrating Thanksgiving in this popular area combines the warmth of the West Coast’s sunshine with the cozy, festive traditions that make this holiday a cherished American tradition. Whether you’re drawn to traditional dinners with friends and family, outdoor activities that take advantage of the mild fall weather, or unique events that showcase SoCal’s cultural melting pot, this region offers something for everyone.

This year, why not elevate your celebration with City Cruises, where you can enjoy an all-inclusive Thanksgiving dining experience aboard a luxury yacht? Forget the stress of hosting and the hassle of cooking—City Cruises provides the ultimate way to celebrate on the water, combining a gourmet meal, breathtaking coastal views, and a festive atmosphere to make this holiday truly special. Here’s how you can make the most of your Thanksgiving holiday in Southern California and why City Cruises is an ideal choice for families, friends, and anyone looking to add a unique twist to their holiday.

Thanksgiving with a Twist: Enjoying the Outdoors in Southern California

While most Thanksgiving celebrations across the U.S. are centered around indoor gatherings due to colder temperatures, Southern California’s temperate climate invites locals and visitors alike to enjoy their holiday celebrations outside. Pair that with a stunning coastline to set the scene for a Thanksgiving unlike any other. Imagine sitting down to a holiday feast while cruising along scenic harbors and coastal views. Or ditch the formal dinner table for a beach picnic along the iconic coastlines of Santa Monica, Malibu, or Laguna Beach. Pack your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, a cozy blanket, and some beach chairs for a relaxed, scenic meal.