If you’ve ever tried to navigate the intersection of PCH and 2nd Street on a Saturday afternoon, you already know the vibe. It is chaotic. It’s a mix of coastal breeze, high-end SUVs, and people just trying to find some decent organic kale. The Whole Foods Market East Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach CA location—specifically nestled within the 2nd & PCH shopping center—isn't just a grocery store. Honestly, it’s a social hub, a workspace, and occasionally a test of patience.
It's busy.
You see, this specific spot replaced the older, much smaller Long Beach location on PCH and Clark. That old store felt like a cozy neighborhood market. This one? It’s a 45,000-square-foot behemoth that anchors one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the city. People come here for more than just milk. They come for the rooftop views, the specialty taproom, and the feeling that they’re living that quintessential SoCal life.
Why the Location at 2nd & PCH Changed Everything
Before this massive glass-fronted building appeared, Long Beach locals had a different relationship with Whole Foods. The move to the corner of East Pacific Coast Highway and 2nd Street shifted the center of gravity for the Alamitos Heights and Belmont Shore neighborhoods.
Parking is usually the first thing people complain about, but here’s a secret: use the structure. Don’t even bother trying to find a spot on the street or right in front of the doors if it's past 11:00 AM. The multi-level garage at 2nd & PCH is your best friend. It’s easy to get frustrated when you're just popping in for a baguette, but the infrastructure is designed for a "stay and play" experience rather than a quick errand.
The store sits right across from the Alamitos Bay Marina. This means the light inside the store is incredible, reflecting off the water and through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows. It makes buying expensive cheese feel like a spiritual experience.
The Layout: More Than Just Aisles
When you walk into the Whole Foods Market East Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach CA store, you aren't immediately hit with produce. Instead, you're greeted by the smell of the juice bar and the floral department. It’s intentional. They want you to decompress from the PCH traffic before you start looking at price tags.
The produce section is massive. It’s arguably the best in the city for variety, though your wallet might feel the sting compared to a quick trip to a local stand. They source heavily from California growers, which isn't surprising given our proximity to the Central Valley. You'll find organic strawberries that actually taste like strawberries, not crunchy water.
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One of the standout features of this specific Long Beach location is the "The Taproom."
It’s a bar.
Inside a grocery store.
It sounds weird if you haven't been there, but on a Thursday night, it’s packed. They feature local brews from places like Beachwood Brewing or Trademark Brewing, keeping it tied to the Long Beach craft beer scene. You can literally grab a pint, sit on the outdoor patio, and watch the sunset over the marina while your rotisserie chicken stays warm in your cart.
The Prepared Foods Situation
Let's talk about the hot bar. It is the blessing and the curse of the East PCH Whole Foods.
On one hand, the options are endless.
On the other hand, $12.99 a pound (or whatever the current inflation-adjusted rate is) adds up fast when you’re heavy-handed with the mac and cheese.
They have a massive pizza station, a sushi bar that’s actually surprisingly fresh (thanks to the high turnover), and a sandwich counter that rivals any local deli. If you're looking for a hack, the "build your own" sandwich is often the best value in the building. You get a massive meal for a fixed price, avoiding the "weight anxiety" of the buffet line.
What Most People Get Wrong About Shopping Here
There’s this persistent myth that you have to be a millionaire to shop at Whole Foods. While "Whole Paycheck" is a nickname for a reason, the Amazon acquisition actually changed the pricing structure significantly for Prime members.
If you aren't using the app, you are essentially paying a "laziness tax."
The yellow tags are for everyone, but the blue tags—those are for the Prime folks. Often, you’ll find wild-caught salmon or organic blueberries for prices that actually beat the "budget" stores down the street. You just have to be willing to look down at the bottom shelves. That’s where the 365 Everyday Value brand lives. It’s the backbone of smart shopping here.
Another misconception? That it’s always crowded.
It’s not.
If you go on a Tuesday morning at 8:00 AM, the place is a ghost town. It’s quiet, the shelves are perfectly stocked, and the employees actually have time to chat about which olive oil is best for high-heat cooking. Sunday at 2:00 PM, however, is a battleground. Avoid it unless you enjoy bumper cars with shopping carts.
