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Things to Do in Long Beach, CA - Long Beach Attractions

Things to do in long beach, explore popular experiences, ways to tour long beach.

Skip the Ticketing Line: Aquarium of the Pacific General Admission Ticket

Long Beach Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour

Illuminated Swan Boat Night Ride on Rainbow Lagoon

• Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Long Beach

4-Wheel Surrey Cycle Rental in Long Beach Shoreline Village

Private Sailing Catamaran for Parties and Events in Long Beach

Private Helicopter Tour of Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, and Long Beach

• Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Long Beach

Go City: Los Angeles Explorer Pass - Choose any 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 Attractions

Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach

Self-guided tours.

Top Attractions in Long Beach

Other Top Attractions around Long Beach

Fun & Games

Ports of Call Tours

Extreme Sports

What travelers are saying

• Aquarium of the Pacific
• Catalina Express
• Naple Canals
• Long Beach Waterfront
• The Queen Mary
• Rosie's Dog Beach
• Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
• City Tour of Los Angeles from Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals
• USS Iowa ship, Shoreline Village, Queen Mary Private Day Trip.
• 10 Hours San Diego Scenic and Shopping Private Day Trip
• El Dorado Nature Center

Long Beach, CA   Travel Guide

Courtesy of dszc | Getty Images

12 Best Things To Do in Long Beach, CA

Updated August 11, 2022

Of course, Long Beach has its fair share of golden sand beaches and waves to ride, but there's a lot more to this seaside city than just the beach. There are museums for art lovers, amusement parks for families and little snippets of history and

• All Things To Do

Junipero Beach Junipero Beach free

While there are miles of shoreline in the Long Beach area, not all beaches are made equal. There's Alamitos, which is easily accessed from the downtown area and close to hotels. There's Rosie's Dog Beach, which is a great place to bring your furry friends. However, a crowd favorite is Junipero Beach – also called Cherry Beach – which stretches along the Bluff Park area.

This strip of coastline begins where Alamitos Beach ends. At Junipero, the high rises that back Alamitos are replaced with the more residential communities of Bluff Park. Here, the sand is soft and waves are calm, making it an ideal place for families. Because the sand area is wide, there's plenty of space for visitors to spread out and you're sure to get a solid spot. The beach has many convenient amenities, such as showers, lifeguards on duty during peak months and bike paths. This is also one of the only areas in Bluff Park with handicap accessible beach entrance. Many people enjoy participating in the free yoga classes that take place on Junipero as well.

The Queen Mary The Queen Mary

One of the most popular attractions in Long Beach is the Queen Mary, a retired British cruise ship that operated numerous transatlantic voyages throughout the early 1900s. Once known for its classy atmosphere and high profile guests like Winston Churchill, the ship is now frequented by travelers looking to learn about its history and get a glimpse into the luxury of the past.

Aboard the ship, travelers can take guided tours and explore different themed exhibits. There are different tours to choose from, including a Steam and Steel tour that brings you deep into the bowels of the ship to the boiler rooms and generators. Exhibits include the Shipyard and the Ship Model Gallery, where you can admire replicas of the Queen Mary in its prime. For those exploring independently, there's a scavenger hunt to follow. There are also nighttime dining experiences, in addition to more unique activities, such as illusion performances and paranormal walks through the supposedly haunted parts of the ship. Previous travelers highly recommended the Haunted Encounters tour but warn it may run a bit longer than other tours.

East Village Arts District East Village Arts District free

While most trips to Long Beach center on beach adventures and waterfront dining, the East Village Arts District gives the city a cultural edge that's worth exploring. This district is chock full of diverse home designs, eclectic eateries, vintage clothing stores and art galleries. Some of the most popular galleries include Hellada Gallery, The Liberty and C Gallery Fine Art, but there are plenty of others to explore as well.

Many businesses are built into restored buildings, which gives the area a historic yet funky vibe. Murals and mosaics will brighten up your walk as you explore the streets. Previous visitors said the district is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee and pick up unique pieces from boutique stores. They enjoyed the lack of chain stores but do advise others to pay attention to store hours before planning a shopping trip as many have limited hours.

Popular Tours

Skip the Ticketing Line: Aquarium of the Pacific General Admission Ticket

(432 reviews)

from $ 44.95

Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Long Beach

(262 reviews)

from $ 122.06

City Tour of Los Angeles from Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals

(72 reviews)

from $ 152.83

Catalina Island Catalina Island

An hourlong boat ride will bring you from Long Beach to Catalina Island. This island is popular among California residents and visitors alike for its wildlife, scenic town and beaches, and its prime dining experiences. There are plenty of activities to fill your day on Catalina Island.

Beach lovers can stake out a spot in the sun at South Beach or Middle Beach, which are covered in white sand and located conveniently near shops and restaurants. You can also opt to relax on a private strip of shore at Descanso Beach, where you'll pay a $2 fee to enter the beach club. The club, which is located near the island's casino, offers amenities like private cabana rental, food and drink services, and outdoor showers.

Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum

The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum may be small, but it offers a wealth of information about the people of the Pacific. In fact, it's the only museum in the continental United States that is primarily focused on showcasing the various cultures of Oceania. Here, you'll find both permanent and revolving exhibits featuring Pacific artists. There are sometimes living arts exhibits that include traditional dance and musical performances among other shows. The museum also holds educational programs for visitors to learn about the culture of the people living in the Pacific islands.

The exterior of the PIEAM resembles a traditional island house. There is an outdoor garden area at the museum that holds a koi pond and some artifacts collected by the museum's creator as well. Previous visitors heaped praise on the well-rounded representation of Pacific Islanders and enjoyed the museum because of its niche subject. 

Aquarium of the Pacific Aquarium of the Pacific

This large aquarium features more than 100 exhibits, the most popular of which include the sea otter and penguin habitats. An outdoor shark lagoon showcasing more than 150 sharks is also a visitor favorite. There are many educational events and presentations every month for visitors both young and old. 

The numerous hands-on exhibits help set the Aquarium of the Pacific apart from other aquariums you may have visited in the past. There are typical tide pool touch tanks where children can discover the feeling and texture of different sea creatures. This aquarium takes hands-on learning even further by offering the chance to touch larger animals like sharks and rays. Previous visitors said their children especially enjoyed this learning experience.

Museum of Latin American Art Museum of Latin American Art

Housed in a striking building designed by the Mexican artist Manuel Rosen, the Museum of Latin American Art helps visitors appreciate Latino art before they even set foot inside. Created in 1996, the museum is the only one in the country dedicated to modern and contemporary Latino art.

Inside, the museum displays a series of more than 1,600 permanent pieces as well as a wide range of rotating exhibits. Previous MOLAA exhibitions include works by Robert Graham, Osmeivy Ortega Nuna Mangiante and Judithe Hernández. The museum also includes a sculpture and event garden featuring more than 30 pieces representing artists from almost every Latin American country. Travelers consistently praise the museum and advise future travelers to add this to their Long Beach itineraries.

Naples Island Naples Island free

This Long Beach neighborhood is famous for its water-centric design reminiscent of Venetian canals. Visitors can even take a gondola ride down the canals and pretend they're in an Italian oasis. Kayak rentals are another popular way to view the neighborhood, which is made up of narrow streets and colorful homes. If you're exploring on foot, you'll see the quaint shops and restaurants that make it a great spot for a relaxed, romantic date. If you're visiting Naples Island in the winter, consider strolling through this neighborhood to admire the extravagant holiday lights display.

The Mother's Beach area of Naples Island is small, but ideal for families trying to catch some rays. The beach offers a playground and a protected water area so the waves are safe for children. Calm water sports like paddle boarding are popular at this beach. There are also snack bars and picnic areas for your convenience.

Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon

(343 reviews)

from $ 12.00

1hr Catalina Express Round Trip Ferry from Long Beach / San Pedro

(277 reviews)

from $ 92.00

Hollywood to Beverly Hills Sightseeing Tour from Orange County

(105 reviews)

from $ 159.00

El Dorado Park El Dorado Park free

If you're looking for a natural oasis in the middle of the city, consider visiting El Dorado Park. The park's barbecue areas make it a great place to host a nice picnic, while archery areas and fitness courses make for fun exercise options. A campground area is available to reserve if you want to spend some extra time in nature during your Long Beach vacation. A skate park, duck ponds, playgrounds, miles of bike paths and a golf course round out the offerings in this massive outdoor area.

The property includes a 105-acre wildlife sanctuary, complete with 2 miles of walking trails. The center occasionally hosts activities, such as bird walks and family night walks, to better educate visitors on the surrounding nature in an engaging way. Previous visitors enjoyed the natural area because it's family-friendly, and most trails are flat and easy to stroll. Check the website's calendar  for upcoming events.

Long Beach Museum of Art Long Beach Museum of Art

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Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden free

Alamitos Beach Alamitos Beach free

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CALIFORNIA , UNITED STATES · June 1, 2021 Last Updated on March 14, 2024

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may receive a small commission when you make a purchase using our link.

Long Beach is located south of Los Angeles and is a coastal city with a great waterfront in Southern California. This port city has many unique and wonderful attractions, including the retired Queen Mary, the islands of Naples, fabulous beaches, and it is a great place to take part in a variety of water sports.

From surfing to paddle boarding, renting a boat or Duffy, water skiing, and even riding in a real Venetian Gondola, Long Beach has many ways to get out on the water. But it’s not all about watersports; Long Beach has hundreds of great restaurants, wine bars, cocktail bars, and incredible brunch spots that make it a foodie destination in itself.

