Long Beach is an urban waterfront in Southern California that is attracting millions of visitors every year and for good reason. This bustling city is serving up beach vibes and those exciting water activities you’re looking for when visiting a coastal town, paired with a strong gastronomy, art and culture scene.
Eat
Head to Shoreline Village on your arrival to Long Beach to peruse the colorful row of boardwalk shops that offer local souvenirs and snacks. Enjoy a cocktail with a gorgeous harbor view at the famous Parkers’ Lighthouse at the end of this charming village. If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican lunch, Playa Amor has you covered. Chef Thomas Ortega offers a sophisticated, playa-inspired menu with items like tuna tartare tacos and shrimp ceviche. For dinner, James Republic is a local favorite with a hip downtown vibe and a menu that changes daily to focus on the freshest produce at the farmer’s market. You can’t leave this city without visiting Long Beach Beer Lab on Willow Street for the freshest bread and a massive list of ales, sours and tonics.
Stay
The Hyatt Regency in Long Beach treats it’s guests like they’re at their home away from home. Located in the heart of Downtown, this hotel has magical views and is a quick taxi ride away from many famous restaurants and fun attractions. If you want to stay on property for lunch, make a reservation at Tides, a casual eatery with a California style menu of fresh and classic dishes. Sit by the pool and soak up the sun on the expansive sun deck or head to the Regency Club guestroom for food and beverages in the luxurious private lounge. Each guestroom and suite features chic décor with a comfortable residential feel and of course, breathtaking water, harbor, or city vistas.
Play
Long Beach has a plethora of activities for everyone, from water activities and the legendary Queen Mary to the massive aquarium and museums. Home to one of the largest aquariums in the world, the Aquarium of the Pacific has more than 12,500 creatures, representing the three areas of the Pacific. They offer a VIP Behind the Scenes Tour where guests will enter the “wet side” of the aquarium, a section not normally open to the public to see the inner workings of the aquarium. After your tour, head over to the water for some hydrobiking. Long Beach Waterbikes offers tours where you’re basically leisurely biking on the water.
The Long Beach Museum of Art is another must-visit on your weekend getaway to Long Beach. Located atop a bluff overlooking the ocean, this museum features a renowned permanent collection of 5,000 pieces of decorative arts, sculptures and drawings. Or if you want to stay outdoors, take a self-guided tour of the art murals located throughout Long Beach, from South Street to Ocean Boulevard, creating a walkable or bikeable public art experience unlike anything else in the country.
To learn more about Long Beach, visit www.longbeach.gov.
