Long Beach, CA

Travel Guide

Long Beach featuring general coastal views, a beach and kite surfing
Long Beach showing a river or creek and a hotel
RMS Queen Mary featuring a marina
Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
Long Beach featuring a sandy beach, a bay or harbor and a city

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 Harbor 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 Harbor and Marina as the sun goes down. After nightfall, colorful lights from yachts, restaurants and hotels light up the area.

For some culture, head to Long Beach Performing Arts Center 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 kilometers) 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

Downtown Long Beach

Downtown Long Beach

4/5(949 area reviews)

Heart of Long Beach, Downtown boasts major tourist attractions like Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary, and Shoreline Village. Enjoy over 150 restaurants, wine bars, and easy access to public transit.

Downtown Long Beach
Aquarium of the Pacific which includes marine life and interior views

Waterfront

While visiting Waterfront, you might make a stop by sights like The Pike Outlets and Aquarium of the Pacific.

Waterfront
City Beach

Belmont Shore

4/5(41 area reviews)

Spanish-style homes and contemporary houses line the streets, while 2nd Street boasts a bustling business district with shops, restaurants, and salons. Enjoy kitesurfing, kayaking, and sailing at nearby ocean beaches and Alamitos Bay.

Belmont Shore
4th Street Retro Row which includes signage

Alamitos Beach

Coastal vibes meet urban convenience in this Long Beach neighborhood, featuring a sandy beach with a bicycle path and a lively Broadway Corridor filled with bars, restaurants, and shops. Don't miss the historic Ebell Club nearby!

Alamitos Beach
4th Street Retro Row which includes signage

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
If you are a fan of hot cheetos like I am....this place is heaven. There is usually a wait, parking can be a little difficult but that is everywhere here in downtown long beach. Anyways, stop by and try one of their Mac and cheese AND a Bloody Mary! They have a list of bloody Mary's!! This here is the breakfast mac and cheese with chorizo and a fried egg on top. Yes I know, a fat attack. But you HAVE to try it!

Belmont Heights

Belmont Heights might not have many top sights, but Blair Field and Rosie's Dog Beach are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Belmont Heights
Hotel Maya
Hotel Maya
4 out of 5
700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA
The price is NT$5,370 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
NT$5,370
NT$6,241 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free cruise terminal shuttle. Our guests praise the ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,698 reviews)
"This was a beautiful property to stay at. It was perfect for my weekend getaway. The views all around the hotel are AMAZING! I will definitely be back!"

Reviewed on 2025/6/20

Hotel Maya
Hilton Long Beach Hotel
Hilton Long Beach Hotel
3.5 out of 5
701 West Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA
The price is NT$4,995 per night from Jul 1 to Jul 2
NT$4,995
NT$5,806 total
Jul 1 - Jul 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,466 reviews)
"It is close to the Marina Green area of interests and dining"

Reviewed on 2025/6/18

Hilton Long Beach Hotel
The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary
3 out of 5
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA
The price is NT$3,465 per night from Jul 2 to Jul 3
NT$3,465
NT$4,707 total
Jul 2 - Jul 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,990 reviews)
"Very good service and friendly staff"

Reviewed on 2025/6/20

The Queen Mary
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 WiFi, 2 restaurants, and an attached winery. Popular attractions Long Beach Cruise Terminal ...
7.4/10 Good! (885 reviews)
"Clean, quiet, great AC. Bed and couch were uncomfortable."

Reviewed on 2025/6/12

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 WiFi, and furnished balconies or patios. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (237 reviews)
"The yacht was beautiful and a perfect fit for our family. We have an RV and it was akin to staying in an RV on water. We loved it and would absolutely stay there again if out that way. The location was incredible and parking was easy by PF Changs in a secured lot."

Reviewed on 2025/6/5

Dockside Boat & Bed Long Beach
Casa Bonita Apartments
Casa Bonita Apartments
2.5 out of 5
229 W 6th St, Long Beach, CA
Stay at this apartment in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a fireplace in the lobby, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Long Beach Cruise Terminal and World ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (26 reviews)
"Easy access, quiet, nice accommodations!"

Reviewed on 2025/5/24

Casa Bonita Apartments
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

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
960
5 - Excellent 41%
4 - Good
1027
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
304
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
37
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
29
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Long Beach is my home town so beautiful the whether is always nice and Long Beach hace everything guys if you really want tasty tacos find SAVAGE TACOS !!!!

5/5 - Excellent

NIKFEEZY

I love Long Beach and have been living here since 1987.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A great place to visit... Will do it again soon

1/5 - Terrible

Fred

Full of homeless and dirty streets

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

I'm a big fan of Long Beach's gritty urban realness. It makes the SoCal experience more comprehensive and complete.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

There’s lots to do in LB when there isn’t a mandatory closure.

Cities near Long Beach