What do you do when there’s no breakout meeting or the panels are done for the day? Where do you go when you need a little time away from the hubbub of convention chaos? Exhibit City News’ 5 in 15 offers five places to go to eat, relax, or simply stay that are a 15 minute or less walk from the convention center. In Long Beach, California that means the Long Beach Convention Center, the convention center of the Aquatic Capital of America.
Eat
The 555 East Steakhouse (555 East Ocean Blvd) is just a half mile walk from the convention center. An upscale, classic steakhouse with a sophisticated ambiance, 555 East is known for expertly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine list. They offer USDA Prime Beef, Japanese Wagyu (American Wagyu too), and Colorado rack of lamb, and that’s just the turf. For the surf you have Wild Barents Sea Red King Crab Legs, Chilean sea bass, and South Africa lobster tails. It is not cheap but perfect for a special occasion or client dinner.
The Breakfast Bar (70 Atlantic Ave) is a little closer and more affordable for budget-minded conventioneers. Appetizers feature the Hung Over (Breakfast Poutine), Shrimp & Cheesy Roasted Pepper Grits, Love-Lee Chicken & Waffle Sticks, and deviled eggs! For entrees you can have egg combos with pancakes, waffles, French toast, or you can go all out with Uncle Marcee’s Omelet Casserole. Passed down for three generations from chef Josh’s Great Uncle Marcee, it’s a festival of bread, jack cheese, milk, and egg prepared 24 hours in advance. Then it’s individually baked, drizzled with spiced sour cream, and served with potato pancake, side of Pico de Gallo, and fruit- Pamelo.
Sleep
The Westin Long Beach (333 East Ocean Boulevard) is a six-minute walk from the convention center. An upscale hotel with modern, spacious rooms and ocean views, the Westin has an on-site restaurant serving California-inspired cuisine. With amenities such as a pool, fitness center, and pet-friendly options, complimentary EV charging, Grab n’ Go Breakfast and Hot Breakfast (for a fee), and valet dry cleaning.
Hyatt Regency Long Beach (200 South Pine Avenue) is less than a quarter mile from the convention center. A stylish waterfront hotel with contemporary rooms, the Hyatt features a pool, fitness center, and a restaurant with stunning views for all of their more than 500 rooms. Concierge, in-room Chromecast, digital check-in, free internet, business center, and meeting facilities are some of the conveniences that are offered. The hotel is also directly connected to the Pike Outlets for shopping and dining.
Play
Long Beach has plenty of historic associations with the sea; everybody talks about the Queen Mary. But the LBC also has the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way). It is a 10 minute walk from the convention center, is one of the largest aquariums in the United States, and features over 12,000 animals. With more than 100 exhibits, including 19 habitats, you can visit Shark Lagoon, the Sea Otter Habitat, or the Tropical Pacific Gallery. Family friendly with touch pools, interactive exhibits, the aquarium is a perfect way to wind down from crazy convention crowds.
This story originally appeared in the Q2 2025 issue of Exhibit City News, p. 76. For original layout, visit https://issuu.com/exhibitcitynews/docs/exhibit_city_news_-_apr_may_jun_2025/76.
