Hidden Long Beach
I think most of us have seen or read annual “Best of” or “Things to See and Do” tips for cities. Writers have created dozens of lists of best restaurants, tourist attractions, haunted spots, watering holes and things for kids.
This piece is not meant to be “the” list or a complete list of any one type. I just wanted to share with you some personal favorite spots I discovered around Long Beach over the years, many of which are not the obvious of touristy choices. I always try to seek out the main corridors and side streets, all nooks and crannies and listen for word-of-mouth recommendations. After 51 years, I’m still trying to learn and discover places all over Long Beach that I may never have heard about or seen before.
I hear it all the time from residents that going to another neighborhood or part of town is “so far and out of the way.” It’s funny, because we don’t live in a sprawl like Los Angeles, and getting from Bixby Knolls to Alamitos Bay may seem like a long way, but we have it pretty good here.
For many of us, it’s easy to drive around town in a routine path and many of the businesses or hidden gems become invisible. This list is meant to be a catalyst for your own exploration and discovery so some things are no longer invisible. I have purposely not included all of the fun, cool, charming, excellent and wonderful things from Bixby Knolls because I will do that in the future. I also purposely did not include addresses so you will have to get your treasure maps, compasses, sextets and divining rods out to find these special things.
Begin your adventures here:
The POA Park. I recently rediscovered this hidden gem at the Littlepalooza event. What an excellent tucked-away spot for any gathering.
El Dorado Golf Course Restaurant. We considered this our own “country club” with views of the course. We had many family meals and parties there.
El Dorado Duck Pond. We used to walk over and feed the ducks. It always seemed like a great oasis and spent a lot of time there as a kid, cub scout and an uncle.
P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village. Hard to go in and leave empty-handed.
Area III of El Dorado Park. Ride your bike around this far section to see the people flying their planes, the gaggles of geese and ducks or rent a paddle boat and you’ll forget you’re in a city.
Tenni-Moc’s was and still is a great neighborhood shoe store. I got all my cool sneakers there back in the day.
Ma ‘N’ Pa Grocery. When nearby, I am always compelled to pull over and buy something here. I like how it’s tucked in among the houses and serves the neighborhood. Same with the Beverage House way out on the peninsula.
War Memorial on Lakewood and Carson. You have probably driven by it thousands of times, but have you pulled over to take a look? It’s well worth it. And the Veterans Mural and Memorial in Houghton Park are center pieces for the annual Veterans Day Parade.
The Dairy and Creamery House built in 1903. Make sure to say hi to the Pressburgs if you swing by.
California Pools of Hope. What a great therapeutic resource, and I learned about it during a private tour of north Long Beach.
The north Long Beach farms, such as the Organic Harvest Gardens Farm and The Growing Experience.
Forest Lawn Chapel with its murals and Foucalt Pendulum. It’s really gorgeous inside, and the other nearest pendulum is at Griffith Observatory.
The rock on Ocean Boulevard near the International Towers that shows the property line between Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos.
Both of the ranchos. I still hear long-time residents say they have never been. What a shame. I like to picture the Bixby family walking around during the height of the ranch period. I also heard there was a cool surprise wedding held at Rancho Los Cerritos a few years ago.
JAAN-2 Gun Battery on the bluff provides another history lesson.
Navy Memorial near Pier Point Landing is really interesting if you take the time to read it. You may even recognize some of the donors’ names on the bricks surrounding it.
The World War II gun pillbox on the Breakers is a remainder and reminder of our Navy days and the scare of invasion.
Outer Limits Tattoo has the juju of old Long Beach and the Pike with its location and museum. Plus, I’ve had some work done there.
The Skinny House. It’s only slightly bigger than my first apartment.
Umberto’s. You’ve seen his commercials for years, so why not stop by and meet him? I finally did when being fitted for a tuxedo for a buddy’s wedding. As nice a guy in person as on TV.
Ecco’s Pizza, Marri’s, and Avenue 3. Our eastside staples.
I love the interior, atmosphere, and food of Domenico’s in the Shore. Another example of the small entrepreneur’s dream fulfilled.
Me & Ed’s, although it has a Lakewood address, is a pleasant throwback to the old pizza parlors from back in the day. Three cheers for these mom-and-pops!
Scottish Rite Temple and Ebell Club. These also symbolize old Long Beach to me. I love the architecture and looking at the old black-and-white photos to see these venues in their heyday. I wish I had known some of the people that frequented these locations.
First Congregation Church. We spent hours there during the High Holy Days. All those rooms upstairs and downstairs and the stained-glass windows made it seem like a castle.
Long Beach Casting Club and pond in Recreation Park. It was established in 1925 and is still offering classes.
