Private Beach, a day of exploration
Schooner or Later is a must for breakfast/brunch in Long Beach because of the food and memorable view of both the harbor and the wider ocean view. The first day in Long Beach was full of shopping and being on your feet. If you did not make it to Retro Row or Naples Islands, take the morning to make those unforgettable stops. One of my favorite things about Long Beach is the eclectic array of architecture along Ocean Blvd. Each house is unique, beautiful, and curious to gaze at from the large ocean-side sidewalk.
Stroll down Ocean Blvd, starting at the crossing of Junipero Ave; park anywhere around Bixy Park. Once you reach Redondo Ave, take a left, and then another left to stride down 1st Street, which happens to be the home of my favorite two houses of all time! I love the Oxford, brick-castle-looking home where I can imagine myself being a well-renowned Geography Professor sitting in the lounge reading from my extensive library. Closer to your car, you will eventually pass my favorite house, it's orange and very hard to miss. For some reason, this house evokes such excitement and envelopes my daydreams of a life of beach days and lazy dinners in the courtyard. If walking is out of the question (I love to walk and there is no better place), then take a quick drive around this little four block square, you will be glad. I walked this loop every day for two years with Izzi and never got tired of the scenery, and there was always something new to spot.
OK, to the beach! If you were a local and had a pup, I would tell you to head to Long Beach Dog Beach. This is the best dog beach in all of Southern California, yes, even better than the ones in San Diego. The people are friendly, the dogs are great and well-behaved, and there is such an ease to it. This, however, is not the top place to visit on a sans-dog vacation. So, instead, live it up and head to a private beach created just for you by your dear friend Donald Trump. This is not a joke; there is a private beach only 30 minutes from Long Beach that is a part of the Trump Golf Course at 3850 Ocean Trails Drive Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275.
First, this is an elite stretch of SoCal that is not publicized for the everyday traveler or locals, but the beach is open to the public and worth it. Simply drive through the golden gates with an “I belong here” attitude, park in the small parking lot to the left, and head down the path. Ensure you have good shoes because you will climb down a dirt trail, snaking along the cliff face to the pebble beach below. You may find one or two other beachgoers here, or more likely, a few locals walking their dogs along the waterfront, but regardless, expect an incredible view from a small picturesque cove all to yourself. This allows you to walk away from your beach bag and look closer at the rocky outcrops and all the creatures inside; be adventurous and keep going. On one of my visits here, I shared the beach with a couple who happened to be photographers trying new techniques and camera films. I got to be their muse and ended up with professional, though artistic, photographs to remember this special place. You never know where the day will take you when you are a traveler instead of a planned tourist.
The sunset from this majestic place will stay with you forever, so if you are in for a long, lazy day, wait until the end and take it all in. Few restaurants are nearby, as it is an elite residential area, not a tourist spot. Head back to your hotel and freshen up. Once you are ready for dinner, get excited about La Palapa. This is the only place in Belmont on the water, and of course, that means a great view. The food was always great on my visits, and there was usually a good band or entertainment. Locals and visitors alike mingle at the bar and enjoy the great service. Overall, it is a great place to end your beach day, and you might even end with a midnight beach stroll.
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