Long Beach, California
Long Beach is our breezy stretch of SoCal coast, an easy reach from home, and we've stayed in its walkable beach neighborhoods — first off Linden Avenue in 2024 and then in Belmont Shore in 2026 with the wider family in tow.
Our experience
We love this city's unpretentious mix: a working waterfront and the grand old Queen Mary, the shops and cafes of Second Street, miles of flat beachfront bike path, and a famously welcoming, diverse community.
It's big-city amenities with a laid-back coastal feel, and Belmont Shore in particular gives us that walk-to-the-beach, walk-to-dinner rhythm we love.
The RMS Queen Mary, permanently docked in Long Beach since 1967, once carried nearly 16,000 troops on a single wartime crossing as the "Grey Ghost" — and the retired ocean liner now serves as a floating hotel and attraction.
Must-sees and must-dos
- The Queen Mary — the historic ocean liner turned hotel and attraction.
- Second Street, Belmont Shore — our neighborhood strip of shops and restaurants.
- The beachfront bike path — flat, easy miles right along the sand.
- Aquarium of the Pacific — a top-tier aquarium on the downtown waterfront.
- Naples Island — canals and gondola rides tucked beside Belmont Shore.
- Shoreline Village — waterfront dining with marina views.
Our pro tip
We've learned Belmont Shore is the sweet spot — walkable to the beach and to Second Street's dining, and quieter than downtown.
Bring or rent bikes for the beach path. Weekends and summer get busy with limited parking, so book a place where you can walk and leave the car parked.
The Queen Mary is the city's classic attraction, and families often pair it with Aquarium of the Pacific tickets.
Book The Queen Mary entry on Klook.
Families can also book Aquarium of the Pacific tickets on Klook.