The people who live in Long Beach, California, call it the “LBC.” It is a city of about 500,000 people in Los Angeles County, right to the south of Downtown L.A. Even though it is the sixth largest city in California, the city feels like a small town with its bike-friendly streets, active neighborhood associations, and artist collectives. The Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific are the best-known urban waterfront attractions.
Long Beach has more music and cultural festivals than any other place in Southern California. It also has some of the most famous dive bars and lives music venues, where a number of famous bands got their start. Every April, the city also has the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, which turns the streets downtown into a racetrack. Overall, it’s a great place to go if you want to have fun at the beach.
There are so many things to do in Long Beach, California, that it’s hard not to fall in love with the city and all it has to offer, whether you want to learn something new or just relax.
Where is Long Beach and How to Get There?
Long Beach is in Los Angeles County, about 30 minutes from the city of Los Angeles. It is where the Los Angeles River and the San Gabriel River meet the Pacific Ocean. Redondo Beach is to the north of Huntington Beach, and Huntington Beach is to the south.
The Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Long Beach are both close by. It is on 3,200 acres of land and is a hub for trade between the U.S. and Asia. If you like to cruise, it’s also a popular cruise port.
63 Best Things to Do in Long Beach California
1. Downtown Waterfront
On the south side of the city, Queensway Bay can be seen from the Downtown Waterfront. It’s often the first place tourists and locals go when they want to have fun. There are many places for tourists to visit in the area, such as the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Long Beach Convention Center. And the land near the water is a beautiful place to walk and spend the day.
Other fun things to do in Downtown Waterfront include looking at the sights at Shoreline Aquatic Park and checking out the shops and restaurants at Shoreline Village. The Rainbow Harbor Esplanade links a lot of these places by the water. At Shoreline Village, you can rent all different kinds of bikes and pedal cruisers.
2. Long Beach Antique Market
One of the best things to do on the weekend in Long Beach is to go to the Long Beach Antique Market. It only happens once a week, which makes it more of a treat. At this market, you’ll find some of the coolest things you’ve ever seen for sale. People will be there before the sun is fully up It’s a wonder this is one of the most popular things to do, since there’s so much good stuff for sale.
It’s open at 6:30 a.m. on the third Sunday of every month. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Regular admission is $8, and early admission is $12. Kids under 12 get in free.
3. Bluff Park
Nearly 12 acres make up Bluff Park, which is on the edge of the small, high-end Bluff neighborhood. People who go to the park often say it has a good vibe. It is on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and is popular with walkers, joggers, and other people who like being outside. Bluff Park has free yoga every day, jogging paths, and telescopes for everyone to use to look further into the distance. A bronze statue called “The Lone Sailor” honors the U.S. It is in a park with a view of the Pacific Ocean.
4. Belmont Shore
Belmont Shore is one of the most popular places to visit in Long Beach. The district is only ten minutes by car from the city center. It is a nice place to walk around and has a relaxed vibe. Most of the action in the district happens on Second Street, which is lined with unique shops, restaurants, cozy coffee shops, and hip bars. Aside from these busy blocks, most of Belmont Shore is made up of lovely Spanish-style homes where people live.
The area’s beautiful beach, with wide stretches of golden sand, is the other main reason to go there. You can relax on the beach’s soft sand or walk along the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier and enjoy the view of the ocean. You can also swim, ride bikes, and go kitesurfing.
5. Shoreline Village
On the shores of Long Beach, Shoreline Village has a variety of shops and boutiques, restaurants, bars, cafés, and entertainment options for everyone. Specialty shops like Raindance sell handmade clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts, and many restaurants serve everything from all-American burgers and shakes to freshly baked cakes and homemade ice cream. At Parkers’ Lighthouse or Tequila Jack’s, you can eat in style and enjoy beautiful views of the Queen Mary. The Shoreline Village Carousel, skeeball, skating, and hoops in the arcade will keep the kids entertained. Take a tour of the shoreline or rent a yacht and check out the sea life in the bay.
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6. Catalina Express
If you go to Southern California, you have to take the ferry to Catalina. Catalina Island is a coastal paradise that is about an hour by boat from Long Beach. Catalina Island has a herd of American Bison, which you might see if you’re lucky. You can also snorkel, hike, eat on the water, camp, and more.
You can get around the harbor town of Avalon on foot or by golf cart, which is the way that most residents and all visitors choose to get around. Avalon has restaurants, bars, shops, and places to rent kayaks and snorkeling gear so you can explore the Pacific Ocean. Before you take the ferry back to Long Beach, try Buffalo Milk, Catalina Island’s most famous drink. This drink is chocolatey and boozy, but it doesn’t have any buffalo milk in it. The island’s herd gave it its name.
7. The Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is near the water in Rainbow Harbor. It has more than 11,000 marine animals. Have fun looking at sea lions, penguins, leopard sharks, and jellyfish. It is the biggest aquarium in Southern California. It is across from the Long Beach, California convention center and sits on five acres of waterfront land. There is a park next to it.
