By Long Beach has many places to explore and hang out, on your own or with new friends. From museums to restaurants, there is so much to choose from. Where do you begin? Here are some of the top spots for you to add to your to-do list of places to visit in Long Beach.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the places that Long Beach is well known for, but many people have never been to. Set aside a whole day when you have finished your homework, and visit the seals, otters, sharks and more critters of the sea.
Swan Boat Rentals at Rainbow Lagoon
Shoreline Drive at Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: Many people enjoy paddling the swan boats around the Rainbow Lagoon in Long Beach to enjoy the sunset. Photo credit: Christina Merino
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: The Swan Boats are also conveniently located next to The Pike Outlets, a shopping mall including several restaurants and a Nike store. Photo credit: Christina Merino
Take a ride around the Rainbow Lagoon when you rent a swan boat to paddle around. The hour rental rates are $11.00. It is a great first date idea or just a fun time to spend with friends. There is also a path around the lagoon to watch the swans and the sunset.
El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: The turtles at El Dorado Nature Center are often admired by hikers who stop in their tracks to snap a picture. Photo credit: Christina Merino 8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: El Dorado Nature Center has two hiking trails that lead you through the scenery of trees and wildlife. Photo credit: Christina Merino
If you enjoy spending time between the trees, taking a trip to the El Dorado Nature Center is something you will enjoy. The Nature Center hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the vehicle entry fee will depend on what day of the week you visit. There are two great hiking paths you can take to enjoy the scenery and you may even catch a glimpse of the turtles swimming in the water.
Museum of Latin American Art
628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: The Museum of Latin American Art is free on Sundays to all members of the public. Photo credit: Christina Merino
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: The Museum of Latin American Art is the only museum in the United States dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art. Photo credit: Christina Merino
For art enthusiasts, the Museum of Latin American Art is a great attraction in Long Beach. For college students on a budget, the museum is open free to the public on Sundays. The three exhibits at the moment are showing breathtaking work done by female Latin American artists. The pieces spark conversations of world topics and are worth a visit.
2nd & PCH
E 2nd St & Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90803
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: Kaela's Koncept is one of many small businesses that partake in the Creative Communal at 2nd and PCH. Photo credit: Christina Merino
2nd and PCH has beautiful flowers all around. The place is very picturesque and has plenty of spots to sit around and enjoy the Long Beach weather. Photo credit: Christina Merino
This is the perfect place for shopping addicts and foodies. 2nd & PCH is the go-to place if you want to walk around and shop by the ocean breeze. They have various stores like Urban Outfitters and Nike by Long Beach. There are a variety of food options like Otosan Sushi and The Italian Homemade Co. At times, there are curated markets with different small businesses from Long Beach deserving of your support.
Boba Guys
6460 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste 120, Long Beach, CA 90803
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: Boba Guys is located at 2nd and PCH. People can quench their thirst with delicious boba teas and relax in their seating area. Photo credit: Christina Merino
Boba Guys is a location that can be found at 2nd & PCH. They have a variety of teas for you to choose from and provide you different milk options like almond and oat milk. Their quick service allows you to take an aesthetically pleasing picture of your drink against their logo, and relax at their nearby seating area.
Naga Café
3225 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90804
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: Naga Cafe is a small Cambodian restaurant that is welcoming and serves delicious food. Photo credit: Christina Merino
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: The three beef skewer is one of the most popular meals at the Naga Cafe. Photo credit: Christina Merino
Naga Café is a welcoming Cambodian restaurant that you should visit when you are looking for a delicious bite to eat. The employees will greet you kindly and are helpful in giving recommendations on what to try.
Long Beach Creamery
222 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: The Long Beach Creamery is known for its unique ice cream flavors made with organic ingredients.
Located in Downtown Long Beach, the Long Beach Creamery is an excellent place to get a tasty frozen treat. They use local, organic ingredients to create their unique flavors of ice creams. With the cute vibe inside their shop, you will want to come back time and time again. You can also enjoy eating your ice cream in their outdoor seating area.
Blue Bird Cafe
1532 E Broadway Long Beach, CA 90802
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: Blue Bird Cafe is offering take-out for their delicious food. They have plenty to choose from and also have vegan options. Photo credit: Christina Merino
This sushi restaurant is a must-try for food lovers. Blue Bird Cafe has a great range of food options to satisfy any craving like sushi, sushi rice bowls, ramen, and more. They also have plenty of vegan options. At the moment they only offer takeout but it is still Daily 49er approved.
Plantiitas
4003 E 4th St., Long Beach, CA 90814
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: Located on 4th Street, Plantitas is a Queer and Person-Of-Color-owned business, looking to provide a place of healing in the community. Photo credit: Christina Merino
8/22/21 - LONG BEACH, CA: Plantiitas is an incredible place for plant lovers and beginner plant parents. The environment is very inviting and the staff will kindly answer any questions.
For plant parents or those wanting to start incorporating plants into their decor, Plantiitas is the shop to visit. Plant prices vary from $8.00 and even up to $400.00 due to the wide variety of plants that they have. The staff is friendly and willing to answer any of your questions. They strive to not only be a safe space in the Long Beach community but also create a family connection between customers and staff.
To learn more about Plantiitas, visit: https://lbcurrent.com/artslife/2020/11/19/plant-shop-plantiitas-in-long-beach-reaches-new-audiences-with-an-important-message/
