Long Beach

Long Beach, California, sits just south of Los Angeles along the Pacific coast. The city extends over 11 miles of beaches and houses attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific and the historic Queen Mary ocean liner. In Long Beach, you can spend time in various neighborhoods, try water sports, visit museums, and sample local cuisine while enjoying the Southern California weather.

Exploring Long Beach's Waterfront

Long Beach's 11-mile coastline is central to the city's character. You can relax on the sand at Junipero Beach, where calm waters make it suitable for families. For more active pursuits, visit Belmont Shore to try kitesurfing or stand-up paddleboarding. The Shoreline Village boardwalk along Shoreline Marina has shops and restaurants, offering views of the Pacific sunset.

Discover Marine Life at the Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific houses over 12,000 animals representing Pacific Ocean marine life. You can watch sea otters play, touch sharks and rays in specially designed tanks, and walk through a tunnel surrounded by tropical fish. The aquarium also runs educational programs and special events throughout the year.

Explore the Queen Mary

The RMS Queen Mary, a retired ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach harbor, now serves as a floating hotel and museum. You can join a guided tour to learn about the ship's history, including its Art Deco design and its role as a troop transport during World War II. For a different experience, you can book a stay in one of the ship's staterooms or have a meal in one of its restaurants overlooking the Long Beach skyline.

Visit Long Beach's Museums

Long Beach has several museums to explore. The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) exhibits modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art. On Sundays, you can enter for free. The Long Beach Museum of Art, located in a historic mansion with ocean views, displays a collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from various periods and styles.

Shop and Dine in Long Beach's Neighborhoods

Each of Long Beach's neighborhoods has its own atmosphere. In Belmont Shore, you'll find boutiques and cafes along 2nd Street. The East Village Arts District contains galleries, vintage shops, and contemporary eateries. On 4th Street's Retro Row, you can browse vintage and antique stores.

Explore Green Spaces in the City

Long Beach has numerous parks despite its urban setting. At El Dorado Park, you can hike trails, fish in ponds, and visit a nature center. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at California State University Long Beach has a koi pond and traditional Japanese landscaping. For a different outdoor experience, visit the Dominguez Gap Wetlands, a restored habitat that functions as both a nature preserve and a flood control system.

Attend Long Beach's Annual Events

Long Beach hosts several large events throughout the year. In April, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach turns downtown streets into a racetrack. The Great Sand Sculpture Contest in August brings artists to Belmont Shore to create intricate sand sculptures. In May, the Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade is one of the largest LGBTQ+ celebrations in the United States.

Navigate Long Beach

Long Beach has numerous bike lanes and paths throughout the city. You can rent a bike to explore or use the bike-share program. For travel between waterfront attractions, try the Aqualink water taxis. They run between downtown Long Beach, the Queen Mary, and Alamitos Bay.

Take Day Trips from Long Beach

Long Beach's location makes it convenient for exploring Southern California. You can take a ferry to Catalina Island for hiking, snorkeling, or spending time on secluded beaches. Disneyland in Anaheim is a 30-minute drive away. Los Angeles is accessible by car or public transportation if you want to see Hollywood.