Long Beach, Calif.-One of the most popular and hardest-to-find commodities in California is the ocean view setting for a wedding, birthday, anniversary, corporate party, etc. Prime upscale locations cost a fortune to book, leaving brides, grooms, parents, and relatives with little money remaining to buy gifts.

We came across La Palapa del Mar in Long Beach recently and saw a wedding there. The little gazebo was set on the sand overlooking the Belmont Shore Memorial Pier, and the action all took place on the beach and nearby patio of the restaurant.

La Palapa del Mar is part of a building complex with the Belmont Pool, but is privately owned and operated unlike the pool, which is part of the city of Long Beach parks & recreation operations. The restaurant turns up the heat at night with sunset dinners, live bands, and delicious cocktails. For those seeking a wedding, the location includes convenient parking in public lots, ocean views, and the simplicity that an affordable approach to wedding planning, corporate partying, or other events appreciate.

Location: 4020 Olympic Plaza
Belmont Shore, CA 90803
(800) 958-7729
lapalaparestaurant.com

Note: We have not tested a special event there, so do check their reference list before you book, if you decided on this based on our recommendation.