Surfing? Check. Mexicali taco dives? Check. College beach town scene? Check.

Thriving arts district?

Check.

It’s easy to cruise through Long Beach on a weekend and vibe a twenty-something-year-old’s partyland, but slip down the eastern side of downtown Long Beach to its East Village, and discover boutiques selling everything from mid-century antiques to custom sneakers to hundred-dollar designer denim. Catch Long Beach Transit’s free Village Tour D’art and view the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, Long Beach Sports Arena, the Art Deco Breakers Hotel, the Museum of Latin American Art, the Oceanic Art Museum, historical churches, shop Long Beach Promenade shopping centers, and dine in Long Beach’s West Village.

Metro meets surf?

Check.

Read more…