A tour of the Aquarium of the Pacific lets you see more marine exhibits that are split into three different areas. There is the tropical Pacific, the Northern Pacific, and the Southern California/Baja region. Visitors can go on tours of the harbor and to see whales. They can also attend educational seminars. Don’t forget to check out the touch tanks, art gallery, and shark lagoon. Shoreline Aquatic Park is a nice place to have a picnic after seeing Long Beach’s sea life.
8. Junipero Cherry Beach
The best place to get to the ocean is at Junipero Cherry Beach, which is also called Junipero Beach or Long Beach City Beach. This long stretch of beach is right below Bluff Park and Ocean Boulevard, which are both named for what they are.
The beach itself is very wide and can be used for all kinds of activities in the sun. You can park along Ocean Boulevard, and you can get to the beach from different stairs and ramps all over Bluff Park. Along the beach, there are places to use the bathroom and showers. Swimming is a popular activity, but people should check the water before jumping in.
From the central and south-facing Junipero Cherry Beach, the sand goes east and west. Alamitos Beach almost goes all the way to Shoreline Village to the west. The Belmont Pier marks the start of Belmont Shore Beach and Rosie’s Dog Beach to the south.
One of the most popular things to do at the beach is to take the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path around the beach. This winding concrete trail has separate lanes for people on foot and people who don’t drive.
9. Long Beach Museum of Art
One of the best ways to learn about the culture of this city is to go to the Long Beach Museum of Art. You can see amazing and thought-provoking works here. one It’s of the most exciting places to go in Long Beach, and there’s always something going on. There are thousands of amazing pieces at this museum. Some are on the walls, and others are on the floor. You can see pieces from all over the world and from California. The common theme is great art.
The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Thursday. to 8 p.m. Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
10. Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
The mission of P.I.E.A.M., which stands for Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum, is to “incorporate the diverse cultures of the Pacific Islands, with a focus on Micronesia, into a permanent collection, educational programs, rotating exhibits, and living arts.” Past and present exhibits focus on the culture of islanders’ cloth garments and the meaning of their native tattoos. The P.I.E.A.M is always thinking of new ways to share their interesting culture, and they have made their tours kid-friendly by giving kids the chance to make crafts. The most you’ll pay to get in is $5 per person, and you can park for free just down the street from the museum.
11. Walter Pyramid
The Walter Pyramid is a huge multi-purpose arena that rises dramatically above its surroundings. It is on the campus of California State University, Long Beach, about 15 minutes northeast of the city center. It opened in 1994 and is one of only four mathematically true pyramids in the country. Each side is 105 meters long and made of dark-blue aluminum. The top of the arena is an amazing 18 stories above the city’s skyline.
The men’s and women’s basketball and volleyball teams of the university play their games inside the huge building. You can also catch some of the other sports events that are often held in the pyramid when you’re there to look at the amazing architecture or watch an exciting game.
12. The Queen Mary
MS Queen Mary is known as one of the best luxury ships to sail the seas. Since her last trip in December 1967, she has lived in Southern California, where she is now a major tourist attraction, a beautiful floating hotel with three award-winning restaurants, and a spa.
The “grand dame” of cruise ships has a lot to see and do on board. You can follow in the footsteps of her first passengers and stay in the hotel, which has beautiful Art Deco-style staterooms and portholes that can be opened and closed. On an informative guided tour, you can learn about the ship’s long and interesting history, from its groundbreaking construction and royal launch to her time as a troop ship during WWII and her glory days in the 1950s.
Dine in style at one of the many restaurants, bars, and lounges on board, which serve award-winning food and fine wine with views of the Pacific Ocean.
13. Yoga on the Bluff
What’s more Californian than doing yoga outside by the sea? A local studio called Yogalution offers free yoga classes every day that are led by an instructor. Bring a towel or yoga mat to Bluff Park, and you’re ready to stretch. This outdoor yoga session usually has fifty to one hundred people every day. Make sure you get there early to get a good spot! If you’re new to yoga, try to get a spot close to the teacher so you can easily follow along.
14. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
If you want to know what to do in Long Beach, one of the best things to do is visit the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. Traditional Japanese garden design combines the architecture of Japanese gardens with the trees, shrubs, and flowers of Southern California. Miller Japanese Garden opened in 1981 on the campus of California State University Long Beach. It is on 1.3 acres and was modeled after the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo. Along with the flowers, the garden has a koi pond, art installations, bridges, and pagodas. This beautiful space has a tea house and a Zen garden where you can relax and look out over the garden.
15. Downtown Long Beach
Downtown Long Beach has everything you need to shop, eat, and have fun at night. Pine Avenue is a historic street that runs from the Downtown Waterfront district. It has a lot of places to eat, like George’s Greek Café and L’Opera Ristorante, that serve food from all over the world. Both inland and along the waterfront, the downtown district is easy to get around on foot and was made with cyclists in mind, with well-marked bike lanes.
