Long Beach

Travel Guide

Long Beach featuring a sandy beach, kite surfing and general coastal views
Long Beach
Long Beach
Long Beach
Long Beach showing a city, a bay or harbour and a beach

Take the kids for a swim in the ocean, pet sharks at the aquarium and explore museums and galleries in this laid-back beach city on California’s Pacific Coast.

Long Beach is a seaside city in California known for its scenic ports and family-friendly beaches. Visit the enormous aquarium, which is home to thousands of species and offers interactive activities. Other popular activities include romantic strolls along the beach, visits to the eclectic shopping areas and trips to museums and cultural centers.

Take the family to the famous Aquarium of the Pacific in Rainbow Harbour on the south coast of the city. It covers an area of 5 acres (2 hectares) and houses 11,000 creatures, including fish, penguins and sea lions. See the Shark Lagoon, which features several types of sharks and rays. If you are feeling brave, pet sharks in the purpose-built tank. 

Cycle along the paths near the port for an excellent view of the ocean. The city is home to sandy beaches along the Pacific Coast. The water here is generally very calm so it’s ideal for families with small children.

Go shopping for hats, trinkets and candy in the eccentric stores in Shoreline Village. Take the kids for a ride on the carousel in the playground area. Enjoy a romantic stroll along Rainbow Harbour and Marina as the sun goes down. After nightfall, colourful lights from yachts, restaurants and hotels light up the area.

For some culture, head to Long Beach Performing Arts Centre and watch a musical or an opera. Explore the exhibitions at the Long Beach Museum of Art. The museum is housed in a historic mansion on the top of a scenic bluff overlooking the ocean. Explore boutiques and galleries at the East Village Arts District and tour the Museum of Latin American Art.

Long Beach is located about 24 miles (38.6 kilometres) south of downtown Los Angeles. A taxi journey should take around 45 minutes or you can take the LA Metro. While you are in Long Beach, take a cruise to beautiful Catalina Island.

Where to stay in Long Beach

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Downtown Long Beach

5/5(2 area reviews)

Downtown Long Beach is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like One World Trade Center and 4th Street Retro Row. See more of Long Beach by jumping on the metro at 1st Street Station or Pacific Avenue Station.

Downtown Long Beach
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Belmont Shore

You'll enjoy the beaches and restaurants in Belmont Shore. You might want to make time for a stop at Long Beach Waterfront or Rosie's Dog Beach.

Belmont Shore
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Waterfront

If you're spending some time in Waterfront, The Pike Outlets and Aquarium of the Pacific are top sights worth seeing.

Waterfront
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Alamitos Beach

While visiting Alamitos Beach, you might make a stop by sights like 4th Street Retro Row and City Beach.

Alamitos Beach
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Eastside

If you're spending some time in Eastside, 4th Street Retro Row and Museum of Latin American Art are top sights worth seeing.

Eastside
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Belmont Heights

Though Belmont Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Rosie's Dog Beach and Blair Field.

Belmont Heights

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Long Beach

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
9
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
16
4 - Good 59%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We enjoyed dinner at Gladstone’s and just walking the shoreline area was beautiful. The Aquarium of the Pacific is excellent and informative

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Only stayed a night in the area so didnt see much of Long Beach

5/5 - Excellent

RD

Rosie’s dog beach is the place to be. Parking on street is free.