The Harbor offers a well-balanced neighborhood with a mix of housing options including single detached homes, small apartment buildings, and duplexes mostly dating back to the 1960s. This area features convenient access to over 200 cafes and numerous grocery stores, making errands and dining options plentiful. Its fairly flat terrain supports cycling as an efficient mode of transportation. Residents benefit from multiple nearby rapid transit stations and extensive bus service providing excellent connectivity throughout the wider region. With more than 200 parks close by, such as Ramona Park and Bluff Park, outdoor recreation opportunities are plentiful. Quiet streets create a peaceful atmosphere for residents.
The character of The Harbor is exemplified by its calm ambience. This area is fairly good for those who prefer a quiet atmosphere, as there are generally low levels of noise from traffic - although that is not the case closer to Terminal Island Freeway, I-605, one of the railway lines or one of the 2 airports (Long Beach /Daugherty Field/,Goodyear Blimp Base). Lastly, it is easy to access parks from the majority of locations within the neighborhood, since there are over 300 of them close by for residents to check out, such as Friendship Park and Don Knabe Community Regional Park.
Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special
A sprawling green space in the heart of Bixby Knolls, Los Cerritos Park is cherished for its mature trees, playground, picnic areas, and jogging paths—perfect for family gatherings, sports, and community events, all tucked away just off Bixby Road.
As a top-rated neighborhood public school on East Bixby Road, Longfellow Elementary draws families with its excellent academics, active PTA, and its central role in fostering community among local families in Bixby Knolls.
Running through the heart of Bixby Knolls, this walkable stretch on Atlantic Avenue is home to beloved local eateries like Rasselbock, The Pan, and Bake-n-Broil, making it a dining destination for everything from German pub fare to classic American brunch.
SteelCraft is an open-air urban eatery made of repurposed shipping containers at the corner of Long Beach Boulevard and Bixby Road, featuring a curated mix of food vendors, craft beer, coffee, and community events that bring neighbors together year-round.
Just north of Bixby Knolls, this restored wetlands park offers cycling and walking trails, scenic bridges, and a habitat for local wildlife—providing residents with a tranquil nature retreat just steps from the neighborhood’s urban amenities.
Things to do, events, and what's happening this month
This international short-film showcase lets audience members watch a curated slate and vote for their favorite film and actor. It is an easy, reasonably close downtown outing for Bixby Knolls residents who enjoy independent cinema, with the added appeal of a lively library-based cultural event.
View event details →Residents can discuss Don DeLillo’s White Noise with neighbors at a recurring community book club held right in Bixby Knolls. The meeting combines thoughtful conversation, local connection, and the possibility of continuing the evening at nearby Atlantic Avenue restaurants after the discussion.
View event details →This hands-on cultural workshop offers a welcoming way for local families, teens, and adults to experience Mexican regional dance. Dana Library is in north Long Beach near Bixby Knolls, making it a practical neighborhood outing that pairs movement, music, and cultural learning.
View event details →Holo Holo brings a full day of island, reggae, and Pacific-influenced music to Long Beach’s waterfront, featuring artists including Steel Pulse, The Green, Ekolu, and Siaosi. It is a notable regional concert option for Bixby Knolls residents seeking a larger outdoor festival without leaving Long Beach.
View event details →This presentation with the Long Beach Historical Society explores the city’s past through photographs, postcards, and historic calendars. It offers Bixby Knolls residents an engaging Sunday afternoon activity close to home while providing local context and stories about the broader community they live in.
View event details →Stories, updates, and things to know in Bixby Knolls
Local characteristics and demographics for Bixby Knolls
