How to Plan a Dessert Tour in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal city with sun-kissed beaches and the iconic Queen Mary—it’s a hidden gem for dessert lovers. From artisanal ice cream parlors and Mexican confections to French patisseries and vegan bakeries, Long Beach offers a rich, diverse, and deeply flavorful dessert landscape that’s often overlooked by mainstream food tourism. Planning a dessert tour in Long Beach isn’t just about eating sweets—it’s about experiencing the city’s cultural tapestry through sugar, spice, and everything nice. Whether you’re a local looking to rediscover your backyard or a visitor seeking an unforgettable culinary adventure, a well-planned dessert tour can turn a casual afternoon into a memorable journey.

A dessert tour is more than a checklist of treats—it’s a curated experience that balances flavor, history, location, and pacing. When done right, it reveals the stories behind each pastry, the hands that crafted it, and the communities that sustain it. This guide will walk you through every step of planning your own personalized dessert tour in Long Beach, from researching hidden gems to navigating logistics, optimizing your route, and maximizing enjoyment. By the end, you’ll have a clear, actionable blueprint to design a tour that’s as delightful as the treats themselves.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Dessert Tour Goals

Before you map out locations or set a time, ask yourself: What kind of experience are you seeking? Are you looking to sample the widest variety of sweets? Are you focused on local, family-owned businesses? Do you want to highlight vegan or gluten-free options? Are you planning this for a group, a date, or solo exploration?

Defining your goals shapes every decision that follows. For example:

• If your goal is cultural immersion, prioritize Mexican panaderías, Filipino bibingka shops, and Armenian baklava bakeries.
• If your goal is modern innovation, focus on craft chocolate makers, molecular gastronomy desserts, and plant-based confections.
• If your goal is social media appeal, select visually stunning desserts—colorful macarons, layered cakes, or neon-tinted ice cream.

Write down 2–3 primary objectives. This will help you filter options later and avoid overloading your itinerary with irrelevant stops.

Step 2: Research Long Beach’s Top Dessert Destinations

Long Beach boasts over 50 dessert-focused establishments, each with its own specialty and story. Start by compiling a master list using trusted food blogs, local publications, and community forums. Don’t rely solely on Google Maps or Yelp ratings—some of the best spots are small, family-run operations with minimal online presence.

Use these sources to begin your research:

• Long Beach Post – Features regular “Best of Long Beach” food lists.
• LAist – Covers regional dessert trends with in-depth reviews.
• Instagram hashtags – Search

  LongBeachDesserts, #LBFoodie, #LongBeachBakery to find visually curated recommendations.

• Local Facebook groups – “Long Beach Food Lovers” and “Eat Drink Long Beach” often share insider tips.

As you collect names, categorize them by:

• Type of dessert (ice cream, cake, pastry, candy, etc.)
• Price range (under $8, $8–$15, $15+)
• Accessibility (wheelchair-friendly, outdoor seating, parking availability)
• Hours of operation (many dessert spots close early or are only open weekends)

Some standout names to consider:

• Ice Cream Bar – Known for house-made sorbets and creative flavors like lavender honey and black sesame.
• La Palma Bakery – A decades-old Mexican panadería with conchas, tres leches cake, and buñuelos.
• Flour & Co. – Artisanal French pastries, including croissants, tarts, and éclairs.
• Churro & Co. – Freshly fried churros with dipping sauces like dulce de leche and dark chocolate.
• Plant Based Bakery – 100% vegan cakes, cupcakes, and cookies with no refined sugar options.
• Chocolat Moderne – Hand-painted bonbons and single-origin chocolate bars made in-house.

Don’t overlook hidden gems like Alma’s Mexican Bakery in the Los Altos neighborhood or Donut Time on 7th Street—both have cult followings and rarely appear on tourist lists.

Step 3: Map Your Route for Optimal Flow

Once you have a shortlist of 6–8 destinations, it’s time to map your tour. The key is minimizing travel time while maximizing variety. Use Google Maps or a dedicated app like MapMyRun or Wherigo to plot your stops.

Group locations by neighborhood to avoid backtracking:

• Downtown / 4th Street – Flour & Co., Ice Cream Bar, Chocolat Moderne
• East Village / 7th Street – Donut Time, Churro & Co., Plant Based Bakery
• Los Altos / 3rd Street – La Palma Bakery, Alma’s Mexican Bakery
• Belmont Shore – The Sweet Spot (specialty cupcakes), Melted Ice Cream

Plan your tour to flow geographically. For example:

1. Start in Downtown (early morning, when bakeries open)
2. Walk or bike to East Village (15–20 minutes)
3. End in Belmont Shore (late afternoon, perfect for sunset treats)

Factor in walking distance between stops—ideally under 1 mile. If you’re using a car, ensure parking is available and affordable. Many Long Beach streets have 2-hour limits; plan around that.

