Located on the coast of Los Angeles County, Long Beach, CA is a delightful combination of ocean-living fun with access to big city amenities and entertainment. 

From the water to the city, there are plenty of attractions in Long Beach for everyone to enjoy. And, though the sunny California weather makes spending time outside ideal, there are also a variety of indoor things to do in Long Beach CA, so no matter what you have in mind, you’ll have tons of new places to explore! 

Continue reading for a few of our favorites or contact the Long Beach real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate with your Long Beach area questions.  

Aquarium of the Pacific

Explore the great depths of the ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Here, you can see what lives under the waves with hundreds of different species. You’ll also be able to have close encounters with the animals if you sign up to help feed them or stop by the interactive exhibits. Plus, there are events all year long to learn about ocean wildlife with a mixture of virtual and in-person activities. Visiting this magical place is one of the best things to do in Long Beach with kids, as they can explore and learn about the ocean. 

Go to the beach 

There are also plenty of family-friendly activities in Long Beach, and one of the most popular is going to the beach! One of the best beaches in Long Beach, CA is Alamitos Park Beach. With its calm waters and wide sandy area, it’s great for swimming, sunbathing, playing volleyball, walking, jogging, and more. 

El Dorado East Regional Park  

Similar to going to the beach, exploring the amazing parks is one of the great things to do in Long Beach for families. In particular, El Dorado East Regional Park is a popular destination to spend the day outdoors. It’s broken up into several different sections, each with its own amenities and adventures. For families, Area III has new picnic tables, lakes to explore, a model train ride, and plenty of biking and walking trails. 

Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center 

Among the outdoor activities, visiting the Convention & Entertainment Center is high on the list of things to do in Long Beach. With over 400,000 square feet of space, this center is a hub for tons of exciting exhibits and events all year long. 

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

Known as a “living museum,” the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is the best place to go if you want to spend time outside, but want to take a break from the beach. Here, you’ll find several paths to take you through nature and dozens of koi fish to feed. Or, take a moment to reflect on things at the Zen Garden. Each season brings a delightful surprise and new flowers and foliage blooms so you can enjoy the Garden all year long.

Trip to Catalina Island 

Not only is Long Beach full of great activities, but it’s also in an ideal location to explore more of what lies along the California coast. You can catch a boat ride to Catalina Island and explore what the beautiful island has to offer.

Once there, Catalina Island is a quaint and charming community with breathtaking views of the ocean and California coast. You can walk along with streets and pop into some of the many stores or grab a bite to eat and enjoy some of the best food around. 

The Walter Pyramid 

Previously known as the Long Beach Pyramid, the Walter Pyramid is a 4,000-seat multi-purpose area on campus at Long Beach State University. Here, you can catch a basketball game or volleyball game with the men’s and women’s University teams. The Walter Pyramid is also one of the best things to do in Long Beach at night if you want to keep the adventures going. 

As you can see, there are so many fun things to do in Long Beach, California! From outdoor activities on the beach and in the gorgeous weather to indoor adventures, Long Beach has plenty to offer if you want to call it home. 

You can learn more about Long Beach and browse Long Beach homes for sale, schedule a meeting, or contact the Long Beach real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate. 

Long Beach, California, has been nicknamed “The City of Good Living,” and with good reason. This coastal city in Southern California is replete with walkable neighborhoods, incredible nightlife, fantastic restaurants, a relaxed beach life, and amazing weather year-round. Long Beach is just south of Los Angeles and San Diego is an easy two hour drive away.

There are more than 80 different neighborhoods in Long Beach and each has its own feel. Whether you’re wondering whether living in Long Beach makes sense for you or have started looking for homes for sale in Long Beach, the Long Beach real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate can help.

Long Beach has six distinct regions, Central Long Beach, Downtown Waterfront, East Waterfront, Eastside, North Long Beach, and Westside. Over the past few decades, Long Beach has seen a marked increase in population, with many people moving to Long Beach’s best neighborhoods, like Bixby Knolls and Belmont Shore. 

It’s easy to see why many buy a home in Long Beach. First off, Long Beach offers a neighborhood for everyone. There are safe neighborhoods with quieter streets and parks, great for families, retirees, professionals, and anyone looking to live close to everything while feeling a world away. There are also more vibrant neighborhoods in Long Beach, offering arts, culture, nightlife, and lots of outdoor recreation, like the East Village Arts District, Belmont Shore, and Naples. To explore all Long Beach homes for sale, start your search here.

