Hotels

Hotel Maya - Wedding venue. 15% off using code P40.
Queen Mary - Stay on board the ship
The Pike HYATT – Downtown boutique hotel
Long Beach HYATT – Downtown hotel
The Westin Long Beach – Downtown hotel
Marriott Courtyard – Downtown hotel
Best Western Downtown - Downtown hotel
Renaissance Long Beach – Downtown hotel
Hilton Long Beach – Downtown hotel
Best Western PCH – On HWY-1, closer to 2nd St.
Residence Inn - Next to the Hotel Maya
The Varden Hotel - Downtown boutique hotel

Where to Eat

  • Agave's
    New Mexican food and strong drinks, for a couple – try the "Tablita".
  • Ahimsa Vegan Cafe
    Vegetarian sandwiches, for a quick and light lunch.
  • Babouch
    Exquisite authentic Moroccan cuisine served in a tent-like atmosphere, romantic sultry music, belly dancing and tarot reading.
  • Beachwood BBQ
    Great BBQ food and specialty beers make this a perfect combination.
  • Belmont Brewing Company (BBC)
    Sit on the beach and enjoy great food and drinks (not just beer). Perfect for brunch or lunch.
  • Berth 55
    Fish market right on the water, it's a little tricky to find, but worth it. You can buy fresh fish to cook yourself or eat there.
  • Bo Beau
    California/French comfort food and an urban-style "roof tap" beer garden.
  • George's Greek Cafe
    If it's Friday night, we are probably at George's with our friends. Great food with a hug from George at the door. Great happy hour for appetizers and drinks.
  • Hamburger Mary's
    Don't miss the Sunday brunch and drag show, but come early and make reservations.
  • La Creperie
    Savory and sweet French crepes.
  • Taco Loco
    For great tacos at 2am, it looks better if you're a little drunk.
  • Tantalum
    Great food with live music, can be a little noisy.
  • Farmer Markets
    Wednesday – Marine Stadium, 3pm-7pm.
    Friday – Pacific and 3rd, 10am-3pm.
    Saturday – Elm and 1st, 9am-2pm.
    Sunday - Marina Dr., 9am-2pm.

There are many more – Agave's, Wokano, King's Fish house, Yard House, Open Sesame, Naples Rib Company, Octopus, Aki Sushi. Perhaps you can tell us about a new place!

Essentials

If you are going to rent a place or just need some basic things:

Groceries
  • Von's – Grocery store with all your basic needs.
    Downtown – Broadway and Atlantic.
    2nd St. – Ocean Blvd / 39th Place
  • Fresh & Easy - Grocery Store
    Downtown - 5th Street / Long Beach Blvd
    Downtown - 7th Street / Nebraska Ave (larger, easier parking)
  • Kress Market - Support our local store.
    Downtown - Pine Avenue / 5th Street

Laundromat
  • Super Suds Laundromat
    Downtown - Alamitos Ave / Appleton St
  • Bon's Dry Cleaning
    Downtown - Pine Ave / 6th Street

Parking
  • Downtown - Parking Structure on 3rd/Pine is free for 2 hrs.
  • The Pike - There are two big parking structures. Most businesses will validate parking for at least 2 hrs.
  • Belmont Shore - Good luck. Be patient or try parking on Ocean Blvd and walk.


Area Map

Long Beach Map

Neighborhoods of Long Beach

There are many hotels and apartments to rent (on websites such as airbnb.com or vrbo.com) in Long Beach. Most of the hotels are in or close to downtown, but there are some in other areas. We suggest that you stick to these neighborhoods when booking your rooms (send us an email if you are not sure):

  1. Hotel Maya / Queen Mary
  2. Hotel Maya is the wedding venue and we are able to reserve rooms at a discounted price. If you are interested in staying at the hotel Maya, please put your email address here and hit send. Once the minimum of 10 requests is met, we will contact you with rates etc. It's a beautiful hotel with the best view in Long Beach, pool, beach volleyball court, etc. It is across the Los Angeles River from downtown Long Beach, 15 minutes' walk to The Pike or a free bus ride with the Passport. The Queen Mary is further up the road if you want to stay on board the ship, 1920's style.

  3. Downtown and East Village
  4. There are lots of great restaurants and bars, and many hotels and apartments to stay. There is easy access to public transportation (Metro Blue line to LA, local and other buses). This is where we live (Pine and 9th). The Pike and shoreline village are located at the end of Pine Ave. From here you can take the free passport bus to the Queen Mary.

  5. Alamitos Beach and Bluff Park
  6. Here you can find a lot of nice houses or apartments right on the beach or just a block or two away. Broadway has many gay bars and interesting shops. If you are planning to rent a car, parking around here is a challenge (unless the place comes with a parking spot).

  7. Belmont Shore
  8. Beautiful little houses crowded between the beach (Ocean Blvd) and 2nd St. On 2nd St. you can find great shopping, restaurants and many bars. Perfect place to walk around. If you are planning to rent a car, parking in Belmont Shore is even a bigger challenge (unless the place comes with a parking spot).

  9. Alamitos Heights, Belmont Heights, and areas around Cal State Long Beach
  10. Mostly residential area with many little houses, some of them with pools etc. Plan to use public transportation or rent a car to get around.

  11. Signal Hill
  12. A city on its own, Signal Hill offers a great view on a clear day. Long Beach airport is right across the I-405, Costco for grocery shopping is up here as well. Look for the oil pumps between the expensive houses. Hiking up the hill is a great workout, rent a car if you are not in really good shape.