Best Things To Do In Long Beach

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Long Beach, California, this is one of those cities that gives you a little bit of everything: a walkable waterfront, beaches, museums, great food, whale watching, the Queen Mary, and an easy ferry ride to Catalina Island. It works just as well for a day trip from Los Angeles as it does for a relaxed weekend by the water.

I first visited Long Beach during a business trip to Los Angeles when I desperately wanted a break from the city. I’ll be honest: L.A. has never been my favorite place to unwind, and Long Beach felt like exactly the escape I needed. What surprised me most was how easily it blends an urban waterfront with a laid-back beach-town feel. I only had a couple of days, but I left wishing I had more time.

A lot has changed since that first trip, so I’ve updated this guide with current information on Long Beach attractions, beaches, transportation, Catalina Island, and practical tips while keeping the places and experiences I genuinely loved.

Why Visit Long Beach, California?

Long Beach is about 25 miles south of Downtown Los Angeles, but it feels very different once you reach the waterfront. Downtown, Rainbow Harbor, Shoreline Village, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and The Pike are clustered close enough together that you can explore a lot without spending your day in the car.

What I like most is the variety. You can spend the morning at an aquarium, walk along the harbor, relax on the sand, take a whale-watching cruise, have dinner with a view of the Queen Mary, and still be back at your hotel without crossing half of Southern California.

Best Things to Do in Long Beach

Walk Around The Pike, Rainbow Harbor, and the Downtown Waterfront

The Pike is still one of the easiest places to start exploring Long Beach. The waterfront district sits near the Convention Center, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Rainbow Harbor, with restaurants, shops, a movie theater, and the iconic Ferris wheel nearby.

I loved simply walking along the waterfront, watching the boats, and taking in the sunset. If you only have a few hours in Long Beach, this whole area gives you a good feel for the city without requiring much planning.

Stroll Through Shoreline Aquatic Park and See the Lions Lighthouse

Shoreline Aquatic Park is one of my favorite places for an easy walk because you get views of Rainbow Harbor, the downtown skyline, Shoreline Village, and the Queen Mary across the water.

The Long Beach Harbor Lighthouse itself is an industrial-looking structure sometimes nicknamed the “robot lighthouse,” but the much more photogenic Lions Lighthouse for Sight gives Shoreline Aquatic Park its postcard feel. It isn’t a working lighthouse, but it is a great viewpoint and an easy place to stop for photos.

Tour the Queen Mary — or Spend the Night

If you enjoy history, the Queen Mary is still one of Long Beach’s signature attractions. The famous ocean liner arrived in Long Beach in 1967 and today operates as a hotel, historic attraction, event venue, and home to both history and paranormal tours.

I spent a night aboard the Queen Mary, and it is still one of the most memorable hotel experiences I’ve had. The Art Deco interiors, wood paneling, long hallways, and harbor views make it feel completely different from staying in a regular hotel. Even if you don’t stay overnight, you can buy admission and explore exhibits or book one of the guided tours.

The views back toward Long Beach are beautiful, especially after dark. You can see more photos and read about my experience in my review of staying aboard the Queen Mary.

Spend an Evening at Shoreline Village

Shoreline Village overlooks Rainbow Harbor and is an easy place to slow down after sightseeing. There are restaurants, small shops, bike rentals, harbor activities, and beautiful views across the water toward the Queen Mary.

I had dinner at Parker’s Lighthouse and still remember sitting by the harbor with clam chowder and oysters while the sun went down. For me, this is the kind of place where the setting matters as much as the meal. If the weather is good, I’d try to time dinner for sunset.

Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific

If you’re visiting Long Beach with kids—or you simply love marine life—the Aquarium of the Pacific deserves several hours. The aquarium focuses on the Pacific Ocean and has hundreds of species, touch exhibits, sharks, sea otters, penguins, and both indoor and outdoor areas.

One practical advantage is its location. It sits right at Rainbow Harbor, so it’s easy to combine the aquarium with The Pike, Shoreline Aquatic Park, or dinner at Shoreline Village. Whale-watching and harbor cruises also depart nearby, and the aquarium currently offers combination tickets with some cruises.

Best Beaches in Long Beach

Yes, Long Beach really does have beaches—miles of them—but I think it helps to know what kind of beach experience you’re getting. The offshore breakwater protects much of the shoreline, so the water is usually calmer than at the classic surfing beaches farther down the Southern California coast. I think of Long Beach as especially good for walking, biking, relaxing on the sand, kayaking, and enjoying the waterfront rather than chasing big waves.

Alamitos Beach: Best for Downtown Visitors

Alamitos Beach is the easiest choice if you’re staying downtown. It connects the waterfront area with the long paved pedestrian and bike path that follows the coast toward Belmont Shore. The beach is broad and sandy, and there are restrooms, rinse showers, volleyball courts, and beach rentals nearby.