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Sustainability and Local Impact
Whole Foods Market on East Pacific Coast Highway isn't just a corporate island. They actually do a fair amount of local sourcing. You’ll see local honey from the South Bay, sourdough from Los Angeles bakeries, and snacks made right here in Long Beach.
The store also participates in food waste diversion programs. In a city like Long Beach, which is increasingly focused on climate action and sustainability, this matters. They donate thousands of pounds of food to local food banks and have strict standards about what kind of seafood can be sold, focusing heavily on Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certifications.
Navigating the 2nd & PCH Ecosystem
Shopping at this Whole Foods usually means you’re interacting with the broader 2nd & PCH development. It’s a luxury outdoor mall.
- The View: Go upstairs. There’s a seating area that overlooks the water.
- The Tech: They have those fancy Amazon "Just Walk Out" or palm-scanning technologies occasionally being tested or implemented. It’s futuristic and a little creepy, but fast.
- The Neighbors: You've got lululemon and Nike right outside. It creates a specific "athleisure" uniform for the shoppers. If you show up in pajamas, you might feel like an outlier, but hey, it's Long Beach—do what you want.
The intersection itself is the only major downside. The city has done work to improve the bike lanes and pedestrian crossings, but it’s still a high-traffic artery. If you’re biking from Naples or Belmont Shore, be careful. The bike racks are plentiful and usually safe, but the drivers on PCH are often distracted by the very scenery that makes the store so attractive.
Expert Tips for the Best Experience
Don't just walk in and start grabbing things. This store is a marathon, not a sprint.
First, check the "Last Chance" or clearance sections. They are usually tucked away near the dairy or the back corners. You can find high-end organic yogurt or artisanal crackers for 50% off just because they’re close to their sell-by date.
Second, utilize the meat and seafood counter. They will season your meat for free. They will devein your shrimp. They will even give you advice on how to not overcook that expensive Tomahawk steak. The staff in these departments are usually quite knowledgeable and have gone through significant training that the average grocery clerk hasn't.
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Third, the beauty and supplement section (Whole Body) is basically a Sephora for people who read ingredient labels. If you’re looking for mineral sunscreens that won't kill the reefs—an important consideration since you're literally across from the ocean—this is the place.
The Reality of the "Luxury" Grocery Store
Look, we have to be honest. Shopping here is a choice. You can get groceries cheaper at Ralphs or Food4Less. But you aren't just paying for the groceries at the Whole Foods Market East Pacific Coast Highway Long Beach CA location.
You’re paying for the curation.
You’re paying for the fact that you don’t have to check the back of the box to see if there is high-fructose corn syrup (there isn't; the store bans it). You’re paying for the atmosphere. For many in Long Beach, this store serves as a "third place"—that spot between home and work where you can exist, grab a coffee, and feel part of a community, even if that community is just a bunch of people looking for the best avocado.
Actionable Next Steps
If you’re planning a trip to this specific Long Beach landmark, here is how to do it right:
- Download the Amazon/Whole Foods App before you park. Link your Prime account so you aren't fumbling at the register.
- Aim for the "Golden Hours." Weekdays between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM or after 8:00 PM are the most peaceful times to shop.
- Validate your parking. If you use the structure, make sure you know the current validation rules. Usually, a purchase gets you a few hours for free, which is plenty of time to shop and grab a quick bite.
- Bring your own bags. It’s California, so you’re paying for bags regardless, but the Whole Foods paper bags are notorious for breaking if you overfill them with heavy glass bottles.
- Check the 2nd & PCH events calendar. Sometimes there is live music or outdoor movies happening right outside the store. It can make your grocery run a lot more fun—or a lot more crowded depending on your personality.
Whether you're a local or just passing through on a road trip down the coast, this Whole Foods is a staple of modern Long Beach. It’s a gleaming example of how grocery shopping has evolved from a chore into a lifestyle. Just watch out for the Tesla drivers in the parking lot. They're usually in a rush.