Discover the Best Things to Do in Long Beach

Baongoc Travel

Surprising fact: this coastal city sits just 20 miles south of Los Angeles and still offers five miles of shoreline that feel worlds apart.

I landed at the breezy, open-air Long Beach Airport and felt the easy pace right away. I wandered a walkable waterfront framed by the Aquarium of the Pacific and the historic Queen Mary.

My day mixes relaxed beach walks, a harborside stroll at Shoreline Village, and a gondola glide through the Naples canals. I fold in one or two can’t-miss stops and a bite at favorites like Ammatoli, Gusto Bread, and Roe Seafood.

What sets this destination apart from bigger Southern California neighbors is its approachable vibe, fewer crowds, and colorful neighborhoods like East Village and Retro Row.

In this guide I’ll map out attractions, neighborhoods, eats, stays, and simple logistics—bike share, AquaLink, parking—so your trip feels smooth and unforced. Two to three days gave me the perfect balance of discovery and downtime.

Key Takeaways

Start with the Aquarium and the Queen Mary for a classic introduction.
Mix waterfront time with a neighborhood food crawl for balance.
Expect a relaxed vibe and smaller crowds than nearby metros.
Plan two to three days to see highlights without rushing.
Use bike share and AquaLink for easy, flexible travel around the harbor.

How I plan a perfect day in this Southern California beach city

I began my day at the harbor with a strong coffee and a map that craved flexibility. I like a simple plan that lets weather and mood guide my moves through Long Beach.

Waterfront and Downtown sit side by side, so I can walk from the Aquarium of the Pacific to Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor without jumping in a car. I watch the marine layer in the morning and dress in layers, since it often clears by afternoon.best-places-to-visit-in-february

My approach is practical: build in buffers, pick a bike from Long Beach Bike Share, and use the AquaLink $5 water taxi when I want a quick harbor reset. That way my trip stays relaxed and open to surprise finds.

“Gliding across the harbor felt like a reset—simple, scenic, and much faster than driving.”

Start with coffee near the Waterfront, then wander Shoreline Village before crowds arrive.
Choose an attraction-forward or outside-first route based on weather and time.
Cluster lunch downtown or on 2nd Street depending on where the afternoon carries me.
Keep backups for indoor options if the marine layer lingers.

Final note: I plan my timing so I avoid lines, enjoy sunset at Alamitos Beach or Rainbow Harbor, and end the day with a meal within walking distance. That balance is why this city feels like a great place for a smooth, memorable trip.

The best things I picked for my visit

My favorite itinerary starts with a morning visit that pairs marine life and classic shipboard history. I time a few highlights and leave room for a slow afternoon ride or an easy stroll.

Aquarium of the Pacific: penguins, lorikeet feedings, and behind‑the‑scenes tours

The aquarium holds over 100 exhibits across 19 habitats. I watch penguins and sea otters, then catch the Lorikeet Forest nectar feedings (9:30 AM–6 PM, closed 12–1 PM). The nectar cup is $4 and makes the moment hands‑on.

Tour the Queen Mary: Art Deco history, ghost tours, and a drink at the Observation Bar

The Queen Mary launched in 1936 and rewards curious visitors with guided tours, haunted options, and the cozy Observation Bar. I often ride the AquaLink between stops—$5 each way—for harbor views that feel like a mini cruise.best-places-to-visit-in-january

Ride, wander, and sample local favorites

Bike the shoreline: I grab a Long Beach Bike Share bike along Shoreline Way toward Belmont for easy coastal motion.
Stroll Shoreline Village: colorful shops, harbor outlooks, and quick water taxi links.
Naples canals: gondola rides at golden hour, calm SUP paddles, and a postcard stop at La Bella Fontana.
Beaches & culture: Alamitos, Bayshore, Rosie’s Dog Beach, Pow! Wow! murals, and the Museum of Latin American Art’s rotating exhibits.
Night cap: Glow Ride Hydrobiking lights the marina for a memorable evening experience.

“I always start with a headliner: the aquarium, then layer shorter experiences around it.”

Neighborhood vibes & where I spend my day

I arranged three easy circuits around the city to catch the best local vibe. I like to center each block of time on one area so I can wander without backtracking.

Downtown & Waterfront

Downtown blends historic facades with modern breweries and restaurants. I walk from the Aquarium to Shoreline Village, watch boats in Rainbow Harbor, and pop into the East Village Arts District for galleries and murals.

