Long Beach Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Long Beach showing general coastal views, kite surfing and a sandy beach
Long Beach
Long Beach
Long Beach
Long Beach which includes a city, a bay or harbour and a sandy 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

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Downtown Long Beach

4/5(9 area reviews)

Downtown Long Beach is highly notable for its stunning beaches, and you might want to visit top sights like 4th Street Retro Row 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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Waterfront

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

Waterfront
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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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Belmont Heights

Though Belmont Heights may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Rosie's Dog Beach and Blair Field.

Belmont Heights
Hotel Maya

Hotel Maya

4 out of 5
700 Queensway Drive, Long Beach, CA
The price is NZ$330 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$330
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (1,740 reviews)
"The only thing I don’t like is that you have to pay the parking hotel even when you are booking a room"

Reviewed on 14 Jul. 2025

Hotel Maya
The Queen Mary

The Queen Mary

3 out of 5
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA
The price is NZ$311 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
NZ$311
4 Aug - 5 Aug
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! (3,091 reviews)
"Love the artwork"

Reviewed on 15 Jul. 2025

The Queen Mary
Long Beach Marriott

Long Beach Marriott

3.5 out of 5
4700 Airport Plaza Drive, Long Beach, CA
The price is NZ$349 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
NZ$349
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star golf hotel in Long Beach. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Great time"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Long Beach Marriott
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! (890 reviews)
"I love staying at the Broadlind! It has a casual, comfortable feel. It’s quiet. So much is easily on hand for you. Highly recommend!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

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! (240 reviews)
"Customer service was amazing; very accomodating and professional. The rooms were clean and comfortable."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

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
Book a stay at this beach apartment in Long Beach. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and patios. Popular attractions Long Beach Cruise Terminal and RMS Queen ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (62 reviews)
A Happy Birthday stay
"Perfect spot to enjoy the beach. Kim was a great host. Super cordial and helpful."

Reviewed on 9 Jul. 2025

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

Activities

Reviews of Long Beach

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 28%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 48%
3 - Okay
4
3 - Okay 16%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 8%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Good restaurants and friendly locals.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

The Queen Mary is a fair way from Long Beach itself and requires an Uber or taxi. There’s not a lot else near the ship at present.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Bit isolated and not many attractions

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveller

long beach is nice easy bus service to port & can move around easyly. bus service is very good.But this hotel iwill never never stay or recommend to anyone.horible experience for us.

4/5 - Good

David

Excellent long beach conference centre and Must visit the Irish pub across the road! A must!

4/5 - Good

colin

Nice place out of LA, lots to see down the coast.

Cities near Long Beach