17 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Long Beach, CA

Author Brad Lane has enjoyed several trips to Long Beach for PlanetWare.

Long Beach is an ocean-facing city in Los Angeles County in Southern California, approximately 20 miles south of Los Angeles. Its central attraction is the ocean, with approximately 5.5 miles of beach. The Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path runs the entire length of this long stretch of sand, connecting its different beaches and points of interest.

The ocean experience in Long Beach culminates in the Downtown Waterfront District. Here, places like the Aquarium of the Pacific and Rainbow Harbor offer authentic Southern California travel experiences. And nearby, The Queen Mary ocean liner enjoys her retirement in Queensway Bay, where those looking for something unique to do can hop aboard and enjoy the history.

And it's not all nautical adventures in Long Beach, even though the smell of saltwater is always present. Other ways to enjoy the city's beautiful weather include visiting the expansive regional parks; Japanese gardens; and the inland downtown district, bursting with a community flavor.

Extended adventures in the area include the nearby Naples neighborhood, home to the Gondola Getaway, operating one of the largest fleets of gondolas in the country.

Enjoy some Southern California sunshine with our list of the best places to visit and top things to do in Long Beach, California.

Downtown Waterfront

Highlights: Vibrant center of attractions and sightseeing opportunities next to the water

The Downtown Waterfront overlooks Queensway Bay on the south side of the city. It's often the first place to visit for tourists and residents looking for entertainment. The area is packed with tourist attractions, including the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Long Beach Convention Center. And its water-adjacent landscape offers a scenic place to walk and spend the day.

Other notable things to do in the Downtown Waterfront include sightseeing at Shoreline Aquatic Park and perusing the shops and restaurants at Shoreline Village. Many of these seaside spots are connected via the Rainbow Harbor Esplanade. All types of bikes and pedal cruisers are available to rent at Shoreline Village.

Junipero Cherry Beach

Highlights: Long, flat stretch of sand connected by a bike path to other local beaches

Junipero Cherry Beach, also known as Junipero Beach or Long Beach City Beach, is the central spot to access the ocean. This long stretch of sand sits below the aptly named Bluff Park and Ocean Boulevard. The beach itself is very wide and accommodating for all types of under-the-sun activity.

Parking is available along Ocean Boulevard, and the beach is accessible via different stairways and graded ramps throughout Bluff Park. Restroom facilities and showers are available along the sand. Swimming can be a popular activity, but visitors will want to check the water conditions before jumping in.

The sand stretches east and west from the central and south-facing Junipero Cherry Beach. To the west, Alamitos Beach extends almost all the way to Shoreline Village. To the south, the Belmont Pier denotes the beginning of Belmont Shore Beach and Rosie's Dog Beach.

One of the most popular activities at the beach is traveling the entirety of the beach on the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path. This weaving concrete trail features separate lanes for pedestrians and non-motorized commuters.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Highlights: Massive aquarium with marine animals, exhibits, and special presentations

The esteemed Aquarium of the Pacific, in the Downtown Waterfront, has approximately 100 exhibits, and houses over 12,000 ocean animals. These impressive statistics make it the largest facility of its kind in Southern California, and millions of tourists visit the aquarium each year to marvel at the exhibits showcasing the nearby Pacific Ocean.

The aquarium has something for adults and children alike, including the family favorite June Keyes Penguin Habitat, home to 20 Magellanic penguins. Other popular exhibits include the Lorikeet Forest, Shark Lagoon, and the Moon Jelly Touch Lab. And the Ocean Science Center at the aquarium also uses a unique NOAA Science on a Sphere® to give an engaging presentation of ocean impacts across the globe.

Visitors can sign up for special animal encounters, including interactions with sea otters, octopuses, penguins, and seals. Other special happenings include professionally led science discussions and behind-the-scenes tours.

Address: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, California

The Queen Mary

Highlights: Historic ship turned classy hotel and dining room with guided tours available

The Queen Mary was once the grandest ocean liner to navigate the Pacific Ocean. It first set sail in 1936 from Southampton, England, and was an instant hit. Thousands of tourists boarded The Queen Mary, followed by thousands of soldiers, as the luxury cruise liner actively participated in the Second World War.

Upon the advent of affordable air travel, fewer passengers began boarding The Queen Mary, ultimately leading to her 1967 retirement along the sunny shores of Southern California. And today, it's permanently docked in Long Beach in Queensway Bay.

The Queen Mary has seen more passengers as a retired vessel than as an active ocean liner. The Queen Mary recently re-opened to the public in April 2023 after a three-year closure. Self-guided tours and overnight stays are once again available, as well as many dining opportunities.

