Everything visitors and owners need to know about Belmont Shore: where to eat on Second Street, beach and bay access, Naples Island canals, seasonal events, and what makes it ideal for vacation rentals.
Belmont Shore is a walkable coastal neighborhood in southeast Long Beach, California, sitting between Alamitos Bay and the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the few places in Southern California where you can walk to the ocean, paddle on a calm bay, stroll a real main street, and dine at a dozen independent restaurants without ever getting in a car.
Whether you are planning a trip or considering a vacation rental investment, this guide covers the restaurants, activities, beaches, events, and practical details that make Belmont Shore one of the best neighborhoods on the LA coast.
Second Street: Where to Eat and Shop
Second Street is the commercial spine of Belmont Shore, running roughly from Livingston Drive to Bay Shore Avenue. Unlike most Southern California beach towns where retail is spread across strip malls and highway frontage, Second Street is a genuine walkable main street with restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and service businesses lining both sides.
Where to Eat
Belmont Shore has one of the best independent dining scenes in Long Beach. Here are the standouts on and around Second Street:
George's Greek Cafe is a neighborhood institution, established in 1999 by the Loizides family. The Mediterranean plates and sidewalk patio stay packed on weekends, and it is one of those places where locals and visitors overlap. If you only try one restaurant, make it this one.
Open Sesame has set the standard for Lebanese and Mediterranean food in Long Beach for over 25 years. The shawarma, falafel, and charbroiled kebabs are consistently excellent. Expect a wait on Friday and Saturday nights.
Nick's on 2nd brings New American comfort food to a stylish space with a chic island bar, walls of glass, and a spacious outdoor patio. Good for date night or a weekend lunch.
Domenico's Italian is Long Beach's oldest continuously operated restaurant, serving the neighborhood since 1954. The ground pepperoni pizza is a local favorite.
Panama Joe's has been a Second Street fixture since 1985 and is the heart of the neighborhood's nightlife. Mexican food, margaritas, 60 flat screens, and a patio that gets lively after dark.
has been on Second Street since 1979 and bills itself as the first modern American sports bar. Giant projection screens, walls of sports memorabilia, and solid pub fare.
Suzanne is the founder of Simply Home Management and a hands-on vacation rental operator in Long Beach. She manages every property in her portfolio directly — from guest communication and compliance to interior styling and revenue strategy.
Boathouse On The Bay is not on Second Street, but it belongs on any Belmont Shore dining list. Perched directly on Alamitos Bay Marina at 190 N Marina Drive, every seat faces the water. The menu splits between a premium sushi bar and a coastal American kitchen with standouts like the seafood tower and Chilean sea bass. Come for a sunset dinner on the patio and you will understand why it is one of the most-booked restaurants in Long Beach.
Beyond these, you will find taco counters, wine bars, poke spots, and breakfast cafes within a few blocks. The variety is part of what keeps guests coming back. There is something for every night of a week-long stay.
Shopping and Coffee
Second Street is also home to independent surf shops, home goods stores, yoga studios, and a handful of longtime Long Beach businesses that give the street its character. The Belmont Shore Business Association maintains a full directory of shops and restaurants on Second Street.
Beach Access and the Bayfront
Belmont Shore has two distinct waterfronts, and this dual access is one of its biggest advantages for visitors.
Ocean Side
To the south, a wide sand beach stretches along Ocean Boulevard with volleyball courts and direct access to the Long Beach bike path that runs toward Seal Beach. It is one of the widest and least crowded stretches of sand in Long Beach.
At the eastern end, Rosie's Dog Beach is the only legally sanctioned off-leash dog beach in Los Angeles County. It runs between Granada and Roycroft avenues and is open 6am to 8pm daily. If you are traveling with a dog, this alone is worth the trip.
Bay Side
To the north, Alamitos Bay provides calm water for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. The bay side is where families tend to gravitate. The water is flat, the beach entry is gentle, and the adjacent Bayshore Walk offers a paved path for strollers and bikes.
Several rental outfitters operate along the bay, making it easy for guests to get on the water without bringing their own equipment.
Naples Island and the Canals
Connected to Belmont Shore by pedestrian and vehicle bridges, Naples Island is a residential enclave built around a network of narrow canals. The architecture is a mix of Mediterranean-revival homes, modern rebuilds, and classic California bungalows. The canal walkways are one of the most photographed spots in Long Beach.
