How to Plan a Brunch Crawl in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is a coastal city brimming with culture, creativity, and culinary diversity. From beachside cafés with ocean views to trendy brunch spots tucked into historic neighborhoods, the city offers an unparalleled experience for food lovers. A brunch crawl—where you visit multiple restaurants in one morning to sample diverse menus, atmospheres, and signature dishes—is more than just a meal; it’s a social ritual, a way to explore the city’s soul, and a perfect activity for locals and visitors alike. Planning a successful brunch crawl in Long Beach requires more than just picking random spots. It demands thoughtful pacing, an understanding of local trends, logistical coordination, and an appreciation for the city’s unique flavor. Whether you’re organizing a weekend outing with friends, a bachelorette party, or a solo adventure to discover hidden gems, this guide will walk you through every step to create a memorable, seamless, and delicious brunch crawl experience.

Step-by-Step Guide

Define Your Goals and Audience

Before you even open a map or browse menus, ask yourself: Why are you planning this crawl? Are you celebrating a birthday? Introducing out-of-town guests to Long Beach’s food scene? Or simply indulging in a lazy Sunday with friends? Your purpose shapes every decision. For instance, a group of college students might prioritize affordability and lively atmospheres, while a group of professionals may prefer quiet patios, artisanal coffee, and Instagram-worthy plating. Consider the dietary preferences and mobility needs of your group—vegan options, gluten-free availability, and wheelchair accessibility can make or break the experience. Once you know your audience, you can tailor your route to match their expectations.

Choose Your Time and Duration

Brunch in Long Beach typically runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., but timing matters. Weekends are busiest, especially in areas like Downtown, Belmont Shore, and the Pike Outlets. Arriving before 10 a.m. at popular spots can save you from hour-long waits. Plan for a 4–5 hour crawl, with 45–60 minutes per stop. This allows time to eat, take photos, chat, and walk—or drive—between locations. Avoid scheduling too many stops; three to five is ideal. More than that leads to rushed meals and diminishing returns. If you’re starting early, consider ending with a casual coffee or dessert spot rather than another heavy meal. Sunset or late afternoon crawls are less common but can work if you include a rooftop lounge or beachside bar with brunch-inspired cocktails.

Map Out Your Route Strategically

Long Beach is spread out, so route efficiency is critical. Start in a central or easily accessible area, then move logically toward neighboring districts. A recommended sequence might begin in Downtown Long Beach, then head south to Belmont Shore, and finish near the Queen Mary or Shoreline Village. Use Google Maps or Apple Maps to check walking distances and traffic patterns. If you’re driving, ensure parking is available at each location—many spots offer validated parking with a receipt. If you’re walking, choose venues within a 10–15 minute stroll of each other. For example:

• Start: Blue Plate Diner (Downtown) – iconic American brunch
• Next: Wanderlust Coffee Co. (East Village Arts District) – artisanal brews and avocado toast
• Then: The Fish Market Long Beach (Shoreline Village) – seafood-centric plates
• Finish: Seabirds Coffee & Kitchen (Belmont Shore) – coastal vibes and signature pancakes

Use a map app to drop pins and share the route with your group ahead of time. This eliminates confusion and keeps everyone on the same page.

Research Each Venue’s Brunch Offerings

Not all restaurants serve brunch daily, and menus vary widely. Some spots offer traditional eggs Benedict, while others serve Korean-inspired bibimbap bowls or plant-based jackfruit tacos. Visit each restaurant’s website, Instagram, or Google Business page to review their brunch menu, pricing, and hours. Look for signature items: Blue Plate’s “Diner Scramble,” Seabirds’ “Tropical Pancakes,” or The Fish Market’s “Crab Cake Benedict.” Note if reservations are accepted—many popular spots take them, especially on weekends. Also, check for any special events: live music, bottomless mimosas, or chef’s tasting menus can elevate the experience. Avoid places that don’t clearly list brunch hours or have inconsistent reviews about food quality.