Address: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, California

Downtown Long Beach

Highlights: Pedestrian-friendly area with shopping, restaurants, and local attractions

For local shopping, dining, and nighttime entertainment, downtown Long Beach has it all. Pine Avenue is a historic thoroughfare extending from the attraction-dense Downtown Waterfront district, offering international flavors at local eateries like George's Greek Café and L'Opera Ristorante.

Both inland and along the waterfront, the downtown district is very walkable and designed with cyclists in mind, including well-marked bike lanes.

Major events occur in the downtown area throughout the year. The Long Beach Art Walk occurs every second Saturday of the month and brings out creative characters and things to do at night. Perhaps the biggest event to hit downtown Long Beach is the annual Grand Prix of Long Beach, where turbocharged cars take over the streets for thrilling race-day action.

Bluff Park

Highlights: Linear park overlooking the ocean with ample green space

Bluff Park is between Ocean Avenue and the Pacific Ocean and is one of the many best parks in Long Beach. This 13-acre linear park comprises only palm trees and vibrant green grass, but no more is needed with the ocean vista available. Couple the long-distance view of Junipero Beach with the gentle sea breeze that is nearly always present, and this park offers serenity on any sunny day.

Bluff Park was an active military space in World War II. Interpretive information stands today where gun batteries were once installed, and the Lone Sailor Memorial statue commemorates the naval history of the city.

On the north end of Bluff Park, the Long Beach Museum of Art offers cultural works to pair with the surrounding natural beauty. And for those interested in exploring the beach, several stairways and graded ramps lead down to the sand.

Shoreline Village

Highlights: Family-friendly pedestrian area with restaurants, bike rentals, and great views

Shoreline Village is a charming collection of restaurants and shops overlooking Rainbow Harbor on the downtown waterfront. It's a central hub for several activities, too, including visitor favorites like bike rentals, harbor cruises, and rides on a carousel. It's also an excellent starting spot for exploring the waterfront and beaches to the south.

Restaurants are top places to visit in Shoreline Village. Places like Parker's Lighthouse are a great spot for fresh seafood, while other spots, like Louisiana Charlie's, are perfect for more casual dining. And most of the village's restaurants feature waterfront dining. Other items like ice cream and funnel cakes are also available.

For extended adventures outside of Shoreline village, consider renting a beach bike and heading south toward the sand. Alamitos Beach is a short distance south, while Junipero Cherry Beach requires a bit more of a ride. North of Shoreline Village, the campus surrounding the Aquarium of the Pacific also draws a crowd.

Long Beach Museum of Art

Highlights: Oceanfront art museum with global and national artwork among a rotating selection

The Long Beach Museum of Art is within a century-old summer home overlooking the ocean, on the north end of Bluff Park. It features American decorative art, regional contemporary art, and early-20th-century European Art. While much of the artwork on display is from the permanent collection, the museum also hosts rotating works from regional and national artists.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, with free admission offered every Friday. The museum's restaurant, Claire's at the Museum, is a popular spot to enjoy lunch near the ocean.

Address: 2300 E. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, California

Naples

Highlights: Charming neighborhood defined by a canal with gondola opportunities

Naples is the southernmost neighborhood of Long Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It's a charming neighborhood built on three islands lined with picturesque canals. A landscaped plaza and decorative fountain sit at the center of Naples, surrounded by multi-million-dollar homes and street names reminiscent of the Italian character of the neighborhood.

One of the best ways to explore Naples is by hopping aboard a gondola via the Gondola Getaway. Departing from the Leeway Sailing Center, Gondola Getaway operates the oldest and largest fleet of Gondolas in America.

On all sides of Alamitos Bay surrounding Naples, other Long Beach attractions provide popular things to do. Inland, the Marina Pacifica Mall features hundreds of retail shopping opportunities close to the ocean.

Catalina Island

Highlights: Stunning island escape off the shores of Long Beach, accessible by ferry

Catalina Island is 22 miles off the shore of Southern California, providing a picture-perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. The Downtown Waterfront district in Long Beach is a prominent port to embark on a pleasure cruise to Catalina Island, departing next to the Aquarium of the Pacific.

The Catalina Express shuttles visitors to Catalina Island throughout the day with a typical hour-long ride. Upscale hotels, oceanside dining, and an air of traveling abroad define most visits to Catalina Island, making it one of the most popular day trips from Los Angeles.