All year long, big things happen in the downtown area. There are always creative people at the Long Beach Art Walk, and downtown has nightlife every day of the week. The Grand Prix of Long Beach, which happens every year, is one of the biggest things that happens in downtown Long Beach. On race day, turbocharged cars take over the streets and make for exciting action.
16. Take a Gondola Ride Around Naples Island
Naples is a part of Long Beach that you won’t want to miss. It shares its name with one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. This island-set neighborhood is where luxury living is at its best. Being here can actually feel like you’re taking a trip to Italy in the middle of your California vacation.There are lots of fun things to do in Naples. To keep with the Italy theme, you can take a ride with the Gondola Getaway.
17. Take A Boat Trip To Catalina Island
Catalina Island is only an hour by ferry from Long Beach, and its rocky shores are full of history. The small island, which was most likely owned by William Wrigley Jr., was a popular place for Hollywood movies and a popular place to stay in the 1920s. There is still a golf course, a working ranch, a casino, and resorts on the island today. Since Mr. Wrigley was also the owner of the Chicago Cubs, the team’s spring training was held on Catalina Island for 30 years in a row. Catalina Island has the views of a fancy island and hosts a wide range of events all year long, such as wine tastings, film festivals, concerts, holiday parties, and even triathlons.
18. Museum of Latin American Art
The Museum of Latin American Art, which is right in the middle of downtown, is another building with interesting architecture in the city. It is the only museum in the United States that only shows modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art. If you get the chance, you should check it out. It opened in 1996 in the East Village Arts District in what used to be a silent film studio and then a roller rink. Even though the galleries still have historic features like high vaulted ceilings and wooden floors, the campus has been updated with modern features and a beautiful sculpture garden.
There are more than 1,500 pieces of art on display, such as paintings, photographs, drawings, sculptures, and video installations. Also, it often has traveling shows about other aspects of art and culture in Latin America.
19. Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach, California
The Aquarium of the Pacific is the largest public aquarium in Southern California, and more than 1.5 million people visit it every year. The aquarium is on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach. It has more than 50 animal exhibits, including the Southern California and Baja Gallery, Explorer’s Cove, which has the Shark Lagoon and Lorikeet Forest, and the June Keyes Penguin Habitat.
The Aquarium has a variety of educational programs, hands-on activities, workshops for people of all ages, and talks by top scientists about the ocean’s environment, sustainability, and ocean conservation.
20. Long Beach Exchange
The Long Beach Airport is about a mile from LBX, which stands for Long Beach Exchange. This one-of-a-kind place opened in 2018 and has shopping and fine dining both inside and out. In the middle, there’s a plaza where you can take a break and enjoy the California sun between stores. The Hangar, a part of LBX, is a lively hub where you can find everything local.
Inside this 17,000-square-foot space that looks and feels like an airport hangar, you’ll find a wide range of pop-up shops and artisan food vendors. I highly recommend ReMix Kitchen if you’re looking for a high-end but affordable dining experience in Long Beach. The food is a mix of French, Italian, and Filipino styles, and the cocktail menu has unusual combinations.
21. The Carpenter Performing Arts Center
The Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center is at California State University. It has concerts, cultural events, stage shows, ballet, and speaking engagements from authors like Anne Lamott and comedian Paula Poundstone. It was built in 1994 and can hold 1,054 people.
22. Bluff Park
Bluff Park is one of the most beautiful parks in Long Beach. It is between Ocean Avenue and the Pacific Ocean. This 13-acre linear park only has palm trees and bright green grass, but the view of the ocean makes up for that. The long view of Junipero Beach and the gentle sea breeze that almost always blows through this park make it a peaceful place to be on a sunny day. Bluff Park was used by the military during World War II. Today, informational signs stand where gun batteries used to be, and the Lone Sailor Memorial statue tells the story of the city’s naval history.
The Long Beach Museum of Art is at the north end of Bluff Park. It has art that goes well with the natural beauty around it. And some stairs and ramps lead down to the beach for those who want to check it out.
23. Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site
The Los Cerritos Ranch House is another great place to learn about other cultures in Long Beach. It shows how Mexican and Spanish culture affected ranches in the late 19th century. This is an important part of American history that you might not have known about.
If you like history, one of the best things to do in Long Beach is to visit the Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site. This is also one of the best free things to do in Long Beach.
It’s open from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays starting at 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
26. El Dorado East Regional Park
Even though El Dorado East Regional Park is only 15 minutes northeast of the city center by car, it feels like a world away from the busy downtown area. It has beautiful landscapes, nature, and scenery, and it has an amazing number of great amenities and outdoor activities.
It is Long Beach’s biggest park, and a lot of people go there to relax and unwind. El Dorado East Regional Park has a lot of playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports fields that people can use. Nature trails, bike paths, archery ranges, disc golf courses, a skate park, and basketball and volleyball courts are also available. On top of all this, the park has a huge nature center with informative displays about the local wildlife and plants.
