‘The Walking Artist’s: Long Beach
There’s something magical about walking through neighborhood streets, soaking in the intricate architectural details, catching glimpses of the ocean in the distance, and immersing yourself in a city’s unique vibe. It's the little things—meeting friendly dogs along the way, the vibrant pulse of local life—that fills me with joy and fuels my creative energy.
Long Beach, CA is a city that I now lovingly call my “home”! I grew up in Mumbai, later moved to New York, then Boston for my studies, and have always been drawn to walkable cities and the lifestyle they offer. Whether it was the buzz of Manhattan streets or the New England charm of Boston, I’ve always loved being able to walk or use public transport to everything I need. But when I first arrived in Southern California, I realized that walkability here isn’t as common as I expected. In fact, it wasn’t even on most people’s "must-have" list when it came to choosing a place to live. After some searching, we found Long Beach—and we couldn’t be happier. Walkability to me is not just walking or biking for cardio (which is great) but it also is being able to do most of my daily errands and social connections within a walking distance and it's possible to have this lifestyle in Long Beach! I walk to restaurants, coffee, beach, grocery, courier, haircuts, dog grooming, gym and so much more!
Murals of Long Beach
Long Beach, California, often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of its more famous neighbor, Los Angeles, is a city with its own unique charm. From its eclectic art scene to its miles of beach stretch, Long Beach has become a hub for creative expression and walkable living. There's so much to do and explore in Long Beach and it has something to offer to everyone. A few highlights include the iconic Queen Mary, which is docked here, offering a peek into the grandeur of the past. Shoreline Village, Rainbow Harbor, the massive Port of Long Beach and ofcourse the Long Beach Grand Prix annual event brings excitement to the city every April.
On hot summer days, I love heading to the "Horny Corner" Beach in Belmont Shore. It’s a perfect spot to rent a kayak and paddle through the Naples Canals, which give off serious Venice vibes. Afterward, I grab a poke bowl or ice cream while strolling back along 2nd Street, which is lined with quirky boutiques, cafes, and restaurants that pulse with a laid-back, beach town vibe. I frequently bike and cruise along the beach path. The ocean and the marina filled with boats on one side, and the city skyline on the other makes for a truly unique scene—especially since you don’t often see high rises in coastal towns. It’s a beautiful blend of beach life and urban energy.
Long Beach is ever evolving. Michelin rated chefs are pouring, the food scene is booming, and the city’s transformation is in full swing. Since COVID and the flexibility of working from home, many professionals have moved to Long Beach to experience beach living at an affordable cost and the city is embracing the transformation.
The downtown area is packed with art galleries, murals, sculptures, and cultural landmarks—all within walking distance. One of the most exciting aspects of Long Beach is its arts district, which stretches from the bustling downtown area to the East Village. The city has truly become a living gallery, with public art and colorful street murals that transform every corner into something visually stunning. The Long Beach Murals project has turned many blank walls into canvases for local artists, creating a constantly evolving outdoor gallery that invites exploration. If you are like me and love marveling at architectural history, Long Beach does not disappoint. Check out Cooper Arms and Villa Riviera built in the 1920s and experience the mid-century architecture of the International Tower , Cliff May homes and many more.
Long Beach has inspired me and made me happy. Whenever I feel stressed, I head to the beach for a walk. When I have free time, I go on my own walking tour of all the murals and when I need company, I walk to the nearby wine or cocktail bar for friends and conversations. If you are in SoCal, I invite you to come spend a day or two in Long Beach. And you might be surprised to find out that maybe your favorite show or movie was filmed in Long Beach! (hint: La La Land, Dexter, Lethal Weapon)!