Insider's Guide to Long Beach

The ASRS looks forward to welcoming you to Long Beach for the 43rd Annual Scientific Meeting!

Long Beach, offers a fantastic mix of attractions, diverse dining, lively bars, and exciting water activities. If you fly into the Long Beach Airport (LGB), the California vibes hit you immediately. The airport itself is outdoors with sand and palm trees.

Our sincere thanks to Long Beach locals Drs. Kapil Mishra and Roberto Roizenblatt, as well as Kevin Caldwell for contributing to this vastly expanded Insider's Guide to Long Beach!

Getting Around on the Water

A wonderful way to get around while soaking in the city's natural beauty is by using the water taxis which typically operate during the summer season, usually from Memorial Day through Labor Day. So, during your visit, both the AquaLink and AquaBus should be fully operational. Check the Long Beach Transit website (ridelbt.com/watertaxis/) or call their customer care (562.591.2301) for the most current schedules, fares, and operating status as dates get closer.

  • Water Taxi (AquaLink & AquaBus): Long Beach Transit operates two water taxi services that provide a scenic and convenient way to travel around the harbor and to various attractions. 
  • AquaLink: This service offers a longer 40-minute trip across the bay between Downtown Long Beach (Dock 4 by the Aquarium) and Alamitos Bay Landing/Berth 3 (near Ballast Point Brewery). It's a great way to see the Queen Mary and the city from the water. Fares are typically $5 one-way.
  • AquaBus: This smaller service operates within the inner harbor, connecting key downtown attractions like Dock 4 (Aquarium) and Dock 9 (Shoreline Village and the Queen Mary). It's perfect for short hops between these points. Fares are usually lower, around $1 per ride.

Water Sports

Long Beach's waterfront location provides numerous opportunities for aquatic adventures!

LB is an excellent place for stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) due to its generally calm waters, particularly in Alamitos Bay and the Naples Canals. 

  • Stand Up Rentals (5411 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803): This is a highly recommended spot right on Alamitos Bay. They offer quality rentals, instruction, and even an "Ultimate Dolphin Adventure" where you might paddle with dolphins. The calm bay waters are perfect for beginners and experienced paddlers alike, and you can explore the beautiful Naples Island canals.
  • Kayaks on the Water (5411 E Ocean Blvd, sharing the same location as Stand UpRentals): Similar to paddleboarding, kayaking is a fantastic way to explore the calm bay and canals. This location offers paddleboard rentals and lessons, emphasizing the calm, user-friendly waters of Alamitos Bay.
  • Whale Watching Tours: Long Beach is a prime location for whale watching. Numerous tour operators depart from Rainbow Harbor (near the Aquarium) offering cruises to see gray whales (seasonal, though they might still be around in early summer) and blue whales (peak season typically summer/early fall).
  • Gondola Getaway (5437 E Ocean Blvd): Enjoy a romantic and unique Venetian-style gondola ride through the enchanting canals of Naples Island. Private tours are available and often include blankets, ice buckets for your drinks, and sometimes a serenading gondolier.
  • Sailing & Boat Tours: Various companies offer sailing charters or narrated harbor tours, providing different perspectives of the Long Beach coastline and landmarks.
  • Beach Relaxation: Don't forget to enjoy the beautiful stretches of sandy beach. Long Beach City Beach offers a great spot to relax, sunbathe, or take a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.