To help you make the most of your visit to this magical destination, we have created this ultimate guide to Long Beach sharing the best places to stay in Long Beach, where to eat and drink, the top activities in and around the city, plus a 3 day recommended weekend itinerary!

Top 10 Things To Do In Long Beach

There are plenty of things to do in Long Beach, each time you visit you will find something new to do. But with so many options, where should you begin? Here are our top 10 things to do in Long Beach that we recommend for first time visitors to the city.

1) Hire A Duffy On Alamitos Bay

A Duffy boat ride is a must in Southern California, and cruising around Alamitos Bay and the canals in Long Beach is the perfect place to do it. There are a few Duffy rental options including Boathouse On The Bay and London Boat Rentals . We went out for a 2 hour cruise with Boat House On The Bay and couldn’t recommend them enough.

The Duffy is big enough for a group and has a deck at the back with extra seating. You can bring your own snacks or arrange for these beforehand with Boathouse On The Bay – treat yourself to some prosecco and oysters and turn your ride into a luxury cruise! 

2) Take A Boat Tour Around Long Beach Harbor

Harbor Breeze Cruises offers a scenic boat tour of Long Beach Harbor, which is a great way to get out on the water and see the area from the ocean. These tours also visit Rainbow Harbor, Shoreline Village, Point Vicente Lighthouse, the Port of Long Beach, and go past the Aquarium of the Pacific.

You can often spot bottlenose dolphins, humpback whales, seals, orcas, gray whales, and more from these boat tours.

3) Go Kayaking In Belmont Shore

If you want to take to the water but want a more tranquil experience, you can rent kayaks in Belmont Shore and explore the calmer waters around this area. You can even paddle past the incredible mansions and through the canals in Naples. If you prefer to relax and have someone else do the work you can even take a ride in a genuine Venetian gondola ! 

4) Visit Retro Row And Visit The Unique Stores

Retro Row or Fourth Street is an area of the city with many restaurants and bars and unique boutique stores selling vintage products, retro furniture, and quirky gifts. This area also has the historic  Art Theatre, beauty salons, and spas.

5) Take A Walk Around Belmont Shore

Belmont Shore is a great location to take a walk around or hire a bicycle and has a large array of restaurants and markets to stop for lunch or pick up some fresh produce.

There is also a beach path to walk along the oceanfront, or you can relax on the beach. You can even take to the water and try sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking, water skiing, go swimming, or stick to the dry land and have a game of volleyball.

During the summer, Belmont Shore has live music and local art displays on Thursday nights and many other events happening throughout the summer months. 

6) Visit The Attic On Broadway For Brunch

No weekend or girls’ getaway would be complete without a stop for brunch, and a great place to have brunch in Long Beach is at The Attic on Broadway .

This southern-style Instagrammable brunch spot opened in 2012 and is located within a 1920s’ style building. The idea and feel of the location are to remind visitors of a family brunch with the traditional favorites and some unique additions, including the famous MacNCheetos.

They also have an incredible Bloody Mary, which comes with an entire slider stacked on. They have great traditional southern cocktails famous in New Orleans – the hurricane and the Mexican michelada. And, of course, mimosas!

7) Purchase Some Souvenirs At Cityology

If you are looking for some gifts from your friends or family from your trip, Cityology is the right place to stop as it sells everything you can imagine and more. Other great shopping spots close by are the women’s boutique Elison Rd , the gift shop Luna, House of Intuition , and Blue Windows .

8) Visit Long Beach’s Answer To Italy In The Naples Neighborhood

If you miss Europe or want to get a feel of Italy, head to Long Beach’s Naples neighborhood. Fitting to its name, Naples resembles the infamous Italian city of Venice, divided into three islands, surrounded by canals and connected by beautiful arched bridges.

Even the street names in Naples are Italian. There is also Bella Flora Park within the neighborhood, which is home to the La Bella Fontana Di Napoli, a three-tiered fountain built in 1971.

A great way to explore Naples is to wander around the streets or take to the water on a paddleboard, kayak or gondola.

9) Learn To Roller Skate 

Before visiting Long Beach I had no idea that they had such a skating community. You will quickly discover that roller skating is one of the most popular Long Beach pass times due to the 5.5 mile beach path that makes the perfect skating lane. 

As well as the beach path there are several roller skating rinks, such as Bayshore Roller Rink and The Rinks. If you really want to get into the Long Beach lifestyle stop by Pigeons Roller Skate Shop on 4th street and pick up a pair of your own! 

10) Explore El Dorado Nature Center

El Dorado Nature Center is a 105-acre park perfect for getting back to nature and away from the city streets. The center has an abundance of flora and fauna with two miles of trails by lakes, streams, and forest areas. The nature center has an educational center, art gallery, and small gift shop.

