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Curious about the best things to do in Long Beach, CA? I’m a Long Beach local who is here to give you the inside scoop on the best things to do in the area, whether you’re looking to hit up popular attractions or discover local gems.
Long Beach is a coastal city just south of Los Angeles that offers much more than palm-tree-studded streets and ocean views. You’ll find an urban atmosphere with a beach town feel – a unique combination that makes it one of the best places to visit in California.
I’m certain you’ll enjoy your visit to The International City. Now let’s dive in!
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Table of Contents
Best Things to Do in Long Beach
Shoreline Village
Stroll along a colorful boardwalk.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Right on the Long Beach Waterfront, Shoreline Village is a collection of dining establishments and shops, all painted in bright colors. Here you’ll find some of the best restaurants in Long Beach. This boardwalk village is family-friendly and even offers an arcade for kids called Pelican Pier Pavilion.
Pop into one of the village’s colorful shops and browse souvenirs. Pick up Turkish crafts, clothing, beef jerky, pirate paraphernalia, and more. You name it, and a shop at Shoreline Village probably sells it!
You’ll find plenty of outdoor seating at Parker’s Lighthouse and Louisiana Charlie’s. Swing by for happy hour and watch the sunset over the boats docked at Shoreline Marina.
👉 Love Exploring on Wheels? Bike paths wind along the coast of Shoreline Village and beyond. If you don’t have your own, this company offers bike and Surrey rentals at reasonable prices, so your whole family can cruise the shore!
Catalina Express
Cruise to Catalina Island.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (800) 995-4386 | Website | 👉 Book Tickets on Viator
A trip to Southern California wouldn’t be complete without a ferry trip to Catalina Island. Catalina Island is a coastal paradise just an hour’s ride from Long Beach.
There are plenty of things to do on Catalina Island. You can snorkel, hike, dine on the water, camp, and, if you’re lucky, spot an American Bison. There’s a herd that lives on the island!
You can explore Catalina’s harbor town of Avalon on foot or by golf cart — the form of transportation accepted by most residents and all visitors. Avalon offers restaurants, bars, shops, and kayak and snorkeling rentals so you can explore the Pacific Ocean.
Before you jump on the ferry back to Long Beach, try Catalina Island’s signature drink – Buffalo Milk. This concoction is chocolatey, boozy, and contains no actual buffalo milk! It’s named after the island’s herd.
Yoga on the Bluff
Exercise with an ocean view.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily, plus 6:00 – 7:00 pm summer weekdays | Entrance: Donation-based
What could be more Californian than outdoor yoga overlooking the sea? A local studio called Yogalution offers instructor-led free daily yoga classes. Just bring a towel or yoga mat to Bluff Park, and you’re ready to get flexible.
This outdoor yoga session often draws crowds of over fifty to a hundred people daily. Show up early to make sure you get a good spot! Aim for a spot close to the instructor if you’re new to yoga, so you can easily follow along.
👉 Pro Tip: After getting your stretch on, grab lunch at Park Pantry. This diner-style restaurant is one of my favorites – don’t skip the curly fries!
Long Beach Exchange
Dine in an airplane hangar.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (949) 760-9150 | Website
Long Beach Exchange, commonly called LBX, sits about a mile away from the Long Beach Airport. This unique location opened in 2018 and offers indoor and outdoor shopping and fine dining. There’s also a plaza in the middle where you can relax and enjoy the California sunshine between stores.
A portion of LBX known as The Hangar is a dynamic hub filled with all things local. Inside this 17,000-square-foot space with the look and feel of an airport hangar, you’ll find a wide variety of pop-up retail shops and artisan food vendors.
If you’re looking for an upscale yet affordable culinary experience in Long Beach, I highly recommend ReMix Kitchen. The cuisine is a fusion of Italian, Filipino, and French styles, and the cocktail menu offers unique combinations.
Retro Row
Score vintage clothes and decor.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Are you into vintage shopping, thrifting, and quirky restaurants? Retro Row is calling!
As the name suggests, there’s a huge selection of vintage clothing, household items, and records on offer in the local shops. Every store is bursting with personality, and this area values creativity and diversity.
