By evening, the beach empties and the lights come on along the waterfront and the inland strips. You might start with a walk near Shoreline Village or the marina, then move to a bar or a show, and finish somewhere that stays open late.
Long Beach is a coastal city in southeastern Los Angeles County, and its nightlife is spread across several distinct areas rather than concentrated in one entertainment district. It suits visitors who want variety within a short drive: a downtown waterfront scene, neighborhood bar strips, and quieter spots near the beach and canals.
Where to go out in Long Beach
1. Downtown and the waterfront
Downtown Long Beach holds the city's largest cluster of evening options, including Shoreline Village and the area around the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, which hosts the International City Theatre, the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, and other events. This is the area to choose if you want dinner, a show, and a bar within walking distance of each other.
Note that the Grand Prix takes over the streets of downtown every April, so plan around it if you are visiting then.
2. Pine Avenue
Pine Avenue is a downtown street with bars and restaurants, including Shannon's On Pine at Pine Avenue and Broadway, which stays open until 2AM. It suits a straightforward night of drinks and food without moving between neighborhoods.
3. The Broadway Corridor
Broadway is a strip of neighborhood bars east of downtown. The Sweet Water Saloon, at the corner of Orange Avenue and Broadway, is described as a neighborhood bar by day and a party bar at night, and is known on the strip for cold beer and seasonal taps. This corridor suits a casual, low-key evening.
4. Belmont Shore and Second Street
Belmont Shore, along with Belmont Heights and Naples, was laid out as oceanfront development near the bluffs, and Second Street is its main going-out strip. Legends Sports Bar on East 2nd Street is one option here. The area suits a relaxed evening near the beach.
5. Naples and the canals
Naples is known for its canals, where Gondola Getaway offers evening boat rides; reservations are required at least a day in advance, and three weeks is recommended. This suits a quiet, romantic night rather than a bar crawl.
6. Around the beach and Belmont Pier
The beach runs four miles between Alamitos Avenue and 72nd Place, with the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier at Grand Avenue. Belmont Brewing Co sits at 39th Place near the pier, and parking in the beach lot there costs $1 per hour until 6PM and is free afterward. This suits an early evening that starts with a walk on the sand.
7. Anaheim Street
Anaheim Street has older, established bars. Joe Jost's, open since 1924, serves draft beer, its "Joe's Special" sausage sandwich, peanuts, and pickled eggs, with pool tables in the back. Port City Tavern is also on East Anaheim Street. This suits a classic, unpretentious night out.
How a night out unfolds
Timing in Long Beach is flexible. Bars such as Shannon's On Pine and The Sweet Water Saloon stay open until 2AM, while others close earlier: Joe Jost's closes at 11PM Monday to Saturday and 9PM Sunday, and Belmont Brewing Co closes at 10PM. Happy hours tend to run in the late afternoon and early evening, such as 3-6PM at The Yard House on weekdays and until 8PM daily at The Sweet Water Saloon. If you want a full evening, start with dinner, move to a bar strip, and expect the latest options downtown.
Festivals and events worth timing a trip around
- Long Beach Grand Prix — April, a weekend of IndyCar racing on downtown streets.
- Gay Pride Festival — May, at Rainbow Harbor and the Marina Green, with music, stage performances, and a parade.
- Grecian Festival — Labor Day weekend, with Greek food and entertainment.
- Long Beach Triathlon — September, along the oceanfront.
- Belmont Car Show — September, described as the largest one-day car show on the West Coast.
- Long Beach International Marathon — October, along the shore.
- Historical Cemetery Tour — October 31, at Sunnyside Cemetery, with actors telling stories from Long Beach's past; tickets go on sale in September.
- Haute Dog Easter Parade — an annual parade featuring dogs in costume.
Frequently asked questions
How late do bars stay open in Long Beach?
Some bars stay open until 2AM, including Shannon's On Pine and The Sweet Water Saloon. Others close earlier, such as Joe Jost's at 11PM Monday to Saturday and 9PM Sunday, and Belmont Brewing Co at 10PM.
Where can I hear live music or see a performance?
The Long Beach Performing Arts Center hosts the International City Theatre, the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, and other events.
Is there anything to do on the water at night?
Gondola Getaway runs gondola rides along the canals in Naples, with reservations required at least one day ahead and three weeks recommended.
When is the busiest time to visit?
April brings the Grand Prix to downtown streets, and May brings the Pride Festival to Rainbow Harbor and the Marina Green. Both draw crowds, so plan accordingly.
Check the timing of the events above and the opening hours of the places you want to visit, then plan your evening around the part of the city that suits the night you have in mind.