The Peninsula: Beach on Both Sides

Best for families and beach lovers who want the ocean and the bay on the same block.

What the Peninsula is like

The Peninsula is the thin finger of land that separates Alamitos Bay from the Pacific, with sand on both sides. The ocean beach faces south toward the breakwater; the bay beach faces north across calm water toward Naples and the marina. Between them are a few streets of beach houses, some of them over a hundred years old: the first summer homes went up in 1902–04, when the Red Cars brought visitors down from Los Angeles, and Upton Sinclair is said to have used one as a writing retreat in the late 1920s.

It is quiet in the best way. There is no main street and almost nothing to do but be outside: a walk on the boardwalk, a swim, an hour on the sand watching boats come and go through the channel. Keep an eye on the water; the city says dolphins and sea lions turn up here.

For restaurants and shops, Belmont Shore’s Second Street is the next neighborhood over. Most Peninsula days end up as beach by day, Second Street for dinner.

Plan your visit

Where

East Long Beach, between Alamitos Bay and the ocean, from Bay Shore Avenue to the end at 72nd Place

Beaches

Ocean-side Peninsula Beach, bay-side Peninsula Bayside Beach, and Bay Shore Beach at the base, with a designated swim area

Parking

Two public lots, at Bayshore Park and Alamitos Park, one at each end

Dogs

Not on the Peninsula beaches; Rosie’s Dog Beach is nearby in Belmont Shore

Closest airport

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Ocean beach or bay beach?

Pick by mood. The ocean side is the wide view: open sand, the horizon and the breakwater out past it. The breakwater keeps Long Beach’s waves small, so this is a beach for walking and lying in the sun rather than surfing. In fall and winter the city moves sand back along the ocean side, so the beach looks different out of season.

The bay side is calmer and more sheltered, with boats moored off the beach and Naples across the water. For swimming, head to Bay Shore Beach, where the swim area is roped off and the swim dock lets you get in and out easily. Paddleboards and kayaks launch from the loading area there, and the rental shop next door has boards if you didn’t bring your own.

Before you swim, check the city’s beach water-quality updates, especially after rain.

Dogs aren’t allowed on the Peninsula beaches. Rosie’s Dog Beach in Belmont Shore, on Ocean Boulevard between Granada and Roycroft Avenues, is the place for them: off leash inside the zone, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. It isn’t fenced, so keep dogs leashed on the way in and out.

Parking and getting around

The Peninsula has two public lots, one at each end: at Bayshore Park by Bay Shore Beach, and at Alamitos Park by 72nd Place. The streets in between are narrow and mostly residents’ parking, so if you’re staying here, use your home’s parking and leave the car there.

Once you’re here, everything on the Peninsula is on foot: the boardwalk, the bay walk and both beaches. Belmont Shore and Naples are next door. For the Aquarium, the Queen Mary or north Long Beach, take the car or a rideshare; Long Beach Transit has a trip planner if you’d rather ride the bus.

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the closest airport, and it makes for an easy arrival.

An easy Peninsula day

1. Start with the loop. Out along the Seaside Walk with coffee, back along the Bayside Walk, and finish at Alamitos Park watching the boats.
2. Spend the middle of the day on the water. A swim at Bay Shore, a paddle across the bay or a long lunch on the sand, then a break at the house.
3. Dinner on Second Street. Belmont Shore is next door. Or book a sunset gondola through the Naples canals and eat after.

Keep the first evening simple: settle in, find the parking and save the bigger outings for tomorrow. The Peninsula is best when you let it set the pace.

Peninsula questions