//
City in California, United States
Photo: Nandaro, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Long Beach is a large port city in Los Angeles County in Southern California. Long Beach has some nice people-gathering amenities and genuine tourist attractions, such as a world-class aquarium and the Queen Mary floating museum/hotel. Special events are also held in the city like the annual Long Beach Grand Prix (a premier racing event held on city streets) and the annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride event. When compared to other areas like Hollywood, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and West L.A., Long Beach may not always be at the top of someone's tourist visit to the Los Angeles area, but the city draws its fair share of visitors and has proven it can definitely hold its own.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
One of the largest aquariums in the United States, its nearly 1,000 species fill 19 major habitats and 32 focus exhibits and take visitors through three regions of the Pacific Ocean: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific. There is also a Combo package with the Queen Mary. (Pay parking or take Passport C).
The Queen Mary is a historic Cunard White Star ocean liner — a beautiful Art Deco structure and the largest passenger ship ever built — whose past includes being a troop transport in World War II, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Several different tours of the ship are offered including a Ghosts and Legends tour. The Queen Mary also boasts a hotel, several restaurants and bars (a particularly nice one is the Art Deco Bar, where you can get a good cocktail in vintage surroundings and watch the harbor), a shopping promenade and a wedding reception hall. General Admission includes a choice of one of several available tours (you can take a second guided tour for an additional charge), Self-Guided Queen Mary Shipwalk Tour and access to all open exhibit areas. There are several other tour packages including a Combo ticket with the Aquarium of the Pacific. (Pay parking or take Passport C).
This former Soviet Union submarine is moored adjacent to the Queen Mary. Due to safety issues with the submarine, visitors are no longer allowed inside but it can be viewed from the dock.
As of Nov 2020, it is closed until further notice. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a 1.3-acre (0.53 hectares) Japanese garden with a traditional tea house and koi ponds. A self-guided tour book is available for $1. Call to verify hours as university events sometimes require early closures. Tours for groups of 10 or more may be arranged by calling the garden office at +1 562-985-8420. Take Passport D.
A small art museum featuring 20th-century art and decorative pieces with a focus on California artists. Take Passport A or D
As of 2020, only outdoor spaces are open, and reservations are recommended. A two-story Monterey-style adobe home built in 1844. A National, State, and Long Beach Historic Landmark, the site includes historic gardens and a research library. Docent-led tours on every hour from 1PM to 4PM. Groups over 10 should reserve two weeks ahead. Special events listed on the website.
A district in the southeast corner of Long Beach featuring canals with million-dollar homes and walkways lining the canals. At Christmas, the residents extravagantly decorate their homes drawing crowds of pedestrians to admire the works of decorating art. Take Passport A or D.
Old Station 10
A collection of historic fire equipment ranging from leather water buckets to a 1965 fire engine.
As of 2020, only outdoor areas are open. Reservation required. Museum of the old Bixby Farmhouse and gardens.
MOLAA
As of 2020, it is temporarily closed. MOLAA is the only museum in the western United States that exclusively features contemporary Latin American art. The museum seeks to educate through the utilization of its permanent collection, traveling exhibitions, and programs. MOLAA is in the newly developing East Village Arts District of Long Beach.
As of 2020, it is temporarily closed. A small exhibit space with rotating exhibits on the history of Long Beach. There is also a publicly accessible research archive at this site.
This park is in the city of Signal Hill which is a small, suburban city within Long Beach. The park features breathtaking views where you can see beaches of Orange County, Queen Mary, Palos Verdes Hills, and even Downtown Los Angeles! There are also walking trails and monuments honoring indigenous folks.
Long Beach's beach stretches four miles between Alamitos Avenue and 72nd place. A portion of beach where dogs are permitted is Rosie's Dog Beach. At Grand Avenue is the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier. There are access points every few blocks, and parking lots at Junipero, Termino, Granada, La Verne and 72nd Place. Concrete bike and skating lanes run along the beach. Water is usually fine for surfing or swimming. Lifeguard services are limited, and no lifeguard is guaranteed outside of peak hours or specialized, supervised areas.
Romantic gondola boat ride along the canals in Naples. Make reservations at least one day in advance (3 weeks is recommended). Reservation office hours 10AM-5PM daily.
Boat service to Catalina Island. Reservations are recommended. Note that each passenger is allowed 2 pieces of luggage, no larger than 37x23x23 inches (94x58x58 cm) and weighing no more than 50 pounds (22 kg) each as well as one carry-on bag.
49er's
The 49ers compete in NCAA Division 1 collegiate sports, including baseball (the "Dirtbags"), softball, basketball, volleyball, water polo, and women's soccer and tennis. Venues include Blair Field and the blue Walter Pyramid, one of three true pyramids in the United States.
