You’ve probably planned trips to Santa Monica or Los Angeles before, but when it comes to
California, there’s one spot in the state that gets overlooked. And that’s the very
walkable, adorably artsy, charm-filled city of Long Beach. In fact, we’d put Long Beach
on our CA bucket list before most cities in The Golden State. And that’s because there’s
just so much to do for people of all ages and every interest!
Stroll the waterfront for boutique shopping, great seafood eats, and the Pacific sunsets
with a drink in hand. There are a ton of exciting museums and unusual architecture to keep the
culturally minded busy. Those with a green thumb will be enamored with the various gardens
dotted throughout the city. And you can take the kids to one of the best aquariums in the
country or hike, bike, or picnic in the nearby regional parks. So if you’re looking for
things to do in Long Beach, CA, or curious to see if it’s the spot for your next America
vacation, watch on for our top picks in this perfect all-season destination.
Walter Pyramid
Are you into university basketball or volleyball? And do you also love wildly unusual architectural
structures? Then be sure to add a visit to the Walter Pyramid to your Long Beach sightseeing
list. This bright red triangular stadium sits within the campus grounds of California State
University, Long Beach, and it’s just a short 15 minutes drive from the center of
town. It’s made of aluminum and is over eighteen stories tall. Math nerds will love
this fact: It’s one of only four mathematically accurate pyramids in America! Each side measures
precisely 105 meters. While it’s primarily used for basketball and volleyball games (as
we mentioned before), some other sports games are played here, so check the stadium’s
website before you go.
Shoreline Village
There are few places in Long Beach as charming and lively as Shoreline Village. It’s part
of the Rainbow Harbor, conveniently located just a short walk from downtown. Head here
if you’re looking for something to do from morning to evening. Enjoy a seafood brunch
at one of the many quality eateries, then spend the afternoon shopping for new Long
Beach looks to impress your friends when you get back. And don’t forget to pick up a
few local souvenirs for the family while you’re browsing, too! If you’re looking for dinner
with a view, we recommend the famous Parkers’ Lighthouse restaurant—plus the fresh fish
they serve can’t be beaten! Finish the night listening to live music or playing arcade
games on the boardwalk.
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El Dorado East Regional Park
If you’re keen to get out of the city, you only have to drive for fitness minutes northeast,
and you’ll be surrounded by nature. The El Dorado East Regional Park has playgrounds
and picnic areas for families and bike and hiking trails for fitness fanatics. For people
keen to engage in some sport while you’re on vacation, there are volleyball and basketball
courts, disc golf courses, a skate park, and even archery ranges. If you do choose to take
one of the many nature trails, be sure to stop and read all the informative signage
along the way. You’ll learn a lot about the area’s native animals and plants.
Naples Island
It's been hard to travel these past few years internally, but if you visit Long Beach, you
can have the chance to experience a small slice of Italy. The wealthy neighborhood of
Naples Island is themed according to its heritage —even the street names are in Italian. Pretend
you're in Venice and take a gondola ride through the canals. Or, for the more adventurous,
rent kayaks and paddle yourself around. Head to La Bella Fontana Park to admire the three-tier
fountain, do a spot of shopping, and grab a bite to eat. There's even a tiny beach to
build a few sandcastles or just read a book in the sun. If you're there at Christmas time,
be sure to join a Christmas lights tour.
Belmont Shore
Another great Long Beach district to hang out in is Belmont Shore. It takes only 10
minutes to drive from the city center and is the epitome of the laid-back Californian
lifestyle. Cute stores sell everything from vintage clothing to handmade ceramics, cozy
cafes and eateries, and hip bars. If you’re into architecture, you’ll love walking the
streets admiring the neighborhood’s iconic Spanish-style homes. But best of all, Belmont
Shore has one of the most beautiful suburban beaches in Long Beach. (Well, the name says
it all, right?) Stroll the soft sands to the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier or go cycling,
swimming, or kitesurfing.
