Long Beach

Travel 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 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

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 4th Street Retro Row. 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
The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary
3 out of 5
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA
The price is HK$1,338 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
HK$1,338
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy 2 restaurants, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,054 reviews)
"Needs coffee pot and microwave"

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

The Queen Mary
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 HK$1,390 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
HK$1,390
per night
28 Apr - 29 Apr
Stay at this beach hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,292 reviews)
"We had a nice stay."

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

Hotel Maya - a Doubletree by Hilton Hotel
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
4 out of 5
200 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA
Fully refundable
The price is HK$1,508 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
HK$1,508
per night
17 Apr - 18 Apr
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,436 reviews)
"The amenities in the room , the location and the staff were exceptional"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 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 WiFi, 2 restaurants, and an attached winery. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
7.6/10 Good! (828 reviews)
"Nice stay, will visit again"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 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 WiFi, and a terrace. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (178 reviews)
"Pretty good experience, clean and close to a lot shop."

Reviewed on 17 Mar 2024

Dockside Boat & Bed Long Beach
Ocean-Front Beach Studio Apartment On the Sand, kitchenette, Great wi-fi
Ocean-Front Beach Studio Apartment On the Sand, kitchenette, Great wi-fi
Long Beach
Stay at this beach apartment in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Long Beach Cruise Terminal and Aquarium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (8 reviews)
Disney getaway
"The house is in a great location and very safe feeling neighborhood. There was a lot more space in the room then expected and the beds are super comfortable. Beach was pleasant and views were amazing! Lots of resteraunts and bars near by and Disneyland is a 25 minute drive. Would definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Ocean-Front Beach Studio Apartment On the Sand, kitchenette, Great wi-fi
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

Things to do

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.