Retro Row on 4th Street

This neighborhood is my find-and-seek afternoon. Retro Row on 4th Street has vintage clothing, quirky boutiques, and small shops where hours can be short.best-places-to-visit-in-costa-rica

I flag two must-visit stores first, then drift through the rest so I don’t miss favorites.

Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street

2nd Street is my people-watching stretch. Casual cafes, Colossus Bread, and Galata Turkish ice cream make it easy to string a pastry, coffee, and a scoop together.

I break the day into three circuits so each stop feels relaxed.
I usually bike or grab a short rideshare to link neighborhoods quickly.
If I have one free afternoon, I pick one circuit and give it my full attention.

“When an evening event appears, I often head back downtown for the waterfront glow.”

Tip: treat each neighborhood as a mini itinerary and you’ll find why long beach is a great place to unwind in this city.

What I eat and drink in Long Beach (restaurants, coffee, and treats)

My appetite for local flavors sent me hunting down favorite spots across town. I anchor meals around two headliners—Ammatoli for bold Mediterranean and Chiang Rai for comforting Thai—then fill gaps with quick bites or pastries.

Global flavors shine: Ammatoli (James Beard 2024 semifinalist) and Chiang Rai are my go-tos, while Selva lifts a meal into a mini Colombian restaurant escape.best-places-to-visit-in-march

Classic local bites

I lean on Angelo’s Deli for handhelds and Roe Seafood when oysters or fish and chips sound right. Little Coyote is the perfect quick spot for a slice between stops.

Morning fuel and sweet stops

I plan a bakery crawl: Gusto Bread for the Nixtamal Queen, then Colossus Bread for pastries and later pizza after 3 PM. The Breakfast Bar nails brunch classics if I have the time.

Coffees and treats

For coffee shops I rotate Lord Windsor, Recreational Coffee, Rose Park Roasters, and Berlin Bistro depending on the neighborhood. For dessert, Galata Turkish ice cream and Holey Grail Donuts are reliable crowd-pleasers.

“If I’m short on time, I cluster picks along one corridor so I can hit two or three spots in one easy loop.”

For a fuller list and local recommendations, see the food and drink guide and plan around off-peak hours to keep lines short.

Where I stay and how I get around

My ideal base lets me swap a short ride for a scenic walk; I prefer waking within sight of the harbor. That choice shapes the whole trip and keeps mornings simple.

Waterside or downtown choices

Hyatt Regency Long Beach sits right by the harbor. I can walk to the Aquarium and catch the AquaLink in minutes. The lobby market and bar make early departures easy.

Hotel Maya (DoubleTree) overlooks the water near the Queen Mary and feels like a small resort. It has a pool, on-site dining, and a free shuttle that runs to downtown.

Getting around the city

I plan a car-light visit and use Long Beach Bike Share for short hops. Stations are widespread and keep the day breezy without parking headaches.

The AquaLink water taxi is a fun $5 harbor crossing. I take it when I want a quick, scenic transfer between the Aquarium and the ship.

I favor hotels that simplify mornings—easy coffee and a short walk set the tone.
Rideshares fill the gaps when I move between neighborhoods or stay out late.
When I want active days, I pick a waterfront hotel so first stops are walkable.

Option	Closest highlights	Perks	Best for
Hyatt Regency	Aquarium, AquaLink	Lobby market, harbor views	Walkable mornings
Hotel Maya	Queen Mary, waterfront	Pool, resort feel, free shuttle	Resort vibes + easy downtown access
Car-light stay	Bike Share stations	No parking fuss, flexible routing	Short errands and casual rides

“I map my first morning’s way to coffee and breakfast on foot so I start at an easy pace.”

Essential tips for first‑timers searching for things to do in long beach

I learned that mornings can be overcast, so I favor indoor stops early and waterfront walks later. This simple shift makes the most of sunny afternoons and keeps the day flexible.best-places-to-visit-in-switzerland

Best timing, tickets, and events

Plan for the marine layer: mornings often feel cool and gray, then clear by midday. I start with museums or a neighborhood coffee and move outside once light improves.

Book ahead: I buy Queen Mary and Aquarium tickets for peak days and set a reminder the evening before to confirm entry times. If lorikeet feedings matter, arrive early—nectar runs out between 9:30 AM and 6 PM with a noon break.

Scan local calendars: art walks and markets can transform an ordinary day into a highlight. I check event listings the week before travel.

Parking, layers, and beach etiquette

Parking strategy: Belmont Shore and Downtown have tight spots. I aim for public lots or choose a short rideshare to skip the hunt.

