Long Beach, California Travel Guide
City Coastal city in California, near Los Angeles
Container cranes and yachts share the harbour; the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific and Belmont Shore beaches draw visitors. Expect casual seafood, bike paths and busier ports than the postcard suggests.
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Why Visit Long Beach, California? #
Southern California beach life and port-city culture intersect in Long Beach, where the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific anchor the waterfront. Belmont Shore and Shoreline Village offer walkable dining, bright beaches and a laid-back surf vibe. Events such as the Long Beach Grand Prix and a thriving craft-brewery scene keep evenings interesting, while diverse seafood and fish-taco stands give the local cuisine distinct coastal character.
Who's Long Beach, California For?
Long Beach is great for couples who like oceanfront romance: stroll Shoreline Village, take a sunset cruise past the Queen Mary, or explore the Naples canals by gondola. Intimate waterfront dining and boutique hotels make for easy weekend escapes from L.A.
Families can fill days at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Aquatic Park and kid-friendly beaches; many hotels near Belmont Shore cater to families with pools. Easy bike paths and the Pike make sightseeing and casual meals straightforward with children.
Long Beach serves a diverse dining mix: Belmont Shore seafood, Retro Row small plates, farm-to-table spots in the East Village, and lively farmers’ markets. Good food comes at a range of prices, from beachside tacos to elevated waterfront dinners.
Adventure options include paddleboarding, sailing and kitesurfing off the coast, plus easy ferry rides to Catalina for hiking and diving. Long Beach’s bike-friendly waterfront and rental shops mean you can build a water-focused active day without driving far.
For nature outings, visit El Dorado Nature Center, nearby Bolsa Chica wetlands for birdwatching, or explore the coastal bluffs and tide pools. The city balances urban beaches with accessible wildlife habitats and guided eco-tours for seasonal sightings.
Nightlife centers on Retro Row, Pine Avenue and craft breweries with late-night eats; the scene is lively but smaller than central L.A. Expect craft cocktails, live music venues and bar hops that stretch into the evening without the intensity of a bigger club city.
Best Things to Do in Long Beach, California
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Long Beach, California Bucket List
- Aquarium of the Pacific - Large marine aquarium with immersive exhibits, touch tanks, and diverse Pacific ocean life.
- RMS Queen Mary - Retired ocean liner turned hotel and museum offering tours, dining, and maritime history.
- Naples Canals - Charming island neighborhood with historic canals, gondola tours, and waterfront homes.
- Shoreline Village - Harborfront boardwalk lined with shops, seafood restaurants, and picturesque marina views.
- Long Beach Museum of Art - Small coastal museum featuring modern and contemporary art plus ocean-view sculpture garden.
- Retro Row (4th Street) - Independent shops, vintage stores, breweries, and late-night eateries anchoring local culture.
- Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden - Serene five-acre garden on CSULB campus ideal for quiet strolls and photography.
- Rosie's Dog Beach - Off-leash beach where locals bring dogs to run, swim, and socialize.
- Rancho Los Cerritos - Restored 19th-century adobe ranch showcasing local history and peaceful gardens.
- Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) - Regionally focused museum presenting contemporary Latin American art and rotating exhibitions.
- Catalina Island (Avalon) - Ferry trip to Avalon for snorkeling, hiking, and classic island village atmosphere.
- Disneyland Resort (Anaheim) - Two theme parks with rides, parades, and family entertainment just east of Long Beach.
- Abalone Cove Shoreline Park (Palos Verdes) - Coastal reserve with tide pools, walking trails, and sweeping views over Palos Verdes cliffs.
- Huntington Beach Pier - Classic Southern California surf town with an iconic pier, surf shops, and wide beach.
- Joshua Tree National Park - Rugged desert park offering iconic Joshua trees, rock climbing, and striking geological formations.
Regions of Long Beach, California #
Downtown / Waterfront
The compact tourist core hugging the harbor - think maritime attractions, convention center energy and waterfront promenades. Walkable attractions, family-friendly options and easy access to ferries and beaches make this the natural landing spot for first-time visitors.
Top Spots
- Aquarium of the Pacific - Big, hands-on marine displays and touch tanks.
- Shoreline Village - Colorful waterfront shops and casual dining.
- The Queen Mary - Historic ocean liner permanently berthed in the harbor.
- Pine Avenue - Bars and restaurants that light up in the evenings.
Belmont Shore
A friendlier, beachy neighborhood where locals stroll and dine outdoors. Second Street is the hub for relaxed meals and boutique shopping, while the sand and pier are never far away. Great for couples and anyone who wants a seaside, small-town Long Beach feel.
Top Spots
- Second Street - Lively strip of cafés, restaurants and independent shops.
- Belmont Shore Beach - Popular stretch for sunbathing and beach sports.
- Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier - Good for sunset walks and fishing.
Naples / Alamitos Bay
The small-island feel of Naples - quiet canals, palm-lined streets and waterside homes. It’s a calm, scenic corner perfect for renting a kayak, browsing local cafés and escaping the bigger tourist crowds without leaving Long Beach.
