My darling long beach
Photographer: Kyle Christensen / Location: Alamitos Beach-LB, CA / Dress: Fashion Nova Curve Lora Sequin Mini Dress Pink
When I think of Southern California, my heart swells and a wide grin spreads across my face. The thought of warm weather caressing my skin, the silhouettes of palm trees gracing my eyes, the sound of the ocean soothing my soul at the beach, and sweet memories of my late grandmother dancing in my mind.
My little family is a huge fan of the amusement parks (especially Disneyland) but the beach is really what has lured me back the past few years. When I was little, my grandmother would take my younger sister and me to a different beach every visit. Each one unique and just as lovable as the last. There was a stretch of time after my grandmother passed that I couldn’t make it back to SoCal. I was devastated and couldn’t see enjoying myself without her there until my husband I ventured down to Disneyland 8 years ago.
This visit, I rekindled an old spark with Long Beach. We (my family and I) adored our Airbnb which was nestled right on Alamitos Beach. I spent my mornings sipping coffee in the living area where sun spilled into the room from the balcony which overlooked the beach. I could hear the ocean in every still moment and I occasionally felt myself sway to the rhythm of each current.
In daylight, you can see how beautifully diverse and rich in culture Long Beach truly is. Downtown, on Ocean Blvd., it is bustling and lined with stunning buildings such as the historical Villa Riviera, prime shopping, and locally favored restaurants like Beachwood Blendary. But I think my favorite area is 2nd Ave in Belmont Shore which is made up of darling boutique shops such as Sweet Threads, hip restaurants (try The Starling Diner for brunch, the most perfectly cooked and delicious french toast in my life), decadent ice creameries like Paridis, and an exciting nightlife. Long Beach is BIG and I feel like my time there was too short to explore every nook and cranny.
However, I should admit that a good portion of my trip was spent on the beach. Alamitos Beach wasn’t overcrowded, had soft sand, and had cute little life guard stands which made a perfect photo op. We literally walked from our Airbnb on to the beach and it was marvelous to watch each sunset on the horizon of the water. Junipero Beach, also known fondly as Cherry Beach, is just a stroll down from Alamitos and offers free parking, access to Bixby Park, and quite often free yoga classes.
Our Airbnb was central to downtown Long Beach, Belmont Shore, and the pier at Shoreline Village where families & couples can rent bikes, enjoy Harbor Cruises, play at the arcade, and dine at Yard House (on my list for next time!). Not to mention we were only 30 minutes away from Knott’s Berry Farm! Thrilling rides for adults and a lot of options for kids of all ages! I cherished our stay and it was difficult to leave knowing that there was so much more to explore.
Long Beach, you are an eclectic city with a small town vibe and a big heart. I will forever be enchanted by your friendly vibrant residents & your mesmerizing sunsets. I can’t wait to to sink my feet in your sand again and dance the night away on 2nd street.
Forever Yours,
Nicole Johansson XOXO
Photographer: Kyle Christensen / Location: Alamitos Beach-LB, CA / Dress : Fashion Nova Curve Lora Sequin Mini Dress Pink