Other Things To See in Long Beach:

• Museum of Latin American Art
• Long Beach East Village
• Mother’s Beach
• Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
• Long Beach Antique Market
• The Aquarium of the Pacific 
• Downtown Long Beach
• The Lion Lighthouse

Where To Stay In Long Beach

My favorite hotel to stay in is the Hotel Maya , located in Downtown Long Beach in Queensway Bay. The hotel has taken inspiration from Latin America while also feeling at home in southern California.

This hotel covers 14 acres, with a 6,500 square feet of resort-style outdoor space, complete with a man-made beach, fire pits, day beds and an amazing swimming pool complete with poolside cabanas. The resort hotel has 199 rooms with a mixture of suites, water view rooms, accessible rooms, all in various configurations.

The resort also has water sports, tours, and the Latin-infused Fuego restaurant . If you don’t choose to stay at the hotel you can head to Fuego for brunch on the water. 

Here are the 10 best hotels in Long Beach:

• The Westin Long Beach – Top-rated hotel in the middle of downtown, with resort-style facilities.
• Hyatt Regency Long Beach – Located close to the waterfront while still being close enough to walk downtown.
• The Cove Hotel – Close to Shoreline Village, this hotel is within walking distance of many of the city’s many attractions.
• Broadlind Hotel – A boutique apartment/hotel located within a historic building in the East Art Village of downtown.
• Hotel Current – Located close to the Museum of Latin American Art, the hotel features artwork by local artists.
• Long Beach Marriott – Resort-style hotel located close to Long Beach Airport.
• The Varden Boutique Hotel – Newly renovated boutique hotel located downtown with 35 rooms.
• Hilton Long Beach – Located close to the Aquarium of the Pacific and 700m from downtown. 
• Hotel Royal – 3-star accommodation close to Junipero Beach.

Where To Eat In Long Beach

With 11 miles of shoreline, Long Beach has ample waterfront dining options, in addition to the hundreds of other restaurants located within the city. Everything from family-friendly restaurants to seafood restaurants, world-class restaurants, to unique fusions of cuisines. You will find the perfect brunch, lunch, and dinner options within the city.

Here are 10 of the top-rated restaurants in Long Beach:

• Fuego – Great restaurant inside Hotel Maya overlooking the water. 
• Lola’s Mexican Cuisine – Local’s favorite Mexican restaurant, located in Retro Row.
• Parker’s Lighthouse – Downtown waterfront restaurant with views of the lighthouse, Queen Mary, and the harbor.
• The Attic on Broadway – Famous brunch spot, with incredible Bloody Mary’s (including an entire slider!) and their famous MacNCheetos.
• The Ordinarie – Great American Tavern serving comfort foods like pot pie, pot roasts, macaroni, and cheese, in addition to mussels and salmon. They also have an extensive cocktail and draft beer menu.
• Ammatoli – A fusion of cultures with an influence from Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Palestine, with a Mediterranean influence.
• Seabirds Kitchen – Plant-based vegan restaurant, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients and pushes the boundaries of vegan cuisine.
• Phnom Penh Noodle Shack – Serving Cambodian cuisine since 1985, this family-owned and operated restaurant is located in Cambodia Town.
• Playa Amor – Award-winning chef Thomas Ortega has created a playful Mexican – American restaurant, playing homage to both sides of the border.
• HiroNori Craft Ramen – Considered by many to be the best Ramen in California, the Long Beach location has the whole experience: loud, tiny, and hole-in-the-wall feels – they even have vegan ramen.

Bars and Rooftops

Whether you prefer cocktail bars, wine bars, or beach bars, Long Beach has everything you could want from a bar and more. People often travel from outside the city to enjoy the cities diverse nightlife selection.

Here are a few of the best bars in Long Beach:

• District Wine – Wine Bar with a lounge feel, and outdoor firepits, the prosciutto bon-bons is a must-try here.
• Art Du Vin – Wine Bar with cheeses and charcuterie and, of course, wine, which is handpicked for you by a knowledgeable sommelier.
• BO-Beau Kitchen + Rooftap – A great bar with a plush lounge and an upstairs outdoor “rooftap.”
• The Ordinarie Cocktail Bar – mentioned as a great restaurant to try in Long Beach, but also serves up delicious cocktails. The lavender gin and tonic is highly recommended to try!

Where to Shop

Long Beach is filled with unique and wonderful stores; whether you are looking to purchase art-decor pieces, high-end clothes, souvenirs, or unique one-of-a-kind items, there is a store for everything you need.

Here are a few of the best stores in Long Beach:

• The Hangout (pictured)
• MAKE Collectives
• Oh La Vache
• Luna Gift Shop
• Recircle Home
• Blue Windows

Here are some additional, not-to-be-missed, things to do and see in Long Beach:

Korean Friendship Bell

Located in San Pedro, the Korean Friendship Bell is located within Angels Gate Park. The bell was given to Los Angeles in 1976 by the Republic of Korea to celebrate the 200th anniversary of US Independence.