Junipero Beach: Best for a Beach Walk

Junipero Beach, also called Cherry Beach, is one of the places I’d choose if I wanted a long walk rather than a full beach day. Bluff Park sits above part of the shoreline and gives you a completely different view of the coast, while the beach-level walking and biking paths make it easy to keep going for miles.

Mother’s Beach: Best for Families With Younger Kids

If you’re traveling with smaller children, Mother’s Beach inside Alamitos Bay is worth knowing about. The protected location means gentler water and a shallow swimming area, and there’s also a playground and grassy picnic space right beside the sand.

Take a Break and Enjoy the Beach

One of my favorite things to do when I have a little downtime while traveling is find a quiet spot, grab a coffee, and read for a while. Long Beach is perfect for that, especially if you’ve been walking around all day and just want to slow things down a bit.

I usually read on my phone when I travel because it’s one less thing to carry, and sites like FictionMe make it easy to have a fantasy novel ready whenever I find a good place to sit. Alamitos Beach works well if you want to stay close to downtown, while Junipero Beach and Bluff Park feel a little better for a longer, quieter break.

Bring sunscreen even when it doesn’t feel particularly hot, along with headphones, water, and a light layer. The breeze near the water can make a warm Southern California afternoon feel much cooler once the sun starts dropping. If you’re planning to swim, I would also check the city’s current beach water quality, especially after rain. Long Beach recommends avoiding ocean water contact for 72 hours after significant rainfall.

If you’re turning Long Beach into part of a longer California beach trip, these tips for planning a beach road trip may also come in handy.

Take a Whale-Watching or Wildlife Cruise

Long Beach is a great jumping-off point for getting out on the Pacific. Whale-watching boats leave from Rainbow Harbor in search of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life. What you see depends on the season and, of course, wildlife never follows a schedule.

Gray whales are associated with the winter and spring migration, while blue whales are more commonly seen during warmer months. Dolphins and sea lions can show up throughout the year.

I didn’t have time to take a dedicated whale-watching cruise on my first trip, but I got incredibly lucky on the ferry to Catalina Island. I saw dolphins, a seal, and my first whale in the wild. I can still remember how excited I was when I saw the whale surface.

My biggest tip is to dress warmer than you think you need to. Once you’re moving across open water, it can get cold even if the weather felt perfect on shore.

Take a Day Trip From Long Beach to Catalina Island

If you have an extra day, Catalina Island is one of the best reasons to stay in Long Beach a little longer. The Catalina Express trip from Long Beach to Avalon takes about an hour, and there are multiple departures on many days of the year.

Avalon feels completely different from the mainland, with narrow streets, a walkable waterfront, restaurants, and that Mediterranean-island atmosphere I fell in love with almost immediately. You can keep the day relaxed or add snorkeling, kayaking, zip lining, hiking, boat trips, or tours of the island’s interior.

I visited in winter and loved how peaceful it felt without peak-season crowds. The water activities may be less appealing on a cold day, but Avalon itself is still lovely. If you’re debating whether a day trip is worth it, read my full guide to spending the day on Catalina Island.

Ride a Gondola Through the Naples Canals

Naples is one of Long Beach’s most charming neighborhoods, built around canals on Alamitos Bay. You can walk around the neighborhood, but seeing it from the water is much more memorable.

Gondola Getaway has been taking visitors through the Naples canals since the early 1980s. The traditional cruises are private and last about 50 minutes. If you’re planning a romantic weekend, I would book close to sunset. During December, the canals are especially popular because of the holiday lights.

How to Get to Long Beach

Long Beach is roughly 25 miles south of Downtown Los Angeles. Driving time can vary dramatically with traffic, so I would never plan around the old “it’s only 30 minutes from L.A.” rule.

If you don’t want to drive, the LA Metro A Line runs between Long Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, and points farther east. Downtown Long Beach has several rail stops, which makes the train a realistic option for a day trip if you’re already staying near Metro in Los Angeles.

If you’re flying, Long Beach Airport (LGB) is by far the most convenient airport when the schedule and price work for you. Long Beach Transit also connects the airport with Downtown Long Beach and Metro’s A Line.

Getting Around Long Beach Without a Car

This is one of the reasons I like Long Beach for a short getaway: if you stay downtown, you can do quite a lot without driving. Rainbow Harbor, The Pike, the Aquarium, Shoreline Village, and Shoreline Aquatic Park are all relatively close together.

The free Passport bus connects downtown and waterfront destinations. Service schedules can change, so I’d check the current route before relying on it for your day.

Long Beach Transit also operates the AquaBus and AquaLink water taxis, but this is one part of the article where you absolutely need to check current information before your trip. Water-taxi schedules, routes, and fares are seasonal and have changed substantially over the years.

