Unique Things to Do in Long Beach: My Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Visit
Introduction
Long Beach, California, has a lot of cool and different things for people to do. There are beautiful natural sights and fun cultural places to visit. Whether you like nature, history, or food, you can find something fun in Long Beach.
You can explore the beautiful Naples Island and go on a boat ride through its lovely canals. Learn about the history of the famous Queen Mary ship, which is now a museum. We will read about such unique things to do in long beach, which will sky rocket your interest in visiting the beach
Enjoy different types of delicious food at the lively Downtown Promenade’s restaurants. Long Beach has many hidden treasures to discover and make lasting memories.
Discovering How to Reach Long Beach
By Car
Getting to Long Beach is a breeze if you have a car. The city is well-connected to nearby places through major highways, making it easy to drive there from wherever you are. Whether coming from Los Angeles or San Diego, the roads are well-maintained and ensure a smooth journey. For instance, if you’re driving from Los Angeles, all you need to do is take Interstate 710 South and follow the signs for Long Beach. The drive usually takes about 30 minutes, depending on the traffic.
By Air
If you want to go to Long Beach, you can use Long Beach Airport and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Long Beach Airport is simple and suitable for flights in the United States. LAX is a busy airport with flights in the US and other countries. It’s further from Long Beach but has more options for long trips. So whether you drive or fly, getting to Long Beach is easy!
Picking the Best Time to Visit Long Beach
Summer Months: June to August
Summer is a great time to visit Long Beach. The weather is warm and sunny so you can have fun outside. You can relax on the Beach, swim in the ocean, or try paddleboarding or kayaking. Many people come to Long Beach during the summer, so it’s a lively and exciting place.
Spring and Fall: Ideal for Mild Weather and Fewer Crowds
Spring and fall are the best times to visit Long Beach if you like nice weather and fewer people. It’s not too hot or too cold during these seasons. There are also fewer tourists compared to summer.
You can do fun things like walking by the water, visiting museums, or riding bikes along the coast. There are also extraordinary events like art festivals and food fairs.
Winter: Mild Climate and Festive Holiday Events
Even in winter (December to February), Long Beach remains an enjoyable destination with its mild climate.
Immersing in Local Festivals and Long Beach Events
Annual Long Beach Grand Prix
The Long Beach Grand Prix is a big race that car fans love. It happens on the streets of downtown Long Beach. People from all over the world come to watch. It’s fascinating and intense.
Monthly First Fridays Art Walk
Come to Long Beach on the first Friday of every month for **First Friday art walk**. Artists open their studios and show their work. Walk around and see art galleries, shops, and food stands. There is also live music. It’s a fun event that brings people together to enjoy art.
Unique Things to do in Long Beach
Explore the Historic Queen Mary
The Queen Mary was a big ship that is now a hotel and museum. You can go there and learn about its history from long ago. It was built a long time ago and was influential in a war. It has pretty decorations and different floors to see. You can also go to the Ghosts and Legends exhibit for something scary!
Discover Colorful Murals in the East Village Arts District
If you want to see cool street art, go to Long Beach’s East Village Arts District. There are many galleries, shops, and restaurants, but the best part is the murals. Local artists made them, and they’re colourful and exciting. They show all kinds of things, like patterns and pictures of people. The murals make the neighbourhood look nice and reveal the artists’ creativity and culture. I like visiting this district because each mural has a story or message. It’s like an outdoor gallery where you can find cool things around every corner.
Visit Rancho Los Alamitos
For those interested in California’s early history, Rancho Los Alamitos is worth a visit.
Thrilling Activities for a Long Beach Itinerary
Helicopter Tours: Breathtaking Aerial Views
Experience Long Beach from a helicopter for an exciting adventure. See fantastic city views, coastline views, and landmarks like the Queen Mary ship. It’s a unique way to appreciate the beauty of Long Beach. Whether you’re a first-timer, this thrilling activity will give you unforgettable memories.
Whale Watching: Majestic Marine Life
Long Beach is famous for its many sea creatures, making it a great place to go whale watching. You can go on an exciting adventure where you might see amazing animals like humpback whales, grey whales, dolphins, and more. The Pacific Ocean near Long Beach is all of these incredible creatures year-round. Imagine being on a boat and seeing giant whales jump out of the water right before you! It’s truly unique to see these big animals in their natural home. And don’t forget to bring your camera to take pictures of these incredible moments.
