How to Plan a Seafood Tour in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, is more than just a coastal city with stunning sunsets and the iconic Queen Mary—it’s a seafood lover’s paradise. Nestled along the Pacific Ocean, the city boasts one of the most vibrant and diverse seafood scenes in Southern California. From bustling fish markets and family-run seafood shacks to upscale waterfront restaurants and guided culinary excursions, Long Beach offers an unforgettable gastronomic journey for anyone passionate about fresh, local, and sustainably sourced ocean fare.

Planning a seafood tour in Long Beach isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing culture, history, and community through the lens of the sea. Whether you’re a local resident looking to rediscover your backyard or a visitor seeking an authentic culinary adventure, a well-planned seafood tour can transform a simple meal into a memorable exploration. This guide will walk you through every step of organizing a personalized, enriching, and delicious seafood tour in Long Beach, covering logistics, hidden gems, seasonal considerations, and expert tips to ensure your experience is seamless and unforgettable.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Define Your Goals and Interests

Before you book a table or pack your bag, take time to reflect on what kind of seafood tour you want. Are you interested in:

• Sampling the freshest catch of the day at a local dockside market?
• Learning about sustainable fishing practices and marine conservation?
• Tasting regional specialties like Dungeness crab, white sea bass, or shrimp tacos?
• Exploring the cultural influences behind Long Beach’s seafood—Mexican, Vietnamese, Filipino, and Mediterranean?
• Combining seafood with scenic views, boat tours, or historical landmarks?

Your answers will shape the entire itinerary. For example, if sustainability is a priority, you’ll want to prioritize restaurants and vendors certified by the Marine Stewardship Council or those that partner with local fisheries. If you’re a foodie chasing bold flavors, focus on the Vietnamese seafood stalls in the 7th Street corridor or the Mexican-style cevicherías near the Pike Outlets.

Step 2: Research Key Seafood Destinations

Long Beach has dozens of seafood spots, but not all are created equal. Focus on these five essential locations:

• The Pike Outlets & The Shoreline Village – This waterfront district offers a curated mix of casual eateries and upscale seafood restaurants. Try The Lobster or Shoreline Fish Market for fresh oysters and grilled fish.
• Long Beach Fish Market (7250 E. 2nd St.) – A no-frills, family-owned market where locals buy their daily catch. Watch fishermen unload their boats and pick up live Dungeness crab, spot prawns, or whole snapper. Many vendors will cook your purchase on-site for a small fee.
• Thai Seafood Market (1201 E. 7th St.) – A hidden gem in the city’s vibrant Thai community. This market sells fresh seafood imported from Thailand and Southeast Asia, along with prepared dishes like spicy basil shrimp and steamed fish with lemongrass.
• Marina del Rey Fish Market (11000 W. Washington Blvd.) – Though technically just north of Long Beach, this is a must-visit for serious seafood enthusiasts. It’s one of the largest wholesale seafood markets on the West Coast, open to the public. Arrive early for the best selection.
• Bluewater Grill (111 W. Ocean Blvd.) – A waterfront fine-dining institution with an award-winning raw bar and daily seafood specials sourced from local boats. Ideal for a celebratory dinner.

Create a map of these locations and group them geographically to minimize travel time. For instance, start at Long Beach Fish Market, then head to Thai Seafood Market for lunch, and end at Shoreline Village for sunset cocktails and grilled octopus.

Step 3: Determine the Best Time to Visit

Timing is everything when planning a seafood tour. Seasonality affects both availability and flavor.

• Spring (March–May) – Dungeness crab season peaks in early spring. This is the best time to sample sweet, tender crab meat at markets and restaurants.
• Summer (June–August) – Ideal for shrimp, squid, and sardines. Many local boats return daily with fresh hauls. This is also peak tourist season, so expect crowds.
• Fall (September–November) – White sea bass and halibut are abundant. The weather remains warm, and seafood festivals like the Long Beach Seafood Festival typically occur in October.
• Winter (December–February) – Oysters are at their peak. Cold water enhances their briny flavor. Fewer tourists mean better service and availability.

Avoid visiting during major holidays like Memorial Day or Fourth of July if you prefer a quieter experience. Also, check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife for seasonal closures or advisories related to red tide or overfishing.

