Things to Do in Long Beach, CA - Tips From Locals

Is there more to Long Beach than the Queen Mary? Here are some things the locals do on their outings. Not all of them can be found in the brochures.

1) Shoreline Village - Just drive, or take a stroll by the ocean, not too far from the QM, and you will come across this boardwalk full of quaint shops, outdoor stalls, eateries and even an arcade. There are even small charter boats offering harbor tours for the adventurous. Simply being on the wharf and enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze feels like a vacation. This is always a welcome getaway without leaving town. But bring some parking money if you want to stay longer than a few hours (they do validate, last time I checked).

2) Signal Hill - this affluent neighborhood keeps a great little park tucked away at the end of Hill Street. Drive carefully; it's a steep and winding street. When you arrive at the top, you'll suddenly notice how serene several bustling cities and a busy harbor can seem from way up. You'll get long, unobstructed views of Long Beach, Los Angeles, San Pedro and North Orange County. At the center of the park are several viewing-walls that frame the panoramas from each direction. If you need a meditative, calming experience on a quiet hilltop, ths park is for you. And you don't have to pay for parking.

3) Fantastic Burger - This restaurant is not very difficult to find, at the corner of Cherry and Wardlow. The easiest way to get directions is to ask any member of the Long Beach Police Department, and you might even meet them there for lunch! It is a very family-oriented environment, with large booths (try to get one in the corner!) as well as tables with plenty of elbow-room. The prices are very reasonable, and they offer mainly sandwiches, burgers and burritos, all very satisfying. Try the steak with hash browns if you are particularly ravenous.