Earlier this year I had to attend a continuing education for work in the Los Angeles area. Well since I found such cheap flights, my husband and I decided to turn this trip into a family trip! We decided to stay in Long Beach since we had friends there to stay with, and after my work obligations we would have a whole day to do anything we wanted! but only ONE DAY! I quickly set out to find the best places to hit in Long Beach! The best part is WE WALKED EVERYWHERE! You can drive or you can enjoy the beautiful beach scenery on foot or even rent a bike!
Enjoy!♥
A Day in Long Beach, California
Breakfast
I wanted to eat somewhere local and delicious. I also wanted a mimosa… Which I got! We decided to eat close to the beach then it would be easier to continue on with our day. We ate at The Original Park Pantry, they had the best classic waffles! and the most delicious omelets. Next time we go to Long beach, I will definitely eat there again! To top off the whole meal we even got mimosas where we had a choice of juice!
After breakfast we started our walk down the beach. For our next stop in Long Beach California; we came across the best tourist shops! The area is called Shoreline Village, and they had so many cute things it was hard to decide what to get!
The Aquarium of the Pacific
Heading further down the beach is The Aquarium of the Pacific . I seriously loved this aquarium, it was one of the best I have ever been to. I feel like I learned so much and it was super kid friendly.
Between trying to make as many of the animal talks and shows as I could; there was also a kids play area, and many touch pools to visit. We could see into the animal hospital and pet small sharks and rays outside. Indoors there were different areas of types of fish.
My son’s favorite was definitely the seal show! He couldn’t stop laughing. My favorite was the animal talks. They were so educational! I learned a lot about the native species.
I think we spent 5 hours here but I easily could have spent all day! Too bad I only had one day to hit all my stops in Long Beach, California!
The Queen Mary
After the aquarium, you can take a short and FREE bus ride to The Queen Mary. Aboard this floating hotel you can eat, stay the night or do a number of tours! Haunted tours, night tours, historical, and so many more! They even have a 4-D theatre! If you walk and take the free bus, then you don’t have to pay for parking! If you do have to drive and pay for parking check out my post here. The website also works for other parking besides at airports.
You can also buy a combo pass for the Queen Mary and Aquarium combo! Who doesn’t love to save money and stretch those vacation dollars?
While making our way back, we had dinner back in the Shoreline Village. They have a couple of different options; Yardhouse, Outback, Bubba Gumps and a couple more! Over where we began our journey, there was now a farmers market going on. We got a fresh juice then headed out to the beach to watch the sunset.
These places were at the top of my list to stop by for the day I had in Long Beach, California. What are your favorite thing to do in Long Beach? Favorite restaurants to eat at? Let me know in the comments below!
This definitely sounds like a trip I have to try! So many fun things to do, plus that beach looks breathtaking!
xo, Taylor (thesprinkle.tayloramead.com)
I love beach vacations most!
I love Long Beach ( I grew up in So Cal)! We’re headed to Palm Springs and San Diego next month… might need to take a detour now! 🙂
I hope you guys can make a pit stop!
For the love of . . . a day! Thank you for sharing these beautiful CA moments.
Thank you! It was a wonderful day!
Domenicos in Belmont Shore is the finest pizza you’ll ever experience, I guarantee!
It looks beautiful! I’ve only been to California a handful of times, but each time we go, we go to San Francisco so I haven’t had the opportunity to visit Long Beach yet — would love to go (especially to that breakfast place – sounds delish!)
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
I feel like Long Beach is so over looked since it is right by LA, It is a beautiful city! I recommend going there! and yes that breakfast place was amazing!!!