Packed light: a thin jacket and layers keep me comfy from cool mornings to warm afternoons on the beach.

Be respectful: carry out trash, give wildlife space, and follow posted rules. When time is tight, I pick one marquee tour and leave wiggle room for a found gem.

“I bookmark a short checklist from this guide so I can glance at timing, parking, and booking reminders before I head out.”

Conclusion

Conclusion

After wandering waterfront streets and canals, I found the city’s rhythm feels effortless by sunset. The Aquarium of the Pacific and the Queen Mary make a memorable pair: one for lively exhibits, one for ship history and classic tours.

My tip: spend two or three days here and mix waterfront hours with slow neighborhood walks. Ride the AquaLink or a bike and let food, art, and music set your pace.

Whether you come from Los Angeles or plan a longer trip, Long Beach rewards simple plans with bright moments — a quick museum stop, a coffee on 2nd Street, and a late harbor walk that ties the day together.best-time-to-visit-yosemite

FAQ

What are the must‑see attractions for a one‑day visit?

I pack my day with the Aquarium of the Pacific for marine exhibits, a walk along Shoreline Village for harbor views, and a quick tour of the Queen Mary if time allows. I balance museums and waterfront stops so I get both culture and sunshine without rushing.

How should I plan the perfect day in this Southern California beach city?

I start early to beat the marine layer, visit the aquarium midmorning, rent a bike for the Shoreline and Belmont paths after lunch, then finish with a sunset stroll on Alamitos or Bayshore. I check attraction hours and book timed entries for peak season.

Which neighborhoods give the best local vibe for shopping and food?

I spend time in Downtown & Waterfront for easy walking and Rainbow Harbor, Retro Row on 4th Street for vintage finds, and Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street for boutiques and great people‑watching. Each area has distinct food scenes and tiny shops worth browsing.

Where do I go for unique waterfront experiences?

I take water taxis from Shoreline Village, try glow hydrobiking in the marina for evening fun, and book a gondola ride in Naples for a quieter, romantic option. AquaLink runs short connections between several piers and waterfront spots.

What are reliable options for coffee and pastries?

I grab morning fuel at Gusto Bread or Colossus Bread and love a sit‑down cup at Lord Windsor or Recreational Coffee. For a faster treat, The Breakfast Bar and local bakeries serve solid pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

Any tips for visiting the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific?

I reserve timed tickets in advance, arrive early to avoid crowds, and check for special tours like behind‑the‑scenes at the aquarium or ghost tours on the Queen Mary. Wear comfortable shoes—both venues involve a fair bit of walking.

Is biking along the shoreline safe for casual riders?

I find the Shoreline Way and Belmont paths friendly for most riders. Bike Share bikes are available and routes are mostly flat. I bring a helmet, stay in marked lanes, and watch for pedestrians near Shoreline Village.

Where are the best beaches for families or dog owners?

I pick Alamitos Beach or Bayshore Beach for families—gentle sand and nearby amenities. For dogs, Rosie’s Dog Beach is the go‑to spot. I bring water, shade, and follow local leash rules and cleanup practices.

What local events or festivals should I watch for?

I follow the city calendar for art festivals like Pow! Wow! mural projects, summer concerts at the waterfront, and seasonal markets on the bay. Booking early helps when events draw big crowds.

How do I get around without a car?

I use Bike Share for short trips, AquaLink water taxis for harbor hops, and rideshares for longer jumps. Downtown is walkable, and public transit connects to neighboring cities if I plan a wider Southern California itinerary.

Where do I find seafood and local classic bites?

I seek out Roe Seafood and local delis like Angelo’s Deli for classic fares. For pizza and casual nights, Little Coyote is a dependable pick. I like to pair seaside dining with a harbor walk afterward.

Any safety or etiquette tips for first‑timers?

I keep an eye on personal items around busy waterfronts, check parking rules before leaving a car, and follow beach etiquette—no glass, pick up trash, and respect dog areas. Layering helps with cool evenings after sunny afternoons.

What are good hotel areas for easy access to attractions?

I choose hotels near the waterfront or downtown—Hyatt Regency and Hotel Maya are practical choices for quick access to Rainbow Harbor, Shoreline Village, and many restaurants. Staying central saves transit time.

Can I combine a visit here with other Southern California destinations?

I often pair a stay here with nearby Los Angeles sights, Anaheim, or coastal drives down to Huntington Beach. The city sits well within Southern California’s network, so day trips are easy if I plan drive time carefully.