Long Beach, California is a large city and depending on your ideal lifestyle, you can be in the heart of it all or buy real estate in a Long Beach suburb and still be able to easily access the city while enjoying a quieter day-to-day life. Regardless of where you decide to live in Long Beach, Long Beach is known for its world-class amenities, beautiful public spaces, exquisite shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife, and the best neighborhoods in Long Beach do not disappoint. They have a friendly, neighborly feel to them, while also offering some of the best dining in Long Beach, access to Long Beach’s best beaches, and walkability which means you’re close to everything.

If you’re considering moving to Southern California or buying real estate in Long Beach, here’s the ultimate Long Beach neighborhood guide to help you decide the best place to live in Long Beach for you.

Belmont Shore

Belmont Shore is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Long Beach, California. Also known as “The Triangle,” this neighborhood embodies everything you’d expect of a luxurious California beach lifestyle. Belmont Shore has a lot to offer, especially for people looking to enjoy beach activities, nightlife, shopping, and unique dining experiences, with many trendy restaurants within the locale, whether on the boardwalk or the infamous East Second Street. Within minutes, you can be walking on Belmont Pier, sipping a drink at Belmont Brewery, at the Belmont Plaza Pool, or at a myriad of other favorite Belmont Shore spots.

Most homes for sale in Belmont Shore feature Spanish-style architecture, with red tile roofs, stucco exteriors, and arches over the windows. Houses in Belmont Shore, Long Beach are well-maintained to preserve their original architecture and have sometimes been remodeled to newer designs that complement the original architecture even more. The median price of homes in Belmont Shore, Long Beach is about $1.3M, which makes it a pricier place to live, and this stand-out neighborhood is worth it. Belmont Shore is one of the best places to live in Long Beach and one of the best places to live in California. 

If you’re unsure whether buying real estate in Belmont Shore makes sense for you or want to better understand what to look for when buying a Belmont Shore home, contact the Long Beach real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate. You can also explore available homes for sale in Belmont Shore, Long Beach.

The Waterfront

The Waterfront is a neighborhood in downtown Long Beach, California. Its prime location means it’s home to many of the best homes for sale in Long Beach. As the name suggests, The Waterfront is conveniently located by the seaside and within walking distance to everything you could imagine, from local museums and attractions to delicious restaurants and popular bars. Even better is the natural beauty and amazing views for which The Waterfront is known.

The Waterfront is one of the best Long Beach neighborhoods for its distinct character and charm. Anyone who wants to live somewhere truly unique will be happy to call The Waterfront in Long Beach home. After all, The Waterfront is known as “the soul of Long Beach” and is a favorite place for many who call Long Beach home to people watch.

Other reasons people buy real estate in The Waterfront neighborhood of Long Beach include its distinctive and pristine atmosphere, with many quiet green spaces and breathtaking ocean views, and its waterfront activities and attractions. Homes for sale in Long Beach can be pricey and The Waterfront is home to a mix of property types and price ranges, which may make it more suitable for some. Regardless of what you’re looking for, The Waterfront has cemented its place as one of the best Long Beach neighborhoods for homebuyers and there are no signs it’s going to lose that status anytime soon. 

If you’re interested in waterfront homes for sale in Long Beach or other real estate in The Waterfront district, contact the Long Beach real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate today. You can also explore currently available waterfront homes for sale in Long Beach.

Naples

Naples is the largest master-planned community in Long Beach, California, and one of the best places to live in California. This Italian-inspired Long Beach neighborhood is one of the most desirable places to live on the West Coast because it’s both unique and offers an idyllic lifestyle. There are so many things to do in Naples, from its golf courses, parks, and recreation facilities to its shopping, dining, and nightlife. It’s also a popular spot for water sports lovers and is home to some of the best schools in Long Beach.

Naples claims some of the most coveted real estate in Long Beach, California, and it isn’t surprising why. This charming Long Beach neighborhood is bustling with high-end boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés, and is surrounded by beautiful walking paths and houses. The average price for a home in Naples is worth about $300 per square foot and Naples homes hold their value well.

To discuss your Naples real estate needs, contact the Long Beach real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate today. You can also explore currently available homes for sale in Naples, Long Beach.

