Affectionately called “LBC” by locals, Long Beach is both a city and a beach community – making it an ideal weekend getaway in Southern California.
It's situated on the border of Orange County and Los Angeles County (about a 45-minute drive from the heart of LA — more or less, depending on the infamous traffic).
You may recognize it as home to the Queen Mary or Aquarium of the Pacific, but there's so much more to see and do! With biker-friendly streets, multiple artist collectives, funky boutiques and vintage stores, and tons of cool restaurants and bars, Long Beach is worth checking out.
It turns out that Long Beach is also one of the best dog-friendly places to explore in Southern California!
Whether you're planning a stay, a quick trip to the coast, or just looking to explore somewhere new, Long Beach should be on your radar.
From the best places to eat to where to stay and the best things to do in Long Beach – here's your ultimate guide!
The best time to visit Long Beach
How is the weather in Long Beach?
Located in Southern California, the climate in Long Beach is quite temperate and never gets too cold.
It's a great summer retreat (June to September), when the water tends to warm up; although occasionally there are scorching days when high temperatures reach 32 or 37ºC.
That said, fall, winter and spring are equally good times to explore LBC, as long as you're not counting on bikini beach weather.
Helpful tip: Keep in mind that it is common for Long Beach to experience “May Gray” and “June Gloom”, where days can be quite bleak and misty.
Consider the Grand Prix moment
The Long Beach Grand Prix usually takes place every year in April. If you're going specifically for the Grand Prix, you'll want to book your accommodation well in advance, as things tend to sell out quickly.
And if you are NOT going to the Grand Prix, I would avoid this weekend as hotel prices can go up and parts of the city center are blocked off making getting around a bit difficult.
Where to stay in Long Beach
Westin Long Beach
If you are looking for a hotel dog friendly, we chose to stay at the Westin Long Beach because it offered the best of everything and it was in a prime location.
Other hotel options:
- Maya Hotel: Part of the DoubleTree by Hilton, this Latin-inspired hotel is nestled in a lush tropical garden in the heart of the city.
- Hotel Current: This beautiful location offers cozy rooms and spacious apartments in a modern location.
- Westin Long Beach: This four-star luxury hotel has all the bells and whistles you and your furry friend need for the perfect getaway.
- Residence Inn Long Beach Downtown: This all-suite hotel on the banks of the Los Angeles River offers a kitchenette, hot breakfast and beautiful ocean views.
- Hyatt Regency Long Beach: Another beachfront gem in the center of town, this award-winning hotel is a perfect base for exploring.
- Hyatt Centric The Pike: This luxury hotel is located in the center of the city's best shopping districts and has an on-site farm-to-table restaurant.
- Hilton Long Beach: For exceptional service and elegant surroundings, look no further.
Getting around in Long Beach
Long Beach is a relatively bikeable, especially for things close to shore. There are some stretches that are great for walking, like Belmont Shore and 2nd Street.
So if you're staying close to the city center, you can get away with just cycling on the weekend. However, some of the activities have a little distance between them, so you may want to rent a car or take an Uber.
While public transportation does exist, I wouldn't say Long Beach is especially known for it.
The best things to do in Long Beach
There are tons of fun things to do in Long Beach! Whether you're looking for family outings, dog-friendly activities in Long Beach, or just an overview when planning your itinerary, here are some of the best things to do in Long Beach!
Check out the boutiques
Long Beach is full of local shops and eclectic boutiques, especially in the Belmont Shore area. If you're looking for vintage clothing and accessories, check out Retro Row on 4th Street.
If you're in town on the third Sunday, the Long Beach Antiques and Collectibles Market is quite popular!
Visit the Beaches
There are beautiful beaches in Long Beach, these are some of the most sought after by tourists:
Alamitos Beach: Located along Ocean Boulevard, Alamitos Beach is a popular beach in Long Beach. It offers an extensive stretch of sand where you can relax, sunbathe and enjoy activities such as beach volleyball. There is also a seafront promenade, perfect for walking or cycling.
Belmont Shore Beach: Situated in the coastal community of Belmont Shore, this beach is known for its lively and charming atmosphere. The area is surrounded by shops, restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to walk around and enjoy the beach. There is also a beachfront promenade and pier.