Popular Attractions

  • Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way): Dive into the wonders of the world's largest ocean at this renowned aquarium. It features diverse marine habitats, from the local waters of Southern California to the frigid North Pacific and the vibrant Tropical Pacific. Don't miss the shark lagoon and the touch tanks.
  • Alamitos Beach: A pretty beach very close to the Convention Center. They even have a free obstacle course in the water if you’re feeling adventurous! For good swimmers only.
  • The Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy): Step back in time aboard this historic ocean liner, permanently docked in Long Beach. You can explore its decks, take a guided tour to learn about its storied past, enjoy a meal, or even partake in a paranormal investigation tour. This is the venue for the ASRS Gala/Closing Reception. 
  • Shoreline Village (401-435 Shoreline Village Dr):Located right on the waterfront, this charming village offers a collection of unique shops, casual restaurants, and amusements like a carousel and Ferris wheel. It's a great spot for a leisurely stroll with picturesque harbor views.
  • Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA) (628 Alamitos Ave): As the only museum in the Western United States solely dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latinx art, MoLAAoffers a unique cultural experience with its diverse collections and outdoor sculpture garden.
  • Naples Island Canals: Experience a touch of Venice in Southern California by exploring the charming canals of Naples Island. You can stroll along the pathways, admire the beautiful waterfront homes, or even take a gondola ride (see water activities).
  • Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch & Gardens (6400 Bixby Hill Rd): This beautifully preserved historic ranch and gardens offers a glimpse into California's past, with original buildings, barns, and lush gardens. It's a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
  • Belmont Shores (2nd street): A bustling area of shops, boutiques, and restaurants very close to the beach.
  • Catalina Island: Have an extra day for a side trip? Visit Catalina Island. Arrive by ferry or helicopter for a relaxing day at the beach, zip-lining, or dining the day away.  

Food & Dining

Long Beach boasts a vibrant culinary scene with options for every taste and budget.

Coffee/Pastries

  • Gusto Bread (2710 E 4th St): This James Beard-awarded panaderia was recently named one of the best bakeries in the U.S. by the New York Times.
  • G.T.A. Coffee Shop (249 E. Ocean Blvd): No frills coffee shop very close to the convention center.
  • Colossus (4716 2nd St): Fantastic bakery with excellent coffee selections. Located in Belmont Shore.

Lunch/Brunch

  • Zuzu’s Petals (801 E 3rd St): Probably one of the best brunch spots in LA County and walking distance from the convention center. Very popular neighborhood spot with lines out the door during peak brunch time.
  • Claire’s at the Museum (2300 E Ocean Blvd): This outdoor brunch spot gives you views of the ocean with pleasant shade. If there’s a line you can enter the Long Beach Museum of Art for free and enjoy modern pieces while waiting for your table.
  • The Attic (3441 E Broadway): Known for its "Southern comfort food with a twist" and famous "Bloody Mary bar," The Attic provides a cozy, unique dining experience in a historic house. Don’t miss their mac n cheese topped with hot Cheetos (famous dish).
  • Alder & Sage (366 Cherry Ave): A cozy brunch spot that serves up creative, locally-sourced dishes with a health-conscious twist in a bright, plant-filled space.
  • Olive & Rose (255 Atlantic Ave): Charming Mediterranean-inspired café from the folks who started Heritage (the Michelin starred restaurant in LBC).
  • Sonoratown (244 E 3rd St): Delicious Sonora-style tacos and burritos that has become a local favorite (second location that started in downtown LA).
  • Phnom Penh Noodle Shack (1644 Cherry Ave.): Neighborhood favorite with some of the best Cambodian dishes in the area.
  • Chiang Rai (3832 E. Anaheim St): Instagram-famous Thai restaurant that serves classic Northern Thai dishes.

Dinner

  • 555 East American Steakhouse (555 E Ocean Blvd): A classic, award-winning steakhouse serving hand-cut, dry-aged steaks and an impressive wine list since 1984.
  • Michael's on Naples Ristorante (5620 E 2nd St): Consistently rated among the best, this restaurant offers authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and an elegant ambiance.
  • Ammatoli (285 E 3rd St): Exceptional Mediterranean and Levantine cuisine, renowned for its fresh ingredients and authentic flavors.
  • Heritage (2030 E 7th St): A Michelin starred restaurant that serves unique farm-to-table dishes. 
  • Long Beach Beer Lab (518 Willow St): More than just a brewery, they also offer a fantastic menu of sourdough pizzas and other casual fare in a relaxed setting.
  • Dog Haus Biergarten (210 E 3rd St): Famous for their gourmet hot dogs, sausages, and burgers served on King's Hawaiian rolls, along with a great selection of craft beers.
  • Playa Amor Cantina (187 Park Ave): Modern Mexican cuisine with a lively ambiance, known for its creative dishes and cocktails.

