Alamitos Beach is one of the easiest stretches of coastline to reach from downtown Long Beach. It begins close to the central waterfront and extends east along a broad sandy shoreline, making it useful when you want beach time without turning the day into an excursion.
The setting is distinctly urban. Apartment buildings and city streets sit behind the sand, while the protected water offshore gives the beach a different character from Southern California’s famous surf spots.
Walk or cycle the shoreline
One of the best reasons to visit is the coastal path. Walking is enjoyable, but a bicycle lets you continue farther towards Belmont Shore and other parts of the waterfront.
If you are staying downtown, Alamitos Beach can easily become part of a morning walk or late-afternoon ride rather than a full beach day.
Know what kind of beach it is
Long Beach sits behind a large offshore breakwater, so do not arrive expecting the powerful waves associated with places such as Huntington Beach. The calmer waterfront has its own appeal, particularly for walking, cycling and simply being beside the water.
As with any urban beach, check current water-quality and local safety information if swimming is part of your plans.
I like Alamitos Beach because it connects the city with the coast. You can leave downtown and be beside the Pacific without needing a car or complicated planning.
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