The Golden State

Spring Break Birthday in The Golden State

Long Beach, California, is a destination that offers a mix of beach vibes, sports culture, and iconic attractions, making it an ideal spot for an exciting getaway. I recently spent my spring break here to celebrate my birthday with family, and the experience was filled with unforgettable highlights. From catching an NBA game to exploring local landmarks, Long Beach delivered everything I wanted.

Downtown Long Beach

Clippers vs. Bucks

As a basketball enthusiast, kicking off my birthday celebrations with a Clippers vs. Bucks game was a no-brainer, getting to see Dame and Giannias battle it out against the new big three of Paul George, Westbrook and Harden was amazing. The atmosphere inside Crypto.com Arena (formerly called the Staples Center) was electric, with fans from both teams bringing an intensity that made the game even more thrilling. Watching two of the league’s top teams square off was an experience that added excitement to my trip.

To add to the experience at the Staples Center I had the opportunity to see the various Kobe monuments. Kobe Bryant has always been my muse, so for a fan like me, paying homage to the Black Mamba on my birthday was both emotional and inspiring.

Exploring the Aquarium of the Pacific

For a change of pace, I spent an afternoon at the Aquarium of the Pacific, one of Long Beach’s signature attractions. Home to over 12,000 ocean animals, the aquarium offers an immersive experience with exhibits that showcase marine life from across the Pacific. Highlights included the shark lagoon and the sea otter habitat, which were both crowd favourites. It was a fun and educational way to explore the biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean.

Finishing with a View

Although it’s a bit of a drive from Long Beach, no trip to Southern California is complete without visiting Griffith Observatory. Overlooking Los Angeles from the hills of Griffith Park, the observatory offers some of the best views in the city and if you've played GTA 5 you know exactly what I'm talking about. As the sun set and the city lights began to sparkle, I couldn’t think of a better way to wrap up my birthday getaway.

Birthday Dinner at Parker’s Lighthouse

To cap off my special day, I enjoyed a birthday dinner at Parker’s Lighthouse, a waterfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and stunning views of the marina. The ambience was perfect, with the gentle ocean breeze and the twinkle of lights from the harbour setting the scene. I indulged in their famous surf and turf lobster tails and steak, then finished it off with a slice of birthday cake, making it a night to remember.

Long Beach and the surrounding areas provide the perfect blend of relaxation, culture, and excitement although it was very spendy. But for my birthday, Long Beach delivered on all fronts, offering experiences I’ll cherish for years to come.