Many Miles Later

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🦝 About Me

I’m Crista—chaotic raccoon lady, impulsive traveler, professional snacker. I book flights for the perks, appreciate efficency, and occasionally fly out of airports I don’t even live near.

No itinerary. Just vibes.

  • Unforgettable Skirt Steak Sandwich at Gaucho Beach

    When it comes to beachside dining in Long Beach, there are plenty of options for fresh flavors and ocean views. But if you want a meal that truly stands out, head straight to Gaucho Beach. Located right on the sand at Long Beach, this casual waterfront restaurant delivers incredible views, laid-back vibes, and, without question, the best sandwich in town.

    What Makes This Sandwich So Good?

    The star of the show is Gaucho Beach’s Skirt Steak Sandwich. It is served on a perfectly crisp baguette, layered with juicy tomatoes, onions, and a rich chimi aioli that ties everything together.

    But the real magic is the skirt steak itself. This was the most tender skirt steak I have ever tasted. Perfectly cooked, savory, and bursting with umami flavor, it was everything you want in a steak sandwich and more. Every bite was satisfying and balanced, making this my new go-to recommendation for Long Beach foodies.

    Guacho Beach
    Guac at Guacho Beach

    What Else We Tried

    We started with guacamole and chips, which were fresh and good, although a little plain. My husband went with the fish and chips, which were also solid but simple. Both are fine choices if you want something to share, but the steak sandwich is the dish you do not want to miss.

    And then there was the sangria. We tried both the red and the white sangria, and both were delicious, but if you can only pick one, go with the white sangria. It was light, crisp, and refreshing—perfect for a warm day on the sand.

    Because really, sangria on the beach is always a win. There is something about sipping a chilled, fruit-filled drink while listening to the waves and feeling the ocean breeze that turns an ordinary meal into a little slice of vacation.

    Why You Should Go

    What makes Gaucho Beach truly special is the location. This is not just near the beach—it is right on the beach, steps from the sand, with panoramic ocean views. You can watch the waves, soak up the sun, and enjoy incredible food without ever leaving the shoreline.

    Whether you are visiting Long Beach for a day trip or a full vacation, this is one of those places that makes the city feel special. It is casual enough for flip-flops but delivers flavors you would expect from a high-end spot.

    Quick Info

    (Updated August 2025)

    📍 Location:
    Gaucho Beach, directly on Long Beach, California

    💵 Price Range:
    $$ — Skirt Steak Sandwich 24$
    Sharables $12–$18
    Drinks $10–$14

    🥗 Perfect For:
    Beachside dining, casual lunch or dinner, date spots, waterfront views, relaxed vibes

    📞 Reservations:
    Recommended on weekends, especially for outdoor seating
    (Check their website or use OpenTable)

    🚗 Parking:
    Street parking and nearby public lots available

  • Whale Watching vs Aquarium of the Pacific: Which Is Better?

    A Day at the Aquarium of the Pacific and Whale Watching in Long Beach

    Planning a trip to Long Beach, California? Two of the most popular attractions for ocean lovers are the Aquarium of the Pacific and a whale watching tour. We booked the combo package online, which was convenient and allowed us to schedule the experiences on different days. If you are curious whether this duo is worth it, here is our honest take on both and why one stands out as the clear winner.

    Exploring the Aquarium of the Pacific

    As a Floridian, I found the Aquarium of the Pacific fascinating because it highlights the unique marine life of the Pacific Ocean, which is a big contrast from the tropical Atlantic waters I am used to. From colorful sea jellies to mesmerizing kelp forests, the exhibits were a fun way to learn about the ecosystems of the West Coast.

    We also visited the Honda Theater to watch their short films. Most were enjoyable, but the one titled Love and Life Beyond the Glass really missed the mark for me. It lacked the emotional pull you would expect from a conservation-focused film and felt oddly condescending with its repeated messaging that “the work does not stop when you go home.” That is not exactly inspiring and honestly not great recruitment messaging either.

    Overall, the aquarium is worth seeing once if you are in the area, but for me, it is a one-and-done experience.