Exploring the Vibrant Markets and Nightlife
Pike Outlets: A Shopper’s Paradise
The Pike Outlets is an excellent place to go shopping in Long Beach. It has many fantastic stores, restaurants, and fun things to do. You can find trendy clothes, cool stuff for your home, and yummy food. The best part is the different kinds of food you can try. They have burgers, Mexican food, and tasty desserts.
Pine Avenue: Where Nightlife Comes Alive
Long Beach’s Pine Avenue becomes lively at night with bright lights and music. This busy street is famous for its exciting nightlife, trendy bars, and clubs. You can dance to live music or enjoy tasty cocktails with your friends at Pine Avenue.
There are many options to keep you entertained until late at night. While exploring the nightlife on Pine Avenue, visit some famous places that have become well-known in Long Beach’s social scene.
Outdoor Exploration and Beachside Leisure in Long Beach
Belmont Shore Beach: Pristine Sandy Shores
Belmont Shore Beach is a great place to relax and have fun in the sun. The Beach has beautiful sandy shores where you can unwind, get sun, and swim in the ocean. It’s perfect for building sandcastles or just lounging with a book.
If you’re into water sports, you can try paddleboarding, kayaking, or even surfing. The waves are gentle, which makes it a good place for beginners to learn. There are also picnic areas where you can have lunch by the sea and nearby cafes and restaurants for tasty food and drinks.
Naples Island: Charming Canals and Gondola Rides
Naples Island is an excellent place to visit in Long Beach. It’s beautiful and has canals reminding you of Venice, Italy. One fun thing to do there is ride a gondola through the waterways.
Travel Tips and Insider Secrets for Long Beach Visitors
Explore with the Free Passport Shuttle Service
In downtown Long Beach, the Passport shuttle service is a unique and exciting way to get around. These shuttles are colourful and free to ride. You can hop on one and explore all the exciting things Downtown offers.
The shuttle stops at popular places like the Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, and Pine Avenue. It’s an excellent way to see all the extraordinary sights without worrying about finding parking or figuring out unfamiliar streets.
The Passport shuttle is convenient and budget-friendly, as it won’t cost you a dime! So, take advantage of this accessible mode of transportation during your visit to Long Beach. Whether heading out for shopping, dining, or sightseeing, the shuttle will get you there in no time.
Unforgettable Experiences Nearby
Beach Bliss
Long Beach has lovely beaches. You can swim, surf, or walk along the shore. There are fun things to do there. You can build sandcastles on Alamitos Beach or ride bikes from Downtown to Belmont Shore.
The beachfront also offers exciting activities such as paddleboarding and kayaking. Renting equipment is easy and affordable, allowing you to explore the stunning coastline at your own pace. You might even spot dolphins swimming alongside your kayak if you’re lucky!
Hidden Bars in Long Beach
Unique Atmosphere
Hidden bars in Long Beach have a unique feel that differentiates them from regular bars. They are hidden and can be found behind regular-looking doors or inside other places. Going inside makes it feel like you are in a different place because of the cosy and small atmosphere.
The lights are not too bright, there are old-fashioned decorations, and the music is different. It feels mysterious but also welcoming.
The speakeasy-style bars are trendy in Long Beach. Modelled after the secret bars during the Prohibition era, these establishments provide an experience like no other. You may need a password or find a hidden entrance to access these exclusive venues.
Craft Cocktails
Hidden bars in Long Beach are known for their craft cocktails. Skilled bartenders make delicious drinks with good ingredients. They have classic cocktails and new ones made just for you.
These bars care about making each drink special. They use fresh fruits, herbs, homemade syrups, and good alcohol. You can get a tasty gin drink or a fancy whiskey with ice cubes. These hidden bars have great drinks for everyone.
Where to Stay in Long Beach?
Hotels and Resorts
Long Beach has lots of hotels to choose from. There are fancy ones and cheaper ones. Big hotel chains like Hilton and Marriott have nice rooms and good stuff. They’re close to cool places like the Queen Mary and the Aquarium. If you want something different, there are cute boutique hotels too. They have their style; some have cool rooftop bars with lovely city views.