Step 4: Plan Your Route and Transportation

Long Beach is spread out, and many seafood spots are not walkable from each other. Here’s how to optimize your mobility:

• Public Transit – The Long Beach Transit system runs frequent buses to Shoreline Village, the Pike, and 7th Street. Use the Transit app for real-time tracking.
• Rideshare or Taxi – Uber and Lyft are reliable and affordable. Group rides with friends to split costs.
• Bike or E-Bike Rental – The Long Beach Bike Share program has stations near the waterfront. Riding along the Strand offers scenic views and easy access to multiple destinations.
• Private Tour Vehicle – For a premium experience, hire a private driver for the day. Many local tour companies offer curated seafood itineraries with knowledgeable guides.

Plan your route to start early—most seafood markets open by 7 a.m., and the freshest catches sell out by noon. If you’re visiting multiple locations, aim to spend 1–2 hours at each stop to savor the experience without rushing.

Step 5: Book Reservations and Confirm Hours

Even casual seafood spots can get crowded, especially on weekends. Always call ahead or check online for hours and reservation policies.

For example:

• Bluewater Grill accepts reservations via OpenTable.
• Long Beach Fish Market is first-come, first-served, but arrives early to avoid lines.
• Thai Seafood Market is closed on Mondays.
• Shoreline Fish Market requires a 24-hour notice for large orders or cooked-to-order meals.

Pro tip: If you plan to buy seafood to take home, ask vendors if they offer ice packs, insulated bags, or shipping services. Some markets can vacuum-seal and ship your purchase nationwide.

Step 6: Prepare for the Experience

Bring the right tools to make your tour more enjoyable:

• Reusable bags – For carrying seafood purchases.
• Wet wipes or hand sanitizer – Essential after handling raw fish or shellfish.
• Comfortable shoes – You’ll be walking on docks, piers, and uneven sidewalks.
• Camera or smartphone – Capture the vibrant colors of fresh seafood, bustling markets, and ocean views.
• Small notebook or app – Jot down names of vendors, dishes you loved, and prices for future reference.

If you’re traveling with children or elderly companions, choose spots with seating, restrooms, and shade. Shoreline Village and Bluewater Grill are family-friendly; fish markets may be less so.

Step 7: Engage with Vendors and Learn

The heart of a great seafood tour is connection. Don’t be afraid to ask questions:

• “Where was this fish caught today?”
• “What’s the best way to cook this?”
• “Do you have any specials that aren’t on the menu?”
• “Can I see the boat that brought this in?”

Many vendors are proud of their craft and happy to share stories—about their family’s fishing legacy, how they source sustainably, or how they learned to fillet a halibut at age 12. These moments turn a meal into a memory.

Step 8: Extend Your Experience

Turn your seafood tour into a full-day cultural immersion:

• Visit the Long Beach Museum of Art to see exhibits on coastal life and marine ecology.
• Take a Harbor Cruise with Long Beach Water Taxi to see the working harbor, fishing boats, and marine wildlife.
• Stop by the California State University, Long Beach Oceanography Department for public lectures or exhibits on local fisheries.
• End your day with a sunset walk along the Long Beach Boardwalk and a scoop of seafood-inspired ice cream (yes, it exists—try the shrimp and chili sorbet at The Ice Cream Bar).

These additions deepen your appreciation for the ocean’s role in Long Beach’s identity—not just as a food source, but as a way of life.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Sustainability

Choose seafood that’s responsibly harvested. Look for labels like “MSC Certified,” “Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC),” or ask vendors if they work with local, small-scale fishermen. Avoid species that are overfished, such as Chilean sea bass, Atlantic cod, or bluefin tuna. In Long Beach, opt for local favorites like Pacific sardines, anchovies, and squid—all abundant and low on the food chain.

2. Support Local, Not Chain Restaurants

While chain seafood spots like Red Lobster or Legal Sea Foods may be convenient, they rarely source locally. Instead, patronize independently owned businesses that have been in Long Beach for decades. These establishments reinvest in the community, employ local workers, and maintain traditional cooking methods.

3. Be Mindful of Allergies and Dietary Needs

Seafood is a common allergen. Always inform servers if you or someone in your group has shellfish or fish allergies. Many Long Beach restaurants are experienced in handling dietary restrictions and can modify dishes or prepare meals in separate areas.

4. Avoid Overordering

It’s tempting to try everything, but overordering leads to waste. Start with one or two dishes per location, and ask for recommendations. Most vendors will suggest the “catch of the day” or their most popular item. You can always go back for more.

5. Respect the Environment

Never litter on the docks or beaches. Dispose of shells, packaging, and napkins properly. Many seafood markets in Long Beach have recycling bins—use them. Consider bringing a reusable container for leftovers instead of plastic takeout boxes.

6. Tip Generously

Service staff, fishmongers, and boat captains work long hours in demanding conditions. Even if a place doesn’t have a formal tip jar, leaving $5–$10 per person for exceptional service is appreciated and culturally expected.

7. Learn Basic Seafood Terminology

Understanding terms like “whole dressed,” “fillet,” “head-on,” or “IQF” (individually quick frozen) helps you make informed choices. For example:

• Whole dressed – Fish cleaned and ready to cook, with head and tail intact.
• Head-on shrimp – Often more flavorful and fresher than peeled shrimp.
• IQF – Indicates frozen at sea for maximum freshness.

Knowing these terms empowers you to ask better questions and avoid being misled by marketing language.

Tools and Resources

Essential Apps and Websites

• Seafood Watch (montereybayaquarium.org) – The gold standard for sustainable seafood recommendations. Download their free app to scan and check any seafood item before purchasing.
• Yelp and Google Maps – Use filters for “open now,” “wheelchair accessible,” and “outdoor seating.” Read recent reviews for updates on hours and quality.
• Long Beach Tourism Official Site (visitlongbeach.com) – Features curated food tours, seasonal events, and downloadable maps.
• Facebook Groups: “Long Beach Foodies” and “Southern California Seafood Lovers” – Real-time recommendations from locals. Ask for “hidden gems” or “what’s fresh today.”
• Instagram Hashtags – Follow

  LongBeachSeafood, #LBSeafoodTour, #FishMarketLB, and #ShorelineVillageEats for visual inspiration and real-time updates.

Books and Media

• “The Fisherman’s Table” by Chef Michael Cimarusti – A beautiful cookbook focused on West Coast seafood with recipes inspired by Long Beach and Santa Monica fisheries.
• Documentary: “The Last Fishermen” (2021) – A short film following Long Beach’s last generation of commercial fishermen and their fight to preserve their livelihoods.
• Podcast: “Taste of the Coast” (Episode 14: Long Beach Seafood Scene) – Interviews with market owners, chefs, and marine biologists.

Local Organizations to Connect With

• Long Beach Seafood Alliance – A nonprofit that promotes sustainable fishing and hosts monthly seafood markets open to the public.
• California Sea Grant – Offers free educational workshops on marine conservation and seafood safety.
• Long Beach Maritime Museum – Exhibits on the history of fishing in Southern California, including vintage boats and nets.

Seasonal Events to Bookmark

• Long Beach Seafood Festival (October) – A two-day event featuring live cooking demos, vendor booths, and tastings from over 30 local seafood businesses.
• Shoreline Village Summer Seafood Nights (June–August) – Weekly outdoor dinners with live music and fresh catches.
• First Friday Art Walk (Monthly) – Many seafood restaurants participate with special menus and art-inspired dishes.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Solo Food Explorer

Maya, a 32-year-old food blogger from San Diego, planned a solo seafood tour in Long Beach over a Saturday. She started at 7 a.m. at Long Beach Fish Market, where she bought live spot prawns and had them grilled on the spot for $12. She then took the bus to Thai Seafood Market, where she ordered a bowl of tom yum soup with fresh squid and shrimp—her favorite dish. At 1 p.m., she visited Shoreline Village and tried a crab cake sandwich with remoulade at The Lobster. She ended the day with a harbor cruise, snapping photos of pelicans diving for fish. Her Instagram post about the tour went viral, attracting over 10,000 followers and a feature in Los Angeles Magazine.

Example 2: The Family Tour

The Rodriguez family—parents and two teenagers—visited Long Beach during spring break. They booked a private van for the day and followed a custom itinerary: morning at the fish market (kids got to hold a live crab), lunch at a family-owned Mexican seafood truck (fish tacos with handmade tortillas), and a guided tour of the harbor with a marine biologist. The kids learned how to identify different fish species and even helped release a rescued sea turtle back into the ocean. The family returned home with jars of dried shrimp, a handmade fishing net keychain, and a newfound respect for ocean conservation.

Example 3: The Corporate Team Building

A tech company from Irvine organized a seafood tour for its 25 employees as a team-building retreat. They hired a local culinary guide who led them through a tasting challenge: blindfolded seafood identification, followed by a cooking competition using ingredients bought from the Long Beach Fish Market. Teams had 30 minutes to create a dish judged by a local chef. The winning team made a ceviche with lime, chili, and fresh tuna, served on plantain chips. The event ended with a sunset toast on the pier. The company reported a 40% increase in employee satisfaction scores after the outing.

Example 4: The Culinary Student

Juan, a culinary arts student from USC, spent a week documenting Long Beach’s seafood scene for a school project. He interviewed five fishmongers, shadowed a chef at Bluewater Grill, and even joined a fishing boat at dawn. His final presentation included a map of seafood sourcing routes, a recipe book of regional dishes, and a 10-minute documentary. His work was selected for the university’s annual food symposium and later published in a regional food journal.

FAQs

Can I bring my own cooler to the fish market to take seafood home?

Yes, most seafood markets in Long Beach encourage customers to bring coolers. Some even sell ice packs for $1–$2. Just ensure your cooler is clean and sealed to prevent contamination.

Is it safe to eat raw seafood in Long Beach?

Yes, if you purchase from reputable vendors. Long Beach Fish Market and Shoreline Fish Market follow strict FDA guidelines for raw seafood handling. Look for vendors who store fish on ice below 41°F and display hygiene certifications.

Do I need to make reservations for seafood markets?

Most seafood markets are walk-in only. However, if you plan to buy large quantities (e.g., 10 pounds of crab or a whole tuna), call ahead to ensure availability and ask about pre-ordering.

What’s the best time of day to visit the fish market?

Early morning—between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.—is ideal. This is when the boats dock and the freshest catch is available. After 11 a.m., selection narrows significantly.

Are there vegetarian options on a seafood tour?

Yes. Many seafood restaurants in Long Beach offer excellent plant-based dishes. Try the grilled vegetable tacos at Shoreline Fish Market, the tofu satay at Thai Seafood Market, or the roasted beet salad at Bluewater Grill.

Can I take a guided seafood tour if I don’t speak English?

Many vendors and tour operators in Long Beach speak Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, and Thai. The Long Beach Tourism website offers multilingual downloadable guides. You can also request a bilingual guide through local tour companies.

How much should I budget for a full seafood tour?

For a moderate experience: $75–$150 per person. This includes $20–$40 at the fish market, $15–$30 for lunch, $30–$50 for dinner, and $10–$20 for drinks or souvenirs. Premium tours with private guides or boat excursions can reach $250+.

What’s the most unique seafood dish to try in Long Beach?

Try the “Shrimp Tacos al Pastor” at La Mariscada. These tacos feature grilled shrimp marinated in pineapple and achiote, served on handmade corn tortillas with pickled red onions. It’s a fusion of Mexican and Southeast Asian flavors unique to Long Beach.

Is seafood tour suitable for kids?

Absolutely. Kids love watching live crabs, tasting fresh ceviche, and seeing fishing boats. Choose stops with outdoor seating and simple dishes like fried calamari or fish sticks. Many vendors offer kid-sized portions at half price.

What should I do if I get sick after eating seafood?

If you experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or tingling after eating seafood, seek medical attention immediately. Long Beach has several urgent care centers near the waterfront. Keep your receipt and the name of the vendor—you may need to report it to the county health department.

Conclusion

Planning a seafood tour in Long Beach is more than a culinary outing—it’s an invitation to connect with the ocean, the community, and the traditions that have sustained this city for generations. From the early-morning bustle of the fish market to the quiet elegance of a sunset dinner on the pier, every bite tells a story. By following this guide, you’re not just eating seafood—you’re participating in a living, breathing culture that honors the sea.

Whether you’re a seasoned food traveler or a curious first-timer, Long Beach offers a seafood experience unlike any other on the West Coast. The key is intentionality: choose quality over quantity, embrace local voices, and respect the rhythm of the tides. With the right preparation, you’ll leave not just full—but transformed.

So pack your bag, bring your appetite, and set your sights on the shore. The ocean is waiting—and it’s served fresh every day.