Best of the Long Beach Exchange: A Local's Guide to LBX

If you're considering a move to East Long Beach, there's a good chance the Long Beach Exchange (LBX) will become part of your regular routine. Tucked into Douglas Park near the airport at 4069 N Lakewood Blvd, LBX is an open-air shopping and dining district that's become one of the neighborhood's biggest draws — and honestly, one of the reasons clients fall in love with this part of town.

Here's our local's-eye guide to what makes LBX worth the trip, whether you're weighing a move to the area or already living nearby.

The Hangar: LBX's Heart and Soul

Start here. The Hangar is a 17,000-square-foot structure that pays homage to the site's history as a Boeing/McDonnell Douglas aircraft facility, and today it houses more than a dozen boutique food vendors under one roof. It's the kind of spot you bring out-of-town guests to because it shows off everything great about Long Beach's food scene in one stop.

Standouts inside The Hangar include:

• Jay Bird's Hot Chicken – for when you want serious heat with your crunch
• Ike's Love and Sandwiches – massive, customizable sandwiches with cult-favorite sauces
• Marinate Korean BBQ and Tanuki Curry House – two of the more adventurous bites in the building
• Cassidy's Corner Cafe – coffee and bagels for the morning crowd
• Bottlecraft – a craft beer bar that's perfect for an evening wind-down
• Blue Bowl, Poke2 Grill, and La Taquería Brand – quick, fresh, and easy to grab on a lunch break

Beyond the Hangar: More Places to Eat

LBX's restaurant lineup extends well past The Hangar's walls. A few favorites:

• Mendocino Farms and Panini Kabob Grill for a solid lunch that won't leave you sluggish (Hayley & Jess' favorite!)
• Silverlake Ramen for a cozy bowl on a cooler Long Beach evening
• SusieCakes for celebration-worthy desserts
• MOD Pizza and In-N-Out for the reliable, kid-approved options
• Georgia's and Mixed for something a little different

Shopping and Everyday Errands

One of the best things about LBX is how it doubles as a genuine errand-running destination, not just a place to browse. Anchors like Whole Foods, TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy, and J.Crew Factory mean you can knock out groceries and a wardrobe refresh in the same trip. Ulta Beauty, PetSmart, and For Eyes round things out for beauty, pet care, and eyewear needs.

Health, Fitness, and Self-Care

LBX has quietly become a fitness hub in its own right. Within a few steps of each other you'll find Orangetheory Fitness, Bar Method, Grit Cycle, StretchLab, RA Yoga, and Be Fit Modern Pilates — plenty of options to build a workout routine without ever leaving the center. Afterward, unwind at Perspire Sauna Studio or Spavia for a well-earned reset.

Why This Matters If You're House Hunting

For buyers looking at homes near Douglas Park, El Dorado, or the Carson/Lakewood corridor, LBX is more than a nice-to-have — it's a real lifestyle amenity. Having a walkable mix of groceries, fast-casual dining, boutique fitness, and everyday services this close to home is a genuine convenience factor, and it's something I regularly point out to clients touring properties in this part of Long Beach.

If you'd like to see homes within walking or biking distance of LBX, I'd love to help you explore what's available. It's one of my favorite pockets of the city to show — and one of the easiest to fall for.

Have a favorite LBX spot we missed? Let us know — we're always looking for excuses to go back.