It’s easy to spend a day browsing and dining on Retro Row. In addition to vintage finds, Retro Row offers vegan ice cream, a film camera shop, Honduran cuisine, a roller skate shop, and more.
After thrifting and dinner, you can catch a movie at The Art Theatre, which offers showings daily. Originally built in 1925, The Art Theatre is the only remaining independent film house in Long Beach. Immerse yourself in local history and enjoy the show.
🎬 Read Next: 55 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, CA
Long Beach Museum of Art
Browse art in every media.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (562) 439-2119 | Website | Hours: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm Thursday – Sunday | Entrance: $12 for adults, free for children 12 and under
The Long Beach Museum of Art is a must-visit for art lovers. The museum’s permanent and rotating exhibits feature sculptures, paintings, ceramics, furniture, and even more pieces in various mediums.
In addition to its permanent works, the Long Beach Museum of Art presents exhibitions by different artists. Outside on museum grounds, you’ll find a sculpture garden heavily comprised of pieces created by local artists.
Attached to this Long Beach museum is Claire’s at the Museum, an ocean-facing restaurant. A water sculpture by the restaurant’s namesake, artist Claire Falkenstein, dominates the center of the outdoor seating area, creating a serene dining environment. I recommend stopping by for brunch before heading inside the museum to check out the exhibits.
Outdoor Adventures
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Whale Watching Tours
Meet Long Beach’s largest residents.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (462) 432-4900 | Website | Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm daily
Southern California is home to multiple whale species, and it’s common to see dolphins playing from the beach. But there’s a way to get even closer to the marine mammals that live in our waters. Board a whale-watching tour boat at Shoreline Marina and sail off in search of whales!
Gray, fin, and humpback whales are the most common species you can see on a whale-watching tour here. Sometimes, you’ll get extremely lucky and see an orca this far south!
👉 Pro Tip: The best time to spot a blue whale is from May through November when the water is warmer (incidentally, this aligns with the best time to visit Long Beach generally). For humpback and gray whales, plan your whale-watching trip from January to April.
El Dorado Park
Explore wooded nature trails.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (562) 570-1745 | Website | Hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Sunday | Entrance: $6 – $9 per vehicle, depending on day of the week
Where can you stroll along foliage-filled walking trails, try your hand at disc golf, and have a picnic under shady trees? El Dorado Park! This green space along the San Gabriel River is a local favorite for connecting with nature and staying active and is worth a visit.
Check out the El Dorado Nature Center, where you can discover native plant species and encounter wildlife as you wind through the park. If you’re more into leisure sports, try the park’s golf course, or rent some rackets on-site and hit the tennis courts!
🚗 How to Get There: El Dorado Nature Center is a bit of a drive from downtown. Check rates with Discover Cars for a rental. Driving is one of the best ways to get around Long Beach, and they’ll help you find the best options so you can see everything you want on your trip.
Long Beach Parasail
Soar over the ocean.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (562) 480-4579 | Website | Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily | Tickets: $99 per person
Check out Long Beach Parasail if you’re brave enough to turn into a human kite. Professional staff will take you out on a boat and send you up into the sky so you can float over the ocean with a bird’s-eye view.
The water in Long Beach can get pretty chilly – the good news is that you won’t have to get wet to go parasailing! You’ll take off from the boat, so you can stay dry and comfortable throughout your flight and boat ride.
Swan Pedal Boat Rentals
Pedal around Rainbow Lagoon.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (562) 522-6147 | Website | Hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm daily | Entrance: $12 per person | 👉 Book a Swan Boat on Viator
Enjoy an afternoon or evening pedaling on the calm waters of Rainbow Lagoon! You can rent classic swan pedal boats right across the street from Shoreline Village.
You’ll have views of the famous Whaling Wall mural at the convention center and can explore the grassy islands in the middle of the lagoon.
This is a great daytime activity for families and makes a romantic evening date for couples. At night, the swan boats light up, creating a charming ambiance.
👉 Read Next: 47 Best Things to Do in San Diego (By a Local!)
Rosie’s Dog Beach
Play with pups at the beach.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm daily
It can be difficult to find places where your dog can run free and participate in your vacation with you, but Rosie’s Dog Beach is here to help. Take your furry friend down to this stretch of beach on Belmont Shore for some surfing and socialization!