The pool building is being rebuilt. A temporary outdoor pool has been erected nearby. Parking metered, 8AM-6PM, $1/hour. As of 2020, reservations are required and only lap swimming is allowed.
includes the Terrace Theatre
Performances of International City Theatre, Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, and other events.
Free to the public portion of El Dorado with Youth Recreation and Senior Center.
Very large recreation park with bike paths, playgrounds, and ponds.
The Nature Center is a large forested park with trails, a museum, two lakes and native California wildlife. See website for special monthly events.
An 18-hole course designed by Ted Robinson, Sr. with challenging water hazards and mature tree-lined fairways.
An 18-hole layout designed by Billy Bell with rolling terrain and various types of trees lining the fairways.
A nine-hole executive course.
A championship 18-hole Scottish links style course with hilly lies on either side of the fairway. The course was redesigned by Cal Olsen in 2004.
18-hole Par 3 course designed by William F. Bell.
A weekend-long event culminating in Indycar racing on a 2-mile (3-km) track through the streets of downtown. Held every April. Celebrities races are among the events.
Held every May, the festival celebrates gay, lesbian, and transgender lifestyles through music, stage performances, and a parade.
A foray into seafood cuisine, with entertainment.
Greek food and entertainment.
A 1/2-mile (800 m) swim, 11-mile (18 km) bike ride, 3-mile (5 km) run race along the oceanfront of Long Beach. September.
Scenic marathon along the shores of Long Beach. October.
The largest one-day car show on the West Coast. Held in September
Annual parade featuring dogs in costume.
The Historical Society of Long Beach puts on an annual tour of the historic Sunnyside Cemetery with actors telling stories as figures from Long Beach's past. Tickets are required and go on sale starting in September.
Seafood dining along the Long Beach waterfront.
A local secret known for homebaked pies, desserts, soups, and comfort food. Inexpensive (and popular so expect a wait).
Contemporary seafood restaurant with shoreline view of the Queen Mary.
Bixby Knolls location
Local chain known for site-baked pies especially fresh strawberry and ollalieberry in season. Roast turkey and chicken dinners.
Chain restaurant with extensive menu and large selection of draft beer.
Ahimsa Vegan Cafe
Ahimsa is a vegan/vegetarian/raw cafe.
In addition to the usual combination plates, menu includes specialties such as pork shank, stuffed pasilla chiles, and bread pudding. Very popular, be prepared to wait. Offers takeout.
Bar and taqueria.
Clark location
Also at 1327 E 4th St and 5209 E Pacific Coast Hwy. Fish tacos, breakfast burritos.
Very small place with inexpensive pizza and Italian dishes. Charming and friendly owners.
Authentic Italian food.
Small place with Thai and Cambodian dishes.
Japanese steak house and sushi.
Small, quaint place with a friendly atmosphere. Great for quick-order sushi & sashimi. The parking lot is shared with next-door Trader Joe's, so parking may be hard to find at times. Visa & Mastercard purchases are $10 minimum without tax.
Nice sit-down restaurant with take-out and online ordering. Great teriyaki sauce! Delivery to local businesses only.
Chic and casual tiny neighborhood cafe in a strip mall. Excellent pho, shaken beef, buttermilk panna cotta with Key Lime anglaise, cassava cake. Free corkage.
Friendly Greek restaurant. The house specialty is the lamb chops, but there are fish and vegetarian options, and a selection of Greek wines. Indoor and outdoor seating.
Picture a Paris street cafe, add sunshine and cool breeze and what you get is "la creme de la crepe..." Authentic French cafe serving breakfast, lunch and diner daily. Award winner every year since 2005 and now recommended by Sunset Magazine, et voila!
White cloth Italian with award winning wine list, rooftop lounge, brickoven pizzeria next door.
Prime steakhouse
Serves tapas, sangria, and other dishes like paella in this restaurant and nightclub. With live music and flamenco shows and good values on the food and drinks.
Features Continental and California cuisine. Smart-casual attire required and reservations are highly recommended. Due to the historic nature of the ship, Sir Winston's is located in an area that is only accessible by stairs. Accommodations will be made for guests with special needs.
Includes a Carving and Entree Station with a selection of cooked meats; an Oriental Station with stir-fry; a Pasta Station with a selection of gourmet pastas and sauces; a Dessert Station with such delectables as chocolate covered strawberries; and a Mexican Station featuring foods from south of the border. There is a special buffet island just for children.
Seafood specialties
Hand crafted cocktails in the former First-Class Lounge which is lined with Art Deco tables, chairs and decor.
Long Beach Classic--Opened in 1924, one of the oldest family operated taverns in the West. Schooners of draft beer, "Joe's Special" (Polish sausage on rye, with Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickle), fresh roasted peanuts, and pickled eggs. Turn of the century pool tables in the back room.
