Beach & Street-Belmont Shore

Great place to eat, stroll, or relax. Much better vibe than HB or the South Bay. Family friendly and lots of great small businesses.

— — — - SECOND STREET — — — -
Less tourists and bros than Huntington Beach’s Main Street.
Less spread out than Santa Barbara’s State Street.
Better weather than similarly sized Mill Street in Tempe.
Compares well with little sister Seal Beach’s Main Street since they both have annual car shows, marathon events, and Christmas parades. Bonus to Seal Beach for the pier and movie theatre, but Second Street has the edge in festivals and nightlife, though it’s heavy on sports fans and beer bros.
I walk down Second Street at least twice a week and frequent it most often for restaurants.
RESTAURANTS:
5-​STAR AMERICAN: Nick’s* and Saint & Second*
GASTRO-​PUB AMERICAN: Simmzy’s*, Tavern on 2*, Brix at the Shore*
CLASSIC AMERICAN (BARS): Riley’s*, Legends, Panama Joe’s, Dogz, Quinn’s (all bars)
CAFE: Aroma di Roma, Babette’s Feast, Pandor, Café Gazelle
MEDITERRANEAN: Boubouffe*, Open Sesame, Magic Lamp*, and George’s Greek Café*
ITALIAN: Café La Strada*, Domenico’s*, Buono Gente, Papalucci’s
ITALIAN DELI: Gallo’s, Angelo’s Deli,
PIZZA: 2^nd Street Pizzeria, Z Pizza (Michael’s of Naples* down the street)
MEXICAN: Taco Surf*, Super Mex*, Rubio’s, Baja Fish Tacos
FAST FOOD: Archibald’s*, Jack in the Box, Subway
FRENCH: La Creperie*
ASIAN: Phở-​Nominon*, Shabu
THAI: Thai Gourmet*
INDIAN: Natraj*
SUSHI: Sushi on Fire*, AI, Yen
DESSERT: Paradis, Yogurtland*, Sweet Jill’s, Creamistry*, Frosted, Le Donuts, Powell’s and Rite-​Aid ice cream
JUICES: Jamba Juice, NatureWell
COFFEE: Starbucks, Coffee Bean, Peet’s, Polly’s
BARS: Acapulco Inn, Riley’s*, Legends, Panama Joe’s, Dogz, Murphy’s, Quinn’s, Shannon’s Bayshore
Wanna cruise Second Street? Try Long Beach Pediwagon* (pub crawl by bike), Big Red Bus* (pub crawls and excursions by double decker) and Long Beach Trolley* (pub crawls and Christmas fun).
Salons, flower shops, clothes… there’s also lots of businesses you can find at belmontshore dot org. I’ve reviewed Schools First Federal Credit Union*, Billings Hardware*, and McCarty’s Jewelry*.
— — — - THE BEACH — — — -
Unbelievably once the site of pre-​war surfing competitions, the breakwater now keeps waves from hitting the beach, so bodysurfing and boogie-​boarding are nonexistent. But, the recreation is pretty good. The bay allows for game courts, Long Beach Hydrobikes*, Kayaks on the Water*, Gondola Getaway* and the start of a bike path that runs through Belmont Shore, past Granada Beach where Alfredo’s Beach Club plays films outside every summer, past volleyball courts, past Belmont Pier which hosts the Aqualink* and many festivals (Pirate Festival, Buccaneer Days, Great Sand Sculpture*, Long Beach Beerfest*, etc) and onto Shoreline Village near the Queen Mary.
*ASTERISK designates businesses I have Unilocaled, if you have an hour or two to spare.

I love it down there and the beach breeze really makes it so much better lol not having to worry about the heat. They have some good bar and restaurants down there. They have a little bit of everything. You can shop there or rent bikes and ride to the beach also. Just a very chill area to have a good time.

