Long Beach’s must-do list, served hot and ready for summer
In a city where the sun hits just right and the vibe never takes a day off, Long Beach is the bold, beautiful answer to your summer daydreams. It’s SoCal’s playground: salty, spirited, and stacked with unexpected thrills. One moment, you’re lounging with sangria on a swanky rooftop, and the next, you’re zipping across the harbor on a jet ski or gliding through the canals like you’re in a rom-com.
The best part? Every corner is alive with festivals bursting with beats, hidden speakeasies nestled in floating hotels, seafood shacks begging for your reservation, and rooftop bars that turn golden hour into an unforgettable spectacle. And don’t even get us started on the food. Brace yourself for a culinary carnival where tacos dance with lobster rolls, and brunch is a love letter to everything delicious.
Forget just having a summer; Long Beach is handing out bragging rights. Ready to eat, play, sip, and soak up that sunshine? Let’s dive into the coolest spots this season.
ACTIVITIES: Ways to Play on the Water
Let’s start with the main character energy: Gondola Getaway in the Naples Canals. These private cruises bring Italian vibes to SoCal with striped-shirt gondoliers, wine welcome baskets, and enough ambiance to make you forget you’re 15 minutes from the 405. Sunset rides are next-level: picture warm breezes, singing gondoliers, and bridges lit like a movie set. It’s couples’ therapy with better views.
Need something that moves faster? Jet ski rentals launch daily from the marina, and yes, you can ride all the way to Catalina. Or hop aboard the Aqualink or Aquabus water taxis for a breezy ride that feels like a scenic tour but costs less than a cup of coffee. Families (or anyone trying to beat the heat) should head to the Aquarium of the Pacific to meet otters, sharks, and jellyfish.
Local Insight: ResortPass lets you borrow a daycation at luxe hotel pools across the city—no check-in required.
ENTERTAINMENT: Long Beach Brings the Vibes
If you only make it to one Long Beach summer event, make it Love Long Beach Fest. Held every July at Shoreline Aquatic Park, this 2-day gathering is a high-energy mix of yoga flows, world-class DJs, healing lounges, and vendors that bring the Venice Beach energy with better parking. It’s spiritual meets sparkle, and there’s no dress code (but you’ll wish you wore sequins).
If you’re craving more musical moments, the Uptown Jazz Festival brings smooth sounds and local flavor to Houghton Park. Midsummer Scream turns the Long Beach Convention Center into Halloween in July, complete with haunted mazes, creepy panels, and cosplay galore. And yes, The Beach Boys are performing at the Terrace Theater on Aug. 10. Come for the nostalgia, stay for the harmonies (and a little barefoot dancing in the aisles).
FOOD: Main Character Meals
If summer had a signature restaurant, it’d be the rooftop at Gaucho Beach. Perched above the sand with 360-degree views of the Pacific and the Queen Mary, this airy spot is where margaritas meet the marine layer. The menu is SoCal with a splash of Baja, featuring grilled fish, citrusy ceviches, and cocktails that come dressed to impress. Golden hour? Practically a requirement. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time and somehow end up ordering dessert and another round. Locals know Thursday nights hit different with fewer crowds and more sunset.
But when you’re ready to keep the flavor tour going, Olive & Rose at City Center is your sleek downtown date with killer mid-century design. Alder & Sage serves up brunch with seasonal standouts, while Gemmae Bake Shop is your go-to for ube dreams and warm pan de sal fresh from the oven.
NIGHTLIFE: This is the Scene
Your night officially begins at Tokyo Noir. This event series takes over El Barrio Cantina like a fever dream. Think moody lights, Japanese-inspired cocktails, DJs spinning underground sounds, and an effortlessly stylish crowd. It’s a pop culture moment wrapped in mezcal and mystery.
Once you’re in the mood, Fairmont Breakers Long Beach keeps the vibe going with rooftop lounges Halo and Alter Ego. Each one oozes skyline glamour and serves up cocktails with a view that slays. Feeling something kitschier—but still cool? Head to The Bamboo Club for flaming rum drinks in coconuts and full-on vintage tiki décor. Whether you’re after gritty, glam, or both, Long Beach stays up late—and always looks fabulous doing it.
This article is brought to you by one of the many talented writers associated with Locale Magazine! We are a group of locals (whether born and raised or transplanted) who love this county we now call home!