  • Boathouse on the Bay (190 N. Marine Dr.): An upscale restaurant offering spectacular waterfront views and an amazing fine dining experience. The Boathouse on the Bay is situated on Long Beach Alamitos Bay and serves premium steaks and seafood classics along with sushi, sashimi, oysters, and cocktails.

  • Gladstone’s (330 S. Pine): This waterfront Long Beach restaurant features seafood.

  • King’s Fish House on Pine Ave (100 W. Broadway): King’s Fish House features seasonal catches, live shellfish, daily menus and a familiar, welcoming environment.

  • La Parolaccia Osteria (2945 E Broadway): Owners of this popular restaurant hail from Rome and have been serving up authentic Italian flavors here since 2006. 

  • Open Sesame Grill (5215 2nd St): Authentic Lebanese cuisine made from scratch with heart and passion.

  • Tantalum (6272 Pacific Coast Hwy): Specializing in an eclectic menu of New California Cuisine with an Asian soul, Tantalum promises to please even the most discerning palate.

  • Nick's on 2nd (4901 2nd St): Modern taverna serves up classic American comfort food in an intimate space with walls of glass. Please note there are a limited number of online and phone reservations each day but they also leave a portion of the dining room open for walk-in guests.

  • Saint & Second (4828 2nd St):  Hip, casual spot for American fare including burgers & flatbreads, along with classic cocktails. A chef-inspired, come-as-you-are destination with creative, locally-sourced seasonal cuisine, organic cocktails, hundreds of curated whiskies, works by California artists and a spirit of community and hospitality. 

Drink Spots (Bars)

Long Beach has a diverse bar scene, from hidden speakeasies to lively breweries and casual pubs.

Cocktail Bars & Speakeasies:

  • HALO Rooftop Bar (210 E Ocean Blvd): Rooftop bar of the Fairmont Breakers with stunning panoramic views. 
  • The Blind Donkey (149 Linden Ave): A popular basement speakeasy with a dark, intimate ambiance and an expansive selection of whiskeys.
  • Baby Gee (1775 E 4th St): An old-school, divey watering hole with vintage charm, offering classic cocktails and a relaxed vibe.
  • Tokyo Noir (1731 E 4th St): Authentic Japanese cocktail bar with Izakaya bar bites.
  • The Wicked Wolf Cocktail Bar & Lounge (233 E Broadway): An upscale option offering sophisticated cocktails and a chic lounge atmosphere.
  • Observation Bar (on The Queen Mary): Step into this Art Deco lounge for expertly crafted cocktails and stunning panoramic water and skyline views from the historic ship.
  • Treeshouse on PCH (21080 CA-1, Huntington Beach): Get lost into the blue, and soak in panoramic ocean views while sipping seasonal craft cocktails at Treehouse on PCH. The chic rooftop experience features cabanas and lush sofas, with DJ entertainment and an ever-changing menu of handcrafted and SoCal-inspired drinks and bites. 

Breweries & Craft Beer:

  • Ballast Point Brewing Long Beach (110 N Marina Dr): Enjoy a wide array of Ballast Point's popular brews with fantastic marina views. You can even take the AquaLink water taxi directly to this spot. This will be the location for the Opening Reception for the conference.
  • Beachwood Brewing (210 E 3rd St & 247 N Long Beach Blvd): Award-winning local breweries known for their innovative craft beers. The downtown location also has a BBQ restaurant.
  • Belmont Brewing Company (25 39th Pl): Long Beach's oldest brewpub, located right on the sand between downtown and Belmont Shore. Offers a range of brews and a relaxed beach atmosphere.
  • Trademark Brewing (233 E Anaheim St): A large production brewery and taproom known for its diverse selection of craft beers and spacious setting.
  • Long Beach Beer Lab (518 Willow St): As mentioned, they also have a taproom with a focus on fermentation-forward beverages and a unique bakery setup.

We hope this expanded guide helps you enjoy your time in beautiful Long Beach, California! 

*Photos courtesy Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

Sneak Preview!