Junipero Beach: Located near the Long Beach Museum of Art, Junipero Beach is a quiet and less crowded beach compared to other Long Beach beaches. It's a great spot to relax, have a picnic or enjoy water sports such as surfing and paddleboarding.
Peninsula Beach: Peninsula Beach is located on the Long Beach Peninsula, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Alamitos Bay. This beach is known for its beachfront houses and offers a calmer, more relaxed atmosphere. You can also walk or cycle along the seafront promenade.
Explore 2nd Street
2nd Street is full of restaurants, bars and boutiques. A wonderful place for a stroll on a sunny day.
Be aware that it can get quite noisy at night, so if you're looking for some nightlife - this might be the place.
Rent a Duffy boat
For the quintessential Southern California experience, you need to take a Duffy boat tour. Sail on Alamitos Bay and explore the beautiful canals of Long Beach.
Stroll the Belmont Shore area
Stroll along sandy beaches, swim in calm lagoons, walk along the beautiful boardwalks and experience one of the most beautiful areas of Long Beach.
pacific aquarium
One of the best in California, this is a fun place for kids and adults alike.
listen to jazz
You might be familiar with Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, but did you know that right next to the Long Beach venue is Roscoe's Jazz Lounge? Whether you take your chicken and waffles to go, or simply want a night of jazz – this is a hidden gem.
queen mary
While I wouldn't say it's the most fun activity, many people like to visit the Queen Mary to explore… and for its supposedly haunted history.
The Queen Mary is a famous ocean liner built in 1936. It was a luxury passenger liner that operated between Southampton and New York.
During World War II, she was used as a troop transport ship. After the war, the Queen Mary was converted into a hotel and tourist attraction in Long Beach, California.
Currently, it houses a museum, restaurants, bars and an events center, being an important historical and cultural attraction.
Artistic Tour
Bounded by Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach Boulevard, 6th Street and Alamitos Avenue, the East Village Arts District has a plethora of galleries, art walks and the First Fridays street fair.
The Museum of Latin American Art is also located in this area.
The best restaurants in Long Beach
For Brunch and Lunch
- Breakfast Bar: Close to the beach and in the heart of downtown, head here for a classic breakfast of eggs and Bloody Marys or home-cooked food choices.
- Pot holders: Serving up dinner favorites, the Potholder is an LBC classic.
- Coffee Cup of Coffee: Looking for homemade breakfast and lunch options? Coffee Cup Cafe is where it is! As a disclaimer, this place is cash only.
For dinner
- The Ordinary: With funky decor and great options for brunch or dinner, this gastropub is a great choice. If you go here for breakfast, be sure to get an order for their table scones!
- The Original Backyard House: For the best in craft and imported beers in an upscale sports bar, this is the place to be.
- Crepe de la Crepe: For hearty French dining, come to this chic Parisian-inspired spot.
- The attic: Known for Mac and Cheetos, this eclectic spot has everything from shakshuka to Belgian waffles and poutine.
- Holy and Second: This trendy spot offers plenty of American fare, like hamburgers and flatbreads. Known for its industrial decor and classic cocktails.
For dessert
Snow Monster: Snow Monster Cafe on 2nd Street! Depending on the time of day, you can just walk in… or there will be a long line.
It really just depends! They have a variety of flavors from ice cream and macaron to hoagie macaron sandwiches here, as well as boba, shaved ice sundaes, and a ton of other tasty treats.
The best cafes and bars in Long Beach
Long Beach has a thriving food scene, so it's probably not a surprise that they have some standout cafes and breweries. Here are a few to check out in the area:
for coffee
- The library
- Rose Park Toasters
- Steelhead Cafe
- Café Viento y Agua
- Coffee Portfolio
For beer and cocktails
- Ballast point: With sweeping views over the water and a lovely outdoor deck, this is the ideal spot for a beer and apps.
- blind donkey: This cozy and intimate whiskey bar was used as a filming location for La La Terra.
- Ale House Congregation: Take your pick from the many craft beers available!
- BO-beau kitchen + Rooftop Faucet: With small bites, a great cocktail menu and board games, definitely check out this place's rooftop lounge area.
- Priest: This trendy gastropub offers Latin food and handcrafted cocktails like killer cucumber margaritas.
Have you explored LBC before? What do you think are the best things to do in Long Beach? I'd love to hear from the comments below!
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