View of Shoreline Village Marina, dockside seating, eclectic uspcale casual menu, 100+ beers on tap, wine by the glass, specialty martinis. Happy Hour M-F 3-6PM, pints $3.25, martinis $5.25, half-price appetizers.
By far the friendliest bar in Long Beach. Inexpensive, strong drinks, and an excellent selection of alcohol. The food is reasonably priced and excellent. A wide selection of sandwiches, great dinner specials, and $9 bloody mary and omelette on weekends.
Situated in a historic building (opened as the Villa Nova Restaurant in the 1940s), the Sweet Water Saloon is truly a neighborhood bar during the day time, and a party bar at night. Well known for having the coldest beers on the Broadway Corridor, home of the only bar on the strip to offer seasonal beers on tap. Happy Hour 7 days a week, from open until 8PM: $2 draft beers, $3 domestic bottled beers and well cocktails. Wednesday nights are $2 drink days where all well drinks, draft beers, and bottled domestic beers are $2 and free pool in one of the two pool tables.
Check out the ribs
Tavern serving food and drinks with daily specials including free pool, watch parties, and karaoke. Try the slushies.
Modest tavern with pool tables serving up bar food like hamburgers, street tacos, and wings. Cash only.
On-site parking for both guests and non-guests, fee:$5/hour, $19 daily. Free high speed Internet. Smoke free hotel and pets are not allowed.
Outdoor heated pool. Pets are allowed. Complimentary health club.
Full service luxurious hotel with water views from rooms. Pet allowed with $100 fee for up to 6 days. Additional pet fees after first 6 days.
138 rooms and suites. Includes a rooftop pool and bar with 360° panoramic views of Long Beach. Free WiFi. Flatscreen TV in all rooms.
High-speed wireless for a fee. Smoke free hotel. Pets not allowed. Parking fee of $22/day.
Historic luxury hotel that has been restored. Contains a pool, spa and fitness center. The Sky Room fancy restaurant/bar is at the top of this hotel. Pets welcome.
Full breakfast, pool, fitness center.
Small historic ApartHotel in Downtown Long Beach
Sleep in one of the Sea Queen's grand first-class staterooms. Non-smoking hotel. Parking is $20/night.
Rooms featuring balconies and patios with bay or skyline views in a Latin resort theme. A member of the Doubletree hotel group. Pets allowed up to 50 lb (23 kg). $50 non-refundable pet fee.
Clean budget hotel suites with fully-equipped kitchens, plenty of work space and amenities you won't find in a typical hotel room. Practical stay for families with kids. Pets are welcome (fees applied). Office Hours 7AM-11PM
Smoke-free accommodation. Overnight parking fee at $9.00 per day. Complimentary wireless high speed Internet access and fitness center. Outdoor heated pool.
Smoke free hotel. Fee for high speed Internet access. Pets not allowed.
Smoke-free hotel. Pets allowed with $100 non-refundable fee. Complimentary Wireless.
Free wi-fi. Pets allowed.
Bars, restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and national store outlets such as the Gap, Banana Republic, Buffalo Exchange and Vans. Take Passport A or D.
Built up outlet shopping complex on the harbor with movie theater, comedy club, Ferris wheel, food court, etc.
Retro Row
Home to independent retro and hipster bookstores, clothing shops, furniture shops, and an independent movie theater, the Art Theatre. Check out La Bomba for its extensive selection (including a literal mountain of clothes in the back of the store that you literally dig through.) Take Lines 21, 22 or 151.
A mall of antique and vintage dealers. With a showroom over 2,500 sq. feet (230 m2) and over 20 dealers, you are bound to find a treasure.
Stores include Target, Trader Joe's, Five Below, TJ Maxx, Sports Basement, Cosmo Prof beauty supply, Baja Fresh Mexican Food, Pet Supplies Plus, See's Candy (across the street), and many restaurants. Close to the Passport bus route D to Cal State and downtown Long Beach.
Shoreline Village is a family friendly waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment center that overlooks beautiful Rainbow Harbor. Take Passport C.
Large chain supermarket in downtown with a pharmacy which sells alcohol.
By rail
Long Beach is linked via the Metro Line (formerly the Blue Line) to Downtown Los Angeles with connections to Hollywood, Union Station, Universal Studios, Pasadena, and East L.A. among other locations.
By ship
Carnival Cruise Line has a home port at the new Long Beach Cruise Terminal, next to the Queen Mary dock. Cruises return to this port from Baja California and the Mexican Riviera.S., Alaska.
By car
By bus
A. (along Olympic Blvd but can be elsewhere too). To a lesser extent some also have stops in Hollywood and North Hollywood as well.
By public transit from Orange County
There are several ways to get to Long Beach from Orange County if you don't or can't rent a car.
By public transit
The free bright red Passport buses serves the Long Beach downtown and waterfront attractions.
Choose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Long Beach · International · LGB
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Long Beach and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.