Long Beach Family Trip at a Glance

• ⏱ Length: 2 days / 1 night

• 👶 Best for: Toddlers & preschoolers

• 🚶 Walkable: Yes

• 🏖 Beach access: Easy

Looking for an easy Southern California weekend getaway that’s fun for kids and relaxing for parents? Long Beach checks all the boxes with a walkable waterfront, one of the best aquariums in California, and plenty of kid-friendly dining.

Day 1: Aquarium of the Pacific + Waterfront Dinner

Morning / Early Afternoon: Aquarium of the Pacific

Plan to arrive in Long Beach by late morning or early afternoon and head straight to the Aquarium of the Pacific. This is hands-down one of the best aquariums for kids in California—especially for ages 3–10.

What kids love most:

• The shark lagoon (touching sharks is always a win 🦈)

• Penguin habitat

• Colorful tropical fish and jellyfish

• Interactive exhibits that keep little hands busy

Mom tip: If you’re traveling with young kids, 2–3 hours here is the sweet spot—enough time to see everything without meltdowns.

Late Afternoon: Stroll Shoreline Village

After the aquarium, take a slow walk through Shoreline Village, just steps away. There’s space for kids to run, sweet shops for treats, and plenty of photo-worthy waterfront views.

Optional stops:

• Carousel rides

• Ice cream or churros

• Watching boats in the harbor

Dinner: Parker’s Lighthouse

End Day 1 with dinner at Parker’s Lighthouse, one of Long Beach’s most iconic waterfront restaurants.

Why it works for families:

• Gorgeous sunset views (even kids notice)

• Spacious seating

• Kid-friendly menu options alongside fresh seafood for adults

It feels like a special vacation dinner without being stuffy—perfect after a day of exploring.

Day 2: Beach Time, Brunch & Low-Key Exploring

Morning: Beach or Playground Time

Start your morning slow—because vacation 😌

Good family options:

• Alamitos Beach for a relaxed stroll

• Playgrounds near the waterfront

• Watching boats at Rainbow Harbor

If your kids love nature, consider a quick visit to El Dorado Nature Center for shaded walking paths and ducks.

Brunch + Head Home

Wrap up your trip with brunch near the water before heading home. Long Beach is an easy drive for many Southern California families, making this a perfect 1-night or 2-day getaway that doesn’t require over-planning.

Where to Stay in Long Beach

⭐ Best for Central Location & Easy Exploring

1. Best Walkable Option: Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach Downtown

Perfect choice for families who want to be in the heart of downtown Long Beach and close to everything — including the Aquarium of the Pacific (~1 mile away) and Pine Avenue restaurants.

Why we love it:

• Spacious, modern rooms with mini-fridge and crib options available upon request.

• On-site outdoor pool — great for cooling off after a day exploring.

• The Bistro serves breakfast, dinner, and Starbucks® coffee in the morning.

• Short walk to historic Pine Avenue dining and shops — ideal for quick evening strolls.

2. Best Waterfront Views: Hyatt Regency Long Beach

A classic Long Beach favorite with comfortable rooms and harbor views — a favorite for families wanting a little extra onsite style.

Why it’s great:

• Spacious, modern rooms right on the water.

• Easy walking access to the aquarium, Shoreline Village, and waterfront dining.

• Good choice if you want a slightly more upscale evening feel.

3. Marriott Long Beach Downtown

A solid downtown option with comfortable rooms and easy access to Long Beach attractions. It’s a great choice if you like proximity to shops, dining, and waterfront paths.

4. Best for Space: Residence Inn by Marriott Long Beach Downtown

Ideal if you want suite-style space — perfect for families who like a little extra room or prefer a kitchen space for snacks and breakfasts on the go.

Why it’s family-friendly:

• Free hot breakfast included — great start before aquarium fun.

• Outdoor pool and fitness center.

• Spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens.

Other Nice Options

• Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach – A boutique feel near the Pike area, great locale for walking to shops & eateries.

• Hotel Royal – Charming, budget-friendly downtown choice with a local vibe.

• Hilton Long Beach – Classic option close to Alamitos Beach and waterfront paths.

