Things to do in Long Beach California

pictured: Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, California

We took a really quick road trip down to Long Beach, California over the 4th of July week. It has been difficult to plan a big vacation because my daughter is taking a summer school class and my other two kids have sports commitments throughout the summer. So, we took an opportunity to take a quick road trip when we saw there was a break in the schedule.

My middle child is looking at colleges to apply to, and Long Beach State University has a program she is interested in, so we decided to take a quick road trip to Long Beach. We spent a full day at the University touring around and eating on campus. It looks like a nice school to put on her list! Of course, in addition to checking out schools, we found a few fun things to do in Long Beach, California while staying in town.

Long Beach is home to a pier which offers delicious restaurants, candy shops, and fun little shops. We enjoyed spending some time there and getting candy apples. Stay tuned for my restaurant recap which will post tomorrow! We also went to a couple of museums and the beach. Here are a few fabulous things to do in Long Beach, California if you are ever in this part of Los Angeles.

Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum

The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum is a small celebration of artwork and culture from the islands in the Pacific, and Oceana in general. We enjoyed seeing and learning about a few traditions from the islands, such as the personalized love sticks young men would stick into the home of a young lady they were courting as a proposal of marriage.

This museum is a must-see when you are in the Long Beach area! You can learn more at their website at pieam.org.

Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

pictured: work by Fernando Botero and an outdoor sculpture from the events garden

The Museum of Latin American Art is across the street from the Pacific Islands Ethnic Art Museum, so you can visit both museums in the same day! Love that!

This museum showcases a few collections from Latin American Artists. We enjoyed seeing collections from Yolanda Gonzalez and Fernando Botero. Botero was my favorite. The MOLAA also has special events, and the exhibitions rotate. You can learn more about the MOLAA at MOLAA.org.

Alamitos Beach

Of course, how can you visit Long Beach without going to the beach?! The word “beach” is literally in the name! haha

Near the pier you will find a beautiful beach, which isn’t too crowded, named Alamitos Beach. It is a nice escape from the city, which still has a city view on the backside.

You know I will always plug a great handbag! This tote bag turned out to be perfect for a road trip! It is really comfortable to wear while stuffed with random items, and it can double as a great beach bag. The seams must be pretty tight because I didn’t get one grain of sand inside. Love that!

What was packed in my Long Beach suitcase:

It was a quick trip for only two days, but we enjoyed the attractions we were able to see while visiting Long Beach. Stay tuned for my restaurant recap, which will post on the blog tomorrow.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

pictured below: work by Yolanda Gonzalez from the MOLAA