Dogs are allowed to play in the sand off-leash at Rosie’s. This is the only beach in Los Angeles County that allows dogs off-leash, so bring your pup to have some fun in the sun.
👉 Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a less messy play space to take your dog in Long Beach, try Bixby Dog Park. It’s only two miles from Rosie’s and offers different areas for large and small dogs.
Food & Drink in Long Beach
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SteelCraft Long Beach
Shop small inside repurposed shipping containers.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (562) 304-1454 | Website | Hours: 6:00 am – 9:00 pm Mon – Thurs, 6:00 am -10:00 pm Fri, 7:00 – 10 pm Sat, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Sun
SteelCraft Long Beach is a collection of upcycled shipping containers filled with local eateries and vendors. You can dine, sip, and catch live music here most Friday and Saturday nights.
You’ll find communal dining tables in the center of SteelCraft. Here, you can sit and enjoy food with friends – or make new friends! SteelCraft was designed to be a gathering place where everyone is welcome.
Downtown Long Beach
Dance and dine the night away.
Downtown Long Beach is one of the city’s most vibrant and lively neighborhoods. The area’s main street, Pine Avenue, is lined with restaurants and bars. It’s the perfect place for bar hopping!
Start your day in downtown Long Beach with coffee and breakfast from the eclectically decorated Birdcage Coffee House. At night, take your pick of seafood restaurants, Greek food, Mexican cuisine, or classic pub fare. You can dance until the early morning hours at Harbor Bar, Cafe Sevilla, and Shannon’s At The Top.
Heading to Shannon’s on Pine for a drink? I recommend that you “shoot the root!” Just tell the bartender you want to “shoot the root,” and they’ll bring you a shot of root beer schnapps to drop in a glass of beer and drink. It sounds weird, but it’s a Long Beach classic!
🛎️ Need a Hotel? If you want to stay close to the action, the Renaissance Long Beach Hotel is less than a block from Pine Avenue. The Renaissance is also within walking distance from other major Long Beach attractions like Shoreline Village, The Pike, and the East Village Arts District!
2nd & PCH
Shop and dine next to the marina.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (424) 217-2337 | Website | Hours: 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm Sunday
Look no further than 2nd and PCH if you want the ultimate outdoor shopping and dining experience. It’s located right on the border of Long Beach and Seal Beach, overlooking an active marina.
This family-friendly location has it all. 2nd and PCH offers two stories of boutique shopping and fine dining, and even a roller skating rink. The central plaza boasts creative outdoor seating, water features, and fire pits.
2nd and PCH hosts live music performances, outdoor movies, food trucks, and many other events throughout the year to keep the whole family entertained.
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Belmont Shore
Shop local and eat well.
Belmont Shore gives off casual beach town vibes with a hint of urban hustle and bustle. You could spend all day on its main strip, Second Street, which is home to shops, bars, and restaurants – many of which are local favorites.
Try Italian dishes at Domenico’s, one of the oldest restaurants in Long Beach. Pop into Cityology, where you can browse local crafts, souvenirs, and gifts. You won’t run out of stores and eateries to explore on Belmont Shore.
If you want to get in some exercise, the Belmont Plaza Pool is available to the public for open swim. The pool also offers water exercise classes in its heated pool – kept at a comfortable 82 degrees.
📚 Related Reading: Belmont Shore is a great neighborhood to visit. Check out this list of the best places to stay in Long Beach to help you plan your trip!
Museums & Culture
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Museum of Latin American Art
Enjoy contemporary Latin American art exhibits.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (562) 437-1689 | Website | Hours: 11:00 am – 6:00 pm, Wednesday – Sunday | Entrance: $15 adults, $10 seniors and students, children under 12 free
The Museum of Latin American Art is dedicated to contemporary and modern art by Latin American and Latino artists. The only museum of its kind, MOLAA displays an impressive permanent collection and presents rotating exhibitions.
One past exhibition, the Celebrating Diversity series, featured artists who have worked toward diversity, equity, and cultural pride. From its cultural significance to its internationally renowned sculpture garden, MOLAA is not to be missed.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Wander tranquil garden pathways.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (562) 985-8420 | Website | Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday – Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Saturday – Sunday | Entrance: Free
The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is located on the California State University Long Beach campus and offers visitors tranquility and peace. The garden was designed to connect visitors with the natural environment, art, and culture to encourage wellness.