The bell is rung every 4th July, National Liberation Day of Korea (August 15), Korean-American Day (January 13), New Year’s Eve, and the 1st Saturday of each month.

Wayfarers Chapel

Wayfarers Chapel is located in Rancho Palos Verdes, on the Pacific Ocean coastline. Famous for its uniqueness and original design, with views over the ocean.

Point Vicente Lighthouse

Located just 30 minutes drive outside the city, the Point Vicente Lighthouse is located on a clifftop in Rancho Palos Verdes. Built in 1926, the lighthouse is used by the United States Coast Guard, but it is open for tours on the second Saturday of each month (except March) and during the annual Whale of a Day festival (March).

There are many hiking routes around the area to see the lighthouse and surrounding cliffs.

The Queen Mary

Located in Long Beach, the RMS Queen Mary is a retired 1930s British Ocean Liner which made its home in Long Beach in 1967. The Queen Mary is currently closed to visitors, but you can get great views of the ship from Lions Lighthouse, the dock outside of Parkers Lighthouse or a stroll down the water’s edge from the Maya Hotel.

The Aquarium

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a must-see for any traveler to Southern California. It is Southern California’s largest aquarium, has over 1.7million visitors per year and it displays about 12,000 animals and more than 100 exhibits that celebrate the planet’s largest body of water: The Pacific Ocean!

Its galleries represent both frigid waters from Northern parts of the country as well as temperate regions like those seen in San Diego, where you can see sea lions bobbing up and down at their enclosure.

Throughout the year there are art exhibits, performing arts shows, and cultural and community festivals to make science accessible to all visitors. Its Guest Speaker Series and Aquatic Academy courses offer visitors an opportunity to learn about ocean and environmental issues from the scientists. 

When Should I Visit Long Beach?

With an average year-round temperature in the 70s (20s Celsius), there isn’t a bad time of year to visit Long Beach. To experience the city with fewer crowds, for the warmer weather, and with less chance of rain, is it best to visit between May and September.

Lodging rates are slightly higher between June and August, but you can find some great accommodation deals in the spring and the fall.

Throughout the year, the city has a large number of festivals and outdoor events. Some great events are:

• Long Beach Annual Sea Festival
• 4th July Celebrations
• Love Long Beach Festival
• Long Beach Crawfish Festival
• Uptown Jazz Festival
• Long Beach Pride
• Long Beach Seafood Festival

How To Get To Long Beach

The closest large airport to Long Beach is in Los Angeles. The  Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is located around 25 miles or just over 25 minutes (traffic dependent) from Long Beach. From there you can rent a car, or take a taxi into Long Beach.

Alternatively, Long Beach has a small, stress-free airport –  Long Beach Airport (LGB) , which serves a number of domestic routes via Southwest, Delta, American Airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines. The airport was recently named one of the Top 10 Small Airports by USA Today.

Long Beach Long Weekend Itinerary

Long Beach is a great destination to visit for a long weekend, weekend, or week-long trip.

Here is a sample long weekend itinerary to give you an idea of what you can fit in and some must-visit restaurants and things to do.

Friday is a great day to arrive in the city for a long weekend break, either by flying into LAX or Long Beach Airport or driving, depending on your location and preferred mode of transportation. My favorite hotel to stay in Long Beach is Hotel Maya , which resembles a Caribbean resort on 14 acres of Long Beach coastline.

After settling in at the hotel, a great place to go for dinner and drinks on Friday night is District Wine , a wine bar with an outdoor fire pit and indoor lounges. The restaurant normally has a wine special, and the prosciutto bon-bons are a must-try. 

Brunch is the perfect way to start a Saturday morning, and the Fuego restaurant in Hotel Maya is a great place to have brunch, with views of the city’s skyline across the water.

Saturday is a great day to take to the water and rent a boat on Alamitos Bay. Book a Duffy tour with Boathouse On The Bay ; they even have the option to get food and drinks delivered to the boat or purchase them before you depart for your ride.

After an early afternoon on the water, head to Retro Row for some retail therapy. Retro Row (Fourth Street) is a great place to purchase quirky gifts, high-end retro furniture, vintage clothes, and other great stores. Don’t forget to pop into Oh La Vache to buy some cheese, or you can order a cheeseboard. Across the street from there is a wine bar called Art Du Vin , where you can eat your cheese and have a glass of wine, handpicked for you by a knowledgeable sommelier.

Lola’s Mexican Cuisine is a locally beloved restaurant in Retro Row if you get hungry after your wine bar experience. Alternatively, another great dining option is   Parker’s Lighthouse , which has incredible views of the harbor, The Queen Mary, and the Lion Lighthouse. 

