While driving along the California coast, you will come upon a city unlike any other. It has a beach town feel, bustling downtown city center, pyramid, thriving LGBT community, and many culturally diverse communities. This unique city is Long Beach, and for a lucky 470,000, it is home. Growing up in anywhere is an experience, but true Long Beach citizens can relate to the following:
1. Whenever you tell someone you’re from Long Beach, they automatically think of Snoop Dogg.
"Straight up out that Long Beach to Strong Beach"- Snoop Dogg
2. You live for Stroll & Savor in the summers.
A $10 book of tickets can buy a giant cinnamon roll, a plate of taquitos, pad thai, sushi and more. Who knew happiness was so cheap?
3. Nothing compares to Super Mex chips and salsa.
It's likely you'll be full before your meal comes out.
4. Your middle school dates were at the Long Beach Town Center.
Game changer: the arm rests in the theaters go up.
5. Your elementary and high school rivalries carried on after graduation.
You definitely remember who knocked you over during the 7th-grade basketball game.
6. Naples is your jumping playground in the summer.
Standing on the sharp railings definitely made you jump quicker.
7. You eat at Fantastic Cafe more than you would like to admit.
8. A bay day is always a good idea.
Whether it's packed on the 4th of July or a relaxed Saturday, the bay is always a good place to relax.
9. It’s likely that you had a high school formal at the Queen Mary.
10. You probably had multiple field trips to the Aquarium.
Getting a seat at the seal feeding was impossible because of all the tourists.
11. You either did Junior Lifeguards or went to 49er camp.
Jumping off the pier was no joke for the end of summer test.
12. You most likely own a Joe Jost’s shirt.
13. Schooner or Later is a must for brunch.
A "mess" never tasted so good.
14. There's no better place than Simone's for doughnuts.
Amateurs go in the morning, professionals go in the middle of the night for hot doughnuts.
15. Strolling through Naples during Christmas time is magical.
The floating trees, decorated houses, and caroling locals definitely get you in the Christmas spirit.