
Long Beach California
Vibrant coastal city offering marine wonders, scenic parks, and a lively waterfront with unique transportation options.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Long Beach California
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant coastal city offering marine wonders, scenic parks, and a lively waterfront with unique transportation options.
"A beautiful beach with strong waves, ideal for walking and admiring the landscape."

🌊 Embrace the Water Taxi
Utilize the Aqualink water taxi for a scenic and affordable way to explore the waterfront .
🚶♀️ Explore Scenic Trails
Discover beautiful walking trails like the Colorado Lagoon Loop for stunning views .

Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Aquarium of the Pacific
Shoreline Village
Dive into a world of marine wonders with thousands of animals and engaging exhibits. A must-see for all ages!

Shoreline Aquatic Park
Waterfront
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or bike ride along this scenic park, offering beautiful ocean views and fresh sea air.

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
California State University Long Beach
Find tranquility in this serene garden oasis, a perfect spot for peaceful reflection and admiring lush landscapes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Coastal Charm
Navigating Long Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Embrace the Water Taxi
Utilize the Aqualink water taxi for a scenic and affordable way to explore the waterfront.
🚶♀️ Explore Scenic Trails
Discover beautiful walking trails like the Colorado Lagoon Loop for stunning views.
🍽️ Savor Local Flavors
Indulge in delicious brunch buffets and happy hour specials at local eateries.
☀️ Enjoy Beachfront Bliss
Relax on the sandy shores, but be aware of potential sargassum seaweed on the beach [^reviews].
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Embrace the Water Taxi
Utilize the Aqualink water taxi for a scenic and affordable way to explore the waterfront.
🚶♀️ Explore Scenic Trails
Discover beautiful walking trails like the Colorado Lagoon Loop for stunning views.
🍽️ Savor Local Flavors
Indulge in delicious brunch buffets and happy hour specials at local eateries.
☀️ Enjoy Beachfront Bliss
Relax on the sandy shores, but be aware of potential sargassum seaweed on the beach [^reviews].
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often praise Long Beach, California for its diverse attractions, from the engaging Aquarium of the Pacific to its scenic waterfront parks and trails. The city offers a good mix of relaxation and urban exploration, with convenient transportation options like the Aqualink water taxi. However, some reviews mention the presence of sargassum seaweed on the beaches, which can detract from their appearance.
"A beautiful beach with strong waves. Its deep blue color and white sand are covered with sargassum.
It has beautiful trails surrounded by vegetation, ideal for walking and admiring the landscape."
Oscar Delgado
"Flooded with algae"
Angela Zeidler-Fresz
""
Michal Bakos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Long Beach, CA from Los Angeles via car, taking approximately 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. Public transportation options include Amtrak trains to the Long Beach Transit Gallery or bus services like Metro Bus Lines. Ride-sharing services are also a convenient option for direct travel to Long Beach, CA USA.
Yes, Long Beach Transit (LBT) operates a comprehensive bus system throughout the city. Additionally, the Aqualink water taxi offers a unique way to travel along the waterfront, connecting key attractions until September 1, 2025. Consider using the 'Ride LBT' app for payments and schedules.
For attractions along the coast, the Aqualink water taxi is a fantastic and budget-friendly option. For exploring inland areas like California State University Long Beach, local buses or ride-sharing services are recommended. Many areas are also walkable or bikeable.
Yes, you can take a ferry from Long Beach via Catalina Express to Avalon, Catalina Island. This is a popular day trip option for those looking to experience beautiful beaches and island life.
Parking is available in various lots and street meters throughout Long Beach, particularly near popular attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific and Shoreline Village. Some areas may have higher parking fees, especially during peak times.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA can vary. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and to purchase tickets in advance, especially if you're looking for 'Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach tickets' to potentially secure better rates or avoid queues.