BO-Beau kitchen + rooftap, is a perfect post dining nightcap location, with the choice of a plush lounge or upstairs there is a “rooftap.”

Start your morning at Lion’s Lighthouse , this is the perfect vantage point to look back over at Parkers Lighthouse and view the Queen Mary. There is nearby parking and it is a quick walk from the carpark out to the lighthouse.

Another day, another brunch location, this time one of the most famous brunches in the city –  The Attic on Broadway which has incredible Bloody Mary’s and an extensive cocktail menu. The food is also delicious, with a mix of traditional southern favorites and unique additions such as MacNCheetos.

My favourite things on the menu are the beignets, the avocado toast and of course the mimosas!

A great Sunday afternoon activity is to take a walk along  Belmont Shore , with unique stores, a beachfront walkway, or just simply spend some time relaxing on the beach. This is an excellent location to go shopping: some great stores are Cityology, the women’s boutique Elison Rd , the gift shop Luna, House of Intuition , and Blue Windows .

After your stroll it’s time to say goodbye to Long Beach. 

Long Beach Guide Wrap Up

I hope you found this Long Beach guide helpful. If you have questions about Long Beach or tips for our readers, please leave these in the comments below!

And if you’re interested in visiting other areas in California, you can check out all our Californian articles for inspiration.

This article was part of a paid partnership with Visit Long Beach. As always all opinions expressed are our own and represent our experience.

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Long Beach, California. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.

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Justin says

July 27, 2023 at 12:19 am

Thanks for the tips. Each and everything you have shared in this blog. Really, it is helpful. I will bookmark your site.

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About Long Beach

Picture. Perfect.

What makes The Urban Waterfront Playground™ perfect? Is it the ideal weather? The exciting attractions? The unique events? The gorgeous setting? The trendy shopping? The delicious dining? How about all of the above. You name it, Long Beach has it. Voted one of America’s “Most Walkable Cities,” Long Beach is comprised of eight distinct neighborhoods and tucked in along the waterfront centrally located to Los Angeles and Orange County. Experience the big-city feel with small-town charm in a unique oceanfront setting – Welcome to Long Beach.

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Neighborhoods

Home to a perfect blend of wonderful and welcome communities.

Plan Your Trip

Whether you’re visiting Long Beach, California for business, fun or both, you’ll always find something unconventional to do.

Events in Long Beach

Special events in Long Beach invite visitors to experience a variety of festivals, sporting events, concerts, and celebrations throughout the year.

The single block stretch of First Street, between Elm and Linden Avenues, in Long Beach’s East Village Arts District, presents an amazing amalgam of places to eat, shop, drink, grow

Get your bridal party together and have some creative fun for your bachelor or bachelorette party in Long Beach! Whether your crew loves to get pampered or go on adventures

Filipino baked goods are becoming increasingly popular and there is a growing number of bakeries in Long Beach serving them up. From longtime fixtures like Gemmae Bake Shop to newcomers

Record stores are magical places where music lovers build community around a shared appreciation (or compulsion): searching for their favorite sounds while discovering new ones. Long Beach is fortunate to

Actor and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias will serve as the grand marshal for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach IndyCar series race on Sunday, Apr. 21.

Katherine Legge and Takuma Sato, drivers with a legacy of winning races, breaking barriers and setting milestones, will be honored at this year’s Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame ceremony

Long Beach Museum of Art in Long Beach “The location is breathtaking. The exhibits are always interesting and top-notch. They do a lot for the community, too. And Claire’s, the

Ah, the sandwich. That perfectly packed, wonderfully stacked bit of gastronomic goodness. Long Beach offers all manner of Lord Sandwich’s creation, from classic turns to creative interpretations, offered everywhere from

Coastal Country Jam, one of the biggest summer events on the country music calendar, celebrates its sixth year in a big way, Sept. 21 and 22, 2024, at Long Beach’s

Long Beach is well-known for producing elite athletes as well as active locals who can regularly be seen cycling, swimming, skating, running, etc. Adding to those activities, the Long Beach

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Long Beach has a rich musical heritage, one that’s added to every summer through a wide array of music festivals. These single and multi-day events not only offer a wide

The East Village Arts District in Downtown Long Beach has fostered a tight-knit community of women-owned businesses. These independent shops and eateries contribute to the neighborhood’s authentically creative vibe as

There are lots of beloved coffee shops in Long Beach, as increasing interest in specialty coffee has led to a boom of roasters in the city. Just about anywhere you

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Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau

The Long Beach Visitors center will help you with any information on what to do and where to go on the 28 miles of beach with vivid sunsets and breathtaking landscapes. Find amazing restaurants, fun festivals like the Kite Festival or relax and walk the beach.