Bixby Knolls

Bixby Knolls is still one of the best Long Beach Neighborhoods in our books, primarily because of its proximity to the beach, almost non-existent crime rate, collection of beautiful homes and apartments, and a short commute to downtown Long Beach. This popular Long Beach neighborhood has broad appeal and is perfect for families because of its exceptional schools. College students who want to get away from campus life without getting too far away from it all will also love living in Bixby Knolls. Couples, professionals, and retirees who want the best of Long Beach for less than real estate in Belmont Shore and other Long Beach neighborhoods will also find homes for sale in Bixby Knolls appealing. 

Many Bixby Knolls residents own their businesses or work as local professionals, though there are good reasons to move to Long Beach when you retire. The average listing price for a home in Bixby Knolls is $935K and the average monthly mortgage payment is about $2,550. 

Because Long Beach has so many neighborhoods, people often get confused between Bixby Knolls, Bixby Hill, and Bixby Village. Though they are named after the same family, there are some notable differences between these Long Beach neighborhoods. Contact the Bixby Knolls real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate today to discuss the differences and similarities of each Long Beach neighborhood, to learn more about exclusive Bixby Knolls listings, or to hear about similar Long Beach homes for sale. Or explore currently available homes for sale in Bixby Knolls, Long Beach.

Alamitos Heights

Alamitos Heights is in the southeast corner of Long Beach, California. Tucked away from the busy Long Beach downtown area, Alamitos Heights is an upscale neighborhood with tree lined streets and properties for sale ranging from single-family homes to condominiums and apartments. This neighborhood carries a small-town appeal rarely found in other places in Long Beach, which has made it very popular for those who can afford a home in Alamitos Heights. 

Many parks and green spaces call Alamitos Heights home. Though it’s quieter, Alamitos Heights still has everything other great Long Beach neighborhoods have to offer, including being very close to several beaches, world-class golfing, outdoor spaces like Colorado Lagoon, and Alamitos Bay. Alamitos Heights is also home to many single-family houses built before 1920 so if you’re looking for historic homes for sale in Long Beach, Alamitos Heights is a good place to look. Homes for sale in Alamitos Heights average $1 million, though Alamitos Heights real estate also includes multi-million dollar homes. If you’re looking for incredible views from the bay and a high quality of living, Alamitos Bay is your neighborhood.

Contact the Alamitos Heights real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate today to discuss whether living in Alamitos Heights is right for you, to learn more about exclusive Alamitos Heights listings, or to discuss listing your Alamitos Heights property for sale. Or explore currently available homes for sale in Alamitos Heights, Long Beach.

Park Estates

Park Estates is one of the best neighborhoods in Long Beach for its easy access to the rest of the city and because of its beautiful, tree lined neighborhoods and plentiful green spaces. Park Estates is near California State University Long Beach and is one of the master-planned communities in Long Beach. In fact, when the original developer of Park Estates, Lloyd S. Whaley hired L. Deming Tilton to design Park Estates as part of his vision for East Long Beach, they emphasized curving streets and greenery so you’d feel as if you were living in a park. That original vision, plus the many houses that have been artfully designed by famous architects since then, combine to make Park Estates one of the most picturesque places to live in Long Beach. 

Park Estates homes for sale cover a variety of architectural styles. Homes in Park Estates are predominantly either mid-century modern or traditional in design. If you want a large lot or to build a custom home in Long Beach, buying real estate in Park Estates is a must.

Contact the Park Estates real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate today to discuss whether living in Park Estates is right for you, to learn more about exclusive Park Estates listings, or to discuss listing your Park Estates property for sale. Or explore currently available homes for sale in Park Estates, Long Beach.

Belmont Heights

Belmont Heights is one of the best neighborhoods to live in in Long Beach. Belmont Heights sits right next to the Pacific ocean and Belmont Shore. Belmont Heights used to be its own city and became part of Long Beach in 1909. People love living in Belmont Heights because it’s super pet friendly, walkable to everything, right on the ocean, and pretty quiet. There’s little traffic and still just as much going on – if not more! – than in other Long Beach neighborhoods. There are lots of festivals in Belmont Heights and Belmont Heights has a vibrant arts scene due in large part to the Long Beach Museum of Art and the Museum of Latin American Art, as well as several galleries. Belmont Heights calls many green spaces home, including the pristine Shoreline Way Trail, and its beaches are stunning. Junipero Beach is one of our favorite beaches in Long Beach.

Contact the Belmont Heights real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate today to discuss whether living in Belmont Heights is right for you, to learn more about exclusive Belmont Heights listings, or to discuss listing your Belmont Heights property for sale. Or explore currently available homes for sale in Belmont Heights, Long Beach.