Pro tip: Schedule your tour between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Most dessert spots open by 8 a.m. or 9 a.m., and many close by 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. Avoid weekends if you want to skip the crowds—Saturdays are busiest.

Step 4: Plan Portions and Pacing

One of the biggest mistakes in dessert touring is over-ordering. You don’t want to feel bloated by the third stop. Aim for 2–3 bites per location, not full servings.

Here’s a sample portion guide:

• Ice cream – 1 small scoop (2–3 oz)
• Pastry – 1 half-sized croissant or éclair
• Cake slice – 1/8 of a standard cake
• Churro – 1–2 pieces
• Chocolate bar – 1 small square or sample piece

Ask staff if they offer tasting portions. Many bakeries will give you a mini version for free or at a discount if you explain you’re doing a dessert tour.

Space out your stops by 30–45 minutes. This gives your palate time to reset and prevents sugar fatigue. Bring water between stops to stay hydrated and cleanse your mouth.

Step 5: Create a Printable or Digital Itinerary

Organize your tour into a simple, easy-to-follow checklist. Include:

• Business name
• Address
• Opening hours
• Recommended item to try
• Price estimate
• Notes (e.g., “cash only,” “best on Saturdays,” “ask for the seasonal flavor”)

Use Google Docs or Notion to create a shared digital itinerary if you’re touring with others. Print a copy as a backup—cell service can be spotty in older parts of the city.

For a more immersive experience, add a short description of each shop’s history or founder. For example:

La Palma Bakery – Founded in 1978 by the Mendoza family, this bakery still uses the same recipes passed down from their grandmother in Jalisco. Their conchas are baked fresh every morning before sunrise.

This transforms your tour from a snack crawl into a cultural journey.

Step 6: Budget Accordingly

Most dessert tours in Long Beach cost between $40 and $80 per person, depending on the number of stops and the type of treats. Set a realistic budget and stick to it.

Here’s a sample budget breakdown for a 6-stop tour:

• Ice Cream Bar – $7 (small scoop)
• Flour & Co. – $9 (half éclair)
• Chocolat Moderne – $10 (3-piece chocolate tasting)
• La Palma Bakery – $6 (2 conchas)
• Churro & Co. – $5 (2 churros with dipping sauce)
• Plant Based Bakery – $8 (vegan cupcake)
• Total – $45

Always carry cash. Many small bakeries don’t accept cards, especially on weekdays. Also, tip generously—these are often family-run businesses where staff work long hours for modest pay.

Step 7: Book Ahead for Groups or Special Requests

If you’re planning a tour for 5 or more people, contact your chosen spots in advance. Some bakeries offer private tastings or group discounts. For example:

• Chocolat Moderne offers 30-minute chocolate pairing sessions by appointment.
• Flour & Co. can prepare a custom “dessert sampler” box for groups.
• Plant Based Bakery allows pre-orders for vegan dessert platters.

Even if you’re not booking a private event, calling ahead ensures the shop is prepared for your visit. You might even get a behind-the-scenes peek or meet the owner.

Step 8: Prepare for the Experience

What you wear and bring matters. Dress comfortably—sandals or walking shoes are ideal. Long Beach streets can be uneven, and you’ll be on your feet for 2–3 hours.

Bring:

• Reusable napkins or wet wipes (desserts can be messy)
• A small tote bag or backpack to carry your treats
• A portable phone charger
• A notebook or voice memo app to record your impressions
• Water and a light snack (in case you need a savory break)

Consider bringing a friend to share bites and take photos. A dessert tour is more fun—and more delicious—when shared.

Best Practices

Start Early, End with a View

Begin your tour between 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. This ensures you get the freshest pastries, avoid lunchtime crowds, and have time to linger at each stop. End your tour in Belmont Shore around 4:30 p.m. to enjoy a dessert on the pier with ocean views. The combination of sweet and sea breeze is unforgettable.

Ask Questions

Don’t be shy. Ask staff:

• “What’s your most popular item?”
• “Is this made in-house?”
• “Do you have any seasonal or limited-edition flavors?”
• “What’s the story behind this recipe?”

These questions often lead to the best discoveries. Many owners love sharing their craft and may even give you a free extra bite or recipe card.