The garden features a koi pond, a traditional tea house, a rock garden, and of course, plants like the Japanese maple and black pine. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is the perfect place to visit if you’re looking for a place to slow down and soak in the beauty of nature.
👉 Love Gardens? If you have time, head to the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino. The Huntington boasts 130 acres of gardens for you to explore!
Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
Learn about Pacific Island culture and art.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (562) 216-4170 | Website | Hours:11:00 am – 3:30 pm, Wednesday – Sunday | Entrance: $5 adults, $3 seniors and students, free for children under 12
The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum features art, clothing, sculptures, textiles, and more created by numerous cultures and people of the Pacific Islands. This museum is on the same block as the Museum of Latin American Art. So, you can plan to visit them both on the same day!
The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum goes deeper than just displaying art and objects. It’s a place where you can learn about the Pacific Island cultures that are alive and well in the local community.
On weekends, you’ll likely see one of the museum’s artists-in-residence creating on-site. Before you leave, take a stroll through the museum’s outdoor garden featuring ancestral idols and stone money.
East Village Arts District
Browse art galleries and record shops.
📍 Google Maps | Website
Located east of downtown, Long Beach’s East Village is filled with eye-catching murals, an array of restaurants, local shops, and art galleries with an emphasis on local artists. Put the East Village on your list if you want to dive into the Long Beach art scene like a local.
Between browsing funky record shops and art galleries, see if you can find all 21 murals painted around the neighborhood.
Every second Saturday of each month, the Village celebrates art and hosts the Long Beach Art Walk. If you attend, you’ll enjoy performances, painting, live music, and plenty of dining options.
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Terrace Theater
Attend concerts and performances.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (562) 436-3636 | Website
You’ll love attending events at the Terrace Theater if musical performances and comedy shows are up your alley. The Long Beach Symphony performs here frequently, as well as world-famous comedians and speakers.
The Terrace Theater also hosts children’s theater performances, so you can bring the kids to see Baby Shark Live, and some years, Disney on Ice. During the holiday season, the grounds in front of the theater feature beautiful holiday lights. They make a great family photo op!
Long Beach Sites & Attractions
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Aquarium of the Pacific
Discover fish and marine mammals.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (562) 590-3100 | Website | Hours: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm Wed-Sat, 9 am – 8 pm Sun-Tue | Entrance: $44.95 adults, $29.95 children 3-11 | 👉 Reserve Skip-the-Line Tickets on Viator
You’ll hear the Aquarium of the Pacific before you see it. Lorikeets chirp in the outdoor aviary, and sea lions let out their familiar barks.
In the Aquarium’s Shark Lagoon, you can see these large predators up close and touch small sharks and rays. Inside, you’ll find stunning exhibits full of local and exotic marine life.
The Aquarium is committed to research and conservation. It provides a home for animals that can’t return to the wild. Whether you’re visiting with children or not, the Aquarium is a great place to connect with and learn about marine life.
👉 Pro Tip: Ever wanted to hang out in an aquarium after hours? The Aquarium hosts “Night Dive,” with live DJs and bars amidst the exhibits. Check the website’s event calendar to find the next one and join the party!
The Pike
Shop to your heart’s content.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: (877) 225-5337 | Website | Hours: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 9:00 pm Saturday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm Sunday
As you head down Pine Avenue toward the water, you’ll see a collection of outlet stores and a giant Ferris wheel. You’ve found The Pike, an outlet mall that offers shopping, dining, a movie theater, and even a comedy club.
The Pike is a vibrant place where you can bring the whole family. Take a ride on the Ferris wheel and take in ocean views, shop, and grab a bite to eat.
🛎️ Need a Hotel? The Hyatt Regency Long Beach is within walking distance of The Pike, Shoreline Village, and Downtown! It’s the perfect hotel central to the action in Long Beach.
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That’s a wrap on how to spend your time in Long Beach. From water sports to cultural art museums, you’ll find no shortage of fun things to do in this coastal city.
For more help planning your trip to Long Beach, check out my guide on where to stay in Long Beach next!
