If you are heading to Long Beach, be sure to visit Shoreline Village, an impressive shopping and entertainment complex next to the Long Beach Shoreline Marina. Overlooking Queensway Bay and the Los Angeles River, the site comprises a scenic hub of stores, gourmet food stalls and music venues. Stroll along the wooden deck surrounding the complex and enjoy the views of the water.
Let your kids ride the vintage carousel at the Pelican Pier Pavilion and play video games and air hockey in the arcade hall. Rent bikes and cycle along the wooden pier or take a boat out on the water, with a vista of the complex. You can also go parasailing and sailing from this harbor.
Back on land, browse the many shops for jewelry, fashion and other items. Chocolate, ice cream and candy shops are among the family-friendly stores lining the mall. See exotic birds and go on a cruise.
Watch the sunset turn the sky red over the marina as you have dinner at one of the many restaurants here. Enjoy locally caught seafood at one of the specialty restaurants or choose a pizzeria or steak house. Head to a bar for cocktails and tequila shots, as the party atmosphere begins to take hold in the evening and neon signs light up the establishments.
See an open-air concert in the bandstand and revel in the lively atmosphere along the water. An online events calendar provides a schedule of the activities and free concerts taking place year round. The complex opens daily from morning until evening.
Shoreline Village is in Long Beach city at the southern edge of Los Angeles. From downtown Los Angeles, drive south for 25 miles (40 kilometers) to get here in about half an hour. You can also travel by Metro A Line (Blue) to the Downtown Long Beach stop and walk south for a few blocks. Nearby highlights include the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Long Beach City Hall.