If your plans include Belmont Shore, Naples, or attractions farther from downtown, rideshare can be easier than renting a car for a short stay. I’d only keep a rental car if Long Beach is part of a larger Southern California road trip.

Where to Stay in Long Beach

If this is your first visit and you want to be able to walk to restaurants and attractions, I would stay in Downtown Long Beach or around the waterfront. That puts you close to Rainbow Harbor, The Pike, the Aquarium, and Shoreline Village.

For something completely different, spending the night aboard the Queen Mary is still the most memorable stay I’ve had in Long Beach. It is not a conventional hotel experience, which is exactly the point. You’re staying inside a piece of maritime history.

If beaches, local restaurants, and a more residential feel matter more to you than downtown attractions, Belmont Shore is another area I’d consider. It puts you closer to 2nd Street, Alamitos Bay, Naples, and the eastern beaches.

How Much Time Do You Need in Long Beach?

You can see the main downtown waterfront in one day, but I think Long Beach works much better as a two-night weekend. One day gives you time for the aquarium, harbor, Shoreline Village, or Queen Mary. A second day lets you slow down at the beach, explore Belmont Shore and Naples, take a whale-watching cruise, or spend the day on Catalina Island.

If Catalina is a priority, I would give Long Beach at least two full days rather than trying to squeeze the island and the city into the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Long Beach

Is Long Beach worth visiting?

Yes, especially if you want a Southern California destination that combines a walkable waterfront, beaches, marine life, restaurants, and major attractions without feeling exactly like Los Angeles. It also makes an excellent base for Catalina Island.

Does Long Beach have good beaches?

Long Beach has several miles of sandy beaches, but the offshore breakwater keeps much of the water calmer than at Southern California surf beaches. Alamitos Beach is convenient from downtown, Junipero Beach is good for walking and biking, and Mother’s Beach is especially useful for families with young kids.

Can you visit Long Beach without a car?

Yes. If you stay downtown, many of the main waterfront attractions are walkable. The free Passport bus and LA Metro A Line also help, while seasonal water taxis can be useful when they are operating. For Naples and Belmont Shore, you may want a rideshare.

What is the best time of year to visit Long Beach?

Long Beach is a year-round destination. Summer gives you the warmest beach weather and the busiest event calendar, while spring and fall usually offer comfortable temperatures with fewer peak-season crowds. I visited in winter and still loved it—you just need layers once the sun goes down or you head out on the water.

Is Long Beach a good day trip from Los Angeles?

Absolutely. The downtown waterfront alone can fill a day, and you can reach Long Beach from Los Angeles by car or Metro. If you want to add Catalina Island, beaches, or Naples, I’d turn it into a weekend instead.

More of My Favorite California Getaways

If you’re already in Long Beach or planning a larger California road trip, there are several other places I’d happily combine with it.

Santa Catalina Island is the easiest extension because the ferry leaves right from Long Beach. It’s just an hour away, but Avalon feels like you’ve stepped into a completely different kind of California getaway. You can read my full Catalina Island day-trip guide here.

San Diego is another favorite. It has beautiful beaches, fantastic food, and lots to do for families. If you want more space than a hotel, San Diego Vacation Rentals offers vacation homes in the area.

If your Southern California trip takes you inland toward the desert, VARE Properties currently focuses on vacation rentals around La Quinta, Indio, Palm Springs, and the Coachella Valley, which can work well if you’re combining the coast with a desert stay.

Los Angeles is obviously close, and I’ll admit it still isn’t my favorite city for slowing down. I enjoy it most for the museums, food, and entertainment, then I’m usually ready to escape somewhere a little less hectic.

And if you’re heading north, don’t skip San Francisco. I spent 48 hours exploring and still felt like I barely scratched the surface.

You can find even more ideas in my California travel guides.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz

Paula Bendfeldt-Díaz is a Guatemalan travel writer, photographer, and founder of Growing Up Bilingual. After spending more than 15 years in the United States, she now lives in Guatemala and shares detailed travel guides, traditional Guatemalan recipes, and cultural insights based on a lifetime of firsthand experience.

Through her writing, Paula helps travelers discover Guatemala beyond the typical tourist route with practical advice, local recommendations, and authentic experiences that connect visitors with the country’s people, culture, and traditions.

Planning a trip to Guatemala? Paula offers personalized Guatemala itinerary planning and trip consultation services tailored to your interests, travel style, and budget. Contact her at [email protected] to learn more.

Latest posts by Paula Bendfeldt-Diaz (see all)

• San Lucas Tolimán Guatemala: Lake Atitlán’s Best-Kept Secret - September 24, 2026
• Hotel Tolimán Lake Atitlán: A Special Stay in San Lucas Tolimán - September 24, 2026
• Guatemala Dreams in San Lucas Tolimán: A Boutique Stay on Lake Atitlán - September 23, 2026