Top Spots
- Naples Canals - Charming residential canals you can kayak or walk along.
- Marine Stadium - Water-sports hub and open-water views.
- Belmont Heights - Handy cafés and neighborhood bars nearby.
East Village / Retro Row
Long Beach’s creative corridor, centered on Fourth Street’s Retro Row. Expect vintage stores, indie cafés and a friendlier, low-key nightlife compared with downtown. It’s where to go for grab-a-beer spots, vinyl hunting and local arts without the crowds.
Top Spots
- Fourth Street (Retro Row) - Vintage shops, indie cinemas and vinyl stores.
- Art Theatre - Classic single-screen cinema and community events.
- Local galleries - Small art spaces and monthly openings.
Plan Your Visit to Long Beach, California #
Best Time to Visit Long Beach, California #
Late spring through early fall is best for Long Beach if you want consistent sunshine, warm water, and outdoor dining. Winters are mild but rainier and quieter, good for museums and lower prices.
Best Time to Visit Long Beach, California #
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 27°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 74 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 1 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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November
November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm).
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December
December is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Long Beach, California
Long Beach is served by a small local airport (Long Beach Airport, LGB) and several larger regional airports nearby (LAX and John Wayne/SNA). You can reach downtown easily by short rideshare or taxi from LGB, while LAX and SNA offer more flight options and reasonable rideshare or public-transit connections into the city.
Long Beach Airport (LGB): Long Beach Airport is the closest commercial airport to downtown Long Beach (about 3-4 miles). Taxi or rideshare from LGB to Downtown Long Beach typically takes 10-20 minutes and costs roughly $12-25; some hotels offer shuttles or private transfers-check ahead.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): LAX is the largest nearby hub (about 20 miles from Long Beach). Rideshare or taxi from LAX to downtown Long Beach typically takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic and costs about $40-70. A lower-cost public-transit option is to take the free LAX shuttle to the Metro C Line (Aviation Station), transfer via the Metro network to the A Line (Blue) toward Downtown Long Beach - expect ~75-90 minutes end-to-end and standard Metro fares ($1.75 per ride).
John Wayne Airport (SNA): John Wayne/Orange County Airport is another convenient option (about 20-30 miles south-east). Rideshare or taxi to Long Beach usually takes 25-45 minutes and costs around $35-60 depending on traffic. There are also OC Bus and Metrolink connections from the airport area; those require transfers and add travel time compared with a direct car trip.
Train: The Metro A Line (Blue) light rail runs between Downtown Los Angeles and Downtown Long Beach, terminating at the Downtown Long Beach Transit Mall (Pine/1st area). Typical one-way fare on LA Metro is $1.75; travel from 7th St/Metro Center (Central LA) to Downtown Long Beach takes roughly 45-55 minutes. Note that Amtrak/Metrolink do not have direct service into downtown Long Beach - the nearest intercity rail stops are in Anaheim/Fullerton/Santa Ana, from which you must transfer by bus or rideshare.
Bus: Local service is provided by Long Beach Transit (LBT) and by Los Angeles Metro and Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA) for regional connections. LA Metro local buses use the same $1.75 base fare as the rail network; Long Beach Transit runs frequent neighborhood and beach routes (local fares around $1.50 for short trips - check LBT for current fares). Typical cross-city bus rides take 15-45 minutes depending on origin and traffic; regional OCTA routes to/from Orange County are slower but useful for inter-county travel.
How to Get Around Long Beach, California
Long Beach is easiest to get around by a combination of the Metro A Line for longer trips and local Long Beach Transit buses or rideshares for shorter or cross-neighborhood journeys. For waterfront and downtown sightseeing, walking and cycling are convenient and enjoyable; driving is best when you need full flexibility or are visiting farther-flung attractions.
- Driving / Car rental ($2-30/day (parking); rental rates vary) - Renting a car or driving is the most flexible way to explore Long Beach and nearby Southern California: traffic can be heavy at peak times, but parking is widely available across the city. Expect downtown on-street and garage parking fees (typically $2-5 per hour; daily lot/garage rates commonly $10-30). A car is especially useful for day trips to Orange County or L.A. attractions.
- Metro A Line (light rail) ($1.75) - The Metro A Line (formerly Blue) connects Downtown Long Beach with Downtown Los Angeles and is the best public-transit option for direct, traffic-free travel to central LA. Trains serve the Downtown Long Beach Transit Mall and other stations across the city; a one-way Metro fare is $1.75. It's reliable for reaching downtown attractions and the waterfront - expect ~45-55 minutes to central LA.
- Long Beach Transit (local buses) ($1.50) - Long Beach Transit operates the city's local bus network, covering beaches, neighborhoods, and links to transit hubs. Routes are frequent on main corridors; short cross-city rides typically take 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. Fares are modest (around $1.50 for local trips - check the LBT website or app for up-to-date fares and day pass options).
