I’ve Lived in California for 10 Years—and This Is the Best Secret Beach Town in the Golden State

Once you consider Southern California’s coastal cities, Los Angeles and San Diego sometimes spring to thoughts. However perched proper on the sand between the 2, there’s one cultural and culinary vacation spot that usually flies underneath most vacationers’ radars: Lengthy Seaside.

Lengthy Seaside is positioned about half an hour down the coast from Los Angeles correct, although it typically will get blended up within the larger L.A. or Orange County areas. Nevertheless, hip-hop lovers will acknowledge the LBC because the stomping grounds of legends like Snoop Dogg and Warren G, however the metropolis’s significance extends far past what you may hear on the radio. 

Guests can get a style of Southern California’s legendary cultural variety by exploring distinctive enclaves like Cambodia City, a one-mile stretch of companies and eating places residence to the most important inhabitants of individuals of Cambodian descent exterior of Southeast Asia. Sports activities followers, in the meantime, ought to notice that Lengthy Seaside will function a venue for occasions like seaside volleyball and rowing throughout the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Video games.

Though Lengthy Seaside isn’t precisely a hidden gem to these within the know, town is a strong laid-back various to its northern and southern neighbors. “You actually get this Southern California beachfront vibe, however you additionally get an enormous metropolis,” says Steve Goodling, president and CEO at Go to Lengthy Seaside. “We’re greater than Atlanta and Miami, and most of the people do not understand that. However due to our proximity to L.A. and Orange County, we’ve got a variety of creativity that has come into town.”

And as a longtime customer and resident of Southern California, I’ve to say I’ve a little bit of a delicate spot for Lengthy Seaside and that inventive power—the sunshine, nice climate, and bustling meals scene would not damage both.

This is what you must know earlier than planning a visit to Lengthy Seaside, California.

Greatest Inns & Resorts

Fairmont Breakers

As soon as frequented by Hollywood royalty like Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and Rita Hayworth, Fairmont Breakers was constructed within the Nineteen Twenties and reopened in 2024 following years of renovations. However the resort retains its distinctive character, with an up to date look paying homage to the Fairmont Breakers’ storied previous.

“It’s our first luxurious resort within the metropolis of Lengthy Seaside, and it’s within the coronary heart of our downtown,” says Gooding. “It jogs my memory of a San Francisco-style boutique resort, with the attractive plaster moldings inside.” Immediately, company can get pleasure from a spot of pampering on the two-story Fairmont Spa, catch some rays on the rooftop pool, and sip cocktails whereas listening to reside jazz on the Alter Ego library bar.

Queen Mary

This enjoyable property is without doubt one of the most iconic landmarks in Southern California. The Queen Mary has lived many lives—first as a luxurious ocean liner, then as a troop transport ship throughout World Struggle II, and it now serves as a floating resort with 250 rooms anchored in Lengthy Seaside Harbor. Visitors can keep in one of many opulent staterooms or suites and spend their free time exploring displays all through the ship. 

Lodge Maya

The waterfront Lodge Maya brings Latin American-inspired aptitude to Lengthy Seaside, with facilities like poolside cabanas and seaside yoga courses on supply. Pet-friendly rooms help you convey your whole members of the family alongside for the keep, and the resort’s Fuego Restaurant makes an ideal setting for all the pieces from celebrations to informal dinners. 

“They’ve this stunning indoor-outdoor patio,” says Goodling. “Once you look again on town, you’re feeling such as you’ve left and also you’re now at a resort.”

Greatest Issues to Do

Head to the seaside.

Contemplating Lengthy Seaside’s title, you need to begin your journey off on the fitting foot with a basic SoCal seaside day. “We have now 5 miles of seashores,” says Goodling. “At one finish we’ve got Rainbow Harbor, and on the opposite finish is Alamitos Bay.” 

Alongside the sand runs a concrete path preferrred for strolling and people-watching–you will probably see a colourful assortment of cyclists and curler skaters. When you’re visiting with four-legged pals, don’t miss Rosie’s Canine Seaside, one of many solely dog-friendly seashores within the Southern California space. It is an ideal vacation spot for you and your pup to absorb some solar.

Take a whale-watching tour.

Can’t get sufficient of the Pacific? Set out on the water aboard a whale-watching tour from Harbor Breeze Cruises. Humpbacks, orcas, grey whales, and extra all swim the waters off the coast of Lengthy Seaside, and fortunate guests may simply catch a glimpse of those majestic mammals within the waves. 

For the ecoconscious customer, Harbor Breeze will quickly launch a first-of-its-kind, absolutely electrical whale watching vessel referred to as El Escudo. “Once you go on the market and it stops, it is simply you, the ocean, and the whales,” says Goodling.

Go for a gondola experience.

The Italian-themed Naples neighborhood facilities round a collection of scenic canals, and when you can simply admire the waterways from land, Gondola Getaway has conventional, Venetian-style gondola rides accompanied by reside music. “A whole lot of the gondoliers are within the music faculty at Cal State Lengthy Seaside, in order that they serenade you as they gondolier you thru the canals,” says Goodling.

Go to the aquarium and native museums.

Though the plentiful sunshine beckons guests exterior, ensure you save time for indoor exploration, too. The 360,000-square-foot Aquarium of the Pacific showcases Lengthy Seaside’s wealthy marine life, with greater than 500 completely different species on show and contact tanks for the little ones. When it comes to historical past and tradition, you’ve bought the Museum of Latin American Artwork, the Lengthy Seaside Museum of Artwork, and excursions at Rancho Los Alamitos, an early Twentieth-century ranch gifted to town in 1968.