Bluff Heights

Bluff Heights is a wonderful Long Beach neighborhood close to the beach and with a lot to love. Bluff Heights is one of the best places to live in Long Beach because of its history; it’s one of the older Long Beach neighborhoods and features many historic Long Beach homes, built in or before the 1920s. Many homes for sale in Bluff Heights are craftsman bungalows built with meticulous attention to detail and are therefore striking to look at. People love living in Bluff Heights because it’s super bike friendly and easy to walk everywhere. Public schools are good and a lot of people rent, which makes real estate in Bluff Heights a good investment. Bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks dot the streets in Bluff Heights and the neighborhood has a dense urban feel, but because of its history and beautiful architecture, it provides the best of both worlds; city living in a beautiful place that’s truly unique.

Contact the Bluff Heights real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate today to discuss whether living in Bluff Heights is right for you, to learn more about currently available Bluff Heights homes for sale, or to discuss listing your Bluff Heights property.

Los Altos

Los Altos is one of the best neighborhoods in Long Beach, California. Not to be confused with the city of Los Altos, Los Altos in Long Beach is located on the east side of the city of Long Beach. Los Altos calls California State University Long Beach home and is bordered by the El Dorado Nature Center and many parks. It’s a safe and quiet neighborhood, making it a great place to live if you’re a student at CSULB. It also has a family-friendly feel, a huge shopping center, and good schools, so families, couples, professionals, and retirees have also been drawn to the area.

Contact the Los Altos real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate today to discuss whether living in Los Altos is right for you, to learn more about exclusive Los Altos listings, or to discuss listing your Los Altos property for sale. Or explore currently available homes for sale in Los Altos, Long Beach.

 East Village Arts District

The Arts District of Long Beach, commonly known as the East Village Arts District and also called the East Village, is one of the trendiest places to live in Long Beach, California. Located in downtown Long Beach, the East Village Arts District is a hub for galleries, gastropubs, events, wine bars, boutiques, and so much more. It boasts a low crime rate and excellent schools within the Long Beach school district. Artists and art lovers who also want to be near the beach will love living in the East Village Arts District. Charming condos for sale in the East Village Art District let you walk to the beach and everything in downtown Long Beach. East Village homes for sale range from quaint single family homes and desirable Long Beach apartments for sale to historic Long Beach homes for sale and new construction condos for sale in Long Beach. If you’re interested in learning more about living in the East Village Arts District, contact the Long Beach real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate today.

Contact the East Village real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate today to discuss whether living in the East Village Arts District in Downtown Long Beach is right for you, to learn about currently available East Village condos for sale, or to discuss listing your East Village property.

There’s so much more we could say about living in Long Beach, California. Long Beach, California is a great place to live with many of the best neighborhoods in Southern California. To explore Long Beach homes for sale, start your search here. Or, if it’s expert advice you need on navigating the Long Beach real estate market or deciding the best place to live for you, contact our team of Long Beach real estate specialists. We’ll help you find your dream Long Beach home, and if you need help selling your Long Beach property, we can do that too.

The Long Beach restaurant scene certainly holds its own against other popular California cities, like Newport Beach and Anaheim. Whether you’re looking for fresh seafood, deliciously grilled steak, hand-crafted cocktails, a flavorful pizza slice, or a trendy brewery, Long Beach has it all. 

Known as one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the country, Long Beach’s culinary scene represents fusion at its finest! You can enjoy mouthwatering Italian, Mexican, French, or Mediterranean dishes or intricately created masterpieces from a combination of different local cuisines. Whatever you’re craving, this LA County city has no shortage of great restaurants.

Read on to discover some of the best restaurants in Long Beach, California. Or contact the Long Beach real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate for more tips on places to visit or where to live in Long Beach. And next time you’re in the mood for a meal, grab a tasty breakfast, indulge in an afternoon brunch, or treat yourself to a five star dinner in one of Long Beach’s best restaurants.

1. Hamburger Mary’s Long Beach

This high-flying restaurant and bar situated at the heart of Long Beach, California is renowned for its excellent food, great burgers, and scintillating shows. If you’re looking for a fun night out coupled with some great food, Hamburger Mary’s Long Beach should top your list. Many people adore this joint for its quirky and fun drag shows. The performers are talented, funny, and personable, and each time you visit this Long Beach restaurant, you’re sure to have a great time. We definitely recommend Hamburger Mary’s if you’re looking for a great brunch spot in Long Beach accompanied by a highly entertaining show. 