- Rideshare & Taxis ($6-70 (typical trip ranges)) - Uber and Lyft are widely available and often the fastest door-to-door option, especially off-rail corridors or late at night. Short trips within Long Beach commonly range from $6-20; trips to/from LAX or SNA will be higher (see airport card). Taxis are available but generally more expensive than rideshares outside airport zones.
- Biking & e-scooters ($1-2 unlock + per-minute charges) - Long Beach is flat and bike-friendly with dedicated lanes on several corridors and a pleasant waterfront to cycle. Dockless e-scooters and bike rental apps operate in the city - fares are typically a small unlock fee plus per-minute charges. Biking is an excellent option for short trips along the shore or through downtown; always follow local rules and watch for pedestrians.
- Walking - Downtown Long Beach, the waterfront, and the East Village Arts District are compact and very walkable - strolling is often the fastest way to explore nearby shops, restaurants, and the Pike. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for sun and occasional wind near the water.
Where to Stay in Long Beach, California #
- Red Lion Hotel Long Beach - Simple waterfront rooms, basic amenities
- Comfort Suites Long Beach - Suite layouts, reliable continental breakfast
- Hyatt Regency Long Beach - Harbor views, convenient downtown location
- Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton - Resort feel, marina-adjacent rooms
- The Queen Mary - Historic ship with unique waterfront rooms
- Hyatt Regency Long Beach - Upscale harbor views and full services
- Hyatt Regency Long Beach - Central for attractions and dining
- Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton - Good for families and strolls
- Hotel Maya - a DoubleTree by Hilton - Family-friendly rooms and activities nearby
- The Queen Mary - Unique family experience on a historic ship
- Hyatt Regency Long Beach - Reliable Wi‑Fi, business center access
- Courtyard by Marriott Long Beach - Comfortable rooms, good workspaces
Where to Eat in Long Beach, California #
Long Beach eats the way a big coastal suburb should: seafood, creative comfort food, and lots of walkable neighborhood options. Belmont Shore and the East Village are where you’ll find laid-back eateries and brewpubs, while downtown around Pine Avenue and Retro Row offers more variety and international flavors. For harbor-side dining, Parkers’ Lighthouse is a longtime option for fish and shellfish.
The city does casual well - think inventive takes on classics, beach-town seafood shacks, and small restaurants that focus on fresh ingredients. Long Beach’s neighborhood markets and independent cafes also make it an easy place to graze through a day of exploring.
- The Attic on Broadway - Southern-inspired comfort food with a creative twist.
- Parkers' Lighthouse - Waterfront seafood and panoramic harbor views.
- Belmont Brewing Company - Belmont Shore pub with house-brewed beers and gastropub menu.
- Sura Korean Cuisine - Authentic Korean dishes and BBQ favorites.
- Michael's on Naples - Italian-American classics in a neighborhood setting.
- Thai Dishes at Pine & Crane - Fresh Taiwanese/Thai-inspired bowls and small plates.
- The Grain Café - Plant-forward bowls, smoothies and hearty salads.
- Celia's Vegan Food - Vegan tacos, sandwiches and inventive comfort-food plates.
- Local farmers' markets - Seasonal fruits, prepared veg dishes and artisanal goods.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Long Beach, California's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Long Beach, California #
Long Beach nightlife stretches from Retro Row’s indie bars to downtown’s Pine Avenue and the laid-back restaurants of Belmont Shore. You’ll find live music venues, rooftop cocktail bars, and late-night eateries; many places close around 2:00 AM. Dress ranges from beach-casual to trendy for rooftop spots. Stick to main drags after dark and use rideshares if you’re moving between neighborhoods.
Best Bets
- Retro Row (4th Street) - Indie bars, record shops and relaxed live-music spots.
- Pine Avenue (downtown) - High-energy strip with bars, late-night restaurants, and people-watching.
- Alex's Bar - Longstanding live-music room that draws punk and indie crowds.
- The Federal Bar - Bigger shows and classic bar food in historic downtown setting.
- Belmont Shore (2nd Street) - Beach-adjacent bars, tapas spots and busy summer nightlife.
- Shoreline Village & waterfront - Sea-view restaurants and casual bars-good for relaxed evenings.
Shopping in Long Beach, California #
Long Beach is a relaxed California shopping town with distinct districts: Retro Row for vintage and indie finds, Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street for fashion and boutiques, and downtown Pine Avenue and The Pike Outlets for tourist and outlet shopping. Weekends mean pop-up markets and art fairs; prices range from budget to boutique - you can haggle at flea markets but expect fixed pricing in stores.
Best Bets
- Retro Row (4th Street) - Independent vintage stores, vinyl shops and neighborhood coffee spots.
- The Pike Outlets - Outdoor outlet mall with brand-name stores and casual dining by the waterfront.
- Shoreline Village - Harborfront shops and souvenir stores with casual eateries and views.
- Belmont Shore - 2nd Street - Tree-lined shopping street with boutiques, surf shops and sidewalk cafés.
- Long Beach Antique Market - Huge monthly flea market with antiques, collectibles and local vendors.
- Bixby Knolls (Atlantic Avenue) - Independent bookshops, galleries and specialty stores with neighborhood charm.
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