Coordinate Logistics: Transportation, Payments, and Timing

Decide how your group will get from one stop to the next. If walking, confirm sidewalks are safe and shaded. If driving, designate a driver or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft to avoid parking hassles. For larger groups, consider renting a small party bus or using a private shuttle service—many local companies offer hourly rates for brunch crawls. Payment logistics matter too. Will you split the bill evenly? Use apps like Splitwise or Venmo to track individual spending. Some venues may not accept cash, so ensure everyone has a card. Set a loose schedule: e.g., “We’ll be at Blue Plate from 9:30–10:30, then walk to Wanderlust by 10:45.” Share this with the group the night before. Remind everyone to arrive on time—brunch waits are unforgiving.

Build in Flexibility and Backup Options

Even the best-laid plans can go awry. A restaurant might run out of a popular dish, close unexpectedly, or have a last-minute private event. Always have two backup options per stop. For example, if Wanderlust Coffee Co. is full, nearby Revel Coffee Co. offers a similar vibe and excellent cold brew. If The Fish Market has a 90-minute wait, head to Shoreline Fish House instead. Keep a list of alternatives handy on your phone. Also, build in a 15–20 minute buffer between stops for unexpected delays. Don’t rush—brunch is about savoring, not sprinting.

Engage the Group and Create Shared Moments

A great brunch crawl isn’t just about food—it’s about connection. Encourage guests to take photos of their plates, tag locations, and share their favorite dish at each stop. Create a shared Google Doc or Instagram story thread where everyone can post highlights. You might even assign a “brunch critic” role to each person, asking them to rate the ambiance, service, and flavor of one dish. End the crawl with a group vote for “Best Brunch Spot of the Day.” This turns a simple meal into a shared adventure. Consider bringing a small token—like a custom keychain or mini bottle of hot sauce—as a memento for participants.

Best Practices

Prioritize Quality Over Quantity

It’s tempting to hit six or seven spots to “get your money’s worth,” but this leads to palate fatigue and rushed experiences. Three to five high-quality venues with distinct themes deliver more satisfaction. For example, one stop might focus on classic American comfort food, another on Mediterranean flavors, and a third on fresh seafood. This variety keeps the crawl exciting and memorable. Choose venues that represent different neighborhoods to give your group a true taste of Long Beach’s diversity.

Respect Local Business Hours and Etiquette

Long Beach restaurants operate on tight schedules, especially on weekends. Don’t show up at 8:45 a.m. if brunch doesn’t start until 9. Don’t linger past 11:30 a.m. if the next table is waiting. Be mindful of noise levels, especially in cozy, neighborhood spots. Tip generously—brunch service is often staffed by servers juggling multiple tables. A 20–25% tip is standard, especially for large groups. If you’re ordering drinks, consider non-alcoholic options for designated drivers or those who prefer to abstain.

Balance Sweet and Savory

Brunch menus often swing heavily toward either sweet (pancakes, waffles, French toast) or savory (eggs, bacon, hash browns). To keep the crawl balanced, alternate between the two. Start with something hearty, like Blue Plate’s breakfast burrito. Follow with a sweet treat like Seabirds’ cinnamon roll pancakes. Then end with a savory seafood dish to cleanse the palate. This rhythm prevents sugar crashes and keeps energy levels steady. Also, encourage guests to order a few small plates to share—this lets everyone taste more without overordering.

Consider the Weather and Outdoor Seating

Long Beach enjoys over 280 days of sunshine annually, but coastal fog and afternoon breezes can be unpredictable. If you’re planning outdoor seating—which many Long Beach brunch spots offer—check the forecast. Bring light jackets or sunscreen. Outdoor patios at places like Seabirds or Shoreline Village are ideal, but if it’s chilly, opt for indoor seating with large windows and ocean views. Always confirm if a spot has heated patios or fire pits, especially in spring or fall.

Support Local and Independent Spots

Long Beach has a thriving independent restaurant scene. Avoid chains unless they’re locally owned or uniquely adapted to the area. Prioritize family-run cafés, women-owned businesses, and spots that source ingredients from Southern California farms. For example, Wanderlust Coffee Co. roasts its beans in-house, and Blue Plate Diner uses local eggs and produce. Supporting these businesses enriches the community and gives your crawl authentic character.

Document and Share Your Experience

Take photos—not just of the food, but of the ambiance: the ocean breeze at Shoreline Village, the chalkboard menu at a hidden alley café, the laughter over mimosas. Share your crawl on social media using hashtags like

LongBeachBrunchCrawl, #LBBrunchLife, or #SoCalBrunch. Tag the restaurants—they often repost customer content. This not only celebrates the spots you visited but also helps others plan their own crawls. Consider writing a short blog or Instagram carousel after the event to document your journey. It’s a thoughtful way to give back to the community.

