Long Beach, California
Discover Long Beach, California: A Three-Day Itinerary
Welcome to the urban waterfront playground of Southern California – Long Beach! A perfect blend of the casual beach town vibe and the bustle of a busy port city, Long Beach is loaded with eclectic neighborhoods, historic attractions, bustling art scenes, and a deliciously diverse culinary landscape. This three-day weekend itinerary will take you through the highlights of Long Beach’s attractions and must-try restaurants.
Day 1: Explore the Heart of Long Beach
Morning: Breakfast at The Breakfast Bar
Kick start your day at The Breakfast Bar, where you can indulge in their innovative blend of traditional dishes with a unique twist. Be sure to try their “The Messy Jessy” or “Uncle Marcee’s Omelette Casserole”.
Mid-Morning: Visit The Aquarium of the Pacific
Just a short walk from The Breakfast Bar is the Aquarium of the Pacific, one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Housing more than 11,000 animals from the Pacific Ocean, it offers interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences. Don’t miss the Shark Lagoon and the Lorikeet Forest where you can feed colorful birds nectar.
Lunch: Visit Parker’s Lighthouse
Head over to Parkers’ Lighthouse for lunch. Known for its mesquite grilled seafood, enjoy lunch with stunning views of the Long Beach skyline and Queen Mary.
Afternoon: Tour The Queen Mary
Immerse yourself in history by touring The Queen Mary, a retired British ocean liner turned museum. Some of the highlights include the engine room, the ship’s bridge, and the luxurious first-class staterooms.
Dinner: Dine at James Republic
Cap off the day with dinner at James Republic, a modern eatery where dishes are continuously updated to highlight fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Day 2: Embrace Art, Culture and Nature
Morning: Breakfast at Berlin Bistro
Start your day with healthy and organic breakfast options at Berlin Bistro, located in the East Village Arts District.
Mid-Morning: Explore the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
Next, head over to MOLAA, the only museum in the United States dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art.
Lunch: George’s Greek Cafe
For lunch, enjoy authentic Greek cuisine at George’s Greek Cafe on Pine Avenue. Their lamb chops and baklava are a must-try!
Afternoon: Wander Around Rancho Los Cerritos
Spend your afternoon at Rancho Los Cerritos, a historic site that includes a two-story adobe home, lush gardens, and a research library and archives.
Dinner: Open Sesame
End your day with dinner at Open Sesame, a Mediterranean restaurant known for their delectable kebabs and wide array of mezze.
Day 3: Soak in the Beach Vibes
Morning: Breakfast at Seal Beach Main Street
Seal Beach, the northern gateway to Orange County’s coastline, is a quiet, quintessential beach town. Start your morning at Crema Café on Main Street with their freshly baked pastries and artisan coffees.
Mid-Morning: Explore the Seal Beach Pier and Main Street
After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll down the iconic wooden Seal Beach Pier. Then, explore the charming shops, art galleries, and surf stores on Main Street.
Lunch: Walt’s Wharf
For lunch, grab a table at Walt’s Wharf, known for its grilled seafood offerings, oak-grilled artichoke and the famous Walt’s Wharf sourdough bread.
Afternoon: Visit El Dorado Nature Center
Post-lunch, head to El Dorado Nature Center, a 105-acre natural habitat comprising of two miles of trails that traverse forests, streams, and meadows.
Dinner: Ballast Point Brewing Long Beach
End your Long Beach adventure with a hearty meal and craft beer at Ballast Point Brewing Long Beach. Along with award-winning beers, they also have a full menu featuring tasty dishes like Bavarian pretzels, fish tacos, and their signature Ballast Point Burger.
As you wind down your trip, you’ll realize that Long Beach is more than just a beautiful waterfront – it’s a city that blends culture, culinary delights, and an easygoing beach vibe that leaves visitors longing for more. Until next time, happy traveling!