So you're in Long Beach, huh? Whether you’re just cruising through or settling in for a proper weekend escape, there’s something about this coastal city that feels—how do we say it?—effortlessly cool. It doesn’t scream for attention like some of its flashier SoCal neighbors. Instead, Long Beach is the friend who shows up in flip-flops with sand in their hair and somehow still charms the room.

But here’s the thing—there’s way more to this place than just the beach. Let’s talk about the kind of stuff that doesn’t always make the brochures. Or better yet, let’s jump into the vibe of Long Beach through the eyes of locals and folks who’ve taken the road less obvious.

First Off, Yes—The Queen Mary Is Still Floating

We get it. You’ve heard of it. The Queen Mary has been parked in the harbor longer than some of us have been alive. But hear us out—it’s still one of those gotta-see-it-to-feel-it places. It’s got that faded grandeur thing going for it, like a Hollywood starlet who aged into mystery instead of Botox. You walk the deck and swear you hear whispers from 1939.

And if you’re into the paranormal? Oh, friend…let’s just say you’ll want to bring an open mind and maybe a flashlight.

Retro Charm with a Side of Espresso: Retro Row

You know those little pockets of town where it feels like someone hit the pause button on the 1960s? That’s Retro Row. It’s where locals go when they’re craving records, vintage finds, and independent coffee shops that don’t serve drinks in sizes called “venti.”