    Whale Watching: The Real Highlight of the Day

    Common Dolphin Sighting

    If you are debating between the two experiences, let me save you some time. The whale watching tour is the true star. Everything about the excursion felt well-organized. The boats are clean and spacious, equipped with restrooms and a snack bar. Small details like these make a big difference when you are out at sea for a few hours.

    We did not see any whales during our trip, but we did encounter something equally spectacular. A huge pod of common dolphins raced alongside the boat, leaping through the waves and putting on an incredible show. It was absolutely magical and, in my opinion, worth the trip on its own.

    Tips for a Comfortable Whale Watching Trip

    Dress in Layers: Even on sunny days, the ocean breeze can be surprisingly chilly once you are offshore. A light jacket or windbreaker will keep you comfortable.
    Wear Sun Protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential. The sun reflects off the water and can be intense even if the air feels cool.
    Plan for Motion Sickness: If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication or a motion-sickness patch. It is much better to be prepared than to risk feeling miserable halfway through the trip.

    Final Thoughts: Worth It?

    Aquarium of the Pacific — General Admission
    • Adult (ages 12–61): $44.95
    • Child (ages 3–11): $34.95
    • Senior (62+): $41.95
    Aquarium of the Pacific — Combo Package (Admission + Whale Watch)
    • Adult: $87.95
    • Child: $66.95
    • Senior: $77.95
      This package includes aquarium entry plus a whale-watching cruise facilitated by the Aquarium’s naturalists.
    Whale-Watching Only (Outside Aquarium Package)

    If you prefer to book just the boat tour independently, here are typical walk-up rates in the Long Beach area:

    • Adults (12+): $45–$50 (weekday vs. weekend/holidays)
    • Children (3–11): $30
    • Seniors: Around $40

    If you are visiting Long Beach, the combo package is a solid deal. If you can only choose one experience, go for the whale watching tour. It is an incredible way to experience the Pacific Ocean’s beauty and wildlife up close. And who knows, maybe next time we will spot a whale.

  • Exploring Niagara Falls: Quick Trip from Buffalo Airport

    As part of our ongoing JetBlue 25-for-25 airport challenge, we flew into Buffalo for a quick 24-hour trip. With no time to spare, we headed straight from the airport to Niagara Falls to make the most of our short visit.

    Arrival at 10 PM and Overnight in Niagara Falls

    We landed at BUF around 10 PM and caught a taxi up to Niagara Falls (American side) to stay overnight. Our hotel of choice was the DoubleTree by Hilton Niagara Falls. Everything was fine, but I have to mention the heavily stained carpet in our room. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but for a DoubleTree property, I did expect better.

    Breakfast at the Hotel

    The next morning, we grabbed breakfast downstairs at the hotel restaurant. I had steak and eggs, which were well-seasoned and served quickly. It was a solid, no-fuss way to start the day.

    Exploring the Falls

    From the hotel, there’s a trail that leads directly to the falls. The walk takes about 15–20 minutes and is an easy, scenic stroll.

    We started at the American Falls before continuing on to Green Island, which offers incredible views of Horseshoe Falls. If you’re visiting, walking over to Green Island is a must. It’s less crowded and gives you a beautiful vantage point of the water.

    Since we had only a few hours, we skipped the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds tours, but they’d be great for a longer trip.

    Buffalo Airport Impressions

    After taking in the views, we returned to the hotel, grabbed our bags, and headed back to the airport via Uber. The ride took about 30 minutes.

    Props to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). It’s small, clean, and incredibly easy to navigate. The public spaces felt open, the bathrooms were spotless, and the stalls were large enough to accommodate your luggage, which is always a huge plus.

    Surprise Airport Food Highlight

    The surprise hit of the day was lunch at Queen’s Kitchen in the airport. I ordered the club sandwich and was blown away. It was easily one of the best things I’ve ever eaten in an airport. The bread was fresh, the produce crisp, and the herb mayo tied it all together. Absolute winner.

    From there, we boarded our flight and headed to LAX.

    Final Thoughts

    For a quick JetBlue layover trip, Buffalo and Niagara Falls delivered. It’s not just about the flight checkmarks — it’s about sneaking in real moments of exploration, and this one felt like a little travel gem. From the roar of the falls to a surprisingly excellent airport sandwich, this was a memorable stop.