The Best of Long Beach—

Things to do in Los Altos

Tucked into the eastern reaches of Long Beach, Los Altos is a neighborhood where college town energy meets leafy escapes, outdoor activities and a surprisingly eclectic food scene.

This laidback corner of the city serves up everything from a tranquil Japanese garden to pickleball courts, championship golf to nature trails and Old West adventures. Add inventive cuisine fusions and an evening of performing arts and college sports, and you’ve got an easygoing itinerary that feels both familiar and full of surprises.

SIMONE’S DONUTS / EARL BURNS MILLER JAPANESE GARDEN

Start your Los Altos adventure at Simone’s Donuts (6400 E Stearns St), a neighborhood favorite just blocks from Cal State Long Beach. Grab a cup of coffee, a maple bar or a quick bite from the extensive selection of grab-and-go goodies. Save room for the Cronut, which some fans consider the best in town. Then trade the morning bustle for tranquility at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the CSULB campus (1250 N Bellflower Blvd). Reservations are required to explore this beautifully landscaped retreat, where winding paths, Japanese maples, bonsai trees and koi-filled ponds invite you to slow down and recharge.

SPORTS BASEMENT / EL DORADO PARK RECREATION

Ready to kick things into gear? Sports Basement (2100 N Bellflower Blvd) is your headquarters for outfitting just about any outdoor adventure. Head upstairs to the Flight Deck, where five pickleball courts offer daily open play. The space also hosts classes and special events and is available for free group bookings. For more action, reserve a court at the nearby El Dorado Tennis Center (2800 N Studebaker Rd) for tennis or pickleball, or hit the links at El Dorado Park Golf Course (2400 N Studebaker Rd). Designed by golf legend Ted Robinson Sr., this scenic, 18-hole championship course features tree-lined fairways and hosts the Long Beach Open.

EL DORADO NATURE CENTER / EL DORADO FRONTIER

Looking for a family-friendly outing? Not far from the Los Altos neighborhood, the 105-acre El Dorado Nature Center (7550 E Spring St) offers two miles of trails and a paved walking loop that winds past ponds, streams and wooded landscapes. Keep an eye out for rabbits, frogs, squirrels, turtles and an abundance of birds. The Visitor Center's interactive exhibits and art gallery offer even more to explore. Or head to El Dorado Frontier (7550 E Spring St), a charming Old West-themed amusement park open on weekends. With train rides, gold panning and kid-friendly attractions, this miniature frontier town is a fun destination for family outings and birthday celebrations.

APPU’S TURMERIC CAFE / THE ELDO

Come hungry, because Los Altos serves up some exceptional and unexpected culinary combinations. At Appu’s Turmeric Cafe (2211A Palo Verde Ave), Indian and Mexican cuisines come together in a creative menu with fully vegetarian and vegan options. Don't miss the popular Maharaja Burrito, which has earned national recognition, or the cafe's flavorful soups, jackfruit dishes, vegan lassis and paneer tikka masala tacos. For a different take on fusion, settle into The Eldo (3014 N Studebaker Rd.), a welcoming gastropub that pairs American favorites with South African specialties, craft cocktails and locally brewed beers. Try the boerewors sausage roll or Durban-style lamb curry for a taste of something different.

CARPENTER PERFORMING ARTS CENTER / WALTER PYRAMID

Round out your Los Altos adventure with an evening at Cal State Long Beach, where the performing arts and athletics share the spotlight. The Carpenter Performing Arts Center (6200 E Atherton St) presents an array of live entertainment, from music and dance to theater and more, in an intimate setting. Nearby, the iconic Walter Pyramid, officially known as the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid, is one of Long Beach's most recognizable landmarks. It hosts CSULB basketball and volleyball games, along with special sporting events such as the annual USA Sumo Open. Check both venues' schedules before your visit, then cap off the day with a performance or a chance to cheer on the Beach.

Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.