24 Hours in Long Beach
When was the last time you played tourist in your own city? If you’re jonesing for a vacation but don’t feel like driving long-distance or hopping on a plane, try planning a Long Beach Staycation. In just 24 hours, you’ll become reacquainted with the city that you call home. On your staycation, you can try a new restaurant, dance the night away, let someone else make your bed, and get your breakfast delivered on a tray. Luckily, that’s all possible in Long Beach which embodies the chill vibe of a beach town, yet boasts big-city amenities.
With that said… Here are some ideas to discover what Long Beach has to offer in just 24 hours.
Day One – Saturday
1:30pm Arrive at the Carpenter Center
Sit back and relax through an afternoon matinée of 9 to 5, a musical based on the hit movie featuring Dolly Parton and the book by Patricia Resnick. It’s a wonderful production performed by Musical Theater West at the Carpenter Center, located on the CSULB campus. Musical Theater West is a premier Southern California musical theater company that brings the best of Broadway to your backyard. They blend both professional actors from Broadway, Hollywood, and national tours along with the best local talent.
3:30pm Stroll through peaceful Japanese gardens
After enjoying a fabulous musical, stay on the CSULB campus, and stretch your legs while walking through the beautiful Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens. It is 1.3 acres of lush landscape and a hybrid of art forms. You’ll find typical elements of a traditional Japanese garden including exotic flowers, precisely manicured trees, and a Koi pond full of colorful fish.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the CSULB campus in Long Beach, CA
5:00pm Go wine tasting at Vine on 4th Street
Wind down after a day of festivities at one of the best local wine bars in Long Beach, Vine. Inside you’ll find a hip and relaxed atmosphere, and an impressive list of beverages. You can also take your drink to the large patio tucked behind the bar and enjoy the lovely weather. Vine also hosts live music on most evenings, so you might get lucky with some free entertainment.
6:30pm Check into your room with a view – Dockside Boat and Breakfast
Enjoy the lavish life for a night and book your stay on a private yacht located in the centrally-located Rainbow Harbor. The yachts at Dockside Boat and Breakfast are moored on a private dock for your security and peace of mind. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing retreat while watching the sunset overlooking the ocean on your own private deck.
8:30pm Enjoy tapas, sangria, and dancing at Cafe Sevilla
Looking for a vibrant scene where you can enjoy a delicious meal and go dancing? Cafe Sevilla, located in Downtown Long Beach, offers an authentic Spanish environment with a large variety of tapas, signature cocktails, Flamenco shows, and live music. It’s the perfect option if you’d like to stay in one spot for dining, drinks, and entertainment. After you’re done creating a memorable evening, it’s just a short walk back to your private yacht – so you don’t need to worry about transportation.
9:00am Breakfast is delivered to your yacht
The following morning, brew a pot of coffee and enjoy pastries and yogurt while breathing in the fresh salt air. Then pack your bags and get ready to rejuvenate at the La Dolce Vita Day Spa.
11:00am Leave your stress behind at La Dolce Vita Day Spa
Enjoy one of the many services at La Dolce Vita Spa, a luxurious spa that has been named “best day spa” by MyFoxLa Hot List. It’s inside a downtown historic building that boasts a serene outdoor garden as well as four separate treatment rooms. They offer individual sessions and couples packages, specifically designed to promote health and relaxation. La Dolce Vita Spa services include facials, massages, wraps, and manicures. (If you check on Groupon or Living Social, you may even find a deal on their services.)
1:00pm Lunch is served on the sand overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the Belmont Brewing Company
The Belmont Brewing Company is Southern California’s oldest operating brewpub located at the entrance to the Belmont Pier. They serve award-winning homemade beer and classic American food with international twists. Sample one or all of the great-tasting suds they carry including simple ales, clean blondes, hoppy pales and IPAs, balanced ambers, big stouts, fruit weizens, and spicy Belgians. All of the beers and wines by the glass or bottle compliment the extensive menu of beach town favorites; Hawaiian-style poke, ceviche, fish and chips, and several interesting soups, salads, and sandwiches.
Belmont Brewing Company in Belmont Shore, Long Beach California
They say that “all good things must come to an end”, but if you’re not ready to part ways with your Long Beach Staycation, you can always walk along the beach. Miles of warm, sandy beach is right outside of the Belmont Brewing Company.
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