Long Beach has always been a natural match for boaters who like to pair a cruise with a good meal. With sheltered waterways, guest docks scattered throughout Alamitos Bay and Rainbow Harbor, and a dining scene shaped by ocean breezes and salty air, the city makes “dock-and-dine” feel like a lifestyle more than a novelty. Whether you’re arriving by skiff, center console, sailboat, or cruising in from a day on the water, Long Beach delivers on variety, views, and plenty of character.
One of the most popular destinations is The Boathouse on the Bay, located at Alamitos Bay Landing, where boaters can tie up and step straight into an upscale yet relaxed waterfront atmosphere. Known for fresh seafood, steaks, sushi, and a marina-front setting that glows at sunset, Boathouse remains a go-to for special occasions or leisurely weekend brunches. Signature items like their Shrimp Scampi — jumbo tail-on shrimp sautéed with garlic, lemon, herbs, and white wine over linguine — keep regulars returning, while their Brown Butter Scallops, served with butternut gnocchi and stewed tomato with guanciale, offer the rich, coastal flavors that define the menu. Boathouse also leans into a lively social scene with weekly live entertainment, Saturday and Sunday breakfast service, and a Tuesday through Friday happy hour featuring $10 specialty cocktails and $2 off draft beers. Address: 190 Marina Dr., Long Beach, CA • Info: boathouseonthebay.com.
Just across the marina, Ballast Point Long Beach brings a completely different vibe — casual, sun-splashed, and ideal for long afternoons that roll into night. With fire pits, outdoor patios, and over 60 beers on tap, it’s a high-energy waterside stop where you can watch sailboats tack in and out of the harbor while sipping a Sculpin or a house seasonal. Boaters love themed nights like Burger Mondays (a burger and pint for $18) and Steak Wednesdays, featuring a marinated New York strip with steak fries and a beer pairing. Whether you’re there for snacks, a full lunch, or a sunset hangout, Ballast Point encourages you to stay awhile — no reservations, just first-come seating and plenty of space. Address: 110 N. Marina Dr., Long Beach, CA • Hours: 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. most days.
If you prefer something more laid-back and hyper-local, Belmont Brewing Company in Belmont Shore is a classic. As the oldest brewpub in Los Angeles County, opened in 1990, BBC keeps things simple: clean ales, coastal comfort food, and a setting steps from the sand with views of the shoreline. Their brewery operates a seven-barrel system that fuels a lineup of recognizable favorites — Blondes, IPAs, Ambers, Stouts, and rotating seasonals. On the food side, items like Beer-Battered Tempura Calamari, Grilled Avocado with bacon glaze, and their fan-favorite Dynamite Shrimp are perfect post-cruise pairings. Weekend brunch brings an omelet bar with scalloped potatoes and fresh fruit, and happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. for a relaxed end-of-day on the patio. Address: 25 39th Pl., Long Beach, CA • Phone: (562) 433-3891.
For a more refined dining experience, Parkers’ Lighthouse and its upstairs sister restaurant, Queensview Steakhouse, remain two of Long Beach’s most iconic waterfront establishments. Located in Shoreline Village, Parkers’ is known for its seafood-forward menu, soaring windows, and nightly live music that enhances the ambiance without overpowering conversation. Happy hour is especially popular during the week, drawing both locals and visitors for drinks overlooking Rainbow Harbor. Upstairs, Queensview Steakhouse offers a more intimate, white-tablecloth setting with prime cuts, a warm ambiance, and sweeping views of the harbor that elevate the night even further. Address: 435 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, CA • Phone: (562) 432-6500.
For something entirely different — rustic, quirky, and beloved by locals — boaters often make the short cruise into Wilmington for The Chowder Barge, LA Harbor’s only floating restaurant. Aboard this no-frills barge, guests find hearty chowder in cups, bowls, or bread bowls, with options like the Double Clam Chowder (fried clams swimming in chowder) or the ultra-rich Triple Chowder served in a bread bowl. It’s a salty, old-school stop with personality: big-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, simple comfort food, and weekly specials like Taco Tuesday, Meatloaf Wednesday, and Spaghetti Thursday starting at 5:00 p.m. It’s the perfect reward after a morning of fishing or exploring the harbor. Address: Leeward Bay Marina, Wilmington • Info: thechowderbarge.com.
While each restaurant offers its own flavor — from polished plates at Boathouse to brews with a view at Ballast Point, to the historic charm of Belmont Brewing and the classic nautical ambiance at Parkers’ Lighthouse — they all share one thing: accessibility for boaters who want to make the most of Long Beach’s waterfront. Docking availability varies depending on marina activity and boat size, so it’s always wise to call ahead or check with Alamitos Bay Marina or Shoreline Marina staff before heading in. Each landing handles guest slips differently, and busy weekends fill up fast.
For adventurous diners willing to go a little farther, Seal Beach and San Pedro offer additional options, like The Beach House in Seal Beach or the iconic Tony’s on the waterfront in San Pedro. But for most boaters cruising Long Beach, the options along Alamitos Bay, Belmont Shore, and Rainbow Harbor are enough to make every outing feel like a mini-vacation.
With calm waterways, plentiful dock access, and menus that range from oysters and scallops to burgers, chowder, craft beer, and weekend brunch, Long Beach remains one of Southern California’s best destinations for tying up, stepping ashore, and enjoying a great meal. Whether you’re coming in with friends, family, or a hungry fishing crew, these waterfront restaurants are ready to welcome you the moment your lines hit the dock.
