Explore Long Beach’s design history through Summer of Architecture

Long Beach Heritage is showcasing the city’s many architectural wonders by opening up vintage homes, touring local landmarks and sharing the stories behind these eternal designs during its Summer of Architecture. 

This informative series includes a variety of tours, talks and interactive events meant to appreciate Long Beach’s infrastructural history. The 2025 Summer of Architecture program, sponsored by the Port of Long Beach, will study retro architectural styles and their creative influence on the city’s landscape.  

“Every block has a story, and we’re excited to help people experience the history all around them in a fun, engaging way,” said Long Beach Heritage President Chris Hogan in a public statement.

To mark the 100th anniversary of the seismic 1925 Paris Exposition, Summer of Architecture will focus on the Art Deco and Streamline Moderne movements that first received international recognition during this event. 

The Summer of Architecture will feature the following events:

• Wednesday, July 23 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The New Deal Era: Building a Better Long Beach ($55.20) – Historian John Thomas will lead a lecture on the lasting impact of the New Deal on Long Beach in a lecture at the Scottish Rite Temple (855 Elm Ave.).
• Saturday, July 26 from noon to 3 p.m. St. Regis Tour ($55.20) – Tour the iconic Saint Regis building at 1030 E. Ocean Blvd. and get the rare chance to see its rooftop Solarium.
• Saturday, Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Historic Long Beach Airport Tour ($65.87) – Take a guided look at the classical elements of the Long Beach Airport (4100 Donald Douglas Drive), such as the 1941 Streamline Moderne terminal, original mosaic tilework, and aviation milestones in a tour led by Historic Consultant John Thomas.
• Sunday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Historical Downtown Bicycle Tour ($25-$30) – Explore the landmarks of Downtown on two wheels with Long Beach Heritage President Chris Hogan, with the ride finishing with refreshments at the historic Bembridge House. More location details will be announced upon event registration. 
• Sunday, Sept. 14 from noon to 3 p.m. Great Homes Tour: Mid-Century Modern Marvels ($40-$50) Tour a curated selection of mid-century modern homes in Long Beach and learn why it became such a popular style in Southern California. More details will be announced closer to the event date. 

Additional events include regular walking tours of Ocean Boulevard at the Pike, which will convene on the fourth Saturday of the month through November. 

Most Summer of Architecture events are ticketed and space is limited, with some having already sold out. To explore the full event calendar, visit lbheritage.org/events/.