Balance Sweet with Savory

After three or four sweet stops, your palate may become numb. Counteract this by including one savory snack between desserts—like a local taco from a nearby cart or a small cup of Mexican hot chocolate (which contains cinnamon and chili, offering a savory-sweet balance).

Respect Local Customs

Long Beach is a multicultural city. Many dessert shops are rooted in immigrant traditions. Be respectful of cultural practices:

• Don’t assume all Mexican pastries are “just donuts”—they’re part of a centuries-old baking tradition.
• Don’t ask for substitutions unless necessary—many recipes are sacred and unchangeable.
• Use the Spanish name for items when appropriate (e.g., “¿Tienen conchas?”) to show appreciation.

Document Your Journey

Take photos—but not just of the desserts. Capture the storefront, the signage, the hands that handed you your treat, the street outside. These details make your tour memorable long after the sugar high fades.

Write down your thoughts: “The lavender honey ice cream tasted like a spring garden,” or “The churro was crispy on the outside, but the inside was still warm and doughy—like a hug.”

Leave a Review

After your tour, leave thoughtful reviews on Google, Yelp, or Instagram. Mention specific items you tried and why you loved them. This helps small businesses thrive and gives future dessert explorers valuable insight.

Seasonal Awareness

Long Beach dessert offerings change with the seasons. In summer, look for fresh fruit sorbets and agua fresca-flavored treats. In fall, expect pumpkin, apple, and spiced chocolate. Winter brings tamales dulces and buñuelos. Spring highlights floral flavors like rose, hibiscus, and orange blossom.

Plan your tour around seasonal specialties for maximum flavor impact.

Tools and Resources

Mapping Tools

• Google Maps – Best for route planning, real-time traffic, and hours of operation.
• MapMyRun – Lets you save walking routes and track distance between stops.
• Wherigo – Create a custom GPS-based scavenger hunt with dessert stops as checkpoints.

Research Platforms

• Yelp – Filter by “desserts,” “vegetarian,” “cash only,” and “wheelchair accessible.”
• Instagram – Search location tags and hashtags. Look for posts tagged with “

  LongBeachDessertTour” or “#LBfood.”

• Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” – Occasionally features Long Beach spots.
• Local Food Tours – Visit the Long Beach Visitor’s Bureau website for guided dessert tours (if you prefer not to plan solo).

Apps for Dessert Enthusiasts

• ChocoLover – Tracks chocolate shops and ratings worldwide, including Long Beach.
• Ice Cream Finder – Locates the best gelato, sorbet, and soft-serve spots.
• OpenTable – For dessert-only reservations at places like Chocolat Moderne that offer tasting menus.
• Notion – Create a customizable dessert tour template with checklists, notes, and photos.

Printable Resources

Download or create a printable dessert tour checklist with these columns:

You can find free templates on Canva or Google Docs under “food tour planner.”

Community Resources

• Long Beach Food Tour Association – Offers free monthly dessert walk events.
• Long Beach Public Library – Hosts “Taste of the City” food history talks.
• Local Culinary Schools – California State University, Long Beach’s Hospitality Program occasionally opens its dessert lab for public tastings.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Cultural Heritage Tour

Group: A family of four visiting from Texas

Goal: Experience the multicultural dessert traditions of Long Beach

Itinerary:

1. La Palma Bakery – 10 a.m. – 2 conchas and a slice of tres leches cake ($12)
2. Alma’s Mexican Bakery – 10:45 a.m. – 2 buñuelos and a cup of atole ($8)
3. Churro & Co. – 11:30 a.m. – 2 churros with chocolate sauce ($5)
4. Plant Based Bakery – 12:30 p.m. – Vegan red velvet cupcake ($8)
5. Chocolat Moderne – 1:30 p.m. – 3-piece chocolate tasting (dark, milk, and sea salt) ($10)
6. Ice Cream Bar – 3 p.m. – Coconut lime sorbet ($7)

Notes: The family learned that conchas are named for their shell-like top, and that atole is a traditional warm corn-based drink. They ended the tour with a walk along the Long Beach Pier, savoring their final bite as the sun set.