2. Open Sesame Restaurant

Open Sesame serves some of the best-tasting Mediterranean cuisine. This popular Long Beach restaurant is known for its ridiculously amazing grilled kebabs, among other authentic Lebanese cuisines. Open Sesame is an excellent choice for dining out with your family, friends, or colleagues, and we bet you’ll appreciate its lovely ambiance and funky setting. It’s also one of the best places to order takeout in Long Beach, California.

One of the best things about Open Sesame, besides its convenient downtown Long Beach location, is the ample parking space. Parking is one less thing to worry about as you enjoy some fanciful Mediterranean-style salads, grilled chicken breast, grilled lamb chops, or hummus and pita.

3. The Breakfast Bar

It’s hard to miss the bright yellow exterior paint of the Breakfast Bar, one of Long Beach, California’s best restaurants. Known as one of the best restaurants in Long Beach for families, their breakfast menu is extensive, featuring everything from chicken and waffles to a breakfast burrito. The Breakfast Burrito is one of their flagship items on the menu. The restaurant also features a build-up section on their menu, where you can add various toppings to your order, making it a great choice for a larger group or anyone looking for options. 

If you’re looking for something sweet to accompany your savory meal, consider their cinnamon roll pancake topped with icing, powdered sugar, or caramel sauce. You can thank us later! The Breakfast Bar is one of the best takeout restaurants in Long Beach, and they offer both takeaway and delivery. It’s also one of the best pet-friendly restaurants in Long Beach, so go ahead and bring your dog with you.

4. Saint & Second

This distinguished Long Beach restaurant has been around for more than 60 years, spanning over three family generations. Saint & Second describes itself as a chef-driven, New-American cuisine restaurant, and without a doubt, their burgers are something else. This hip and casual restaurant in Long Beach offers some of the most sought-after meals in Long Beach, and they even have a small tasting menu with beer pairings. Saint & Second’s philosophy is based on the idea that good food should be hot, fresh, and local, and that is why they only use the freshest and finest ingredients sourced from a 150-mile radius. The restaurant features a constantly changing menu, and they print new menus every day based on what is freshly available. If you’re looking for one of the best seafood restaurants in Long Beach, California, this is the place for you. Saint & Second serves fresh oysters from both coasts, as well as several other great seafood options. Once you visit, you’ll be going back.

5. George’s Greek Cafe

George’s Greek Cafe is one of the best downtown Long Beach restaurants. Once you discover this hidden gem of a restaurant, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best food in Long Beach. The menu offers a wide array of tasty dishes, including various appetizers, salads, soups, chicken, pork, and seafood options. Appetizers on the menu include gyros, shrimp cocktails, grilled octopus, and grilled calamari. The salads offered here include Greek salads as well as chicken salads. There are also some interesting choices like the Caesar salad with gyro meat on top. Whenever you are in Long Beach, make it a point to visit this spot. You won’t be disappointed!

6. Jongewaard’s Bake N Broil

Jongewaard’s Bake N Broil is one of those low-key Long Beach restaurants where you get more than what you pay for. It’s been around for years but recently underwent renovations. The restaurant’s new look is modern and inviting with a light-filled space. Jongewaard’s Bake N Broil is one of the best places to get steak in Long Beach. Their menu also features fantastic options like cakes and pies, fried chicken, burgers, sandwiches, and fish that are worth trying if you’re not in the mood for fried chicken or beef steak. For the best comfort food in Long Beach, California, you have to visit Jongewaard’s Bake N Broil.

Dining at one of the best restaurants in Long Beach, California is a must for residents and visitors alike. Long Beach is known for being a foodie destination and offering something for everyone. In fact, dining in Long Beach is one of the top things to do in Long Beach, California. Long Beach has many truly fantastic restaurants beyond those mentioned here, though we feel the Long Beach restaurants mentioned above are certainly a cut above the rest. 

Are you looking to buy or sell property in Long Beach? Or trying to decide the best place to live in Southern California for you? Our team of Long Beach real estate specialists at First Team Real Estate can help you find your dream Long Beach home or sell your Long Beach property quickly. 

If you’re interested in renting, we have Long Beach rentals to suit your needs too. Contact us today to discuss your needs and get personalized recommendations for the best places to live, rent, or buy a home in Long Beach. You can also explore the best neighborhoods in Long Beach with our neighborhood guide or start your Long Beach home search here.