- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Vacation Rentals
- Bed & Breakfasts
- Villas
Why Visit Long Beach
Long Beach blends seaside resort history with the architectural legacy of the 1933 earthquake, which spurred an Art Deco and Streamline Moderne boom. Beyond the iconic RMS Queen Mary, notice the Villa Riviera, a unique 1929 Gothic Revival skyscraper.
Explore 5.5 miles of waterfront bike paths connecting Shoreline Village to Belmont Shore, two top attractions in Long Beach. You can kayak the Naples canals, modeled after their Italian namesake, or visit the El Dorado Nature Center for its 105 acres.
Long Beach's culinary scene shines with its diversity. Explore Cambodia Town for authentic Khmer dishes like 'amok,' a direct result of having the largest Cambodian community outside of Asia. For a different vibe, Retro Row offers hip cafes and bars.
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- Long BeachUnited States
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- Long BeachUnited States
Quick Travel Essentials
- Apr-Jun & Sep-Octmild, fewer crowds
- Jul-Aughot & busy
- Wintercool, some rain
- #BeachTowel
- #ComfortableShoes
- #Sunscreen
- #LightJacket
- #Camera
- #PortableCharger
- 3-5 days for highlights
- 6-7 with beaches & day trips
- USD ($)
- English
- English is an official language here
- #LongBeachAquarium
- #QueenMary
- #ShorelineVillage
- #LBConventionCenter
- #ElDoradoPark
- #MuseumofLatinAmericanArt
- Explore the Aquarium
- Take a harbor tour
- Visit the Queen Mary
- Stroll along the waterfront
- Bike on the beach path
Recommended Hotels in Long Beach by Experience
Things to do in Long Beach
Discover
Exploring Long Beach reveals iconic sights from the historic Queen Mary to the Aquarium of the Pacific's marine life. Discover the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) and enjoy panoramic views from Signal Hill or Bluff Park's coastal cliffs.
Experience
Bike the scenic Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath, paddle through Naples canals, or catch the Acura Grand Prix. Enjoy live music at the Long Beach Blues Festival, shop for local produce at a farmers market, or explore the eclectic East Village Arts District.
The Queen Mary
Historic ocean liner offering tours and paranormal encounters.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Large aquarium with over 12,000 Pacific Ocean animals.
Naples Canals
Venetian-style canals for gondola rides and kayaking.
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
Museum dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin art.
Shoreline Village
Colorful harborfront hub with shops and marina views.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Tranquil garden on the CSULB campus with a koi pond.
East Village Arts District
Creative neighborhood with galleries, boutiques, and murals.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Fly into Long Beach Airport (LGB), just 10 mins from downtown. For Long Beach airport to city center access, taxis and shuttles are available. LAX and SNA are larger alternatives; shuttles and ride-shares complete the 30-60 min journey to the city.
Getting Around
Navigate using public transport in Long Beach like the bus system or the free downtown Passport shuttle bus. The Metro A Line offers a train to Long Beach connecting with LA. Use a TAP card. The AquaLink water taxi is a scenic ride between key areas.
Local Essentials
If considering a car rental in Long Beach, know that downtown parking is often metered or paid. Driving in Long Beach is generally manageable, but always be aware of bike lanes and pedestrians. Many smaller eateries and shops may prefer cash.
Where to Stay in Long Beach
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore Long Beach's culinary scene by the water. Taste authentic food Long Beach offers, from fresh-caught seafood to savory Baja-style tacos. Locals embrace a relaxed vibe, often enjoying long, casual meals with an ocean view.
Enjoy
Eat at Parkers' Lighthouse for stunning views, reserve ahead. Grab a drink at Yard House for its bustling vibe, check happy hour. For a cozy brunch spot, visit The Breakfast Bar, but expect to wait on weekends.
Parkers' Lighthouse
Upscale dining with panoramic harbor and skyline views.
George's Greek Cafe
Lively spot for classic Greek dishes and belly dancing.
555 East American Steakhouse
Classic, high-end steakhouse with a vintage ambiance.
Open Sesame
Authentic Lebanese food in a vibrant, bustling setting.
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Explore Long Beach cultural activities rooted in its diverse communities. Experience the Cambodia Town Parade, the Long Beach Greek Festival, or the vibrant Día de los Muertos street parade, each reflecting the city's unique heritage.
Enjoy
Discover must-see modern creativity in Long Beach. The city pulses with events like ComplexCon for pop culture and street style, and the Long Beach Jazz Festival for smooth sounds by the water. Don't miss the Cambodia Town Parade & Festival.
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
Annual April street race with IndyCar and sports car events.
Long Beach Pride Festival & Parade
A major May celebration for the LGBTQ+ community with a parade.
Long Beach Jazz Festival
August festival with top R&B and jazz artists at Rainbow Lagoon.
Original Long Beach Lobster Festival
September event with fresh Maine lobster and live music.
Día de los Muertos Parade
November parade and festival honoring Mexican traditions.
ComplexCon
November festival of pop culture, art, music, and sneakers.
Cambodia Town Parade & Festival
April event celebrating Khmer traditions with food and dance.
A great California city trip
Long Beach is such a cool place with a relaxed feel. It's got the big city stuff but also feels like a beach town. We loved walking around the waterfront and seeing the Queen Mary up close. Everything felt accessible and easy to get to.
So laid-back and sunny
Perfect spot for just unwinding by the ocean. The weather was fantastic, and the beaches weren't too crowded. Spent a lot of time just strolling along Junipero Beach. A really great place to disconnect from everything for a few days.
Funky shops and great finds
Long Beach has some awesome neighborhoods to explore. We found so many unique shops and cool little cafes on 4th Street's Retro Row. It was fun to just wander around without a plan and see what we'd find. A really interesting place.
Excellent for families
This was a great trip for us and the kids. The Aquarium of the Pacific was a huge hit, we could have spent all day there. The city is very walkable around the harbor area, which made getting around with little ones much easier.
Beautiful and peaceful spots
We were really taken with how pretty some parts of the city are. Walking through the Naples Canals felt like we were somewhere in Europe. It was so quiet and scenic. A wonderful place for a romantic walk in the afternoon.
Great food, easygoing place
Really enjoyed the food scene here. Lots of different options, from casual to fancy. Belmont Shore had so many great little restaurants and bars. The whole area has a nice, local feel to it, and the people were super friendly.