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A mix of fun independents and the stores you love Long Beach, California isn't just the home of the Queen Mary, it's also a great place to shop. Funky shopping districts and lots of independent retailers provide an interesting - and less crowded - alternative to the traditional indoor mall. If you're the type who shops for truly special items, rather than a grey sweater from Macy's, Long Beach is worth exploring.
The following are some of the primary shopping areas of Long Beach. Discovery Map of Greater Long Beach identifies where these districts are located within the city.
Belmont Shore
The Shore is a casual, local hangout featuring a mix of brand-name retailers and independents. With more than 200 businesses within less than one mile, the Shore is Long Beach's most concentrated shopping area. Gift ideas include premium cigars, jewelry, designer clothing, pet accessories and gifts for lovers. Be sure to leave time for lunch or dinner, as the dining is as plentiful as the shopping.
East Village Arts District
When you need that perfect artsy gift, head to the East Village Arts District. The retailers here are all independents, and the goods are hip and unique. Find clothing, accessories, artwork and home decor items that you won't see anywhere else. Try visiting on the second Saturday of the month when local artists and businesses host the 2nd Saturday Art Walk.
Shoreline Village
Shoreline Village is a waterfront center mostly known for its dining options. The restaurants are complemented by an assortment of themed shops. You can pick up a funky hat, several flavors of hot sauce, a Native American necklace or a pirate's sword - all while taking in Long Beach's scenic waterfront skyline.
Main Street, Seal Beach
Main Street isn't technically in Long Beach, but it does deserve mention as a nearby shopping destination. Picture shady sidewalks, lots of benches and people who say hello as they pass by: Main Street's atmosphere is decidedly relaxed. Clothing, toys, jewelry, antiques and resort wear are some of the goods available. If you can't decide what to buy, stop in to see the local psychic, she might be able to help. |
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What to pick up and where Whether you're here for business or pleasure, you need to know where to eat, what to do and how to get around. Recognizing this, Long Beach welcomes you with an assortment of free resources to enhance your stay. Read on to learn what publications are available and where to find them.
Discovery Map of Greater Long Beach
What it is: Map and guide
Where to find it: Most hotel brochure racks and at front desk by request, visitors' centers*, online |
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Having a good time without spending a fortune Tours, shows, dinners and all the other stuff you can't miss takes its toll on your wallet. Mix things up with some free activities - and you might even save enough to stay an extra day! Bayshore Playground
Bayshore Playground is located on Ocean Boulevard just east of Belmont Shore. With a roller hockey rink, courts for basketball, handball, paddle tennis and racquetball as well as sand beaches on two sides, the playground is a summer hotspot. Drop in to watch a pick-up hockey game or just soak up some sunshine on the sand. El Dorado Nature Center
The El Dorado Nature Center is 102.5-acre wildlife habitat located off of Spring Street, between Studebaker and Interstate 605. Visitors can explore the woodlands and lakes via two miles of dirt trails. The center hosts classes, activities, programs and events throughout the year. Admission is free, but there is a small charge for parking. |
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Picking the right hotel based on the reason for your stay Few things are more disastrous to your trip than choosing the wrong place to stay. If you aren't familiar with the lay of the land in Long Beach, you might accidentally end up somewhere that doesn't suit your needs. The city does have many great places to stay - you just have to know how to pick 'em. Sightseeing and Leisure Traveling in Long Beach
If you are headed to Long Beach to see The Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific, it's most efficient to stay Downtown. For your purposes, you can consider Downtown to be defined by 7th Street, Alamitos Avenue, the Pacific Ocean and the Los Angeles River. Staying in this vicinity keeps you close to Long Beach attractions, restaurants, theatres and nightlife. You also have the option of exploring the rest of the city and the shoreline by jumping on the Passport bus or AquaBus and AquaLink water taxis. Route information is available on Discovery Map or at lbtransit.com. If you'd rather avoid the hustle and bustle of Downtown, consider The Pacific Inn in Seal Beach for a quieter alternative. The Pacific Inn is less than one mile from Alamitos Bay, which is linked to Downtown via Passport Route A and the AquaLink water taxi. |
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Exploring Long Beach filming locations Long Beach, a film star? Sure, Long Beach portraying the likes of San Diego (Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy), Miami (CSI: Miami) and the made-up town of Arcadia, Md. (Joan of Arcadia). Long Beach's film credits date back to at least 1939 with Fast and Furious, a comedy featuring a scene filmed at the now-gone Rainbow Pier. And the popularity of the city as a film location for commercials, TV and movies continues on today. Check out the partial list of credits below to get a feel for why location scouts love Long Beach.
Ocean Boulevard, Downtown
- Look for the round tower at 700 E. Ocean, known as International Tower, in scenes of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy, Lethal Weapon and Gone in Sixty Seconds.
- You may have also seen the Long Beach Towers Apartments at 600 E. Ocean in Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy.
- Long Beach City Hall, 333 W. Ocean, was used in the 1970s TV series, Battlestar Galactica.
Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979) was filmed at the Terrace Theatre, 300 E. Ocean.
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