Gondola Getaway
The signature Naples experience is Gondola Getaway, the oldest and largest fleet of gondolas in America, operating since 1982. Authentic Italian-style gondola rides cruise through the canals and accommodate up to six passengers. It is one of the most popular date night activities in all of Long Beach. Book ahead, especially on weekends and holidays.
The canals are also accessible by kayak and stand-up paddleboard. Launching from the bay side and paddling through the narrow waterways is a unique experience that guests mention frequently in five-star reviews.
Getting Around Belmont Shore
Belmont Shore is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Long Beach. Most vacation rentals are within a 5 to 15 minute walk of Second Street, the beach, and the bay.
On foot and by bike: The Long Beach bike path runs along the waterfront and connects Belmont Shore to Shoreline Village, the Queen Mary area, and the LA River trail. Many rental properties include bikes or are close to bike-share stations.
By car: A car is useful for day trips. Seal Beach is 10 minutes south, Downtown Long Beach is 10 minutes north, and Disneyland is roughly 25 minutes northeast. The closest freeway access is the 405 via Bellflower Blvd or Studebaker Road, or PCH directly into Second Street.
From the airport:Long Beach Airport (LGB) is less than 10 minutes away and is served by Southwest, Delta, and Hawaiian Airlines. It is significantly less hectic than LAX, which is roughly 30 minutes northwest.
Parking tips: Second Street has metered street parking that fills fast on weekends and evenings. Side streets north and south of Second Street have free residential parking (check signs for time restrictions). Weekday mornings are easiest; Friday and Saturday evenings are the tightest.
Annual Events and Seasonal Demand
Belmont Shore has mild weather year-round, but demand follows a predictable seasonal curve. If you are visiting, plan around these events. If you own a rental, price around them.
Summer (June through September)
Peak season. Beach weather, school breaks, and a packed events calendar drive the highest booking demand. The Fourth of July is one of the biggest weekends. Long Beach hosts fireworks visible from the bay, and properties with rooftop or balcony views command premium rates.
The Stroll & Savor events run monthly from June through August along Second Street, featuring food tastings and live music.
Fall
Weekends stay strong through October. The Belmont Shore Car Show (typically a Sunday in September) fills Second Street with classic cars and hot rods. Trick or Treat on 2nd Street on Halloween brings families from across Long Beach.
Winter
The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade runs along Second Street on the first Saturday of December. It is one of the largest holiday parades in Long Beach, with floats, marching bands, and huge crowds.
The Naples Island Holiday Boat Parade in mid-December creates a sharp demand spike. Decorated boats cruise through the canals, and homes along the waterway compete with elaborate light displays. Properties near the canals and bay consistently outperform their monthly average during parade weekend.
January and February are the softest months, but Long Beach's mild winter climate still attracts guests from colder regions.
Spring
By March, weekend bookings climb. By April, the neighborhood is approaching summer-level activity. The 2nd Saturdays series runs year-round with Tour the Shore (morning), Taste the Shore (afternoon), and Canvas the Shore (evening art walk).
Day Trips from Belmont Shore
Belmont Shore is well positioned for exploring the broader Long Beach area:
Aquarium of the Pacific (15 min drive) is the largest aquarium in Southern California, with over 500 species across 100+ exhibits at Rainbow Harbor.
Seal Beach (10 min drive) has a charming Main Street, a classic pier, and a quieter family beach vibe.
Downtown Long Beach (10 min drive) for the Pine Avenue restaurant scene, The Pike Outlets, and the Museum of Latin American Art.
Retro Row on 4th Street (5 min drive) for vintage shops, craft coffee, and independent restaurants.
Why Belmont Shore Works for Vacation Rentals
The combination of walkability, dual waterfront access, a genuine neighborhood commercial street, and proximity to Long Beach Airport makes Belmont Shore one of the strongest short-term rental markets on the LA coast.
Guests do not come here for a resort experience. They come for a neighborhood one. They want to walk to breakfast, ride bikes along the bay, try a different restaurant every night, and feel like they are living in the community. That guest profile translates into longer average stays, stronger review quality, and more repeat bookings than comparable beach markets.
If you own property in Belmont Shore and want to understand how professional management can improve your rental performance, explore our services or get in touch with our team. We manage a portfolio of vacation rentals in and around Belmont Shore and can speak directly to what works in this market.