Address: 320 Golden Shore, Long Beach, California

Rosie's Dog Beach

Highlights: Dogs run free at this popular leash-free beach

Rosie's Dog Beach is part of the long stretch of sand on the city's southern border. It's one of the most eastern beaches, situated beyond the Belmont Pier. Much like the city's entire shoreline, it's a picturesque ocean scene, but it's extra popular thanks to its off-leash status.

Rosie's Dog Beach isn't fenced in like a traditional dog park. Users must have voice control of their pets. Visitors are also asked to bring their own bags, although some are available at the beach. Parking is metered nearby.

El Dorado East Regional Park

Highlights: Sprawling public park with lakes, playgrounds, bike paths, and a disc golf course

El Dorado East Regional Park is an expansive natural space close to downtown. It's one of the best parks in Long Beach and the largest near the city. And it's a favorite place to escape the hustle and bustle of city streets.

A four-mile bike and pedestrian path winds throughout the park area, connecting two stocked fishing lakes and other park amenities, including playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a model aircraft flying area. The El Dorado Dog Park is popular with pet owners, and the El Dorado Nature Center provides educational displays and local artwork on the walls.

It's a small cost of admission to drive a vehicle into the park throughout the week, with higher rates on the weekends. On the other side of the San Gabriel River, El Dorado West City Park is free to enjoy and features a popular 18-hole disc golf course.

Address: 7550 E Spring Street, Long Beach, California

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

Highlights: Tranquil space with decorative features and koi ponds

This Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is on the California State University Long Beach campus, and students and community members alike use this relaxing green space. A meandering path navigates the 1.3 acres of the garden, connecting scenic park amenities like pagodas, decorative bridges, and a koi pond.

Admission is free for faculty and students of the university. It's also a popular place to visit for special occasions and has the capacity to host up to 150 people.

Address: Earl Warren Drive, Long Beach, California

Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center

Highlights: Staple downtown venue for expos and events

Featuring multiple theaters, an impressive plaza, and over 400,000 square feet of meeting and exhibit space, the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is often ground zero for some of the city's largest events and expos.

The convention center is in the heart of downtown, overlooking the waterfront, and its sheer size is something of a spectacle. The fountains and open space provided by the plaza offer plenty of chances to sit and enjoy the day.

Address: 100 S. Pine Avenue, Long Beach, California

Museum of Latin American Art

Highlights: Downtown art museum highlighting contemporary Latin American art

The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is n the East Village Arts District of downtown. It's one of the only museums in the country solely dedicated to contemporary Latin American art. The museum features a wide range of rotating artworks, as well as a 15,000-square-foot, outdoor Sculpture Garden. Admission to this signature downtown museum is free on Sundays.

Address: 628 Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach, California

Walter Pyramid

Highlights: Sunny campus, cobalt pyramid, and tranquil Japanese garden

The California State University campus in Long Beach encompasses over 320 acres on the city's east side. It's a beautiful campus that boasts its own zip code and approximately 38,000 students. This abundance of space and culture draws the general public to campus, with several events and places to explore.

No other building stands out on campus like the Walter Pyramid. This cobalt-blue structure stands over 18 stories high and houses a state-of-the-art arena. It's home to several athletic programs, including Long Beach State basketball and volleyball for over 20 years.

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is another notable place to visit on campus. This 1.3-acre landscaped space features a hybrid of Southern California horticulture and traditional Japanese landscaping. A few eye-catching garden objects include a Tea House and Zen Garden.

The Pike Outlets

Highlights: Discounted name-brand storefronts alongside restaurants and tourist attractions

The Pike Outlets provide bountiful shopping opportunities across from the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center. It's a popular spot for shopping, with several large name-brand stores on the directory.

Pike Outlets is also a central spot for dining, with a selection of restaurants ranging from fast food to casual and sit-down dining. And with other amenities, like a comedy club, movie theater, Ferris wheel, and carousel, it's a common spot for date nights.

Map of Attractions & Things to Do in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, CA - Climate Chart

Long Beach enjoys welcoming weather throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Long Beach is the extended summer season, including June, July, August, September, and October. This long season offers warm water and consistently warm weather, with temperatures averaging in the low 80s Fahrenheit.

The months leading up to summer, including April and May, are also lovely times to visit. Sunny skies also define this time of year, with temperatures averaging a bit lower in the mid-70s Fahrenheit. This time of year is also typically more affordable compared to the touristy summer months.

There's really not a bad time to visit Long Beach. The winter months, spanning from November through the beginning of March, do see a few days of rain and clouds, but visitors can still expect daytime temperatures in the upper 60s Fahrenheit. The winter months, outside of the holiday season, can also be an affordable time to visit.

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