Have you ever dreamed of owning a yacht? Dockside Boat and Bed allows you to live that dream, if only for a short time. These unique accommodations are a bed and breakfast on, yes, you guessed it, a boat! There are five boats currently docked at Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach where you can enjoy rest, relaxation, and a gorgeous view.
The Boat
We chose the Sea Peepers as our accommodations for two nights. This yacht was perfect for our family of four. Plus it was located at the end of the dock, making the uninhibited views of the harbor the best on the dock!
The living area was roomy with a comfortable couch, and a television with a selection of DVDs. There was plenty of room for us to relax and for the kids to play.
The kitchen and dining area were adequate for four people, and the kitchen included a refrigerator and microwave, as well as a coffee pot. (There was also a stove and oven, but guests were not allowed to use those). The kitchen was stocked with dishes to use.
The master bedroom was located at the stern. It had a full sized bed, plenty of space, and included another television, as well as an en suite bathroom with a shower.
The second bedroom was located in the bow. It was really just a bed, not really a “room”, and was perfect for our two toddlers. Next to the second bedroom was another bathroom, complete with a shower.
The Food
A basket of food was left in the yacht each evening. It consisted of pastries and fruit for the next morning’s breakfast. The refrigerator was also stocked with juice and yogurt. There was also coffee provided, as well as some snacks. The pastries were quite yummy, and it was lovely to wake up and not have to worry about finding a restaurant for breakfast.
The View
My favorite part of this experience was sitting out on the back of the boat after putting the kids to bed each night with a glass of wine. The view of the harbor and the lighthouse across the way were spectacular!
As it got dark, the harbor lit up with colorful lights that reflected in the water making for a gorgeous scene. The lighthouse, as well as the Queen Mary in the distance, and Shoreline Village made for a spectacular light show each night.
Nearby Restaurants
There are so many restaurants in the area within walking distance from the boat. We chose to eat dinner at Gladstones restaurant, with was literally at the beginning of the dock. The stuffed salmon was so delicious!
Near Gladstones there was also Q Smokehouse (a BBQ joint), Tokyo Wako (A Japanese Teppan style restaurant), P.F. Chang’s (Chinese food), Outback Steakhouse, Chili’s, Hooters, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. If you take a short walk to Shoreline Village, you can dine at Yard House, Tequila Jack’s (Mexican food), Shenanigans Irish Pub and Grille, Louisiana Charlie’s (Cajun and Creole dishes), Parkers’ Lighthouse, or Queensview Steakhouse. No matter what you’re craving, this area has it all!
Nearby Things to Do
Dockside Boat and Bed is in the most perfect location. Not only is the scenery gorgeous, but there is so much to do within walking distance! We parked our car when we got there and didn’t even see it again until the day we left to return home!
Shoreline Village
Shoreline village was a short walk from the dock. This charming and colorful shopping village has several restaurants where you can dine in style, or grab a quick ice cream or funnel cake for a snack. There are several specialty shops, and even a carousel and arcade!
The Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is fun for all ages. A short walk down the boardwalk takes you to the aquarium, where you can watch many species of sea creatures including sting rays, sharks, fish, seals, jellyfish, and even an octopus! You can read more about our trip to the aquarium here.
The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is docked across the harbor, not really within walking distance, BUT… there’s a free shuttle!!! The free Passport bus arrives outside the aquarium every 15 minutes, and takes you to the Queen Mary and back. On the weekends, and every day during the summer, there’s even a water taxi that will take you there! How fun!
The Queen Mary was fun to explore! You can explore on your own, or take one of the tours they offer. The Glory Days tour was very interesting. Some also enjoy the haunted tours! Make a day of it and grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants on board, or browse one of their specialty shops!
Did you know that the Queen Mary is also a hotel? Yes, you can stay the night on the ocean liner! What a unique experience!
Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of my favorite things to do when we are near the ocean! We took a whale watching cruise with Harbor Breeze Cruises. The dock was only two docks away from Dockside Boat and Bed, making for a short walk. The whale watching boat they use was really great. It has stadium seating, so everyone has a fantastic view! There is also an indoor section on the first floor where you can sit inside if it gets too cold, and there are drinks and snacks available for purchase.
