Parkview Village, Step by Step
Parkview Village is a cozy corner of northeast Long Beach, perfect for slowing down and exploring.
Within a compact stretch of neighborhood streets, you’ll find coffee, books, shopping, gifts and wonderful food, with many destinations just a few steps apart. Start with coffee and a stroll or settle in for breakfast, then browse a beloved bookstore, discover one-of-a-kind treasures and linger over lunch or dinner. It’s an easygoing day of small discoveries, with everything conveniently close at hand.
GETTING STARTED
Start your morning at Eco Coffee (5475 E. Carson St.), a cozy, family-run organic coffeehouse serving organic brews, creative lattes, smoothies and teas, along with pastries, bagels and light bites. With local art, a friendly atmosphere and a sunny patio, it’s an easy place to ease into the day. Take your coffee to go and make the five-minute walk to nearby Heartwell Park (5801 Parkcrest St) for some fresh air, greenery and picturesque pond. Prefer a heartier breakfast? Settle in at Village Cafe (4148½ N Viking Way) for classic breakfast favorites, homemade soups and famously friendly service.
BOOK IT
Once Read Books (5422 E Village Rd) is a gorgeous tumble of more than 35,000 used books, packed onto floor-to-ceiling shelves and covering practically every subject imaginable. It may be the closest a Long Beach bookshop comes to the long-gone—and much-missed—Acres of Books, not only in the sheer number of books squeezed into the space, but in the treasure-hunt feeling that you might discover something you weren’t expecting—or didn’t even know existed. Allow yourself plenty of time to browse.
SHOP WITH A PURPOSE
Just a two-minute walk from Once Read Books, Fair Trade Long Beach (4105 N Bellflower Blvd) is a treasure trove of beautiful, unexpected finds. Its perpetually rotating collection features handcrafted gifts, clothing, jewelry, home décor and artwork from more than 30 local and global artisans. This “glocal” inventory can include everything from Haitian wall art to Ecuadorian nut jewelry and many other locally made treasures, while a second-floor space offers a stylish selection of recycled clothing.
LUNCH WITH A LITTLE ELEGANCE
Next door to Fair Trade Long Beach, Panvimarn Thai Cuisine (4101 Bellflower Blvd) has been a Long Beach favorite for more than two decades. Known for its elegant atmosphere and consistently well-executed menu, Panvimarn serves favorites ranging from panang curry and spicy drunken noodles to barbecue ribs, crispy garlic fish and fragrant soups. Seafood specialties are especially popular, showcasing the kitchen’s attention to both presentation and flavor.
BROWSE NEXT DOOR
Two neighboring boutiques offer distinctly different kinds of treasures. The Picket Fence (4127 Norse Way) specializes in charming, character-filled finds for the home, from whimsical décor and seasonal accents to distinctive gifts and accessories. Right next door, Skies for Miles (4405 E. Village Rd.) has a fashion-forward feel, with an eclectic selection of women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories that’s fresh, colorful and easy to wear. Together, they make for an easy browse when you’re looking for something special.
FIND A GIFT
Looking for a memorable gift? Romance Etc. (5407 E. Village Rd) has you covered, whether you’re looking for beautiful flowers or something a little less traditional. For nearly 40 years, this full-service florist has created arrangements for weddings and special events, while its gift shop offers an eclectic mix of jewelry, home décor, stationery, accessories, locally made goods, books, and bath and body products. You might even find temporary hair-coloring gel sticks. It’s a wonderfully unexpected place to find a gift with personality.
UNAUTHENTIC DINNER
End the day at Cali Chilli (4111 Viking Way), the self-proclaimed “Unauthentic Indian Restaurant” that puts a playful Long Beach spin on Indian cuisine. Since 2022, its ever-evolving menu has blended Indian, Southeast Asian and American influences, with dishes such as Eggplant Bharta Lasagna, lobster panang and Kashmiri-spiced fish. The industrial-chic setting, with brass accents, moody lighting and indoor-outdoor seating, adds to the fun. It’s an inventive way to end the day—and a chance to try Indian food that doesn’t play by the rules.