Long Beach

Distance from Airport

  • 4.0 mi from LGB
  • 16.9 mi from LAX
  • 19.8 mi from SNA

Long Beach is a vibrant coastal city located in Southern California, known for its eclectic attractions, beautiful waterfront, and rich cultural scene. Here’s a guide to help you explore Long Beach like a tourist:

Attractions

  • The Queen Mary: This historic ocean liner, now a floating hotel and museum, offers guided tours, fine dining, and seasonal events like haunted tours during Halloween.
  • Aquarium of the Pacific: A renowned aquarium featuring over 11,000 animals, interactive exhibits, and engaging educational programs. It’s great for families and marine life enthusiasts.
  • Shoreline Village: A charming waterfront shopping and dining area with colorful boardwalk shops, restaurants, and fun activities like carousel rides and arcades.

Beaches and Water Activities

  • Long Beach City Beach: Known as “Junipero Beach,” it’s great for swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball. The nearby bike path is perfect for cycling or rollerblading along the coast.
  • Belmont Shore: A popular neighborhood with a lively beach scene, including the Belmont Shore Pier and a variety of water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing.

Culture and Arts

  • Long Beach Museum of Art: Located in a historic mansion overlooking the ocean, it offers a diverse collection of contemporary and early 20th-century art, along with a lovely ocean-view café.
  • Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA): The only museum in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary Latin American art, featuring rotating exhibitions and cultural events.
  • The Pike Outlets: A shopping and entertainment district with a mix of retail stores, dining options, and a Ferris wheel offering great views of the waterfront.

Events and Festivals

  • Grand Prix of Long Beach: An annual IndyCar race held on the streets of downtown Long Beach, drawing racing fans from around the world.
  • Long Beach Pride: One of the largest LGBTQ+ pride festivals in the country, featuring a parade, live music, and various community events.
  • Long Beach Jazz Festival: A popular event showcasing top jazz musicians in an outdoor setting at Rainbow Lagoon Park.

Dining and Nightlife

  • Naples Island: Known for its canals and gondola rides, it offers a variety of waterfront dining options, including Italian restaurants and seafood eateries.
  • Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street: Lined with a diverse array of restaurants, bars, and cafes, it’s a great spot for enjoying a meal or experiencing Long Beach’s nightlife.
  • Downtown Long Beach: Offers a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Outdoor Activities

  • El Dorado Nature Center: A 105-acre park with walking trails, lakes, and a visitor center, providing a peaceful escape for nature lovers.
  • Bixby Park: Features sports courts, picnic areas, and a farmers market, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Historical Sites

  • Rancho Los Cerritos: A historic 19th-century adobe home and museum offering tours, gardens, and educational programs about California’s ranching history.
  • Rancho Los Alamitos: Another historic ranch with beautiful gardens, a museum, and guided tours that delve into the history of the region.

Hotels

  • Waterfront Hotels: There are several luxury and mid-range hotels along the waterfront offering stunning views and easy access to attractions, such as the Hyatt Regency and the Renaissance Long Beach.
  • Boutique Hotels: Smaller, charming options like The Varden Hotel in downtown provide a more personalized stay.

Welcome to Long Beach! Whether you’re here for the beaches, cultural attractions, dining, or simply to relax, Long Beach offers a unique and diverse experience.