1. There’s Literally No Reason To Complain About The Weather
Long Beach is sunny and beautiful year round. Even the coldest winter days rarely drop below forty degrees. If you’re looking for all four seasons, you won’t find them here, which is just fine by most locals.
2. But In True SoCal Style, People Complain About The Weather Anyway
The second the temperature drops to under sixty degrees, and every Long Beach resident pulls out their winter coat and complains about how it’s freezing. Don’t try to tell them it’s still beautiful outside. They won’t believe you.
3. People From Long Beach Learned To Skate Before They Learned To Walk
Everyone in Long Beach knows roller skating beats walking any day.
4. Long Beach Locals May Live A Big City, But They’ve Got Plenty Of Small Town Heart
Long Beach still holds on to a small town community vibe. People say hello as they pass you on the street, and talk to you when you’re in line at the bank. Maybe they’re always cheerful because they’re getting so much sun.
5. 4th Street Is The Hippest Street In Town
Dubbed Retro Row, 4th Street is the place to go for great vintage and boutique shopping, galleries, and fine dining. You’re sure to find a one of a kind piece that will beat a generic painted seashell souvenir any day.
6. You’ll Totally Want To Hit Rock Bottom
Rock Bottom Restaurants and Breweries are a small chain, and Long Beach is a city lucky enough to have one. Despite what the name may suggest, nights at this brewery are always a ton of fun.
7. Long Beach Residents Don’t Know How To Be Lazy
As an out-of-towner, you may imagine a vacation in Long Beach as a lot of laying around on the beach with a copy of “Gone Girl” and a margarita. But locals don’t know the meaning of lazy. Even at the beach, you’re more likely to find them biking or jogging than laying out in the sun.
8. Beachwood BBQ Will Make You Want To Lick Your Plate Clean
If a craft beer and baby back ribs sound like your kind of meal, Beachwood BBQ is the restaurant for you. Locals claim they serve the best BBQ in Long Beach… maybe even in the world.
9. MOLAA Is A Must Visit Museum For Everybody
If you’re looking for a museum with an amazing collection from artists who are often overlooked, the Museum of Latin American Art is a must see. MOLAA also pulls in big names, like Frida Kahlo.
10. If You’re Going To Stay In Long Beach, You Might As Well Stay On The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is a retired 1936 ocean liner turned hotel and entertainment venue. If you’re the type to get a little seasick at even the thought of sleeping on a ship, skip the stay and try a tour.
11. Nothing Beats Breakfast At Blackbird Café
The peanut butter banana pancakes and breakfast tacos alone are worth the trip to Long Beach.
12. You Can Spend An Hour Driving In Circles Stuck In One Way Street Limbo
Long Beach is hard for out-of-towners to navigate. Probably because it’s filled with a ridiculous amount of one-way streets. Be prepared to turn left, turn left, turn left, a few times before you get the hang of it.
13. The Best Things In Life, Like The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, Are Free
The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is one of the few highly-maintained, beautifully curated Japanese gardens in the country that’s also totally free for visitors.
14. Ferris Bueller Took A Day Off From Chicago’s Cold Weather In Long Beach
“Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” may have been set in Chicago, but Bueller’s house was actually located in Long Beach.
15. Portfolio Coffeehouse Is Where You Take Your Coffee Snob Friends
Located on Long Beach’s hip 4th Street, this coffee shop is sure to pass even the snobbiest of coffee snob’s test. They even allow customers to choose how their coffee is prepared—with a French press, Chemex, or Hario V60.
16. Don’t Come For The Waves, Because Long Beach Doesn’t Really Get Any
It’s been a long time since Long Beach was called the Waikiki of Southern California. Since before WWII, actually. Thanks to Navy development and the resulting breakwater, it’s all smooth sailing in Long Beach these days.
17. Everyone In Long Beach Is Looking For A Friend With A Yacht
A friend who can take you out on cool yacht trips is the best kind of friend. If you’re lucky enough to make a yacht friend as an out-of-towner, you’re already doing better than most locals.
18. Don’t You Dare Call A Long Beach Resident’s Dog Ugly
Long Beach is home to the National Bulldog Beauty Contest. That’s right… a bulldog beauty contest. Participants actually take it seriously. So don’t joke about their dog’s good looks (or lack thereof).
19. You’ll Never Eat Waffles Without Chicken Again
Long Beach is lucky enough to have a Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles, so you better take advantage of that. If you haven’t tried the glorious combination of fried chicken, waffles, and maple syrup, you haven’t really lived.
20. Long Beach Is Definitely Not Short On Pride
The Long Beach Pride Parade is one of the most exciting events of the year. The residents of Long Beach flood the streets to show their support for equal rights and to celebrate what they’ve achieved so far—with heavy emphasis on the celebrate part.
21. Mark Your Calendar For The Cambodian New Year Parade
With one of the largest Cambodian populations in the nation, it’s no surprise Long Beach’s Cambodian New Year Parade draws such a large crowd. If you miss the parade, other Cambodian arts and cultural events can be found in the city year round.
22. Long Beach Residents Love To Get A Little High Brow With Their Music
If you’re looking for a fancy night out in Long Beach, grab tickets to the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra. Because what’s fancier than live classical music?
23. Bring Your Own Bags
Long Beach is one of the few U.S. cities to ban plastic bags. It’s great for the environment… but not so great when your paper grocery bag rips in the rain. Be sure to bring a few cloth tote bags so you can fit in with all the other ecofriendly shoppers.
24. Long Beach Farmers’ Markets Will Spoil You On Grocery Stores Forever
With the focus on environmentalism, it’s no surprise many Long Beach residents prefer their food fresh and local. The city is full of year round markets where you can find the best produce, meats, and cheeses.
25. What You Can’t Buy At The Farmer’s Market, You Can Grow
Long Beach Organic rents plots of a community garden to Long Beach residents so they can grow their own food. If you’re not ready to put down literal roots in Long Beach, their wine tastings and tours are fun for anyone.
26. Sometimes Long Beach Feels A Little Like New Orleans
Long Beach Bayou Festival turns Long Beach into New Orleans for a couple of days a year, with plenty of Cajun food, zydeco, and blues to get you into the spirit of the festival.
Did we miss anything? Tell us what you have to explain to out-of-towners about Long Beach in the comments below!