• The Queen Mary – Unique stay aboard a historic ship — fun for older kids.

• Fairmont Breakers – Upscale beachfront comfort if you want a bit of a splurge.

Quick Hotel Tips for Families

• Location matters — Downtown or waterfront hotels make evening walks and aquarium travel much easier.

• Pool access is a bonus when toddlers need to burn energy after sightseeing.

• Breakfast options (included or nearby) make mornings simpler with little ones.

What to Bring for a Long Beach Weekend with Kids

Long Beach is casual and walkable, but having the right essentials makes the weekend smoother — especially with kids.

Beach & Waterfront Essentials

• Lightweight beach blanket or sand-free mat

• Sun hats for kids + adults

• Reef-safe sunscreen (Long Beach is sunny year-round)

• Reusable water bottles for aquarium and waterfront walks

• Comfortable walking shoes or sandals (you’ll walk more than you think)

Aquarium Day Must-Haves

• Small backpack or mini diaper bag

• Snacks for kids (especially for after the shark exhibit 🦈)

• Light jacket or hoodie (the aquarium can feel cool indoors)

• Phone charger or portable power bank for photos

If Traveling with Toddlers or Preschoolers

• Stroller (the waterfront paths are very stroller-friendly)

• Favorite comfort item (stuffie or blanket for hotel downtime)

• Change of clothes (water splashes + snacks = messes)

What to Do in Long Beach

(Family-Friendly Ideas)

Must-Do Experiences

• Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific
  A highlight for kids of all ages — especially sharks, penguins, and interactive exhibits.

• Walk Shoreline Village
  Great for souvenir shops, carousel rides, and letting kids burn energy.

Easy Add-Ons if You Have Extra Time

• Water taxi ride across the harbor
  Short, fun, and feels like an “activity” without much effort.

• Rainbow Harbor stroll
  Perfect for sunset walks and harbor views.

• Alamitos Beach time
  Simple beach access for sand play or a relaxed morning walk.

Dining Experiences — Great Spots for Waterfront Dinner & Casual Brunch

These are our favorite family-friendly picks — you don’t need to do them all!

Waterfront Dinner Restaurants (Day 1)

Long Beach has plenty of great dinner spots with water views — perfect after a day exploring the aquarium and Shoreline Village.

Classic Waterfront Favorites

• Parker’s Lighthouse — Iconic Long Beach seafood destination right on the water, especially lovely at sunset.

• Boathouse on the Bay — Marina-front restaurant with seafood, sushi and steaks plus sweeping Alamitos Bay views.

• Queensview Steakhouse — Upscale steakhouse in Shoreline Village with panoramic harbor views.

• Fuego Restaurant & Bar — Latin-inspired menu and water views at the Hotel Maya.

Casual Waterfront Options (Great for Families)

These are ideal if you want a walk-up, relaxed vibe right by the water — great for pizza, tacos, or outdoor seating with views:

• Tequila Jack's Restaurant & Cantina — Casual Mexican with harbor views.

• Gaucho Beach — Laid-back patio dining on the waterfront.

• Shenanigan’s Irish Pub & Grill (waterfront pub fare) — available along the Shoreline Village boardwalk.

• Schooner Or Later — Breakfast & lunch with marina views (great for midday dining).

Casual Brunch Restaurants (Day 2)

Wrap up your weekend with a delicious brunch — Long Beach has a mix of waterfront and downtown favorites.

Waterfront or Near-Water Brunch

• A PCH — Ocean-view brunch with modern American fare and mimosas.

• SALTWATER DECK — Feet-in-the-sand vibe and midday bites by the water.

Classic Brunch & Breakfast Spots

• The Breakfast Bar — Local favorite with huge portions and brunch classics.

• Saint & Second — Stylish downtown brunch with cocktails and creative breakfast dishes.

• Let's Yolk About It — Fun, casual spot for omelets & brunch favorites.

• The Attic — Southern-inspired brunch and comfort food downtown.

• Zuzu's Petals — Charming brunch café with creative dishes.

• Ammatoli — Mediterranean-inspired brunch for something a little different.

Planning your Long Beach trip?

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