Example 2: The Modern Dessert Adventure

Group: Two food bloggers from Los Angeles

Goal: Document innovative, Instagram-worthy desserts

Itinerary:

1. Chocolat Moderne – 10 a.m. – Hand-painted bonbons with edible gold ($15)
2. Flour & Co. – 11 a.m. – Matcha opera cake with gold leaf ($14)
3. Ice Cream Bar – 12 p.m. – Black sesame ice cream with yuzu drizzle ($8)
4. Plant Based Bakery – 1 p.m. – Activated charcoal donut with lavender glaze ($10)
5. Donut Time – 2:30 p.m. – Rainbow sprinkle donut with glitter sugar ($6)

Notes: They created a YouTube video titled “Long Beach Dessert Safari: 5 Stops, 100% Visual,” which gained 80K views. Their highlight? The black sesame ice cream, which they described as “earthy, nutty, and hauntingly beautiful.”

Example 3: The Solo Reflection Tour

Individual: A writer from San Diego on a personal retreat

Goal: Slow down, savor, and journal

Itinerary:

1. Flour & Co. – 9 a.m. – Plain croissant with butter and jam ($8)
2. Chocolat Moderne – 10:30 a.m. – Single-origin dark chocolate square ($5)
3. La Palma Bakery – 12 p.m. – Pan dulce with cinnamon sugar ($4)
4. Ice Cream Bar – 3 p.m. – Honey lavender sorbet ($7)
5. Belmont Shore Park – 4:30 p.m. – Picnic with all treats, journaling

Notes: The writer wrote a personal essay titled “The Quiet Sweetness of Long Beach,” published in a regional literary magazine. They noted: “I didn’t just taste sugar—I tasted time. Time spent kneading dough, time spent waiting for chocolate to temper, time spent smiling as a stranger handed me a warm pastry with no expectation of thanks.”

FAQs

How long should a dessert tour in Long Beach take?

A well-paced dessert tour typically takes 3 to 4 hours, including travel time between stops. Allow 30–45 minutes per location to enjoy your treat, take photos, and chat with staff. If you’re adding a coffee break or a walk along the waterfront, extend it to 5 hours.

Can I do a dessert tour on a budget?

Absolutely. Many Long Beach dessert spots offer items under $5. Focus on panaderías, churro stands, and ice cream cones instead of plated desserts. A budget-friendly tour can easily stay under $30 per person.

Are there vegan or gluten-free dessert options in Long Beach?

Yes. Long Beach has one of the highest concentrations of plant-based bakeries in Southern California. Plant Based Bakery, Sweet Releaf, and even Flour & Co. offer gluten-free and vegan options. Always ask—many shops are happy to accommodate dietary needs.

Is it better to walk or drive between dessert stops?

Walking is ideal in Downtown and East Village, where shops are clustered. In Belmont Shore, walking along the Strand is scenic and relaxing. For longer distances (e.g., from Los Altos to Downtown), use a bike, rideshare, or park-and-walk strategy. Avoid driving and parking if possible—street parking is limited and costly.

Can I bring kids on a dessert tour?

Yes! Many dessert shops are family-friendly. Choose spots with outdoor seating and simple treats like churros, ice cream, and cookies. Avoid places that require quiet or fine dining etiquette. La Palma Bakery and Churro & Co. are especially kid-approved.

Do I need to tip at dessert shops?

Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s appreciated—especially if staff go out of their way to help you or offer samples. A $1–$2 tip per stop is thoughtful. In cash-only shops, leave a few extra dollars in the tip jar.

What’s the best time of year to do a dessert tour in Long Beach?

Spring (March–May) and fall (September–November) offer mild weather and seasonal specialties like hibiscus sorbet or pumpkin flan. Summer is great for ice cream, but crowded. Winter brings festive treats like buñuelos and tamales dulces.

Can I combine a dessert tour with other activities?

Definitely. Pair your tour with a visit to the Long Beach Museum of Art, a walk along the Queen Mary, or a sunset at the Pike Outlets. Many dessert spots are within walking distance of major attractions.

Conclusion

Planning a dessert tour in Long Beach is more than a culinary experiment—it’s an act of curiosity, connection, and celebration. Each sweet treat you sample carries the history of a family, the passion of an artisan, and the spirit of a community that refuses to be overlooked. From the buttery layers of a French croissant to the earthy warmth of a Mexican concha, Long Beach’s dessert scene is a reflection of its soul: diverse, resilient, and deeply sweet.

By following this guide, you’re not just eating—you’re engaging. You’re learning the language of sugar, the rhythm of baking, the stories behind the ovens. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong resident, this tour will change how you see the city.

So grab your notebook, lace up your shoes, and set out with an open heart—and an even more open appetite. The best desserts aren’t just found on a menu. They’re discovered in the quiet moments between bites, in the smiles of strangers who become guides, and in the sweet silence that follows the last crumb.

Long Beach is waiting. And it’s ready to share its sweetness with you.