Rainbow Harbor, Long Beach

Rainbow Harbor is a gorgeous new development with large attractive restaurants overlooking the water and colorful walkways. It's blissful to walk along under the palms and take in the sights! It's a 100% American experience to dine here- every imaginable new chain restaurant is here (Bubba Gump Shrimp Co which isn't as attractive as usual, P.F. Chang's, Outback Steakhouse), and all are decorated with the latest modern comforts- tables with huge comfy chairs, menus with salads and plenty of fresh ingredients, kids menus. Our baby absolutely adored eating at Gladstone's- there's so much to look at: helium balloons when you walk in, a canoe hanging from the ceiling, flags waving in the wind, fantastic super high woodbeam ceilings outside. Very pleasant! The view of the water is lovely too.

Walk toward the lighthouse. Kids love this area of open lawns. They can roll down the hill and run to their heart's content. Rollerbladers skate by with music blasting. The grass is short and wonderful for picnics. Little trees dot the lawn, providing some shade. 
You can visit Aquarium of the Pacific while here. Check out the unusual and beautiful fountain outside the front that sounds like the ocean.
You can walk to Shoreline Village, which is more touristy and tacky than classy Rainbow Harbor. But it has all the things kids love- ice cream, a carousel, arcade games, and knick knack stores.
Walk all the way to the lighthouse, a fun place to watch people skateboard down the winding path that wraps around the hill.
From Long Beach you can catch a ferry to Avalon, Catalina Island, a beautiful harbor with super clear tropical-looking water.
Another place to check out is, of course, Disneyland- you'll never forget it!

Directions

From Highway 405, take Highway 710 south to Long Beach. Take the Shoreline Drive exit toward Convention Center/Downtown. This is a left-hand-side exit. Stay on Shoreline Dr and follow the directions to the aquarium. Turn right on Aquarium Way and park at the parking structure just past the huge traffic circle with the dolphin fountain. Parking is $2 for 3 hours with validation.
Click "satellite" to see how nicely designed this area is from above.
Gladstone's Restaurant at Rainbow Harbor, 330 S. Pine Ave, Long Beach CA 90802, call (562) 432-8588.

Click on map for interactive view