CONTACT INFO

Phone: (800) 451-2542 Website: VISIT WEBSITE Address: 3914 Pacific Way , Seaview , WA 98644 Follow Us:

• Hotel Rooms Choose from 200 original first class staterooms and suites Specials & Packages Packages & Special Offers Services & Amenities Modern amenities and world-class service Fitness Room Rejuvenate with our fitness options
• Attractions Tours & Exhibits Get an up close and personal look at the Queen Mary with our exciting tours & exhibits Fourth of July Celebration Celebrate an all-American 4th of July aboard The Queen Mary! Queen Mary Heritage Foundation Membership Experience everything the Queen Mary has to offer with a tour package
• Dining Casual Dining Enjoy inspired meals and quick bites at our restaurants Chelsea Chowder House Bars Enjoy the 1930's classic sophistication of the Queen Mary bars Royal Sunday Brunch A local favorite, voted “Best Brunch” by OpenTable Group Dining The Queen Mary offers several dining options for large groups or those seeking a unique dining experience
• Meetings & Weddings Meetings Explore one of the most unique meeting and conference venues in Southern California Weddings The Queen Mary has been host to unforgettable weddings for over 70 years Socials The Queen Mary is the ideal location for any social occasion Event Spaces Over 80,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space across 14 Art Deco salons
• History Timeline Re-live the Queen Mary’s rich history, from her ground-breaking construction to today Stats & Fun Facts Everything you ever wanted to know about the Queen Mary Design & Preservation Learn about the era of elegant Art Deco design and how the Queen Mary is maintained with preservation projects Press Releases Press Releases about the Queen Mary Amateur Radio Discover the on-board radio stations starting in the 1960s
• Visit Hours & Parking Find open times for the Queen Mary and its dining and parking. On-Board Shopping An array of unique shops featuring souvenirs, one-of-a-kind treasures, clothing, memorabilia, historic documents, artwork and more Nearby Attractions The Queen Mary is a great central hub to all of Southern California’s most popular attractions Directions Your guide to getting to the Queen Mary
• What's On Deck
• Book Now Room Tour

Unique Long Beach Hotel Accommodations

The original 1930s artwork, the art deco style or the operable porthole.

• Hours & Parking
• On-Board Shopping

Nearby Attractions

Welcome to the queen mary.

Once a world-class ocean liner, the Queen Mary Hotel offers guests unique accommodations and a wide array of attractions that simply cannot be found anywhere else.

Whether it's the authentic polished wood panelling, the original 1930's artwork, the Art Deco style or the operable porthole(s), there's no question that the Queen Mary Hotel is unlike any other Southern California hotel. Each stateroom is unique with its own personality and offers a real glimps into what transatlantic travel was like during the 30's, 40's and 50's. With an impressive history and tradition of excellence, the Queen Mary Hotel is more than a place to rest one's head - it's an entire experience.

Conveniently Located in Long Beach

1126 Queens Highway Long Beach, CA 90802

The Queen Mary nearby attractions and tours offer everything from state-of-the-art rides to walks through historic neighborhoods. Experience world class attractions in Geater Los Angeles

Onboard Shopping

An array of unique shops featuring souvenirs, one-of-a-kind treasures, clothing, memorabilia, historic documents, artwork, and more.

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Dining .

More Info (562) 435-3511   (888) 217-1153

Midship Marketplace Open Daily Sunday - Thursday 6:30am - 6:00pm Friday & Saturday 6:30am - 8:00pm Entrance Promenade Deck, Port Side, Midships

Promenade Café Open Daily Breakfast Buffet 6:30am - 11:00am Lunch/Dinner 11:00am - 9:00pm Entrance Promenade Deck, Starboard, Midships

Chelsea Chowder House & Bar Open Daily  Bar Opens at 12:00pm (Lunch) Dinner (Restaurant & Bar) Sunday - Thursday 5:00pm -  9:00pm Friday & Saturday 5:00pm - 10:00pm Entrance Promenade Deck, Port Side, Midships

Observation Bar & Art Deco Lounge Open Daily Monday - Thursday 4:00pm - 10:30pm Happy Hour 4:00pm - 7:00pm Friday & Saturday 11:00am - 11:30pm Sunday 11:00am - 10:30pm Entrance Promenade Deck, Forward

Royal Sunday Brunch Open Sundays 10:00am - 2:00pm  Entrance Salon, R-Deck

Portside Necessities

Location: Promenade Deck (Portside) Hours: 10am  - 8:00pm

Centerline Boutique, Starboard Shoppe, Portside Marketplace

Self-Parking Day Rates: $0 0-20 Minutes $10 21-59 Minutes $25 Daily Maximum

Overnight Guests: $30 Per Night

Restaurants: Discounted $10 Per Vehicle with Validation

Meet Me at the Mary Tuesdays: Discounted $10 Per Vehicle with Validation

Special Events: Rates Subject to Change Per Event

Shop Aboard the Queen Mary

Portside Marketplace Location: Promenade Deck (Portside) Hours: 10am  - 8pm

Starboard Shoppe Location: Promenade Deck (Main Hall) Hours: 10am  - 8pm

Piccadilly Delights (new!) Location:  Promenade Deck (Main Hall) Hours:  Monday - Thursday : 12pm - 6pm | Friday - Sunday: 12pm - 8pm

Stacks Aboard the Queen Mary (new!) Location:  Main Deck Hours:  Friday - Sunday: 8am - 12pm & 4pm - 9pm | Monday: 8am - 12pm | Tues -Thurs: Closed

Aquarium of the Pacific

Featuring 12,000 animals in more than 100 exhibits; the Aquarium of the Pacific is the fourth largest aquarium in the nation.

