Things to do in Long Beach

Things to do in  Long Beach

A city of ships

Unless you’re tracking down Hollywood, there’s no need to deal with LAX—Long Beach offers all the SoCal thrills you want. From whale-watching off the shore to exploring the Aquarium of the Pacific to shopping down funky Fourth Street, the best things to do in Long Beach are some of the best things to do in Southern California. You’ll find every scene imaginable, from the donut scene to the boating scene, all with the sun-tanned flair you’d expect of the Golden State.

Top 7 attractions in Long Beach

Aquarium of the Pacific

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One of Long Beach’s top attractions, the Aquarium of the Pacific houses roughly 11,000 aquatic animals across more than 50 exhibits that reflect the marine life of the Pacific Ocean. The nonprofit organization is the largest aquarium in Southern California and one of the most visited in the United States.More

Rainbow Harbor

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Rainbow Harbor is home to a variety of recreational and entertainment activities along the Long Beach waterfront. From Rainbow Marina to Shoreline Village, visitors are spoiled with shops, restaurants, boat tours, an esplanade, and an aquarium—all with views of the water.More

Pacific Battleship Center - Battleship IOWA Museum

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Once considered the world’s greatest naval ship thanks to its powerful weaponry, heavy armor, and advanced fire control systems, the USS Iowa served the U.S. Navy during World War II, the Korean War, and the Cold War. Today it’s docked in Los Angeles Harbor in San Pedro, California.More

The Queen Mary

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Once the flagship of the Cunard White Star Line, the elegant ocean liner RMS Queen Mary sailed between Southampton, England, Cherbourg, France, and New York City from 1936 to 1967. Now permanently moored in the city of Long Beach, California, the Queen Mary is a floating hotel, restaurant, special events venue, and tourist attraction.More

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

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The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is one of two major cruise terminals in the greater Los Angeles area, and it is located close to many attractions. Owned and operated by Carnival Corporation, more than 300 cruises a year set sail from Long Beach Cruise Terminal for destinations along the Mexican Riviera and Hawaii.More

Naples

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Made up of three islands in Alamitos Bay, the Italian-inspired neighborhood of Naples is one of Long Beach’s most charming. Attractive homes line narrow canals that provide opportunities for water activities such as kayaking and gondola rides. The largest bay island is bisected by 2nd Street, the main drag home to restaurants and shops.More

Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)

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Long Beach’s Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the self-proclaimed only museum in the United States dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American art. Through its paintings, photographs, sculptures, video projects, and other pieces, the museum aims to help the public understand and appreciate works by Latin American artists.More

All about Long Beach

When to visit

Like the rest of greater Los Angeles, Long Beach enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate, making a visit at any time of year enjoyable. June, July, and August tend to be the busiest times tourist-wise, making the warmer but less crowded months of May and September ideal times to visit. Notable festivals are Long Beach Pride in summer and the Grand Prix in spring.

Getting around

Certain neighborhoods of Long Beach are easily navigable by bike or foot, including Belmont Shores, Naples, and the waterfront. Ride shares like Uber and Lyft are easy to find, but you'll have the most freedom with a car of your own to explore the area. You can catch the Catalina Express to Catalina Island at Long Beach Port—it's about an hour ride via high-speed ferry.

Traveler tips

Long Beach has a long history as a LGBTQ+-friendly city, thanks to its historic struggles for gay rights and welcoming atmosphere. Along the Broadway Corridor, you can find bars, stores, and coffee shops that cater to the LGBTQ+ crowd. Since 1984, the city has hosted the Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade in summer (July or August), which has grown to become the third largest event of its kind in California.

Local Currency
US Dollar ($)
Time Zone
PDT (UTC -8)
Country Code
+1
Language(s)
English
Attractions
7
Tours
86
Reviews
1,108
EN
8175fda0-9698-4f05-a1f1-238bcf1991d5
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People Also Ask

What is Long Beach, California known for?

Long Beach is a popular destination for tourists and locals. This coastal city is known for its dynamic skyline, picturesque waterfronts, year-round mild weather, and abundant recreational activities. The shopping centers are bustling with local boutiques, while the restaurants offer a selection of cuisines to suit any palate.

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How do you spend a day in Long Beach, CA?

Your day in Long Beach might focus on its art galleries and architectural landmarks located downtown, or you might head to the beach and relax there. For an adventure, you can rent surfboards, paddle boards, and other water sports equipment and have an active beach day.

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Is there a lot to do in Long Beach?

Yes, there’s a lot to do in Long Beach. With its numerous attractions, it is a great place for both residents and visitors. From its beach boardwalk to the Aquarium of the Pacific, you won’t be short on activities. There are also boutiques, galleries, parks, and theaters to explore.

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Is Long Beach good for tourists?

Long Beach is an excellent California destination. It is home to beautiful beaches, as well as several museums and historical sites including the Queen Mary, a 1936 ocean liner that you can tour, and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Visitors can go whale watching, kayaking, surfing, sailing, and biking.

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What makes Long Beach special?

Long Beach is a special city. It’s a classic Southern California beach town with culture, history, and beaches. It’s a great spot to enjoy the sunshine and jump into the California lifestyle. It’s got an aquarium, restored ocean liner, shopping, restaurants, and water sports.

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What can you do in Long Beach by night?

Long Beach is an excellent destination for a night out. Whether you’re looking for a seafood dinner, local brewery experiences, or jazz performances, you’ll find it in Long Beach. And if you enjoy live music, take a nighttime stroll down Pine Avenue, a trendy restaurant, nightlife, and retail district.

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Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
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What are the top things to do in Long Beach?
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