Play & Stay on the Waterfront in Long Beach

The internationally-renowned Aquarium of the Pacific offers up close experiences with marine life native to the Pacific Ocean, including sea lions, sharks, otters, penguins, and a true menagerie of fish, amphibians and seabirds. Kids will love the animal interaction exhibits, from moon-jelly and shark/ray touch tanks to an atrium where they can handfeed lorikeets

If you’ve worked up an appetite for seafood after being out on the water, there are many fish in the sea to choose from at the restaurants of Shoreline Village and The Pike Outlets at Rainbow Harbor, where colorful sunset views are reflected on the waterfront. The adjacent shopping and dining areas offer a wide range of options, from grab and stroll options along the village boardwalk like hotdogs from Tugboat Pete’s, to many sit-down options ranging from national brands like The Yard House and Island’s to locally-owned joints like the BBQ spot Q Smokehouse.

After dinner, the Hyatt Centric The Pike is less than a five-minute walk away for a nightcap and an overnight stay in the 138-room boutique hotel with a 360-degree view of the city from an unparalleled rooftop pool deck and bar. The hotel is right in the middle of The Pike Outlets, where you can indulge in afternoon shopping or even catch a move at the Cinemark theater.

Bike locks are available for those who want to make a pit stop in Belmont Shore, a beachside neighborhood with tons of locally owned shops and eateries, or the new shopping center 2nd & PCH, which features a range of casual and upscale shops (think Sephora meets Lululemon) and eateries like the swanky The Bungalow Kitchen or the more casual (but equally delicious) Urban Plates. Alamitos Bay offers is a favorite among locals for dining, with options like the marina-side Schooner or Later for a plentiful brunch, or the San Pedro Fish Market for lunch or dinner.

With miles of protected bays and marinas, Belmont Shore is a great place for families to safely play on the water. Rent a paddleboard or other small watercraft through Kayaks on the Water, conveniently located near the calm and picturesque canals of Naples, where there are often dolphins and other marine life, including a cove of moon jellies (don’t worry – they don’t sting!). Or if you’d prefer not to get in the water, get out on the water at Alamitos Bay in a London Boat Rental – and if you’re hungry, add food and beer to your reservation from the adjacent brewpub Ballast Point!

Those seeking a less physical, guided tour of Naples may prefer to book an unforgettable evening ride with Gondola Getaway as a way to explore the Italian-inspired waterways. The serenading gondoliers train and compete each year in Italy, and many are vocal students at the local university.