Long Beach City Guide

Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Los Angeles you’ll find Long Beach, California. Known for its golden beaches and slower seaside pace, Long Beach is the place to discover great art and murals, festivals, boutiques, and of course mouth-watering restaurants. Steps from your door at Level Long Beach you’ll find one-of-a-kind entertainment destinations like Shoreline Village and the Pike Outlets, great theaters and arenas, and plenty of chances to soar over the ocean or jump on a boat!

EAT & DRINK

Recreational Coffee
Recreational Coffee
Beachwood Brewing storefront in Long Beach, California
Beachwood Brewing

Recreational Coffee - Voted “Best Coffee in Long Beach” by the Long Beach Post, Recreational Coffee is the perfect spot to pop in for your morning cup of joe. Steps from Level Long Beach, this roaster, café, and all around chill hangout spot sources coffees from all over the world. With coffees that are sweet, complex, and balanced you’ll wonder why you’ve been drinking anything else!

The Blind Donkey - This whiskey bar and games room is the perfect spot to post up for an evening and people watch. Sip rare whiskey’s while waiting your turn to sing karaoke or shoot pool. Located a mere 3 minute walk from Level Long Beach, we’re sure The Blind Donkey will become your favorite local haunt too.

Anmatoli - The moment you arrive at Ammatoli, it feels like home. Chef Dima has carefully selected every element of the inspiration for Ammatolí's design. When a customer walks in, she wants them to feel as though they have been transported to a city in the Levant (the place where the sun rises). Everything on the menu is enticing, however we recommend trying the Traditional Musakhan on the dinner menu.

Ellie's Long Beach - Ellie’s, located in the Alamitos Beach district of Long Beach, is a Southern-Italian inspired restaurant. Here you’ll find beautifully hand-pulled pasta dishes, classics like meatballs or burrata, and of course a fantastic wine list. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait a while, their patio is a hot commodity!

Bo-beau - Located in Downtown Long Beach, Bo-beau offers casual California-French comfort food in “an urban style roof-rap garden”. Try unique dishes like Loaded Bulgogi Fries with shaved ribeye, kimchi, gochujang, and caramelized onions or their Duck Leg Pappardelle topped with pulled duck leg ragu, wild mushrooms, peas, and asiago cheese.

Broken Spirits Distillery - Broken Spirits Distillery in Long Beach, which opened on May 31, 2024, offers a range of handcrafted spirits and a vibrant dining experience in a space that combines modern and vintage aesthetics. Led by master distiller Massimiliano "Max" Stecca, the distillery features unique drinks including single malt whiskies, gins, rums, and aged aquavits. They have plans to expand their menu from burgers and sandwiches to more elaborate offerings while incorporating live music performances​ in the near future.

Beachwood Brewing - Beer lovers unite! Beachwood Brewing is a must-try when exploring Long Beach. After taking a long beach walk (see what we did there?) sneak into the tap room at Beachwood Brewing and enjoy one of their fresh pours. Can’t decide what to try first? Ask questions! Beachwood Brewing prides themselves on creating a safe space, dedicated to quality beers, food, and service to ensure everyone feels at home.

PLAY & EXPLORE

LongBeachNeighborhood-27.jpg
Rosie's Dog Beach
People playing beach volleyball at Belmont Shore in Long Beach
Belmont Shore Beach

Aquamarine of the Pacific - Less than a 5 minute drive or a 15-minute walk from Level Long Beach is the Aquarium of the Pacific. While we’re noting this as a family-friendly activity, it would be just as fun to explore on an afternoon with your SO! This massive aquarium covers over 5-acres of land and is home to over 11,000 animals. Although mainly focused on marine animals, the aquarium also houses an almost 1,000-square-meter aviary for rainbow lorikeets as well as other bird species and a penguin habitat.

Queen Mary - Since its permanent moorage at Long Beach in 1967, the Queen Mary has become quite the tourist attraction. Known for its paranormal activity and ghost stories, this 310-meter ship is a must see. The Queen Mary offers a number of attractions, including three great restaurants, an Observation Bar, and a museum. There are also a number of guided tours onboard that allow you to visit the steam room, delve into the ship’s past, and learn how ocean liners changed the world of travel.

Long Beach Museum of Art - The Long Beach Museum of Art, which was accredited in 1977 by the American Association of Museums, has a permanent collection of over 3,200 diverse works encompassing 300 years of American and European art in all media. Located in the historic 1911 Elizabeth Milbank Anderson House, the museum is situated on Junipero Beach and is only a 6-minute drive or 30-minute walk from Level Long Beach - East Village.

Rosie's Dog Beach - If you’re traveling with your pup, you’ll definitely want to make a stop at Rosie’s Dog Beach! Take in the beautiful view and walk along the water while your pets burn off some steam running alongside you. The area has metered parking in the Bennett Avenue lot, trash cans, nearby restrooms, and doggy bags should you forget to bring your own.

Belmont Shore Beach - This vibrant beachside community features a stretch of shops, restaurants, and cafes along 2nd Street. Belmont Shore Beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball or taking a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk.

SHOP

Shoreline Village
Shoreline Village
Pacific Ave
Pacific Avenue

Pike Outlets - A premier outdoor shopping destination featuring a mix of popular retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great spot for finding deals on fashion, accessories, and home goods. Learn more.

Shoreline Village - A charming waterfront shopping area with a mix of boutique shops, specialty stores, and unique gift shops. It offers a quaint, picturesque atmosphere perfect for a leisurely shopping day. Learn more.

Retro Row (4th Street) - Known for its vintage shops, Retro Row is a haven for those looking to discover unique, retro, and antique items. It's a great place to find one-of-a-kind clothing, home decor, and collectibles. Learn more.

East Village Arts District - This artistic hub is home to numerous galleries, independent boutiques, and eclectic shops. It's the perfect spot to find locally made art, crafts, and creative fashion. Learn more.

Belmont Shore - A bustling neighborhood with a vibrant shopping scene, featuring a mix of trendy boutiques, surf shops, and upscale stores. Belmont Shore's lively atmosphere makes it a popular shopping destination. Learn more.

Pacific Avenue - Lined with a diverse array of shops, Pacific Avenue is known for its independent retailers and specialty stores. It's a great place to explore for unique gifts, fashion, and local goods.