Tools and Resources

Google Maps and Google Reviews

Google Maps is indispensable for route planning. Use the “Save” feature to create a custom list titled “Long Beach Brunch Crawl 2024.” Add each venue, note hours, and pin reviews with keywords like “best pancakes” or “no wait on Saturday.” Filter reviews by date to ensure you’re seeing current information. Look for photos uploaded by users—these give you a real sense of portion sizes and plating.

Yelp and Tripadvisor

Yelp remains a powerful tool for filtering by dietary needs, price range, and ambiance. Use the “Brunch” category and sort by “Highest Rated.” Read recent reviews for mentions of wait times, service speed, and staff friendliness. Tripadvisor is helpful for tourists, as it often includes travel tips like “best parking near the Queen Mary” or “closest public transit stop.”

Instagram and TikTok

Instagram is the go-to for visual inspiration. Search hashtags like

LongBeachBrunch, #LBBrunch, or #BrunchInLongBeach. Follow local food bloggers like @longbeachfoodie or @socalbrunchdiaries—they often post weekly roundups. TikTok is increasingly useful for short video tours of brunch menus. Look for reels tagged #BrunchCrawl or #LongBeachEats to see real-time experiences.

Resy and OpenTable

For restaurants that accept reservations, use Resy or OpenTable to book ahead. Many popular spots like Seabirds or Blue Plate fill up weeks in advance on weekends. Set reminders to book 7–10 days ahead. Some places offer “walk-in waitlists” via text—ask when you call.

Brunch-Specific Apps

Apps like BrunchTime (iOS/Android) or Brunchly curate local brunch spots with user ratings and menu highlights. They often include filters for bottomless mimosas, vegan options, and pet-friendly patios—perfect for group planning.

Local Food Blogs and News Outlets

Follow Long Beach-based publications like Long Beach Post, LAist, or OC Weekly for curated brunch lists. They frequently publish “Best Brunch Spots in Long Beach” roundups, often updated quarterly. Local food podcasts like “The Bite” also feature interviews with chefs and hidden gem spotlights.

Transportation and Parking Resources

For parking, use apps like SpotHero or ParkMobile to reserve spots in advance. Many downtown garages offer flat rates for brunch-goers. For public transit, check the Long Beach Transit app for bus routes connecting neighborhoods. The free G Transit shuttle runs between Downtown, the Pike, and Shoreline Village on weekends.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Classic Coastal Crawl (4 Stops)

Group: Four friends, mid-20s, food enthusiasts

Route:

9:30 a.m. – Blue Plate Diner (Downtown)

10:45 a.m. – Wanderlust Coffee Co. (East Village)

12:00 p.m. – The Fish Market Long Beach (Shoreline Village)

1:15 p.m. – Seabirds Coffee & Kitchen (Belmont Shore)

Highlights:

At Blue Plate, they ordered the “Diner Scramble” with house-made chorizo and crispy potatoes.

Wanderlust offered a lavender honey latte and a vegan avocado toast with microgreens.

The Fish Market’s crab cake Benedict with lemon dill sauce was the standout.

Seabirds ended the crawl with tropical pancakes topped with coconut whipped cream and grilled pineapple.

Logistics:

Walked between Blue Plate and Wanderlust (10 minutes).

Rode Lyft from Wanderlust to Shoreline Village (7 minutes).

Walked from Shoreline Village to Seabirds (15 minutes).

Split the bill evenly via Venmo. Each person took a photo of their dish and posted to Instagram with the hashtag

LBBrunchCrawl2024.

Example 2: The Family-Friendly Brunch (3 Stops)

Group: Two families with children aged 5–12

Route:

10:00 a.m. – The Fish Market Long Beach (Shoreline Village)

11:30 a.m. – The Waffle House (Belmont Shore)

1:00 p.m. – The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (Pike Outlets)

Highlights:

The Fish Market offered a kids’ menu with mini fish tacos and fruit cups.

The Waffle House served Belgian waffles with chocolate chips and strawberry syrup—kids loved the “Build Your Own” topping bar.