The cruise was 2 1/2 hours long, which was perfect for cruising with small kids. This cruise line also partners with the aquarium, so there were experts from the aquarium on board to teach us about sea life, and answer any questions we had! They even had fun show and tell items we could touch, like whale baleen! So cool! And the best part…. we saw a BLUE WHALE!!!!!!
Rent a Motorized Scooter
On our last morning there, we decided to rent a motorized scooter to play around for a bit before we drove back home. This ended up being super fun for the kids (ok, and for the adults too). We scooted down the paths at shoreline Aquatic Park along the water and up to Rainbow Lighthouse.
We rented the scooter through Lime Electric Scooters. So basically, you download the app on your phone, and you can see where a scooter is located. When you find the scooter, you scan it and pay from your phone. The app also tells you how much time is left on the scooter before it needs to be charged. When your time is up, just leave the scooter in an authorized spot, and you’re good to go!
Dockside Boat and Bed was the perfect place to stay for our two night mini-vacation. With so many options for activities, to the wonderful restaurants, to the fantastic views, we will definitely be returning!
What a really neat experience! Sounds like the perfect place for a getaway. We’ve actually rented the Lime scooters before too and they are fun!
Definitely fun! The kids really loved the scooter rides!
What a unique place to stay! Never would of thought of this! Looks like you had a great time!
It was pretty awesome! We are always looking for unique places to stay!
This is so interesting and fun. I’ve never thought about staying on a yacht before. It was fun seeing your family on the scooters-so cute! Thank you for sharing!
Aww thank you! They definitely enjoyed them! It was a very fun trip (though not as relaxing with a 2 and 3 year old… haha).
This is great. I have already clicked on Dockside Boat and Bed website to look for a future trip. Thank you
You will love it!
Oh this is every kid (and adult) dream come true for sure. What a fun idea. I love boats and staying on them, but would never want to own one.
I completely agree! Too much maintenance! It was good to rent one for a couple days!
How fun to rent a yacht. My hubby would love it and good to know how. So cool to see a whale and looks to have plenty to do in Long Beach.
It was pretty awesome. Long Beach is a really fun place!
What a neat way to get a taste of boat life without the huge expense! I know my family would love to do something like this. I just never knew it was even an option.
Exactly!!! It does stay docked though, so no actual out on the ocean experience… but it was pretty cool anyway!
I grew up boating, so this would be so fun to do with our girls!! Never really thought about this being an option.
How fun! We love being on the water, though we have never owned a boat.
How fun! I’d love to spend a night or two on a yacht. I’m not sure I’d like to be out on the water away from the dock in it at night, but I could handle being docked. What a spectacular view you guys had!
Yes it definitely stays docked! The view was phenominal!
This would be a really fun place to stay while traveling. Just add in a little more adventure. We’re always up for it.
We are always up for adventure as well!!
WOW!! We love anything on the water, so we were loving this post. That whale shot is amazing!
Whale watching is so much fun… when you actually get to see what you set out to see!!! It was amazing!
What a view! What an adventure to stay on a boat! Wale watching sounds so cool!
I have actually been wanting to do this. There are these types of accommodations all over FL too!
Oh that’s awesome! I will have to keep that in mind next time we visit FL!!!
I never knew you could stay a few nights in a yacht! Very cool. I like that it’s close by to the boardwalk where there are things to do. The Whale Watching cruise looked awesome! Glad you were able to spot a whale!
Ohhhhh…I think I’d like to stay the night on a yacht or the Queen Mary. What a unique experience!
I have stayed on the Queen Mary before too… It was sooo much fun!!!!
This sounds like a super fun trip! Love the views from the yacht. And there are so many activities close by! Whale watching sounds great, and the aquarium too!
This is so neat. I never knew you could do this. I am putting this on my bucket list. Incredible! My favorite would be sitting outside as well. I bet it is peaceful.
We want to stay a night on a yacht. It’s on our list of things to do! Looks like a great time and I love the view.
What a swanky boat! Looks fun.
I love this idea, and I agree with you the night view of the lighthouse and harbor is so pretty! I saved this article so I can do this at some point on my travels.
I would love this! I’ve sailed and lived aboard a sailboat for a month in my youth so this is something I could really enjoy.