Appreciating History and Architecture with Long Beach Heritage

If you love history and architecture, you should check out Long Beach Heritage to learn more about the city’s oldest buildings and historic neighborhoods. Whether you are visiting the area, a local resident, or someone who simply loves Long Beach, you will enjoy exploring the city and learning about its history with Long Beach Heritage.

LONG BEACH HERITAGE

Long Beach Heritage is a local nonprofit organization that promotes historic preservation in Long Beach. In addition to advocacy and education programs, Long Beach Heritage owns and operates the historic Bembridge House and offers regular tours and events there, as well as monthly walking tours of the city’s historic corridors. The group also advocates to keep older buildings in active use, promotes the use of historic preservation incentives, and serves as a resource to local property owners looking to invest in older buildings.

SUMMER OF ARCHITECTURE

From June through August of 2025, Long Beach Heritage is hosting its Summer of Architecture, a citywide celebration of Long Beach’s historic homes, iconic landmarks, and architectural treasures. This event series, sponsored by the Port of Long Beach, offers the chance to research your home’s history, hear lectures by local experts, and join exclusive tours of buildings, including some that are rarely open to the public. For details, visit the Long Beach Heritage events page.

MONTHLY TOURS

Long Beach is home to a wide variety of historic architectural styles, from charming Victorian farm houses and Craftsman bungalows to Art Deco, Spanish Revival, and Streamline Moderne. Long Beach Heritage offers several monthly walking tours to see and learn more about some of the city’s most notable historic buildings. The neighborhoods you can tour include the East Village Arts District, Downtown Long Beach, North Pine Avenue, and Ocean Boulevard at the Pike. For a calendar of upcoming tours, visit their events page.

BEMBRIDGE HOUSE

The Bembridge House (953 Park Circle Dr) is a two-story Queen Anne Victorian house built in 1906 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered one of the most significant historic residences in Long Beach and remains in near-pristine condition, even housing period furniture from the early 1900s. It is open Tuesday afternoons and the fourth Saturday of the month for docent-led tours. The house is also available for group and school tours and special event rental and hosts many special events throughout the year including the Wilmore neighborhood’s annual holiday market.

About the Author
Claire Atkinson
Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.
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