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The Dual Identity Of 7th St. And PCH: Long Beach Vs. Huntington Beach—What’s Happening Now?

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The intersection of 7th Street and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is not just one location, but two distinct, bustling commercial and coastal hubs in Southern California, each with its own unique identity and recent developments. As of December 2025, both the Long Beach and Huntington Beach versions of this famous corner are undergoing significant change, from major retail reshuffling to ambitious coastal development projects, making them critical checkpoints for local news and commerce.

The confusion between the two is understandable, as PCH (California State Route 1) is a legendary, sprawling highway. However, the East 7th Street intersection in Long Beach is a well-established commercial corridor anchored by massive shopping centers, while the 7th Street intersection in Huntington Beach is rapidly evolving with new, upscale coastal developments and is a key staging area for major annual events. Understanding the current status of each location is essential for anyone navigating the Orange and Los Angeles County coastlines.

The Long Beach Hub: PCH & 7th Street's Commercial Core

The intersection of East 7th Street and Pacific Coast Highway in Long Beach, CA, serves as a vital artery for the eastern part of the city. This area is defined by massive retail complexes and heavy traffic flow, acting as a gateway to the city's eastern neighborhoods and Cal State Long Beach (CSULB).

PCH & 7th Shopping Center: Retail and Renovation Updates

The primary landmark here is the PCH & 7th Shopping Center (5597 E 7th St), a major commercial property managed by Westwood Financial. This center is a high-traffic destination, currently noted for being fully leased, which speaks to the commercial vitality of the area.

  • Key Tenants: The center hosts a diverse mix of businesses, including popular dining options like Hiccups PCH & 7th, an Asian dining and tea house that draws a significant local crowd.
  • Future Availability: A notable development for prospective businesses is the potential availability of a space formerly occupied by FedEx Office in the fall of 2025. This indicates a minor but significant turnover in a high-demand commercial property, offering a fresh opportunity for a new retailer or service.

Just a short distance away, the intersection of PCH and Bellflower Boulevard is home to the extensive Bixby Village Plaza, which features a Target store, further solidifying the area's role as a major shopping destination for the Long Beach community.

Recent Traffic and Safety Concerns (May 2025)

Tragically, the Long Beach intersection has been in the news recently due to a severe traffic incident. In May 2025, a devastating wrong-way crash occurred on Seventh Street near Pacific Coast Highway, resulting in the deaths of two men. This unfortunate event highlights the constant need for traffic safety awareness at this highly-trafficked interchange, which is a major focus for the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) and local community leaders.

Huntington Beach's Coastal Transformation: Development and Air Power

In Huntington Beach, the intersection of 7th Street and Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is less about established retail and more about the ongoing evolution of the city's iconic coastline. This area is a focal point for new, upscale mixed-use and hospitality projects, reflecting the city’s commitment to modernizing its beachside appeal.

The Rise of Coastal Mixed-Use Development

The stretch of PCH between 6th and 7th Streets in Huntington Beach is currently a key area for development. City commissioners have been actively reviewing proposals that aim to blend residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces, creating a more dynamic urban-coastal environment.

  • Boutique Hotel Proposal: One of the most anticipated projects is the proposal for a 3-story, 12-suite boutique hotel. This project, located between 6th and 7th streets, is designed to offer a more intimate, high-end lodging experience compared to the larger hotels in the area. Its consideration by the city marks a move toward luxury, specialized hospitality along the coast.
  • PCH Mixed Use Project: This specific development, encompassing about 0.58 acres, is part of a broader strategy to introduce modern, multi-purpose buildings to the area, requiring extensive environmental review and planning under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

This development activity builds upon recent trends, such as the sale of coastal residential lots, like those at 617 & 619 7th St, which were part of prior WJK Development projects. This continuous investment underscores the high value and desirability of real estate at this coastal nexus.

A Key Location for the Pacific Airshow

The area along Pacific Coast Highway between 7th Street and Beach Boulevard is famously known as the staging and viewing area for the annual Pacific Airshow Huntington Beach Project. This massive event draws hundreds of thousands of spectators, solidifying the 7th St. and PCH intersection as a point of interest for major public gatherings and showcasing the area's unique role in Orange County's event calendar.

Navigating the PCH & 7th St. Intersections: Traffic and Local Tips

Given the high-traffic nature of both locations, understanding the local context and traffic patterns is crucial for residents and visitors alike.

Long Beach Traffic and Nearby Attractions

The Long Beach intersection is a major link to the East Long Beach community. Traffic here is consistently heavy, especially during commuter hours, as it connects the 405 Freeway to the coastal areas and the university. Drivers often use this route to access nearby attractions like the Gaslamp Long Beach, a popular live music venue located a short distance away near Studebaker Road.

LSI Entities & Local Insights:

  • CSULB Commute: The intersection is a primary route for students and faculty heading to California State University, Long Beach.
  • Retail Proximity: The density of shopping centers, including the PCH & 7th Shopping Center and Bixby Village Plaza, contributes to high weekend and midday traffic.
  • Santiago Avenue: Nearby side streets, such as Santiago Avenue, are often involved in traffic incidents due to the volume of vehicles in the area.

Huntington Beach Coastal Access and Future Planning

The Huntington Beach intersection, while busy, is characterized by its proximity to the ocean and the focus on pedestrian-friendly coastal access. Future traffic management will be heavily influenced by the new mixed-use and hotel developments, which will require careful planning to manage increased visitor and resident traffic.

LSI Entities & Local Insights:

  • Coastal Development: The new boutique hotel and mixed-use projects will transform the streetscape, moving away from older commercial structures.
  • Airshow Impact: Traffic near the intersection is severely impacted during the annual Pacific Airshow, requiring temporary road closures and detours.
  • Infrastructure: The City of Hermosa Beach, another coastal city along PCH, has scheduled pavement moratoriums for 7th St. near PCH in the future, indicating ongoing infrastructure maintenance along the entire corridor.

In summary, while the name "7th St. and PCH" refers to two distinct California corners, both are currently defined by high-value real estate, significant commercial activity, and ongoing evolution. Whether you are seeking major retail in Long Beach or watching the coastal transformation and air spectacles in Huntington Beach, this dual-identity intersection remains a critical, ever-changing part of the Southern California landscape.

The Dual Identity of 7th St. and PCH: Long Beach vs. Huntington Beach—What’s Happening Now?
7th st. and pch
7th st. and pch

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