Itineraries for Your Trip to Long Beach
3 Days in Long Beach for Foodies
I’ve always had a personal fascination with the offerings of Long Beach, as it's the town that my grandmother immigrated to from Australia. It's one of the nation’s biggest port cities, and its maritime heritage is apparent today. Its blue-collar vibe is punctuated by quaint bungalow homes and artsy, vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.
Fusion and ethnic foods are plentiful here, and there's a fun, local bar scene. Sample the fare at The Hangar Food Hall and SteelCraft outdoor food court. Other favorites include the Breakfast Bar, Boathouse on the Bay, and The Attic. Be sure to try out some Italian food, a Long Beach specialty. Here's how to spend three days in foodie heaven.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a stroll through Belmont Shores and Naples, ending with an epic Italian meal.
Expect mostly sunny, warm weather days, but be prepared for cool evening temperatures thanks to ocean breezes.
Explore Shoreline Village, downtown, Belmont Shores, and Naples to see the sights of Long Beach, including the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, the al fresco eateries on Second Street, and the gondoliers on the canals of Naples. Italian food is big here. Check out the beloved La Parolaccia Osteria for Roman-style Italian classics or Dominico’s, which claims to be the first restaurant to serve pizza in California.
In the evening, soak in the views of the setting sun and the Pacific on a luxury harbor cruise. Look out for dolphins and sea lions.
Take a whale-watching cruise in the morning. Or do the 15-mile scenic drive along Palos Verdes Drive for epic views from shore (and possible whale sightings) where you should stop at the Korean Bell of Friendship.
Check out the farmers market in Long Beach, which supplies food to nearby Long Beach and Los Angeles restaurants. There are several weekly markets, but the biggest are downtown on Friday and on Sunday at the Alamitos Bay Marina parking lot.
On Catalina Island, the artsy enclave of Avalon makes for a fun getaway from Long Beach. You can easily eat your way through the small town at spots like the Lobster Trap for delicious seafood, the Sandtrap for tacos, and Naughty Fox for updated classics like poke nachos. Don’t forget to try the drink of the island, Buffalo Milk, reminiscent of a White Russian.
You’ll get back by evening, so check out the bar scene in Long Beach, especially known for its queer and dive bars. Explore them all on a bar crawl, including The Bamboo Club, a favorite tiki-style lounge.
