Growing up in Long Beach allowed me to spend plenty of time in LA and OC. While I live in OC now, I love visiting LA for the day and enjoying the culture and food.
Map
Sections
5
Outdoor Activities
Restaurants
Other Food & Drinks
Arts & Entertainment
Local Favorites
Outdoor Activities
This is perfect for younger kids (like toddlers/ babies even). It is small so your visit won’t take all day. Their lab has the coolest stuff and it’s donation based! They also have a touch tank outside.
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
Truly one of my favorite places to and walk around. The drive in is so pretty and it’s well worth the money. I’ve always wanted to do the Mother’s Day brunch with family.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
This museum overlooks the ocean in LB. Try the yoga on the bluff that morning then head to the museum later.
Long Beach Museum of Art
Restaurants
Historic and super yummy margaritas and micheladas.
El Cholo
Another iconic LA spot in the Fairfax district. Great for going to after LACMA and the food tastes like your grandma made it.
Canter's Deli
Spend date night or celebrate a birthday here. I love doing lunch on the patio, enjoying the sun, and watching the boats go by.
Parkers' Lighthouse
Apart from the fact that it’s aesthetically pleasing, this place has great food and cocktails.
AhbA
Iykyk! Go find out :)
Tequila Jack's
Spend your day in Malibu and make sure you grab a bite here. If you have a state parks pass, park in the state park and walk over for easier access to the pier.
Malibu Farm Restaurant at the Pier
Even though North Italia is a chain, I love this specific location as opposed to others.
Dinner Menu | Handmade Italian Food in Irvine
Think Panera but better. I don’t normally order salads but I do get them here. Their sandwiches are all really good too.
Mendocino Farms
Other Food & Drinks
The tiniest little wine bar on retro row. Start or end here after a day of thrifting.
Art Du Vin
Another favorite place to grab an afternoon beer and watch the sunset from outside! Their food is good too if you’re in between lunch and dinner and want a little snack!
Ballast Point Brewing
This is another great place to take your little ones! It has so many different types of food from sushi, to Korean bbq burritos, to fried chicken and everything in between. There’s always kiddos running around outside.
THE HANGAR
Arts & Entertainment
This is a usual first stop for a day in LA. Stop in their bookstore for a good coffee table book, walk around some exhibits, and grab lunch or a coffee before you leave.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
A fun family activity and I feel like they always have performances (or used to at least). Also, I believe Sundays are free entry!
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
So stunning and it was saved during the palisades fire, thank goodness! Some really iconic pieces here.
The Getty Villa
Local fav especially for enjoying their 90’s/2000’s live music nights. Their bands are actually so fun to listen to and it scratches the live music itch without spending a bunch. Drinks are good too!
The Wayfarer
Local Favorites
This one is another Long Beach fav but you have to “Shoot the Root” if you go.
Shannon's Bayshore
Great food but also so so fun at night! The line to get in gets long, so get there before 10 and plan to stay there.
The Bungalow Long Beach | Upscale Bar & Lounge with Marina Views
Another LB fav. Make sure you walk out with a hat or else you didn’t actually go.
Dogz Bar & Grill
The coolest underground bar that also has karaoke. Fun for larger groups because it’s never “empty” but there’s a lot of sitting room.
Blind Donkey | Long Beach
Stop here first for a cute outfit, then head down to 4th st or “Retro Row” for a bite to eat and more shopping.
Prism Boutique
I had my college graduation dinner here and it was perfection. The food here is to die for. Definitely a great spot for date night or for celebrating something! Or just because :)