Long Beach Rod & Gun Club on Pacific. Established 1938 and there are still weekly meetings– who knew? I just learned that the place is available to rent for parties, and I may just do that.
Sweet Retreat Donuts. How can you not like their outrageously delicious creations? One is good, but a dozen is better.
The view at Claire’s at the Museum at LBMA.
John Morris. The legend behind Legend’s. He sees all and knows all. He used to hold court on Pine Avenue, but nowadays, you’ll find him lording over the waters at the Boathouse on the Bay. When you drop in, please tell him Blair Cohn sent you.
Jergins Tunnel. Soon to be reopened to the public, I had the good fortune to reopen it 10 years ago for the University by the Sea event. We scrubbed it and showed the historic films of Long Beach. People showed up and cried while talking about their time at the Pike.
The solariums and basements at the Broadlind, Lafeyette and Cooper Arms buildings.
Loof’s Lite-A-Line. It’s a time machine back to the Pike and waterfront fun. Friendly staff will help you practice your gaming skills.
Astronaut “oil” islands (THUMS islands) named Grissom, Freeman, Chaffee and White are the only decorated oil islands in the U.S. Taking an island tour when available is a must.
Observation Bar on the Queen Mary. Get dolled up and use your 1940s “continental” accent while sipping gin there.
Fire Station #8. It used to house both police and fire departments. The station was opened with the help of LBFD Chief Duree’s grandfather. How’s that for some Long Beach heritage?
Art Theater. I loved it even before the remodel. We are very, very fortunate to have an art theater in our city.
The Prospector. Just the exterior of this steakhouse and saloon does it for me. And you can enjoy great local music, too.
Coffee Cup Café. I am a sucker for small diners, cafés and blueberry pancakes. This represents it all.
Candy Warehouse. Recently discovered this gold sugar mine. It’s our own Wonka Sweets Factory where your sweet tooth can be met many times over.
Swimming pool at the JCC. Though the entire facility has been remodeled, this community pool was summer’s source of fun for many years.
Do Good Donuts. I’m a sucker for their Dole Whip and will eagerly make the trek to get one.
Original Pot Holder on Broadway. The breakfast place for the morning after the late night.
The view from Maya Hotel’s Fuego restaurant.
Drake Park, Chavez Park and Bembridge House. All of these represent to me “way over there,” since I grew up on the east side. Visiting these places feels like a real field trip to a part of town I’m not as familiar with. The Bembridge House during Christmastime is extra special to visit.
Sunnyside Cemetery. I keep discovering new things there each time I go. And I discovered that it needs saving.
Cambodia Town and the Khmer community. We discovered many of the hidden gems along Anaheim during Beach Streets, including traditional restaurants and clothing stores. I am signing up for a private-guided tour from the business district’s director.
Zaferia along Anaheim. It’s fun to drive around and uncover the mystery of this farmland-turned-liquor-and pool-hall neighborhood (in an otherwise “dry town”) with the ghost of its Pacific Electric Rail Road route.
City Foods Wholesale. Exotic meats and great prices. Too exotic to list here, so discover for yourself.
Guanabana, Santa Fe Importers and 5000 Pies. West-side favorites and regulars stops on our explorations.
Kidd & Silverado parks. West-side fun zones and sites for great festivals.
Bonita Nursery & Florists. Very special place with great variety, prices and friendly owners.
I’m not a drinker, but I like the bars named Interlude, Regal Inn, Annex, Crow’s Nest, Poor Richard’s, Flite Room and The West. (Anyone remember The Zodiac?) One day I’ll hire a driver to stop at each place…and order Shirley Temples.
Lawn Bowling Center. I’ve always wanted to put on a white sweater, pants and shoes and bowl for the high stakes.
Blair Field. Growing up, I was told that this place was named after me, but I haven’t been able to confirm that yet. But we enjoy watching the Dirtbags play there.
“The house that stayed” at 11th & Prospect. This is an example of resisting new development.
Neighborhoods named The Hole, Carroll Park, Rose Park and Island Village.
The Jack Rabbit and Long Beach United boxing gyms where you can watch future champions train.
Shades of Afrika. Another excellent cultural center along a popular corridor.
Japanese Cultural Center, serving the community for over 65 years.
The forgotten Japanese Village Memorial by Terminal Island. Definitely worth a drive to see it.
Katy’s Bakery, Babette Bakery and Tere’s Bakery. These are small bakeries large on charm and local flavors.
I’d say that’s a pretty good start, don’t you think?
Sometimes, you don’t need a plane ticket to discover great finds. Alissa and I call it our “Weird and Wonderful Tour” when we just pick a street to drive along. It satisfies my wanderlust, and the anticipation of finding something extra special is part of the payoff.
I hope we bump into you at one of these special places, and please, send over hidden favorites any time.
