Grand Prix weekend in Long Beach is one of the best events of the year. The energy downtown is unlike anything else, the engines are loud, the crowds are packed in, and for a lot of people, that’s exactly the appeal. But if you’re looking for a place to take a breath, grab a real meal, and still feel the vibe of the weekend without fighting through the race corridor, Shoreline Village is exactly where you want to be.
The 2026 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach runs April 17 through April 19, and Shoreline Village is staying open the entire weekend. Whether you’re a die-hard race fan who needs a lunch break or you’re tagging along with someone and want something to do, this is one of the most underrated spots in Long Beach during race week.
Harbor Views and Great Food Without the Chaos
Shoreline Village sits right on Rainbow Harbor and offers waterfront restaurants ranging from quick bites to upscale fine dining, with views of the harbor and the Queen Mary in the background. On a sunny April afternoon, there aren’t many better places to be in Southern California.
Queensview Steakhouse is on the third floor with a 360-degree view of the harbor, making it one of the most dramatic dining rooms in the city. If you want to make a whole experience out of Grand Prix weekend, a reservation there for dinner after the races is a solid move. The menu features prime steaks, chops, lobster, and fresh grilled fish, with live music most nights.
For something a little more laid back, Tequila Jack’s has a waterfront patio with umbrella seating right on the water, which is perfect for a casual lunch between sessions.
Yard House is another solid option, known for a wide menu, classic rock, and one of the better draft beer programs around. If you’ve been on your feet all morning watching qualifying, sitting outside with a cold beer and a harbor view is a pretty good way to spend an afternoon.
Shenanigan’s Irish Pub and Grill is Long Beach’s only waterfront Irish sports bar, so if you want to catch race coverage, grab a pint, and not feel like you’re in a hotel lobby, that’s your spot.
Louisiana Charlie’s brings a Cajun angle with gumbo, po-boys, crawfish, and fried oysters for anyone who wants something with a little more personality than a standard bar menu.
A Vendor Village Right on the Waterfront
Shoreline Village is also hosting a vendor village during Grand Prix weekend, which gives the whole property a festival feel without the race track admission price. Think local makers, specialty goods, and the kind of browsing you actually want to do when you’re in a good mood and the weather is nice. It’s a great way to kill an hour, pick up something unique, and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere that makes this part of Long Beach so good in the first place.
The permanent shops are worth checking out too. You’ll find specialty stores with jewelry, beach and coastal gifts, clothing, home decor, and more scattered throughout the village. It’s a genuinely good walkable stretch, especially if you have kids or non-race fans in your group who need something to do while you’re checking race times on your phone.
It’s Easy to Get To (and Easy to Leave)
Shoreline Village is just down Shoreline Drive from the race circuit, which means you’re still close to all the action without being stuck in the thick of it. The address is 401-435 Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, and it’s easily reached from the 710 Freeway via the Aquarium of the Pacific exit. Ride-share drop-off works well, parking is available, and you can walk to and from the race area if you’re feeling ambitious.
Shops are generally open from 10am to 9pm, and the restaurants keep their own hours, so arriving early for breakfast or coffee and staying through dinner is completely doable.
Why This Works So Well for Grand Prix Weekend
Here’s the honest pitch: the race is amazing, but it’s also loud, crowded, hot, and exhausting by the afternoon. Having a place like Shoreline Village nearby gives the whole weekend a better rhythm. You can do the race stuff in the morning, take a real break with actual food and a harbor view, and head back refreshed. Or if you’re not attending the race at all, Grand Prix weekend is still a fantastic time to be in downtown Long Beach, and Shoreline Village gives you a front-row seat to the energy of the city without needing a ticket.
The Queen Mary is sitting right across the harbor. The water is right there. The food is good. It’s Long Beach doing what Long Beach does best.
Come Find Your Spot This Grand Prix Weekend
Shoreline Village is open April 17-19 for the full Grand Prix weekend. Browse the vendor village, grab a table on the waterfront, and make it part of your race weekend plans. Visit shorelinevillage.com for restaurant details, hours, and directions.