27. Parkers’ Lighthouse, Long Beach, California
Parkers’ Lighthouse is an elegant and romantic restaurant with a beautiful view of Long Beach Harbor, an award-winning menu, a wide variety of wines, and excellent service. The restaurant is known for its creative Southern California seafood dishes and freshly made sushi and sashimi, as well as its award-winning wine list, which comes from a brand-new, two-story wine cellar. The Queensview Steakhouse is also in Parkers’ Lighthouse. It serves prime steaks, lobster, and fresh grilled fish while live music plays in the background.
The restaurant is on the third floor of the building, which means it has great views and a long list of cocktails, craft beers, and wines.
28. Retro Row
Retro Row is calling you if you like to shop for antiques or thrift or eat at restaurants with a unique style. As the name suggests, there are a lot of old clothes, records, and other things for sale in the local shops. Every store has a lot of character, and this area values creativity and diversity. It’s easy to spend a whole day on Retro Row shopping and eating. Retro Row has more than just vintage items. It has vegan ice cream, a film camera shop, Honduran food, a roller skate shop, and more.
After shopping at thrift stores and eating dinner, you can go to The Art Theater, which shows movies every day. The Art Theater is the only independent movie theater in Long Beach that is still open. It was built in 1925. Learn about the history of the area and enjoy the show!
29. Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site
Along the Long Beach waterfront, the Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site is about 20 minutes from the Queen Mary. It’s a great place to visit and add to your Viator tour; history buffs in your group will want to check out this great Long Beach museum. The 19th-century house, ranch, and museum have gardens, nature trails, and history exhibits. There is a backyard garden, a California native garden, and an orchard from the 1930s with citrus, loquat, macadamia, and avocado trees.
In addition to tropical flowers, there is a rose garden, a camellia garden, grape arbors, and a few different kinds of trees. Check out lemon, lime, and Catalina ironwood trees, as well as black locust, Italian cypress, and ginkgo.
The site has historical exhibits and a permanent collection of pictures and artifacts about the native Tongva people, the history of beauty and cosmetics, reading and writing materials from the 19th century, displays about health and medicine in the 19th and 20th centuries, and sections about housework in the 19th and 20th centuries.
30. Rosie’s Dog Beach
Rosie’s Dog Beach is part of the long strip of sand that runs along the southern edge of the city. It is east of the Belmont Pier and is one of the most eastern beaches. It’s a beautiful ocean scene, like the rest of the city’s shoreline, but it’s even more popular because dogs can run free there.
Rosie’s Dog Beach doesn’t have a fence around it like most dog parks. People must be able to talk to their pets. Visitors are also asked to bring their bags, though some are available at the beach. There are parking meters close by.
31. El Dorado Nature Center
You wouldn’t find the El Dorado Nature Center by walking around downtown. That’s the point, as this attraction is hidden and all the more special because of it. Here, you can have the privacy and solitude you may have been looking for.
There are so many beautiful native trees and flowers to see here. Get a good pair of hiking shoes and pick the trail that interests you the most. There are lots of fun things to do in downtown Long Beach, California, and in other busy parts of the city as well.
But it’s also important to spend some time in quieter places like the El Dorado Nature Center. Come here to enjoy nature and all of its good things.
The trails are open from 8:30 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. to 4 p.m.
32. L’Opera Ristorante, Long Beach, California
The menu and wine list at L’Opera Ristorante are just as stylish, elegant, and sophisticated as the rest of the restaurant.
L’Opera is without a doubt one of the best Italian restaurants in Long Beach. Its beautiful modern interiors and old-world Italian charm make it a gourmet paradise. The owner, Terry Antonelli, serves classic Italian dishes with a new-age twist, like the “Delgi innamorati ve” salad, which is made of baby greens, strawberries, toasted almonds, and feta. It is served next to classics like the “simple Caprese salad” with buffalo mozzarella that melts in your mouth. This is a great place to go on a date in Long Beach.
L’Opera has a wine list with a variety of vintages that will impress even the most experienced wine lover. These wines go well with the restaurant’s delicious food.
33. Portuguese Bend Distilling
Portuguese Bend Distilling is Long Beach’s first distillery. They make rum, gin, and vodka by hand. The distillery has tastings, so you can try locally made spirits right in the downtown area of Long Beach. The menu is also very good, with delicious lunch and dinner options, vegan options, and a creative list of drinks.
During the worst of the global health crisis, the distillery in Portuguese Bend switched from making drinks to making hand sanitizer. The fact that they care about the local community and try to be environmentally friendly makes them a great place.
34. The Dark Art Emporium
Do you like art that is strange and unusual? If so, you’ll like this beautiful piece of art in Long Beach. Before you ask, no, you won’t meet Professor Snape.
The Dark Art Emporium is in downtown Long Beach, and it has a strange collection of fine art and other things. Think creepy dolls, human skulls, interesting taxidermy, and other strange things. You can be sure that everything in this scary gallery came from a good place.
If you liked Ripley’s Believe it or Not! If you like museums, these Long Beach things to do will be right up your alley (though maybe a bit more twisted).