Belmont Shore reminds me of a cool cozy town similar to old town Pasadena but better because the city is by the beach. There are more outdoor activities since it’s by the beach on a nice summer day and you can head over to Belmont very easily since it’s so close. Belmont is located on in a hidden area on 2^nd street stretching across about 15 blocks. There are a lot of good restaurants, shopping, dessert/​ice cream shops. I would recommend bringing your dog for a nice walk. Your dog will thank you for it!
Parking is on the 2^nd st or anywhere in the residential area. Max parking is 2 hrs for about $ 3.00. I think it’s reasonable since it’s right on 2 nd and don’t have to walk much farther. Parking isn’t as hard as you think. Ppl are constantly getting in and out.

It’s pretty neat here! Took the kids down to the chocolate festival and had more fun checking out the street of small stores rather than tasting the chocolate. It gets pretty busy so parking is expensive but worth the walk. There are tons of little shops to explore and places to have a quick bite.
Highly recommended!
Tip: Bring change for the parking meters.

Livin and Lovin BELMONT SHORE!
I LOVE, LOVE it down here!
I been coming here so long its like a second home to me! It’s my little escape from reality especially if you know when you go and the secret places to park which I WILL NOT be sharing because y’all will just come and ruin it for me!
There are a ton of little activities that go on all year long like the Christmas Parade, stroll and savor, which happens about 4 times during the summer and is always a mad house with the parking and people situation, the chocolate fest, pet parade for Halloween and there is always someone to see and gawk at that is trying to make their singing debut or feel they can play an instrument better than Prince!
Winter is probably the worst time to come because it can get pretty cold down here except when we are having a warm winter like we are this year! But it’s also the time when there are fewer people so parking can be a little easier!
Summer, Spring and Fall are the best times because you can enjoy sitting outside with your furry friend (that needs to be on a leash) and enjoy some good food or just people watching! You can do a little window shopping (which I have never understood) or actually buy something (which I prefer)!
The best thing about this place it that it ALWAYS changes! The stores change the restaurants change and there is always somewhere new try! It’s like a revolving door of shops and restaurants! There are a small few places that have been here for years but mostly all the places are fairly new. At least new to me since I can remember what used to be in it’s spot before what’s there became the NEW IT STORE!
I love all the newbie’s that find this place and talk about it like they just discovered a piece of the Titanic. You can always tell the people who have known about this place or lived here forever and those who just came on the scene a few years ago!
It is especially nice that it is pet friendly down here but NO ONE takes kindly to NO LEASH pets over here! If Fido is not lost HE/​SHE better have a leash around its neck! Shop owners are SUPER DUPER kind to mans furry little friend and most have a treat or water outside their doors. Some restaurants will even give you a small bowl of water for your ruff-​ruff while you eat! REALLY NICE!
They is also a nice police presence in case your feeling like you need some attention or you think DRINK and DRIVING is a GREAT IDEA! Do us ALL A FAVOR and take one of the many taxi’s home! Don’t show everyone how STUPID you really are by driving drunk! So tat being said they have about 4 bars down here and they all are pretty cool!
Overall this is a REALLY NON-​PRETENTIOUS place that is great to relax or go for a stroll!

Belmont Shore is one of So Cal’s best kept secrets. If you want to have a date night, eat, window shop, chillax, or walk off dinner, 2^nd Street is the place to be. Yes, I’m rating a street (considering I rated freeways in previous reviews). Haters be hatin.
The best time to go is on a weeknight when traffic is minimal and parking spots are attainable along the one-​way streets (if you don’t mind walking closer to Livingston). Avoid daylight and weekends. Don’t bother with parking on 2^nd Street. Besides, the blocks are short enough.
On a Tuesday night, 2^nd Street was somewhat poppin’ and the Lakers were all over the big screens and (gasp) winning. Perhaps that’s why the sidewalks weren’t busier than usual.
If you’re hungry, there are the usual sports bars, Mexican, Italian, French, Greek, Mediterranean, Japanese, and yes even a Jack in the Box for fine dining on a budget.
Coffee options include Starbucks (yuck), Coffee Bean (OK), Peet’s, and Polly’s among others.
Mind some of the people who had a bit too much. Then again, it’s free entertainment.

are we rating a STREET now? college and toristy. i want to give it a good rating so people go there and leave other areas alone…