Catalina Island

22 miles via catalina express.

An island paradise awaits less than an hour away. Cruise across the beautiful Pacific Ocean from Long Beach Harbor to the magical island of Catalina.

Whale Watching

Long Beach Whale Watching tours are perfect if you are looking for a unique aquatic and marine life activity.

7.57 miles away

Built in 1940, the USS IOWA served our country for over 50 years. Visit the new museum in nearby San Pedro.

With a variety of restaurants, the legendary Laugh Factory Comedy Club, ferris wheel and open-air marketplace, The Pike is one of the most unique waterfront locations on the West Coast.

Long Beach Convention Center

The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is a spectacular multi-purpose complex featuring more than 400,000 square feet of flexible exhibit and meeting space.

Disneyland & Disney California Adventure® Park

This Southern California landmark features more than 60 major rides, 50 shops and 30 restaurants divided among eight themed lands.

Getting to the Queen Mary

From Long Beach Airport 

• Follow the airport exit signs to Lakewood Blvd. Take Lakewood Blvd. south towards I-405. Take the I-405 North to the I-710 South. Follow the signs for THE QUEEN MARY.

From Los Angeles International Airport - 22 Miles

• Follow the airport exit signs to West Century Blvd. Turn right on South La Cienega Blvd., then turn left to merge onto I-405 South. Take the I-405 South, then the I-710 South. Follow the signs for THE QUEEN MARY.

From John Wayne/Orange County Airport - 31 Miles

• Follow the airport exit signs to get onto the I-405 North then take the I-710 South. Follow the signs for THE QUEEN MARY.

Public Transportation

From Long Beach Airport:

• Take the Long Beach Transit system Broadway/Lakewood from the Long Beach Airport to the Long Beach Transit Mall, then take the free Long Beach Transit Passport bus to the Queen Mary.
• Take Super Shuttle or Prime Time Shuttle .
• Take a taxi from Long Beach Airport.

From John Wayne Airport/Orange County Airport:

• Take Super Shuttle or Prime Time Shuttle . 

From Los Angeles International Airport:

• From any terminal at LAX, go downstairs to the LAX Shuttle stop and take Line G (free shuttle) to the Aviation Station of the Green Line of the Metro Rail Service to the Willowbrook station where you need to transfer to the Blue Line of the Metro Rail Service. Take the Blue Line to the Long Beach Transit Mall, then take the free Long Beach Transit Passport bus to the Queen Mary. For Los Angeles Metro Rail Service time tables Click here
• Take a taxi from Los Angeles International Airport. 

The Long Beach Passport - Route C

The Passport C route, serving Pine Avenue, Shoreline Drive, the Aquarium of the Pacific and the iconic Queen Mary, is a completely free service that connects you to downtown Long Beach's finest attractions and destinations. Or you can go via the water with the AquaBus or AquaLink.

2024 Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach

April 19-21.

Get ready racing fans for world class events and non-stop family fun! Southern California's 200-MPH Beach Party® is coming soon, and the Queen Mary is located just minutes to the action.

Queen Mary hotel guests can take advantage of the AquaBus for $1 each way and AquaLink with increased services offered over Grand Prix weekend. Or take a leisurely stroll over the bridge to the racetrack entrance.

Special Uber rates are also available - inquire with our Front Desk once you've made your Queen Mary hotel reservation.

Book Your Stay

Directions...When you are here!

The Queen Mary can be confusing for you land lovers out there...do you know the difference between Port and Starboard? Here's a good way to remember - Starboard contains two letter "R"s, compared to only one in port; therefore, starboard refers to the right side and Port and left both contain four letters...therefore, port refers to the left side.

• Visitor Information

Long Beach is a very popular resort destination.  For visitor information, please contact the Long Beach Peninsula Visitors Bureau at 360-642-2400 and at funbeach.com .

Looking for group/package travel?  We have itineraries in store for you!  Visit longbeachpackagetravel.com and contact our Events Coordinator, Ragan Myers.

Use the links at right for recreation and event information.

Places to Stay

Photo by Walter Dorsett

Hotels, Motels, Cottages and B&Bs

RV Parks & Camping

Vacation Rentals

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