Catalina Express
Are you tired of simply looking at the water and keen to get out on it instead? Then jump
on the Catalina Express and hitch a ride to Catalina Island. This idyllic spot has been
popular with locals and visitors alike since the 1920s, but the public ferry service has
only been up and running since the 1980s. So this was once a really exclusive island!
Head there for the cafe culture, beach exploring, and shopping. The ferry ride takes an hour
one way, and there’s fantastic ocean scenery to enjoy on the way. Plan to be away for the
day if you can.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Do your kids just love ocean creatures? Then you definitely need to book the family a trip
to the Aquarium of the Pacific. It’s one of the top attractions in Long Beach for a
reason! This aquatic educational center was started in the late 1990s and now has an incredible
11,000 animals and 500 different species in its care. You and your children can get up
close and personal with the biggest sea inhabitants, like sharks and sea lions, to the smallest,
like jellyfish, penguins, and, of course, all kinds of fish. There’s even a touch
pool where the kids can pet rays and sharks.
Long Beach Museum of Art
The Long Beach Museum of Art is unique in that it overlooks the ocean, so you can take
in the beauty of the sea while you browse unique local art—from furniture and sculptures
to paintings and illustrations. The collection started way back in the 1950s when wealthy
philanthropist Elizabeth Milibank Anderson gave her summer home to art. Today, there
are around 3,000 artworks in the archives, which the museum rotates through permanent
exhibitions. In addition, there’s an outdoor sculpture garden to wander through and if
you get hungry, grab a bite at the on-site restaurant. The museum also hosts temporary
exhibitions, so be sure to check the website to see what’s going on while you’re visiting.
The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is an iconic luxury cruise ship that sailed the North Atlantic Ocean
between 1936 and 1967, taking dignitaries like the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Winston
Churchill between England and America. Today, anyone can visit the boat since it’s been
converted into a luxury hotel and is permanently moored at Long Beach. The Art Deco interiors
and exquisite furnishings are incredibly well preserved—in fact, this ship is larger and
more beautifully fitted out than the infamous Titanic was. We recommend getting dressed
in your finest flapper outfit and enjoying some jazz-era cocktails in the Art Deco-themed
lounge. If you want to stay a night or two here, check the website for booking details.
Long Beach Waterfront
Another fun neighborhood to check out is the Long Beach Waterfront. In fact, if you plan
to visit the aquarium, you’ll already be here. So why not make a day of it? Honestly,
just rambling along the esplanade, looking at the water, the boats, and engaging with
the numerous vendors would be interesting enough. But there are also great shops to
peruse, fine restaurants to dine at, and the picturesque Shoreline Aquatic Park to play
or picnic in. If you’re in the mood for a longer excursion, this is where you can
book whale-watching tours and fishing trips, too. There are often family-friendly events,
concerts, and expos at the Convention Center, so check ahead to see what’s on.
Museum of Latin American Art
The Museum of Latin American Art isn’t just home to some of the country’s finest modern
and contemporary Latin American and Latino art; it’s also an incredibly interestingly
designed building that was once a silent film studio and roller skating rink. This historical
space was transformed into an art museum in the mid-1990s, and today, visitors can view
over 1,500 artworks: from paintings and drawings to photography and video works. Don’t forget
to head outside if the weather is excellent: there’s an entire sculpture garden to explore!
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
One of the more unusual tourist hotspots in Long Beach is the Earl Burns Miller Japanese
Garden. This beautifully peaceful locale was started in the early 1980s and themed on the
Imperial Gardens in Tokyo. It features the requisite stone lanterns, carp ponds, decorative
pagodas, and a traditional tea house. If you go in the right season, you’ll be treated
to a romantic display of pink cherry blossoms or the excitement of a koi auction.
Do you think this is a comprehensive list of things to do in Long Beach, CA? Or would
you add some places, events, or sites we’ve missed? Debate the not-to-be-missed areas
and share your secret spots in the comment section below. If you want to watch more videos
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