District 2 is a Long Beach hot spot! It is known for it’s delicious cuisine, shopping, and fun! When it comes to art and entertainment, District 2 is the place to be. The Arts Council of Long Beach has identified 37 public artworks in this district! It is also home to one of the most popular Art Museums in our city. The Long Beach Arts Museum has exhibited some of today’s top artists, such as Tristen Eaton who just had a show over the summer called “All At Once”. https://lbliving.media/bestoflb2022/
ART, ENTERTAINMENT, & NIGHTLIFE
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The Long Beach Art Theater is another local gem, you can find a wide variety of films, from independent films that only show in select theaters to more popular blockbuster films. The Art Theater originally opened in 1925 as a single screen silent movie house, complete with an orchestra pit, and pipe organ. At that time, there were over 50 independent theaters in Long Beach, today only the Art remains.
Photo via IG: @4thstreetlb
Entertainment is never hard to find in District 2, with the Long Beach music scene constantly growing, more and more places to hear and watch live music is expanding. Vine & Que Sera, have been staples in the local music scene. Giving musicians an opportunity to grow and expand! Both venues are the birthplace of many wonderful talents!
Photo via IG: @thedraculas // @Johnwhitestudios
Where do you go if you want to have a drink? The Second District makes bar hopping way too easy! From the iconic bars located along 4th street such as V Room, The Stache, & The Pike Bar, to the LGBQ Friendly bars located on Broadway such as, The Mineshaft, The Falcon, & Sweet Water, finding a bar that fits your mood is never far. Needless to say that finding fun in District 2 is never hard to find!
Photo Via IG: @cali.creamin
FOOD
Photo via IG: @beachgarden_socialhouse
The Second district brings a wide variety of cuisines to our city! From older restaurants to new, this part of town always has amazing places to choose from. A new addition to the list of deliciousness is El Barrio Cantina, bringing modern botanas and delicious cocktails to retro row! Another newbie to the neighborhood is Beach Garden. Beach Garden, a new Latin-American Cuisine blends crowd favorites with Hispanic heritage. Beach Garden is the only bar and kitchen in this community that is owned and operated by a local and a member of the LGBTA community. There are over 5 different Thai restaurants to choose from! Multiple places to get some delicious pasta and a never ending list of pizza joints! Whatever your stomach is craving, District 2 has food for you!
Photo via IG: @yesplease.food
COFFEE & DESSERTS
Photo via IG: @roseparkroasters
Craving a little something sweet with a side of caffeine? Look no further, Rose Park Roasters is your one stop shop! Located on 4th street they have an amazing selection of pastries and treats along with a wide variety of coffee beans you can purchase to enjoy at home. If you’re looking for a bit of a different coffee experience, make sure to check out Cafa Blanca! Our city’s very first outdoor cafe on wheels! There is nothing like it, the little yellow cart is a treat to our community. Cafa Blanca makes their way around the Second District, you can find them at The Black Bar Parklet, Beach Garden, and even the Bluff!
Looking for a sweet hug? Hug Life is a great stop for some delicious vegan ice cream. They have a wide variety of flavors.
Photo via IG: @huglifeicecream
SHOPPING
SHOPOHOLICS BEWARE, the second district is a haven for vintage shopping. Retro Row is the spot to be for thrifting, from vintage chic finds at La Bomba, Far Out, & meow to the amazing nicknacks you can find at Alien Artifacts! Thrifting not your cup of tea, make sure you stop by Hobo Jane and Port Long Beach for a local boutique feel featuring stylish men’s & women’s apparel.
Photo via IG: @4thstreetlb
Fitness Health
Health and Fitness is a must, and the second district offers a wide range of health resources and fitness activities
From Boxing gyms such as the Iconic Long Beach Boxing Club to more of a crossfit style training you would get at Metacon, getting a good workout is never hard to find. Not in the mood for a high impact workout, make sure to check out Yogalution Movement on the Bluff located at Bluff Park. Yogalution movement is a free yoga class outside facing the ocean, who doesn’t want to find their center and relax with a view like that.
Photo via IG: @yogalutiononthebluff
Wellness, Beauty, and self care
When it comes to living a healthy life and wellness, body maintenance is extremely important! Whether it be a spa day at Harbor Massage Spa or to a more of a body healing experience with some acupuncture at Well Within. Pampering and self care love is also important, so don’t hesitate to treat yourself with a trim or hair color at Flaunt Studio. Maybe you want to surprise yourself or a loved one with some beauty care, send them over to Elite Organic Nail & Spa for some mani’s and pedi’s!
Photo via IG: @eons_eliteorganicnailandspa
AUTO SERVICES
When it comes to auto body repairs, Pon’s Auto Body and repair center is your preferred choice. With comprehensive services and state-of-the-art equipment, they can be found on the corner of Junipero & 10th St. Need a smog check? Highly recommended by the local community is CA Smog Lab, 20 years running by the same owner you can be sure to have honest good work!
PET SERVICES
Oh how we love to spoil our furry friends and want to make sure they smell good while doing it! Finding the right groomer is always tricky! Highly recommended by the community is Futty Rascals Grooming, located on orange! Futty Rascals is said to have reasonable pricing for the work and care they give your pets. Most of us pet owners see our little fur friends as family and doing so we want to make sure they live a long healthy life. Regular check ups are a must, but finding a vet like a groomer, can also be quite difficult. Broadway Pet Clinic another spot highly recommended by the community. They have a wide range of services for a reasonable price such as vaccinations, microchipping, radiology/ultrasounds, dental and even surgery!
Photo via IG: @broadwaypetclinic
Blog by: Sienna Lucero