🇺🇸 Spring Break Trip 1 - Long Beach

We booked a spring break cruise early and decided to stay in Long Beach for two nights since it’s close to the boarding point. It was a great chance to explore the area with the kids! No rental car needed—everything was within walking distance. One or two days is perfect for sightseeing here. ✈️ Southwest San Jose ⇄ Long Beach Snagged round-trip direct flights for $130+ by booking a month early! Southwest doesn’t assign seats—boarding order depends on online check-in time. Families with kids under 6 can board right after Group A, so we guaranteed seats together. 🏨 Hyatt Regency Used 30,000 points for two nights. Perfect location—dining, shopping, and attractions all within a 10-minute walk. Safe and clean (we didn’t go out after 9 PM). 🎡 Activities 1️⃣ Shoreline Village – Colorful cottages & waterfront views The pastel-colored houses are super photogenic! Quaint shops and restaurants make it ideal for coffee or meals. Stroll along the coast to see Lions Lighthouse. Harbor tours (~1 hour) are available. The kids loved the ice cream shop in a pink cottage! 🍦 2️⃣ Pike Outlets – Shopping & mini amusement park Brands like H&M, Nike, and Columbia. On weekends, there’s a mini train and Ferris wheel—perfect for families! 3️⃣ Aquarium of the Pacific Smaller than Monterey’s—half a day is enough. Exhibits feature Southern California, tropical Pacific, and cold-water marine life. Touch sharks, watch jellyfish, and see penguins, otters, and sea lions outdoors! 🐧 4️⃣ Swan Boats at the hotel lake Fits 5 people. Used hotel credits for a free 1-hour ride. Even more romantic at night with glittering lights on the water! 💡 🍽️ Dining No Chinese food nearby, but DoorDash delivered great Thai and Cajun options. The outlets and shoreline village also offer steakhouses and seafood spots. #FamilyTravel #SpringBreak #LosAngeles #LongBeach #WeekendGetaway #TravelWithKids