Long Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Long 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

Aquarium of the Pacific featuring marine life and interior views

Waterfront

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

Waterfront
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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 City Place Shopping Center. 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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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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Naples

If you're spending some time in Naples, Naples Island and Mother's Beach are top sights worth seeing.

Naples
Hotel Maya - a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
Hotel Maya - a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
4 out of 5
700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA
The price is ₹12,575 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
₹12,575
per night
10 Jun - 11 Jun
Stay at this beach hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a private beach and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,368 reviews)
"The staff was amazing. Very accommodating and friendly."

Reviewed on 24 May 2024

Hotel Maya - a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary
3 out of 5
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA
The price is ₹13,658 per night from 6 Jun to 7 Jun
₹13,658
per night
6 Jun - 7 Jun
Stay at this hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,306 reviews)
"Loved it!!! Perfect! Will be back!"

Reviewed on 22 May 2024

The Queen Mary
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
4 out of 5
200 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
The price is ₹16,050 per night from 16 Jun to 17 Jun
₹16,050
per night
16 Jun - 17 Jun
Stay at this eco-certified hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,506 reviews)
"Great facility with nice amenities"

Reviewed on 21 May 2024

Hyatt Regency Long Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Historic Broadlind Hotel at Long Beach Convention Center
The Historic Broadlind Hotel at Long Beach Convention Center
3 out of 5
149 Linden Avenue, Long Beach, CA
Stay at this 3-star historic aparthotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and an on-site winery. Our guests praise the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (839 reviews)
"Had such a great stay per usual!"

Reviewed on 19 May 2024

The Historic Broadlind Hotel at Long Beach Convention Center
Dockside Boat & Bed Long Beach
Dockside Boat & Bed Long Beach
3.5 out of 5
316 E Shoreline Drive, Long Beach, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star beach houseboat in Long Beach. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and furnished balconies or patios. Our guests praise the clean rooms in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (179 reviews)
"Staff were friendly and helpful. The property was nice and very close to the Long Beach Convention center. Basically, it only took 4-5 minutes to walk there from the dock. Additionally, there are several restaurants and a few shops in the immediate vicinity. The primary concerns were the number of ..."

Reviewed on 18 May 2024

Dockside Boat & Bed Long Beach
Recently Remodeled Spacious Guesthouse - Perfect For Exploring Long Beach - Self Check-in 2 Bedroom Apts by RedAwning
Recently Remodeled Spacious Guesthouse - Perfect For Exploring Long Beach - Self Check-in 2 Bedroom Apts by RedAwning
3.5 out of 5
1606 East 7th Street, Long Beach, CA
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Long Beach. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Aquarium of the Pacific and RMS ...
8/10 Very Good! (1 review)
nice place for a small family
"on the description of the property says "free parking" but it should say "street parking" we had to often move the car and find a proper place to park, even got a street cleaning ticket :( it should be stated it in the description, there was also a little humid/moldy smell, couches could be a bit ..."

Reviewed on 17 May 2022

Recently Remodeled Spacious Guesthouse - Perfect For Exploring Long Beach - Self Check-in 2 Bedroom Apts by RedAwning
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Long Beach

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
9
" "5 - Excellent 33.333333333333336%
4 - Good
16
" "4 - Good 59.25925925925926%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 7.407407407407407%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Oct 2019

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
21 Sep 2019

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

5/5 - Excellent

RD
10 Apr 2019

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

Cities near Long Beach