Long Beach, CA
The city's rich cultural tapestry is evident in its array of culinary delights, art galleries, and eclectic neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and Retro Row, each with its own distinct character. Long Beach is a hotspot for events, including the Long Beach Grand Prix, music festivals, and weekly farmer's markets, all adding to its energetic atmosphere.
With a picturesque marina, a burgeoning craft beer scene, and a lively nightlife, Long Beach offers a refreshing blend of laid-back beach vibes and urban excitement, making it a must-visit destination on California's coast.
What to do in Long Beach, CA
Explore the Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is a historic ocean liner with a storied past, having crossed the Atlantic Ocean countless times. Today, visitors can tour this majestic ship and explore its intriguing history, including its time as a troopship during World War II. The ship also houses a hotel, restaurants, and event spaces, offering a unique and immersive experience. With various tours and exhibits available, a visit to the Queen Mary is a must for history enthusiasts and maritime aficionados.
Enjoy a Day at the Aquarium of the Pacific
Situated along the waterfront, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a captivating destination for visitors of all ages. With an impressive array of sea creatures from the Pacific Ocean and beyond, the aquarium offers an educational and entertaining experience. Visitors can marvel at colorful fish, playful otters, mesmerizing jellyfish, and even touch sharks and rays in the interactive exhibits. The aquarium also hosts special events and educational programs, making it a delightful and enriching day out in Long Beach.
Stroll Through the Naples Island Canals
Nestled in the charming community of Naples, the island canals present a picturesque and tranquil setting for a leisurely stroll. Visitors can wander along the waterways lined with beautiful homes and lush greenery, often taking in the sights from the quaint bridges that cross the canals. Boating and gondola rides are also popular here, offering a romantic and scenic way to explore the area and take in its unique ambiance.
Discover the Long Beach Museum of Art
Art enthusiasts will find delight in the Long Beach Museum of Art, which boasts a stunning collection of contemporary and modern art. The museum, located atop a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, not only offers remarkable works of art but also provides breathtaking views of the coastline. From paintings and sculptures to photography and decorative arts, the museum’s diverse collection showcases both local and international talent.
Relax at Rosie’s Dog Beach
For those seeking a more laid-back experience, Rosie’s Dog Beach provides an ideal setting for relaxation and furry fun. As one of the few off-leash dog beaches in Southern California, it’s a haven for four-legged companions and their owners. Visitors can enjoy the sun, sand, and surf alongside playful pups, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all to unwind and enjoy Long Beach’s beautiful shoreline.
Example Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1:
Morning
- Start your day with a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Explore the diverse marine life and habitats, including the popular Shark Lagoon and Lorikeet Forest. Don’t miss the captivating sea otters and playful penguins.
Mid-morning to Early Afternoon
- Head over to the RMS Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner turned hotel. Take a guided tour to learn about the ship’s glamorous past and possibly encounter its ghostly legends.
Late Afternoon
- Stroll along the Long Beach Shoreline Park and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean, marina, and cityscape. Consider taking a relaxing harbor cruise for a different perspective of the area.
Evening
- Conclude the day with a visit to the vibrant downtown area. Explore Pine Avenue for its array of shops and restaurants. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront at Rainbow Harbor, where you can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and beautiful sunset views.
Day 2:
Morning
- Begin the day with a trip to the El Dorado Nature Center. Explore the serene trails, meadows, and wildlife habitats. This peaceful oasis offers the perfect opportunity for birdwatching and reconnecting with nature.
Mid-morning to Early Afternoon
- Head over to the Museum of Latin American Art to immerse yourself in the diverse and vibrant cultural expressions of Latin American artists. Explore the fascinating exhibitions and collections on display.
Late Afternoon
- Visit the historic district of Naples Island and take a gondola ride through the picturesque canals. Enjoy the charming architecture and serene waterways reminiscent of Italy.
Evening
- Spend your evening at Belmont Shore, a lively and eclectic beachfront neighborhood. Take a leisurely walk along 2nd Street, lined with unique shops and boutiques. Alternatively, relax on the beach and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Nightlife
Experience vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues in Downtown Long Beach and Belmont Shore.
Long Beach Bar Hunt: Long Beach Boss Bar Crawl
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
DetailsBook Today on Viator From $12.31
East Village Craft Cocktail Tour
Sip your way through Downtown Long Beach's favorite watering holes, while learning about the city's growing craft cocktail movement. Drink at 4 stops in Downtown Long Beach's East Village Arts District over 3 hours. Nosh on curated small bites throughout the tour while learning trivia about your favorite spirits! No lines. No cash. Just fun.
DetailsBook Today on Viator From $81.03
Family-Friendly Attractions
Visit family-friendly attractions such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Laugh Factory, and the Museum of Latin American Art.
Long Beach Bar Hunt: Long Beach Boss Bar Crawl
Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.
DetailsBook Today on Viator From $12.31
Maritime History
Explore the historic Queen Mary ocean liner, visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, and take harbor cruises to learn about Long Beach's rich maritime history.
Long Beach Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour
Enjoy a 1-hour harbor eco-tour aboard a glass bottom boat in Long Beach. Explore nature and marine life above and underneath the water. You will be taken to the break wall which is approximately 2 1/2 miles from shore, to explore the shallow water habitat near the wall. Then, you will be taken in search of sea lions, seals and much more. Exploring nature is always full of surprises! All along the way you will learn about local landmarks like the Port of Long Beach, Oil Islands, and their impact on the local ecosystem.
There is no fish viewing while en route.
Book Today on Viator From $30.00
Shoreline Village Bike Rental in Long Beach
Wheel Fun Rentals at Long Beach’s Shoreline Village is the perfect spot! Rent a Surrey and ride with your whole family, or rent an electric bike to cover more ground without breaking a sweat. Come feel like a kid again as you ride along the boardwalk with the Pacific Ocean breeze in your hair. Bike locks, maps, and helmets are always offered FREE with rentals. We also validate parking in the Shoreline Village lot.
DetailsBook Today on Viator From $13.00
Private Doors-Off Aerial Photography Helicopter Adventure
Be prepared for the experience of a lifetime when you soar above all that Los Angeles has to offer for 60 minutes on a doors-off aerial photography ride.
Leaving Long Beach, you will immediately head down to downtown Long Beach and the Queen Mary and over the port of Long Beach and Los Angeles to the famous Vincent Thomas Bridge, seen in the movie 'Gone in 60 Seconds' with Nicholas Cage. From there you will see the Battleship Iowa and head around the magnificent Palos Verdes Peninsula. Up then to the Manhattan Beach Pier, skim along the waves through LAX up to the famous Venice Beach. Upon reaching the iconic Santa Monica pier you will head inland over Beverly Hills, UCLA, and Hollywood before cruising by the timeless Hollywood Sign and Griffith Park Observatory. Then you will head over to the Dodgers Stadium and Downtown LA, marveling at the height of the US Bank building, the tallest on the West Coast, before heading back to Long Beach.
Book Today on Viator From $449.00
Private Sailing Catamaran for Parties and Events in Long Beach
The captain knows where to bring you to take the most of this tour. Marine life: Admire sea lions, maybe dolphins too. We can also go in open water, so you feel like starting a long sailing journey. As an experienced sailor, the captain can also make you participate in maneuvers, pretty exciting to turn off the engines and just ride with the wind blowing in the sails. The anchorage spots also offer a calm spot with a nice background with palm trees. Fine photographer, the captain, can also take pictures of your group with pleasure so you can post on your social medias.
DetailsBook Today on Viator From $792.00