The Coffee Bean provided a quiet spot to rest with hot chocolate and cookies.

Logistics:

Used a private shuttle service for $75/hour to transport both families.

All venues had high chairs and changing tables.

No alcohol ordered—focused on mocktails and fresh juices.

Ended with a walk along the Shoreline bike path.

Example 3: The Solo Explorer Crawl (5 Stops)

Person: A travel blogger visiting from Austin

Route:

9:00 a.m. – Revel Coffee Co. (East Village)

10:15 a.m. – Blue Plate Diner

11:30 a.m. – The Fish Market Long Beach

1:00 p.m. – Seabirds Coffee & Kitchen

2:15 p.m. – Bungalow 5 (Belmont Shore) – dessert-only stop

Highlights:

At Revel, they tried the oat milk cortado and a breakfast sandwich with smoked salmon.

Blue Plate’s chilaquiles were the most flavorful they’d ever tasted.

At Seabirds, they met the owner, who shared the story of opening the café after leaving a corporate job.

Bungalow 5’s salted caramel tart was the perfect finale.

Logistics:

Walked all stops except the last leg, which was a 10-minute Uber ride.

Took notes in a journal for their blog.

Posted daily stories on Instagram with geotags and reviews.

FAQs

What is the best day to do a brunch crawl in Long Beach?

Saturdays are ideal for the widest selection of open restaurants and the most vibrant atmosphere. Sundays are also popular but can be quieter and more relaxed. Avoid holidays like Mother’s Day or Easter, as many spots are fully booked weeks in advance.

How much should I budget for a brunch crawl in Long Beach?

On average, expect to spend $20–$40 per person per stop, depending on the venue. For a 4-stop crawl, budget $80–$160 per person. Include tips (20–25%) and optional drinks. Premium spots like The Fish Market may push costs higher.

Can I do a brunch crawl without a car?

Absolutely. Long Beach is walkable in key areas like Downtown, Belmont Shore, and Shoreline Village. Use the free G Transit shuttle, Lyft/Uber, or the city’s bike-share program (Bikeshare LB) to connect neighborhoods. The Blue Line light rail also links Downtown to the Pike and beyond.

Are there vegetarian or vegan brunch options in Long Beach?

Yes. Many spots offer dedicated vegan menus. Wanderlust Coffee Co., Seabirds, and Revel Coffee Co. all have excellent plant-based options, including tofu scrambles, jackfruit tacos, and vegan pancakes. Don’t hesitate to ask for modifications—most chefs are happy to accommodate.

Do I need to make reservations?

For popular spots like Blue Plate, Seabirds, or The Fish Market, reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends. Smaller cafés like Revel or Bungalow 5 often accept walk-ins. Always call ahead or check online.

What should I wear for a Long Beach brunch crawl?

Dress comfortably but stylishly—think casual chic. Light layers work well due to coastal breezes. Sandals or sneakers are fine, but avoid flip-flops if you’ll be walking long distances. Bring a light jacket or shawl for evening breezes.

Can I bring my dog on a brunch crawl?

Many Long Beach brunch spots have pet-friendly patios. Seabirds, The Fish Market, and Bungalow 5 welcome dogs. Always call ahead to confirm, and keep your pet leashed and well-behaved.

How do I find hidden gem brunch spots?

Ask locals, follow Instagram food accounts like @longbeachfoodie, or explore side streets in neighborhoods like East Village Arts District and Naples. Often, the best spots are unassuming cafés with no signage but incredible reviews.

Conclusion

Planning a brunch crawl in Long Beach is more than a culinary excursion—it’s a celebration of community, culture, and coastal living. By thoughtfully selecting venues, respecting local rhythms, and prioritizing meaningful experiences over checklist ticking, you transform a simple meal into a memorable journey. Whether you’re a local rediscovering your city or a visitor seeking authentic flavors, a well-planned crawl reveals the heart of Long Beach: its people, its creativity, and its unwavering love for good food. Use this guide as your roadmap, but don’t be afraid to wander off-script. Some of the best moments come from spontaneous discoveries—a new coffee blend, a chef’s recommendation, or the laughter shared over a plate of pancakes at sunrise. So gather your friends, pack your appetite, and set out to taste the city one brunch at a time.