Big Changes Coming to Long Beach in 2026: Waterfront, Mobility & Community
Long Beach is not standing still. 2026 is shaping up to be a year of visible upgrades, especially along the waterfront and key corridors. If you live here, or plan to, these Long Beach 2026 projects touch concerts, commutes, parks, and how we move through the city day to day.
If you are wondering what Long Beach 2026 will actually feel like on a daily basis, this guide breaks down the biggest changes in plain language.
As a Long Beach-based Realtor and community organizer, I have hosted 900-plus local events since 2020 and built a community of more than 6,000 people across Long Beach, LA, and OC. I post events on Meetup and Eventbrite, and I list everything on my Join Our Community page so you can plug in easily.
Below is a simple guide to the biggest 2026 changes and what they mean for your lifestyle.
These Long Beach 2026 changes will shape how it feels to live, work, and relax in the city over the next decade.
1) Long Beach 2026 Waterfront: New Amphitheater and a More Active Shoreline
The City is moving forward with a new waterfront amphitheater, often called the Long Beach Bowl, to diversify local entertainment and visitor experiences along the water. Current timelines aim to have the venue ready for a 2026 concert season, with an operator agreement and final approvals guiding the exact schedule.
What it means for you: more live shows by the water, better rideshare or shuttle planning, and another reason your friends will want to meet in Long Beach instead of driving to LA.
2) Long Beach 2026 Mobility: Shoemaker Bridge and Shoreline Drive Changes
The long planned Shoemaker Bridge Replacement, the gateway between Downtown and the 710, is paired with the Shoreline Drive Realignment Project. Together, they are designed to improve safety, reconnect neighborhoods, and create more walkable and bike friendly connections between Downtown, the waterfront, and the freeways. Expect more public updates in 2025, with major construction on Shoreline and related ramps starting around early 2026 and running for several years as part of the broader program.
What it means for you: periodic ramp closures and detours around Downtown and the 710, and ultimately safer access, added open space, and smoother traffic flow when everything is complete.
3) Nature and Parks: Colorado Lagoon Open Channel
The Colorado Lagoon Open Channel project, which links the lagoon to the Marine Stadium area, continues into early 2026, with the City posting road closures and detours near Colorado Street and Eliot Street. The end goal is healthier water circulation and improved recreation.
What it means for you: detours near Colorado Street and Eliot Street into early 2026, and long term, better habitat and a nicer place to walk, paddle, and picnic.
4) Big Logistics You Will Still Feel: Pier B Rail Expansion
The Port of Long Beach’s multi year Pier B On Dock Rail Support Facility, under construction since 2024, expands rail capacity so more cargo can move by train instead of trucks. The overall timeline runs to about 2032, and improvements roll out in phases.
What it means for you: fewer truck miles per container over time, potential air quality benefits, and a more efficient supply chain that supports local jobs.
5) Belmont Beach and Aquatics Center: Moving Forward With Updates
The Belmont Beach and Aquatics Center has seen redesigns and budget updates, with City meetings continuing in 2025 and additional steps at the Coastal Commission level. Timeline details are still evolving as bids, budgets, and approvals are finalized.
What it means for you: a major aquatics destination remains in the pipeline. The final schedule depends on approvals and contracting.
6) Smaller but Notable: Marina Green Parking and Waterfront Tweaks
Look for targeted improvements like Marina Green parking lot upgrades, better organization and accessibility, new infiltration basins, and EV chargers, plus related shoreline polish as the broader waterfront program rolls out.
What it means for you: easier event parking layouts and a tidier visitor experience along the water.
How Long Beach 2026 Changes Affect Neighborhood Choice If You Are House Hunting
If you are deciding where to live in Long Beach, projects like the amphitheater and Shoreline realignment may nudge you toward, or away from, certain blocks depending on:
- Noise and activity tolerance: waterfront concert nights can be fun and bring foot traffic.
- Commute routes: watch temporary detours around Downtown and 710 connections during 2026 construction work.
- Lifestyle fit: if you want walkable entertainment, the waterfront gets a boost. If you prefer quiet, consider pockets inland.
When you are ready to map your lifestyle to neighborhoods and budget, my Real Estate Education page breaks down options in plain language.
Long Beach 2026 is not just about construction and projects. It is also about how you connect with people and local experiences while the city evolves.
Plug Into the Community So Long Beach Feels Like Home
I run multiple local groups to make meeting people easy:
- Living LA and OC: happy hours, Taco Tuesdays, mixers, and speed dating. We already have one marriage and more couples in the works.
- Paddle LA and OC: group paddles and themed events like the Halloween paddle and the Naples Christmas Light Paddles.
- Golfing LA and OC: rounds, range nights, and casual golf trips.
- First Time Home Buyers and Sellers Group: low-pressure seminars and Q & A nights to learn the process before you make moves.
Find the calendar on my Join Our Community page. I also post to Meetup and Eventbrite if you prefer those platforms.
Quick FAQ: Long Beach 2026
Will 2026 be a construction year on the waterfront?
You will see activity, especially around the amphitheater build-out and traffic changes near Shoreline and Shoemaker. The goal is a fuller 2026 concert season and smoother long term access.
Any road closures I should plan around?
Yes. Colorado Lagoon area detours continue into early 2026, and Shoreline or 710-related work is expected as construction ramps up. Check City and Port updates before big outings.
Is the aquatics center finally happening?
It is advancing with redesign, budget steps, and public updates. Exact dates remain in flux. Watch official project pages for the latest.
Ready to Make the Most of Long Beach 2026?
Join an event, meet your neighbors, and see how the city is changing up close. Start with my Join Our Community page, or reach out on my Connect page at yourrealtordavid.com/connect if you want neighborhood guidance or a quick check on rent versus buy.
Let’s build a community together!
About the Author
David Sanchez
Long Beach Realtor and Community Organizer
I help people make friends in Long Beach, plug into local events, and, when they are ready, find a home that fits their lifestyle.
Contact:
Phone: 562-537-9206
Email: David@LivingCARealty.com
Instagram: @david.s.sanchez
YouTube: @YourRealtorDavid
Join our community: yourrealtordavid.com/join-our-community
Real estate education: yourrealtordavid.com/real-estate-education