Explore Long Beach's Shopping Centers

There was a time when all shopping centers looked pretty much the same: same shops, same corn dogs served in the same food court. That’s not the case in Long Beach these days, where shopping centers offer a curated selection of retailers with an exciting array of dining and entertainment options. And, given that they’re in Long Beach, where the weather fluctuates wildly between very nice to totally awesome, they embrace the outdoors with things like movies alfresco, craft fairs, and restaurants accessible by water craft. That’s how we shop in Long Beach!

Credit: The Pike Outlets

THE PIKE OUTLETS

This place is as unique as the historical hotspot it’s named after, as it features views along the downtown waterfront, more than 30 retailers and restaurants, a multi-screen movie theater, comedy club and boutique hotel as well as an iconic carousel and Ferris Wheel. The Pike Outlets (95 S. Pine Ave.) has such popular outlet destinations as H&M, GAP, Nike, Forever 21 and Converse featuring great deals that never have you sacrificing style. The Pike also feature the likes of Gold’s Gym, Claire’s and Kalaveras Mexican cuisine.

Credit: The Pike Outlets

LONG BEACH EXCHANGE

Located at the southwest corner of Lakewood Boulevard and Carson Street near Long Beach Airport, the Exchange (4069 N. Lakewood Blvd.) is a dynamic, experiential retail and dining destination. Opened in the spring of 2018, it encompasses about 266,000-square-feet of stores and shops, including Whole Foods, Ulta and T.J. Maxx, on its 26 acres. The Hangar @ LBX has become an absolute must-go destination for those in search of great, innovative and fun dining options. The 17,000-square-foot structure, reminiscent of an aviation hangar, is home to 14 small, artisanal food vendors, including Amorcito Urban Taqueria, Bottlecraft beer shop and Jay Bird's Chicken.

Credit: Long Beach Exchange

LONG BEACH TOWNE CENTER

The Towne Center (7575 Carson Blvd.) recently added restaurant/sports bar/game haven Dave & Buster’s to its already full lineup. The 41,000-square-foot space features more than 180 games, a massive LED screen for sports viewing and tons of food and drink options. The Towne Center does entertainment BIG: witness Regal Edwards Long Beach Stadium, with 26 screens and an IMAX theater. Retail stores include David’s Bridal, Old Navy, Barnes & Noble, Lowe’s and lots more.

2ND & PCH

One of the city’s newest retail centers, 2ND & PCH (6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.) has quickly become part of the community in part because of its gorgeous, oceanside location, and partly for the many great, free events it hosts there, ranging from dance parties to craft fairs to outdoor movies. 2ND & PCH offers such popular destinations as Whole Foods, Lululemon, Sephora, the Nike Store and more, as well as such self-care spots as Skin Spirit for those seeking aesthetic skin and body care. It also offers an impressive assemblage of healthy eateries such as Ola Mexican Kitchen, Urban Plates, The Bungalow Kitchen, dan modern chinese as well as sweet options like Boba Guys and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.

Credit: 2nd & PCH

MARINA PACIFICA

The granddaddy of Long Beach retail, Marina Pacifica (6272 Pacific Coast Hwy.) features such bedrocks of shopping as Barnes & Noble and Nordstrom Rack, as well as a terrific AMC Theater featuring not only blockbusters and arty fare but premium features like reclinable seats. Its large parking lot means finding a spot for your car is never an issue – but if you’d prefer, you can actually paddle, sail, motor or kayak up to Marina’s dockside facilities, tie off and do your grocery shopping at Ralphs, have a cup of coffee at Starbucks or enjoy a cocktail or meal at Tantalum. It doesn’t get much more Long Beach than that.

CREDIT: Marina Pacifica

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.