Vacation Rentals
Another option for accommodation in Long Beach is vacation rentals. When people visit the city, they can stay in their private place. They can choose from small apartments to big houses by the Beach. This is good for different group sizes and budgets.
If you rent a vacation home, they can live like locals in Long Beach. They can cook food in the kitchen, relax in the living room, and use private pools or outdoor areas.
If people want something different than hotels or vacation rentals, Long Beach has other places to stay, like bed-and-breakfasts or hostels.
Insider Tips for Exploring Long Beach
Must-See Attractions
- Queen Mary Ship: Explore the historic Queen Mary, an ocean liner turned museum and hotel. Learn about its fascinating history, including its role during World War II.
- Naples Island: Take a gondola ride through the charming canals of Naples Island, reminiscent of Venice, Italy.
- Downtown Promenade: Indulge your taste buds with diverse cuisines at the eateries along the bustling Downtown Promenade.
- First Fridays Art Walk: Experience the vibrant culture of Long Beach during the monthly First Fridays art walk, where local artists showcase their work.
- El Dorado Nature Center: Enjoy peaceful walks through nature trails and wetlands at El Dorado Nature Center, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
- Hidden Bars: Discover hidden bars in Long Beach with unique atmospheres and craft cocktails, adding a touch of mystery to your night out.
- RMS Queen Mary: Step back in time aboard the RMS Queen Mary, a must-visit attraction with its rich history and guided tours.
- Aquarium of the Pacific: Get up close with marine life from around the world at the Aquarium of the Pacific, a captivating experience for all ages.
- Belmont Shore Beach: Relax on the pristine sandy shores of Belmont Shore Beach and enjoy water sports like paddleboarding and kayaking.
- Long Beach Grand Prix: Attend the annual Long Beach Grand Prix, one of North America’s largest street races, for an adrenaline-filled racing spectacle.
Outdoor Adventures
Long Beach has many fun things to do if you enjoy being outside. You can go to El Dorado Nature Center for a nice walk in nature and see animals. If you want more excitement, you should go to Naples Island. There, you can rent kayaks or paddleboards and explore the pretty canals. When I went to Long Beach last summer, I visited the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific. The Queen Mary was excellent with its fancy design and exciting history. It felt like going back in time as I walked through its beautiful halls and learned about its role in World War II. The Pacific Aquarium was also fantastic, with many sea animals – like cute penguins and big sharks.
Unique Dining Experiences
There are plenty of unique options to choose from.
Closing Thoughts
Long Beach is one of the best beaches in the Southern Caifornia. Its a lively and diverse city with many fun things to do. There are festivals, hidden gems, and exciting activities for everyone. The markets, nightlife, and outdoor adventures make this coastal destination even more charming. Visitors can have a great time in Long Beach with insider tips and recommendations.
This guide has helped you plan your visit to Long Beach. Whether you love nature, food, or history, this city has something for you. So get ready, experience the local culture, and make beautiful memories in Long Beach. Check out the unique attractions, try delicious food, and relax on the beautiful beaches. Long Beach is waiting for you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I reach Long Beach?
A: To reach Long Beach, you can fly into the nearby Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and then take a taxi or shuttle service to your destination. Alternatively, you can drive to Long Beach using major highways such as Interstate 405 or State Route 1.
Q: When is the best time to visit Long Beach?
A: The best time to visit Long Beach is during the months of May through September when the weather is warm and pleasant. However, keep in mind that this period also tends to be more crowded with tourists. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring or fall.
Q: What are some unique attractions and hidden gems in Long Beach?
A: You must visit the old Queen Mary ship, the Aquarium of the Pacific with lots of sea animals, Rancho Los Alamitos to learn about ranching in California, and Naples Island with pretty canals.
Q: What thrilling activities can I add to my Long Beach itinerary?
A: For an adrenaline rush in Long Beach, consider adding activities like jet skiing along Alamitos Bay, parasailing over the ocean waters, taking a helicopter tour for breathtaking views of the cityscape and coastline, or trying out stand-up paddleboarding at Marine Stadium.
Q: Where should I stay in Long Beach?
A: Long Beach offers a variety of accommodation options catering to different preferences and budgets. Popular areas for visitors include Downtown where many hotels are located within walking distance from attractions.