Greatest Buying

Shoreline Village

Situated in Rainbow Harbor, the waterfront Shoreline Village has a small assortment of eccentric boutiques and clothes retailers, such because the Village Hat Store or the stylish Queen Mary Couture. Go to after darkish to admire town lights reflecting off the waves and choose up one thing distinctive, like a one-of-a-kind hat or jewellery made with sea glass.

Belmont Shores

Centered across the bustling 2nd Avenue, Belmont Shores has a strong unfold of domestically owned shops and massive chains alike. You’ll be able to snag a candy deal with at Candified, seize souvenirs at LB Swag, and choose up goodies in your canine companions at The Canine Bakery.

Retro Row

For many who love antiquing, Lengthy Seaside’s Retro Row awaits. At this assortment of vintage and classic shops alongside 4th Avenue, you’re certain to seek out one thing sudden from yesteryear, whether or not you’re trying to find midcentury trendy furnishings or new-to-you vinyl information.

The Pike Retailers

Main retailers like Nike and Levi anchor The Pike Retailers, a former amusement park-turned-shopping mall. When you’re right here, take a experience on the Ferris wheel or the carousel, each holdovers from the Pike’s Twentieth-century historical past.

Greatest Eating places

Heritage

In 2023, Heritage grew to become Lengthy Seaside’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Helmed by the sibling duo Lauren and Philip Fairly, this Rose Park joint serves a seasonal menu of contemporary California delicacies that highlights domestically grown produce. “The culinary expertise is superior,” says Goodling. “Right here it’s, in a craftsman-style home with a busy avenue in entrance of it, however persons are loving it.”

Ammatoli

Chef Dima Habibeh runs this common downtown eatery, beloved for its Mediterranean dishes. “It is a great Lebanese restaurant,” says Goodling. To get essentially the most out of the menu, attempt a number of mezzas (small plates) just like the beet labneh (Greek yogurt dip) or grilled halloumi, accompanied by a glass of wine.

Tacos La Carreta

Lengthy Seaside has a variety of Latin American eateries round almost each nook and cranny. Though you possibly can’t actually go incorrect, the Sinaloan-style Tacos La Carreta is a should. Drop by the taco truck on 69th Avenue for an order of crispy tripa (tripe) or carne asada tacos.

Phnom Penh Noodle Shack

For genuine Cambodian delicacies, swing by Phnom Penh Noodle Shack. Open for breakfast and lunch, this family-owned eatery dishes up hefty bowls of kathiew, a bone broth soup with silky rice noodles topped with slices of beef, inexperienced onions, and crispy fried garlic. A phrase to the smart: Phnom Penh Noodle Shack attracts fairly the group, so seating and parking could be powerful to come back by. Funds your mealtime accordingly.

Greatest Time to Go to

Due to its prime location in Southern California, Lengthy Seaside is a vacation-worthy vacation spot all 12 months spherical. Naturally, town does are inclined to see essentially the most crowding throughout the summer season months, so those that’d like extra space on the sand ought to plan a visit for one of many shoulder seasons.

In any other case, mark your calendar for one in every of Lengthy Seaside’s many yearly occasions. “What I’d advocate is {that a} customer have a look at their pursuits,” says Goodling. “So, for instance, in the event that they love racing, the longest-running avenue race in the USA is in Lengthy Seaside, normally in April, so that is the time to come back.” Different occasions embrace the Cambodia City Parade and Competition in April, June’s Lengthy Seaside Pleasure, and the dazzling vacation tree lighting in early December at Lengthy Seaside Terrace Theater.

How one can Get There

The closest main airport to Lengthy Seaside is Los Angeles Worldwide (LAX)—it is about 21 miles away. There’s additionally John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, California (30 miles away), or the small, public Lengthy Seaside Airport (LGB), which is serviced by airways similar to Southwest Airways, Delta Air Traces, and Hawaiian Airways. Alternatively, you possibly can interact in a time-honored Southern Californian custom: driving.

“Lengthy Seaside may be very freeway accessible,” says Goodling. “Nobody has to drive actually far. Most individuals do not understand that we’re as near LAX as downtown L.A. is, so whether or not individuals fly in to conferences or simply wish to plan for a vacation, we’re 15 to half-hour away from LAX, relying on site visitors.”

Neighborhoods to Go to

Broadway Hall

Roughly three miles lengthy, this hopping neighborhood kinds the center of Lengthy Seaside’s LGBTQ+ scene. Snap an image with town’s well-known rainbow crosswalks and take a while to browse the array of eating places, shops, and occasional retailers right here, many tucked inside historic buildings.

East Village

Guests can get to know Lengthy Seaside’s hip Arts District at East Village, a vigorous spot full of galleries, boutique shops, and weird eateries. Cease by throughout one of many month-to-month Second Saturdays to expertise a number of the metropolis’s infectious power, or just meander via the streets, admiring the colourful murals and different public artworks.

Bixby Knolls

Though Lengthy Seaside locals know Bixby Knolls for being family-friendly, this charming neighborhood is something however quiet. “Bixby is maturing,” Goodling says. “There are a variety of new eating places which have opened up.” The district has earned the moniker “Brewery Knolls” resulting from a profusion of craft brewpubs, and Bixby additionally hosts month-to-month First Fridays, throughout which native companies keep open late into the night for guests to browse.

How one can Get Round

As in a lot of Southern California, a automotive will probably be your finest guess for versatile journey round Lengthy Seaside, particularly because you hardly ever need to wrestle for parking right here. However with that mentioned, town has a reasonably strong public transportation system, so out-of-town guests can get round on Lengthy Seaside Transit buses. Water taxis function alongside the coast in the summertime months, and the free Passport Bus runs between locations just like the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village from Friday via Sunday.