Reminds me of Old Town Pasadena but instead it’s in Long Beach. There are semi-​fancy clothing stores and lots of restaurants, bars, coffee shops. Almost all the restuarants have an option of outdoor seating, so 2^nd St is also a great place to people or dog watch. It’s located very close to the beach so after dining at one of the restaurants take a stroll towards Ocean Blvd and then walk along the beach. Parking is difficult in the evenings. There is metered street parking or drive a little deeper into the neighborhoods for unrestricted free parking assuming there is no street sweeping. Overall, a must visit when you’re in Long Beach aside from Naples (to see the yachts) and The Pike.

Really cool neighborhood of Long Beach. 2^nd street is the center of it all. Lots of things to do. eat and shop. It’s not very far from Ocean Blvd and the beach. The beach has plenty of parking. So many ONE WAY signs on their tiny streets to watch out for. Parking… pay station starts at 10:00am daily. which is cool.

Beware of the one way streets!
Go here at night. There’s a few places open late and of course, you can always just window shop.
The parking situation isn’t as bad as I expected. Meter spots are free after 7. Don’t quote me on this though and be sure to read the signs.
Another safe place to walk at night in Long Beach.

The alleys of belmont shore is where it’s at. Stroll alone, day or night. In the day you get to see local beach bums take their naps whilst spooning their daily nutritional supply of hard liquor and cigarettes. During the night, you get to see swarms of adults abandoning all forms of common sense, responsibility… and sometimes humor.
Keep your eyes peeled for the Belmont Shore edition of bingo. An unexpected gift for the holidays.

The 12 Days of Christmas (modified for Black Friday)
On the first hour of Black Friday,
my taste buds went crazy
for some Peet’s coffee down on Second Street
On the second hour of shopping,
I was obsessing,
for some BBQ from Lucille’s, Greek food from George’s
And Sweet Jill’s pumpkin pie with whip cream.
On the third hour of shopping,
I realize something I need.
Two pairs of Gap jeans
One Body Shop cream,
And three Lucky brand tees.
And a red velvet cupcake from Frosted Cupcakery.
On the fourth hour of shopping,
my true love gave to me,
That red dress from the corner boutique
It’s my Lady in red moment, leaving me singing, «Lady in red… is dancing with me…» Thanks, musical genius Chris De Burgh.
On the fifth hour of tight spending,
my sweet tooth was cra-​viiinnnngg… Powell’s Sweet Shop caaannnndddyyy.
It was three Abba Zabbas,
Four Pop Rock candies,
Five Pixy Stix calling,
And a visit to Dr. Peartree’s to take care of an upcoming cavity.
On the sixth hour at Belmont Shore,
my true love said to me,
«Wanna share an Angelo’s Italian roast beef sandwich?»
Nine dollars later, stomach full and happy
We lounged outside of Starbucks, for some traditional people watching
On the seventh hour on Second Street,
It was time for Frosted Cupcakes, Yogurtland or Le Crepere,
Two Nutella glazed crepes,
Three Cup cakes,
One Vanilla fro-​yo with sprinkles,
Five golden pumps of Giradello butterscotch with mochi,
And I don’t know what that partridge in the peartree means.
On the eighth hour at Belmont
I was too tired from all the shop-​ping
I boohooed boring Bono’s, passed up Legend’s hot wings
Called it a day and went home
For a well-​deserved siesta with my honey.
Peace out! Happy Holidays!!!

Last time I was here was back in 2007 and I loved it. Today I returned on my trusty Schwinn Frontier mountain bicycle. W O W. My concern was being safe in this highly congested area. Not a problem traffic is well controlled and they turned the number two lane into an «Official bike Lane». Yes it is shared by cars — but they must yield to bikes. This is funny as traffic moves so slow that keeping up isn’t a problem. Just East of this area Long Beach has provided artistic bicycle racks. Fellow Unilocalers this is a great place for a leisure meal. Food is known to be good at every eatery. Thanks to Jamilah this now has its own category. I can’t wait to return.