Long Beach Travelers Recommend

Replete with stretches of soft sand, Southern California’s Long Beach has a thriving arts and food scene and a rich history tied to maritime travel. With three days there, you’ll also have the chance to explore nearby spots like Huntington Beach and Catalina Island. Here are some ideas for your stay.

Day 1: Beach Time

No trip to Southern California would be complete without time soaking in the sun, relaxing on the sandy beaches, and cooling off in the waves. While Long Beach has its own beaches, some travelers drive about 30 minutes to Huntington Beach for a surf excursion. (Although Long Beach has a storied surfing history, breakwater structures blocking big waves were eventually constructed to protect ships docked at the port.) With almost 9 miles (15 kilometers) of beach, Huntington is a great place for swimming, surfing, and other water sports, and the pier and adjacent boardwalk attract cyclists and joggers as well. Alternatively, stay in town for a kitesurfing lesson on Belmont Shore—thanks to the breakwater, beginning kite surfers don’t have to worry about major waves.

Day 2: Sea Adventures

Long Beach offers a handful of interesting cultural experiences. Visit museums such as the Long Beach Museum of Art, Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Adobe, and Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum—and tour the Queen Mary ship. Once considered the most luxurious liner in the world, today it’s a floating hotel and museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. If you’re there in the evening, dine or have a drink at one of the onboard restaurants or bars. Alternatively, head to the Aquarium of the Pacific to see Magellanic penguins, sea otters, and a tropical reef habitat with schools of colorful fish and other sea life.

Day 3: Island-Hopping

Make your way to Naples Island, a Long Beach neighborhood featuring canals lined with million-dollar homes—tour the area by kayak or gondola. Alternatively, get on a ferry (or helicopter) to Catalina Island, popular with day-trippers. Back on Long Beach, stroll the paved paths at the El Dorado Nature Center, spotting turtles, birds, and lizards among towering trees and lush flora. Or, unwind in a traditional teahouse at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. And if you’re in town on the first Friday of the month, check out the evening arts walk and family-friendly activities in Bixby Knolls.

Long Beach is a convenient base from which to explore Los Angeles, a global capital of entertainment, dining, art museums, and fun-filled outdoor activities. Best of all, tours enable you to leave the driving to someone else. Here are some options for touring LA from Long Beach.

Helicopter Tours

One of the best ways to get an overview of vast Los Angeles is by flying above it during an action-packed helicopter sightseeing excursion. Most tours take off from Long Beach, saving you valuable time that would otherwise be spent sitting in traffic. The best part of your trip, however, is the bird’s-eye view of some of the city’s most iconic sights, including the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, the historic Queen Mary cruise ship, and the skyscrapers of downtown LA.

Full-Day Tours

If you’re looking for a more in-depth exploration of LA, opt for a full-day sightseeing trip. You’ll depart from either Long Beach or San Pedro, sitting back and relaxing as your driver deals with the traffic and navigation. Upon arrival in Los Angeles, you’ll discover city highlights like Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the iconic Hollywood Sign, the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre), and much more.

Things to Know

• Long Beach is located approximately 23 miles (37 kilometers) south of Los Angeles

• Transportation typically takes about an hour each way, though timing depends on traffic

• If you’re going to be outside, bring sun protection like a hat, sunscreen, and water

• Southern California is known for cool, sometimes foggy mornings, hot afternoons, and chilly temperatures after the sun goes down, so dress in layers

No trip to the SoCal seaside city of Long Beach, about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Los Angeles, would be complete without experiencing the waterfront. From floating museums to sun–kissed beaches, here are a few of the best sights and attractions along the Long Beach waterfront.

Queen Mary

This British luxury liner, larger and more extravagant than the Titanic, has been moored in Long Beach since 1967. Visitors can step aboard the floating museum to learn about its art deco design and storied history.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Southern California’s largest aquarium displays some 11,000 animals across 50 exhibits, with a focus on the biodiversity of the Pacific Ocean. Purchase your admission ticket in advance so you have more time to spend with the sharks, sea turtles, jellies, and lorikeets. 

Rainbow Harbor and Marina

Rainbow Harbor is anchored in the heart of downtown Long Beach. It’s your jumping off point for a day of whale watching, deep sea fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and other water adventures.

Marine Park

No trip to Long Beach would be complete without a day of sun, sand, and sea, and that’s just what’s on offer at Marine Park. Visitors to this public beach park find volleyball courts, a playground, picnic areas, and the life-guarded Mother’s Beach swimming area, perfect for visiting families.