The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden at California State University Long Beach is generally open to the public and often free to enter, though it's always a good idea to check the CSULB website for any specific visiting hours or potential entry requirements.
Yes, enjoying the beaches like Alamitos Beach Long Beach or Belmont Shore Long Beach is free. Walking through Shoreline Aquatic Park or exploring the grounds of California State University Long Beach (including the Japanese Garden) are also great free activities.
The Aqualink water taxi operates seasonally, typically until September 1, 2025. It's advisable to check the Long Beach Transit website for the most up-to-date schedule and operating hours before your visit.
Many attractions in Long Beach, including the Aquarium of the Pacific, offer mobile ticketing options. The 'Ride LBT' app is also available for purchasing fares for the Aqualink water taxi.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
For a day trip, consider visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific, strolling through Shoreline Aquatic Park, and perhaps taking the Aqualink water taxi. Enjoying lunch at a waterfront restaurant or exploring the unique shops in Shoreline Village are also great options for things to do in Long Beach.
Absolutely! Long Beach offers several pleasant trails. The Colorado Lagoon Loop Trail is a flat, easy 1-mile path, and the Shoreline Aquatic Park Loop Trail provides paved, accessible routes with ocean views. The Japanese Garden at CSULB is also a lovely, tranquil spot for a walk.
The Queen Mary in Long Beach is a historic ocean liner offering a unique glimpse into maritime history. Visitors can explore its decks, learn about its past, and experience its grand architecture. It's a significant landmark in Long Beach, California.
Yes, Long Beach is very family-friendly. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a major hit with kids, and the beaches offer space for play. Many parks and family-oriented restaurants make it a great destination for a family vacation in Long Beach, CA USA.
Long Beach features several beaches, including Alamitos Beach and Belmont Beach. While beautiful, reviews sometimes mention the presence of sargassum seaweed, which can affect the appearance of the sand [^reviews]. The waves can also be strong, making them great for watching but sometimes less ideal for swimming.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Long Beach offers excellent brunch options. Malainey's Grill Long Beach is highly recommended for its Sunday All You Can Eat Brunch buffet, complete with bottomless mimosas. Many other cafes and restaurants along Belmont Shore also offer popular brunch menus.
Yes, Long Beach has several highly-rated seafood restaurants. San Pedro Fish in Long Beach is a popular choice for fresh seafood. You'll find a variety of options from casual fish tacos to more upscale dining experiences.
Many restaurants and bars in Long Beach, CA, offer happy hour specials. Malainey's Grill, for instance, has happy hour weekdays from 4 pm to 7 pm. Exploring areas like Belmont Shore will reveal numerous spots with great deals on drinks and appetizers.
While Long Beach offers diverse culinary options, its proximity to the coast means fresh seafood is a highlight. You'll also find a strong presence of Mexican, Asian, and American comfort food throughout the city.
Absolutely! Many restaurants in Long Beach cater to families, offering kid-friendly menus and a welcoming atmosphere. Malainey's Grill is noted as family-friendly, and numerous casual eateries along the waterfront and in shopping districts are suitable for all ages.
📸 📸 Photography
For stunning photos, capture the vibrant marine life at the Aquarium of the Pacific, the serene beauty of the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, and the picturesque ocean views from Shoreline Aquatic Park. The historic Queen Mary also offers unique photographic opportunities.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most flattering light for photography in Long Beach, CA. Early mornings are also great for capturing the tranquility of the beaches and parks with fewer people around.
The Aqualink water taxi provides a unique perspective for capturing the Long Beach skyline and waterfront. The colorful boats in the marina and the architectural details of the Queen Mary also offer distinctive shots.
A versatile lens, like a 24-70mm, is great for capturing both wide-angle scenic shots and closer details of marine life or architecture. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the ocean and sky. Don't forget a wide-angle lens for expansive beach and park views.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and restrictions, especially near airports, parks, and public beaches. It's crucial to research and comply with all FAA and local Long Beach ordinances before flying a drone for photography.










Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit