Things to do in Long Beach? (San Francisco, Orange: live, price, shops)

[chicago81]

Hey guys,
I just moved to Long Beach from Chicago and am looking for things to do, places to check out, websites that might help. I am, I guess what they would call, a liberal hipster. I love folk, jazz, blues, funk-lets just say I love music, especially live. I love coffee shops, book stores, art galleries. I guess what it comes down to is that I have a passion for culture. But I'm new to the area and don't know where to start. Any suggestions? Thanks!

[BRinSM]

Originally Posted by chicago81

Hey guys,
so i moved to Long Beach 2 years ago from Chicago and I HATE it. I'm a musician and a writer and I plan to move up to Berkeley to go back for my masters in Journalism. I can't stand the culture in Southern California. The people here have no spirit, no pride in where they live. Their lives revolve around their breast implants and when their next pedicure is. You go out for an evening and everyone is just to cool for their own good. Everyone walks around looking so bored! Ugh! Anyway, I can't wait to leave. I've considered going back to Chicago but I do love the weather out here-the mid-west winters are brutal. My one concern-is the culture better up north? I've visited San Francisco before and I loved it-the people seemed so laid back. Is Northern California culture different from Southern California culture?

i thought you were trying to get out of socal. you're probably better leaving if this is how you feel. i personally like long beach though, the entire coastal stretch from downtown to belmont shore is easily bikeable and has something from everyone whether you're gay, a yuppie, or a punk. anyways, i hope things work out for you.

[Bunjee]

Tonight there's the Rivets and Rockets exhibit downtown on Pine. It's free. I think there'll be music there too. You can probably walk to the Dollar Bookstore (everything's a dollar). Not brilliantly organized but there are great finds (for $1!). Alex's Bar is closer to the traffic circle, but it can get crowded and loud. Go on a weekday instead to scope the place out. Unfortunately, if you watch True Blood on HBO, this is where the bar "Fangtasia" is filmed so it might've changed some. But I recall it was a pretty cool place with, importantly, pretty cheap drinks and taps. And even when there are bands playing it's usually a cheap cover.

Tomorrow's the BuskerFest, also free, downtown. You might enjoy it. The common theme of all the free summer street events has been environmentalism. Solar powered stages, bike valets, and the like. If you want to get involved, there are booths. Ask someone.

San Pedro has changed. This is Chuck Bukowski's old haunt but much is different. Still, though there's not much there anymore and the town's on the verge of big development, I like The Whale & Ale English pub. A little pricey but just a nice place, nice owner, good people. (NOT FAKE.)

[chicago81]

I'm doing a little research, I intend to leave no matter what. Just want to make sure I experienced everything I could before I leave for Berkeley. And it's not long beach I have a problem with, it's the cities around long beach. I work in Orange County. Thank you for your advice.

[BVitamin]

you'll find this up north but go get some Peets Coffee.