It’s inside the 4th Horseman Craft Beer and Wine Bar, which is also only for people over 21. But young visitors don’t have to worry because there is a separate entrance for people under 21.
35. The Great Sand Sculpture Contest
The Great Sand Sculpture Contest is an event that has been going on for over 80 years. These sculptures have as much detail as the best marble or bronze statues.
The Great Sand Sculpture Contest is as grand as its name suggests. In addition to the sculptures, there are great musical performances and lots of excitement at Granada Beach, where it takes place.
People in and around Long Beach, California, look forward to the Great Sand Sculpture Contest, which takes place over two days in August. This is the place to go if you want to see something really amazing that you probably haven’t seen before.
Every year, these sculptures are among the most important things to see in Long Beach.
36. Discover Latin America At MOLAA
The Museum of Latin American Art has a permanent collection of over 1,300 pieces of art, and it is known around the world as one of the most important collections of Contemporary Latin American Fine Art. MOLAA is a place for the whole family, and it is a very important art museum. Tours and workshops, which include a one-hour hands-on workshop with a MOLAA teaching artist, are a great way for kids to learn about the elements of art inspired by Latin America. If you visit MOLAA in the summer, be sure to check out their summer music series, a list of concerts held outside in MOLAA’s sculpture gardens.
37. Harbor Breeze Cruises, Long Beach, California
Harbor Breeze Cruises has a variety of tours on two modern catamarans to watch whales in their natural habitat.
Crew members from the Aquarium of the Pacific lead whale-watching trips. They are knowledgeable and experienced, and they will share their knowledge about these mammals and the ocean environment as you look for migrating gray and blue whales, dolphins, orcas, and seabirds.
The ships are comfortable and safe, with large decks for viewing and taking pictures, indoor lounge areas where you can buy snacks and drinks from the galley service, and modern bathrooms. Every day, you can go on a cruise that lasts between two and two-and-a-half hours.
38. Swan Pedal Boat Rentals
You can ride your bike on the calm waters of Rainbow Lagoon in the afternoon or evening. You can rent classic swan pedal boats right across the street from Shoreline Village. You’ll have views of the famous Whaling mural at the convention center and can explore the grassy islands in the middle of the lagoon.
This is a fun thing for families to do during the day and a great date for couples in the evening. At night, the lights on the swan boats make for a charming scene.
39. Knott’s Berry Farm
At Knott’s Berry Farm, you can ride roller coasters, cuddle with Snoopy, and eat funnel cake and cotton candy until you burst!
In the 1920s, it started out as a real berry farm, which is kind of interesting. It got restaurants, rides, and a very popular ghost town in the end. And yes, they still make Mrs. Knott’s fried chicken using the same recipe from 100 years ago!
The 160-acre Cedar Fair Parks amusement park in Long Beach is a great way to spend a day in Long Beach. At one of Long Beach’s best tourist spots, the whole family can enjoy musical shows, fun games, shops, a water park, and exciting rides.
Check out the Ghost Town, Fiesta Village, The Boardwalk, Wildwater Wilderness, Indian Trails, and Camp Snoopy sections of the park.
The park has annual events like Knott’s Spooky Farm, Knott’s Scary Farm, Knott’s Merry Farm, Knott’s Boysenberry Farm, and more. The Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel has 320 rooms, and kids and people from Minnesota will love the Snoopy-themed wing. There is a restaurant, a gift shop, a gift shop, a tennis court, and a pool.
40. The Pike Outlets
Across from the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, the Pike Outlets are a great place to shop. It’s a popular place to shop, and the directory lists a number of big-name stores.
The Pike Outlets are also a great place to eat, with a variety of restaurants that serve everything from fast food to sit-down meals. It’s a popular place for date nights because it has a comedy club, movie theater, Ferris wheel, and carousel, among other things.
41. Long Beach Bayou Festival
Long Beach’s annual events are some of the best things to do in California. The Long Beach Bayou Festival is one of these amazing things to do. It’s what to do in Long Beach if you want to see how this city honors other places. For one weekend in June, Long Beach becomes New Orleans, and not a step is missed.
As you’d expect from a Bayou Festival, this one has great food and music. The atmosphere is like being on Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras, complete with a Mardi Gras-style parade. Kids will love exploring the “Kids Corner,” learning to dance, and getting their faces painted.
You can get a good idea of what all the fuss is about if you’ve never been to New Orleans.
If you have been there, this festival should remind you of all the good times you had there.
42. Rainbow Harbor
The Pike at Rainbow Harbor has changed over the past few decades, but it’s still a place you shouldn’t miss. Its boardwalks are lined with outlet stores, restaurants, and places to go out at night, so it’s a place to enjoy yourself. It used to be a place where families could have fun together every night with skee balls, arcades, and prizes. The Long Beach Ferris Wheel still has that fun-fair feel. The Pike’s Giant Wheel is a traditional thrill that at its highest peak overlooks the marina and Port of Long Beach
43. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch & Gardens
Rancho Los Alamitos is a museum and adobe ranch house from the early 1800s. The area was once home to the sacred Tongva village of Puvungna, which is shown in the museum.
