As a new member to LA, I have been visiting various cities and neighborhoods since arriving, and I feel each neighborhood needs to be looked at more closely. The first neighborhood review is Long Beach. Long Beach can be a city, all of it's own. You drive along Ocean Blvd. coming into the downtown part of Long Beach and you feel like you're in a mini city of LA. The tall skyscrapers overlook the ocean, and you see the pedestrians and bicyclists wander around you. You see the signs for The Pike, Aquaranium of the Pacific and the Queen Mary, but you drive further along to none other than Belmont Shores.
Belmont Shores is a little fashionista area, little boutiques with restaurants line Belmont Shores, and on a Friday night, it is definitely a happening place. Across the bridge from Belmont is the little area of Naples, which has it own canal paradise happening there. During the holiday season, they host their own boat parade going through their canals.
If you head back to downtown Long Beach along Pine Avenue, there are numerous restaurants and bars alone here. You will never grow bored with this area. And for those that may not know, Long Beach is a very gay friendly city. It has many gay friendly bars and neighborhoods throughout Long Beach. If you're looking for a decent Sunday Brunch, stop by Hamburger Mary's.
If you're feeling like being a tourist for a day head down to the Pike and walk around the various shops and restaurants, cross the street to walk along the marina, and hop on board the Aqualink, the water taxi that goes through the area of Long Beach. They'll drop you off back at Belmont Shores. You can't go wrong with this fun little city. And the best part is, it has the beach going right along with it.
So, if you're not around Long Beach, take a trek out here, and you won't be disappointed!
