Past, Present & Future: Long Beach’s Legacy, Lifestyle, and What’s Next

Some cities are just a stop on the map—but Long Beach is a destination. Coastal, cultural, and constantly evolving, this city continues to balance its rich history with a forward-looking vision for the future.

In our latest American Dream TV segment, hosts Chenine Lozano and Kim Purdy explore Long Beach through time, revealing how its past shaped the community we know today.

Local historian Keon Holmes walked us through The Pike—once a vibrant amusement zone filled with roller coasters, tattoo parlors, and carnival lights that defined the city’s identity. Beneath Ocean Boulevard, the historic Jurgens Trust Tunnel still sits sealed, a hidden remnant of a 1920s-era passageway lined with shops and businesses.

Long Beach’s Navy roots run deep, influencing everything from its nightlife to the small, two-bedroom homes originally built for service members—many of which still stand today.

Fast forward to the present, and the same energy thrives in places like Shoreline Village, where locals and visitors alike enjoy waterfront views, carousels, surrey bikes, and harbor cruises.

Looking ahead, Long Beach is poised for global attention as the 2028 Summer Olympics bring up to 11 events to the city, including sailing, BMX racing, and water polo. Alongside the new Long Beach Amphitheater, the city is redefining what it means to be both coastal and cultural.

From the echoes of The Pike to the cheers of the Olympics, Long Beach proves that legacy lives, lifestyle thrives, and the future is already here.