Insider Favorites: Abella’s Guide to Long Beach
I currently live in the beautiful LBC (aka Long Beach, California). My husband and I met here 40 years ago while in college. When we weren’t working, he was in a rock band and I was a Polynesian dancer. We dated, married, and lived in all the great areas, from Belmont Heights and Belmont Shore to Naples. We moved inland when we had our two daughters and raised them through their college years—always dreaming of the time we could return to our beachside city.
We did exactly that, and love being back home. Everything is here—the ocean breeze, historical landmarks, high-end restaurants for heels and lipstick, and beachside joints that welcome sarongs and flip flops. I love that we can play at the beach with our grandsons, stroll the park, see a movie, have dinner, and stroll the shops while eating ice cream cones all in one day and only minutes from our home. My husband is now a sound tech for live music, and I am still a Polynesian dancer!
I want to share with you my favorite…
Food
- Quick-service restaurant: Chuck’s on Ocean Boulevard
- Mid-range restaurant: Starling Diner
- Fancy restaurant: Sir Winston’s
- Al fresco dining spot: Belmont Brewing, near Belmont Pier
Drink
- Chill bar: Tracy’s Bar & Grill
- Cocktail bar: Tantalum
Nightlife
- Dance club: Sevilla Night Club
- Live music venue: Tiki Beach Festival, part of the “Summer Beach Festival” series
Outdoors
- Sporting event: Beach bike trails on Ocean Boulevard
- Hiking trail: The riverbed along San Gabriel River
- Place to get a view of the city: On the deck of The Queen Mary
- Place to watch the sunset: At the beach in Belmont Shore with toes in the sand
Culture and Attractions
- Museum: Long Beach Museum of Art
- Historical landmark: Aquarium of the Pacific and The Queen Mary
- Place to take your family: The shops in Belmont Shore
- Place to take your special someone: Sir Winston’s on The Queen Mary
Shopping
- Brand-name shopping mall: Long Beach Towne Center
- Boutique shopping spot: Long Beach Antique Mall
