Plan your visit
Your ride is an hour or two. Here is the rest of the day.
Where to park, where to check in, and what is worth walking or driving to around Alamitos Bay Landing. One rule up front: drinks come after the ride, not before.
Before you go
Getting here
GPS address: 110 N. Marina Dr., Long Beach, CA 90803. That is Ballast Point’s address. Park in the free lot and walk straight down to the water.
Check in: the kiosk is on the departure dock directly in front of Ballast Point. Arrive 30 minutes early to park, check in, and get fitted for a life jacket.
Restroom: in the small Alamitos Bay Landing shopping center, a short walk from the dock. The crew has the key.
Drinks: save them for after. Riders need to be sober to go out on the water.
Alamitos Bay Landing
Right in our lot
Ballast Point Brewery
Craft beer and pub food with a big outdoor balcony and patio and panoramic views of the bay. Our dock is directly in front, so it is the easiest post-ride stop there is.
110 N. Marina Dr. · MapBoathouse on the Bay
Seafood, cocktails and live music on a sprawling bayfront patio with panoramic views. The dressed-up dinner after a sunset ride.
190 N. Marina Dr. · MapMarina Wine & Craft Beer Bar
Small neighborhood wine and craft beer bar. The low-key nightcap after a glow ride.
194 N. Marina Dr. #101 · MapJust outside our lot
A walk or a short drive
The Crab Pot Restaurant & Bar
Seafood boils dumped on the table, a big patio, and a bar. Kid friendly and loud in a good way. It is in the next parking lot over, not ours.
215 N. Marina Dr. · MapRivers End Park
Where the San Gabriel River meets the ocean, on the Seal Beach side. Native plants, a walking path, fitness stations, and sprawling views back across the water to downtown Long Beach.
Seal Beach · MapMarina Park playground
Just over the San Gabriel River bridge in Seal Beach. A playground and open grass for kids to burn off the last of it before or after a ride.
151 Marina Dr., Seal Beach · MapSchooner or Later
Breakfast and lunch on the marina for over 40 years. The move before a noon ride. It is a 15 minute walk, so most people drive over.
241 N. Marina Dr. · MapSan Pedro Fish Market
Casual seafood trays and marina views, up Marina Drive.
6550 E. Marina Dr. · MapWorth the drive
Five to ten minutes away
2nd & PCH
Open-air shopping center with restaurants, coffee, a grocery store and shops.
6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy · MapMain Street, Seal Beach
Just over the San Gabriel River bridge into Orange County. A small-town main street of cafes, bars and shops that ends at the Seal Beach Pier.
MapMarina Pacifica
Shops, restaurants and a movie theater on Pacific Coast Highway.
6326 E. Pacific Coast Hwy · Map2nd Street, Belmont Shore
Blocks of restaurants, coffee, bars and shopping. The most options in one walkable stretch.
MapMother’s Beach
Calm, shallow bay beach at Marine Park with a playground and no surf. The easy beach day with small kids.
MapNaples Island
Three islands of waterfront homes. For the one mile canal loop, stay on the path around the inner island. The sidewalks on Treasure Island and outer Naples dead end. On the two hour ride you can pedal there instead.
MapMonty’s at Rosie’s Dog Beach
Beachside restaurant right on the sand at Long Beach’s off-leash dog beach. Dogs cannot come on the hydrobikes, but this is the spot to make it up to them after.
MapHours and menus change. Check each spot before you go.
Putting it together
How people usually do it
- Morning: breakfast at Schooner or Later, then a noon ride.
- Afternoon: ride first, then a late lunch at Ballast Point or the Crab Pot.
- Evening: sunset ride, then dinner at Boathouse on the Bay or Ballast Point, both steps from the dock.
- Night: glow ride, then a nightcap at Marina Wine & Craft Beer Bar a few doors down.