The ranch is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it has remnants of the ancestral village and a restored working farm barnyard. It is also surrounded by four acres of historic gardens that were built in the 1920s and 1930s. The museum tells about the history of the area and its native peoples, as well as how the area has changed and grown over time.
The Rancho Center has a variety of exhibits, displays, and film shows about the land and the people who lived there from the early 1800s to the present day.
44. SteelCraft Long Beach
SteelCraft is a group of repurposed shipping containers where local restaurants and shops are set up. Most Friday and Saturday nights, you can eat, drink, and watch live music here.
In the middle of SteelCraft, there are tables where people can eat together. Here, you can sit down with friends and eat local food, or you can meet new people. SteelCraft was made to be a place where everyone can come together.
45. Long Beach Opera
If you’re interested in high culture and have already been to the wonderful galleries we’ve listed, check out this next treat!
In 1979, the Long Beach Opera opened. It has a full schedule of shows all year, and operas like Les Enfants Terribles, Don Carlo, and The Diary of Anne Frank have been there. It’s in downtown Long Beach, on Pine Avenue.
This place to go in Long Beach also has educational programs and music appreciation classes, and students can get a discount.
46. Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
One of the best things to do in downtown Long Beach is to go to the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. It’s a beautiful place that hosts a lot of well-known events. At this center, you can have a lot of fun watching events that bring out thousands of people. It’s also right on the water, which is another reason why it’s one of the city’s top attractions.
If you want to hold a conference in California, you might want to book space here. The Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is a great place to see if you want a venue that’s as impressive as the events it hosts.
This center is a work of art because of its glass exterior and large size. This is not a typical convention center.
47. Long Beach East Village
Long Beach East Village, which is sometimes called the “East Village Arts District,” is a neighborhood that is full of creativity and imagination. Locals say that in the past few years, the area has turned around to show its best side. There are now many independent stores, restaurants, cafes, and art galleries all over the area. Art is a big part of the culture here, and many art-related events like monthly art receptions and festivals happen all year long. Walk around East Village to help out the local artists and get ideas.
48. Naples Rib Company, Long Beach, CA
Naples Rib Company is one of the best places in California for prime ribs and BBQ. It is owned and run by the Ursini family. The restaurant has been known for a long time as one of the best places in Long Beach for locals to meet up and enjoy good food, great wine, and even better company. They are committed to serving their community.
Naples Rib Company has a wide range of food on its menu, from appetizers like grilled artichokes and deep-fried zucchini to main courses like smoked ribs, BBQ platters, sides of sausage, and buckets of Buffalo wings, as well as a variety of sweets.
The restaurant has beautiful banquet rooms for large groups, birthdays, graduations, or corporate events. The menus, decorations, and audiovisual equipment can be changed to fit the event.
49. 2nd & PCH
If you want the best outdoor shopping and dining in Southern California, 2nd and PCH is the place to go. This family-friendly place is right on the border between Long Beach and Seal Beach and looks out over a busy marina.
At the corner of 2nd and PCH, there are two floors of shops, restaurants, and even a roller rink. The central plaza has fire pits, water features, and creative places to sit outside. Live music, outdoor movies, food trucks, and many other events happen all year long at 2nd and PCH to keep the whole family busy.
50. Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum
The Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum is on the campus of California State University Long Beach. It is close to the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. This Long Beach museum has a large collection of Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld’s art and poetry. It has shows by both local artists and students and artists from all over the world.
This Long Beach museum has a lot of outdoor space and sculpture installations. There are also art and education seminars given by well-known artists.
51. Bixby Knolls Art Walk
Bixby Knolls is a fun neighborhood that puts a lot of importance on the arts. Once a month, the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association hosts the Bixby Knolls Art Walk, which is a great way to see some amazing works of art.
Sharing their shops, music, great food, and art shows how proud they are of their neighborhood and city. It’s a lot of fun no matter how many times you’ve been. The Bixby Knolls Art Walk is one of Long Beach’s best tourist spots. It lets you see a very cool part of a very cool city.
Every first Friday of the month, these art walks happen.
52. Mother’s Beach
Mother’s Beach is the best place in Long Beach for a family to go. The water here isn’t too rough for kids because the splash zone at Mother’s Beach isn’t the ocean. Instead, it’s a series of canals and waterways that flow from Alamitos Bay. Even so, it is still a beach with lifeguards, which is always a safety plus. There are grassy areas for picnics and playing at Mother’s Beach, as well as sand volleyball courts and a playground set. During the summer, Mother’s Beach shows family-friendly movies for free on summer nights.
53. Long Beach Marine Stadium
The Long Beach Marine Stadium, which is on Alamitos Bay, is a state historic site. It’s also where powerboat racing on the West Coast got its start.
The best waterskiing venue in the country has hosted both the Olympic rowing trials in 1968 and the Olympic rowing competitions in 1932.
This spot in Long Beach, California, is where the Southern California Speedboat Club and the annual Long Beach Sprint Nationals take place. Teams from all over the world come to compete.
There is a boat ramp, a beach, restrooms, green space, and picnic areas on 106 acres in Long Beach, California. You can go waterskiing and rowing, do other outdoor activities, or just have a picnic and watch other people waterskiing and rowing while the weather is usually perfect.
54. Bake-n-Broil, Long Beach, California
This long-running restaurant is one of the many charming things about Bixby Knolls. Bake n Broil has been serving home-style food for more than 50 years. They put love into every dish, which is why so many people go there. While everything is good, Bake n Broil is probably best known for its pies, which change with the seasons so that the ingredients are at their best.
It’s too bad that your favorite pie might not be available, but it shows how much this place cares about its reputation. Bake n Broil is a great place to eat. It’s like eating at a loved one’s house but in a restaurant setting.
It’s open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday. to 8 p.m. Sundays, starting at 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
55. Surfing Lessons
You probably aren’t ready for the bigger waves, but you can find a class that helps you get used to waves. Take a class to find out why surfing is so popular here. The quality of the waves should show you why. Also, there’s a great surfing culture here in general. In addition to learning how to surf, see if any competitions are going on during your stay. Surfing is a fun sport that’s easier to learn than you might think.
Find a surfing class and get ready for some great waves.
56. Bixby Park
Bixby Park is a great place for family fun in Long Beach that doesn’t cost anything. It has a playground for kids, but it also has other things that make for a fun day. This California park has a mobile skate park and a sports field that brings people from all over the area. There are also fire pits and places to have a picnic that everyone can use. The Saturday morning farmers market in Bixby Park is also well-known. Any day of the week, this place is sure to be fun.
57. Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge
Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge was set up in 1972 and is on 965 acres near the town of Seal Beach. Many birds stop there on their way north or south. Watch for the great blue heron and endangered species like the California clapper rail and the Belding’s Savannah sparrow.
Since the refuge is on an active military base (Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach), tours are only allowed once a month. If you like birds or nature, you should plan this thing to do in Long Beach ahead of time.
58. Skylinks at Long Beach
Your trip to Long Beach wouldn’t be complete without at least one day spent on one of the area’s best golf courses. Cal Olsen designed the 18 championship holes at Skylinks at Long Beach Golf Course. The links-style course has wide fairways and well-kept greens. It was made so that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a round that is both fun and challenging. You might want to take a break and work on your game. Skylinks has golf lessons for people of all skill levels. They offer both group clinics and private lessons. There is also a place where you can practice and get better.
59. Learn How To Surf
People have called Long Beach the “Waikiki of Southern California,” and in 1938, the first National Surfing Championship was held there. If you know that surfing is best in Long Beach, California, you can’t brag much more than that. Long Beach has a lot of surf shops, places to rent boards, and surf schools, so you can jump right into the scene. Kite surfing and stand-up paddle boarding are also becoming more popular, and you can learn how to do them in the waves of Long Beach.
60. Bolsa Chica State Beach
Even though this is a bit of a drive from Long Beach, it’s a must-see for beach lovers. This next attraction is less than 30 minutes away in nearby Huntington Beach. It’s famous for its surf and long sandy beach, and I’d be kicking myself if I didn’t go.
Bolsa Chica State Beach is a quick day trip from Long Beach if you’re a real beach bum who likes to go to different beaches. People go to Bolsa Chica to surf, fish, sunbathe, and watch birds. There are lifeguards, which is always a good thing if you’re with kids.
People who want to catch perch, croaker, cabezon, and other types of fish often go to the tidal inlet channel.
61. Terrace Theater
If you like to see musical performances or comedy shows, you’ll love going to the Terrace Theater. The Long Beach Symphony plays here often, and so do comedians and speakers who are known all over the world.
The Terrace Theater also has shows for kids, like Baby Shark Live and, some years, Disney on Ice, which you can take your kids to see.
62. El Dorado Park Golf Course
Southern California has nice weather all year long, so golf is a popular sport there, and the courses in Long Beach are great for a game. El Dorado Park Golf Course is a favorite among Long Beach residents, and its website says it is in a “uniquely picturesque” part of the city. The Long Beach Open is also held there. Golfing in Long Beach is a great time, whether you want to go to the driving range or play a round.
63. Grand Prix of Long Beach
Long Beach is the place to be if you want to go fast. In April, the streets of downtown Long Beach are turned into a racetrack for a street race. It’s a great way to see the city and feel a lot of excitement. The Grand Prix has been going on for more than 40 years and has always had amazing cars and drivers. There’s also a lot to eat, great music, and a chance to see the cars up close.
It’s a three-day event, so try to come for at least one day. Even if you’re not into car racing, the Grand Prix of Long Beach is a lot of fun. The track and cars look great, and there’s so much more to do. It’s hard to believe that cars can go this fast in a downtown area.
Tips for Visiting Long Beach
Embrace the cultural diversity – Long Beach is proud of its many different cultures and communities. Explore the city’s culture through its food, its neighborhoods, and the events that happen every year. Fun fact: Other than Cambodia, there are more Cambodians in Long Beach than anywhere else in the world.
Long Beach has its airport – Before you buy a ticket to LAX, you might want to see if your destination has flights to Long Beach Airport. Even though it’s smaller, the airport is serviced by a handful of regional and major airlines and prices are often affordable, especially within California. Some of the most traveled routes go through San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and other cities.
Summer weekends in the city can get very busy – During the summer, and especially on the weekends, Long Beach’s streets, highways, and beaches are full of people. If you’re going to visit in the summer, make sure you plan your trip ahead of time, book things in advance, and give yourself extra time for traffic.
Best Time to Visit Long Beach
Since this is California, there is no bad time to visit Long Beach in terms of the weather. Still, since it’s a coastal town, the best time to visit is from May to September, when all the events and outdoor activities are back in full swing. Still, July and August are the hottest and busiest months, so if you’re planning a summer trip, keep that in mind.
On the other hand, if Christmas is your favorite holiday, you might want to go in December. The city turns into a Christmas wonderland, especially in Naples and Alamitos Bay, and the weather is still nice.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of fun and free things to do in Long Beach, CA. For example, you can go to the beach, explore parks, and window shop at malls and markets.
There is something for everyone here, and you might find that three days isn’t enough time to see everything Long Beach has to offer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some fun things to do in Long Beach, California?
Go fishing in the deep sea by getting out on the water. No matter how much experience you have, there are tours here for you.
What are some great free things to do in Long Beach, California?
You can see an amazing sunset over the city from Signal Hill or Hilltop Park. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Los Angeles.
What are the best family things to do in Long Beach, California?
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a must-see. Both kids and adults will enjoy learning about the sea life of the Pacific Ocean.
What are some good things to do in Long Beach, California at night?
Long Beach has a lot of great places to eat, so why not go on a food tour to find out where the best places to eat are?
What is Long Beach California known for?
Locals call the area around Rainbow Harbor, which is on the water, “The Pike.” It has an amusement park, shops, and restaurants. It is the most well-known part of Long Beach. Shoreline Village looks like a fishing village on Cape Cod. It has souvenir shops, places to eat outside, and places to rent boats.
Is Long Beach Rich?
Long Beach, unlike most Southern California beach towns, doesn’t have a lot of very wealthy people. Only 3 percent of residents make more than $250,000, and less than 1 percent make more than $500,000. More than 40% of the working population makes between $50,000 and $150,000 a year.
Is Long Beach California Affordable?
The next most affordable city for a duplex is Huntington Beach, which is 35% more expensive than Long Beach. Long Beach is 188% less expensive than Newport Beach, which is the most expensive city for duplexes.
Is tap water safe to drink in Long Beach California?
Your tap water is safe, and easy to get, and there is a lot of it. In Long Beach, our water goes through a multi-step process to get rid of pathogens, like viruses and is tested very carefully to make sure it meets strict federal and state standards.
Is Long Beach California worth visiting?
Long Beach, which is just south of downtown Los Angeles, is a great place to visit in Southern California. It has things to do by the water, roads that are good for biking, cultural festivals, and great weather.
What is Long Beach most known for?
Locals call the area around Rainbow Harbor, which is on the water, “The Pike.” It has an amusement park, shops, and restaurants. It is the most well-known part of Long Beach. Shoreline Village is modeled after a fishing village in Cape Cod. It has souvenir shops, places to eat outside, and places to rent boats.
What is special about Long Beach California?
The RMS Queen Mary is always docked in the city, and the Aquarium of the Pacific is a popular place to visit along the water. The Grand Prix of Long Beach, an IndyCar race, and the Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade are also held in Long Beach.
Is it safe to walk downtown Long Beach?
Walk Score says that Downtown Long Beach is a “walker’s paradise.” With a score of 93, DTLB is one of the most walkable places in Southern California.
Why is Long Beach the best?
It has a lot of arts, music, and culture, and there are many different festivals there all year long that will make you want to go back. It has its character. Long Beach seems to accept people from all walks of life. There is a diverse LGBT scene there, and there are also a lot of rockabilly fans and comic book nerds.
How long is it from Long Beach to Los Angeles?
Distance between Los Angeles and Long Beach is 32 kilometers (20 miles). It takes 41 kilometers to drive from Los Angeles to Long Beach (26 miles)
How far is downtown Long Beach from the beach?
Yes, it takes 24 miles to drive from Downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach. Driving from Downtown Los Angeles to Long Beach takes about 28 minutes.
What happened to Long Beach Airport?
It’s also known as Daugherty Field, after a local pilot named Earl Daugherty. JetBlue used the airport as its operating base, but that stopped on October 6, 2020, when the company moved its operating base to LAX, even though the COVID-19 pandemic was still going on at the time.
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