Long Beach California
Vibrant coastal city with beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks like the Queen Mary, and a diverse culinary scene.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Long Beach California
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vibrant coastal city with beautiful beaches, iconic landmarks like the Queen Mary, and a diverse culinary scene.
"Nice beach and ocean view. A lot of small restaurants along the way."
Bring your own trash bags
Some areas can be littered; carrying bags helps keep the beach clean. :recycle:
Rent a bike to explore
Perfect for cruising along the shoreline and parks. :bike:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shoreline Aquatic Park
Near the waterfront
A paved, flat loop trail perfect for easy strolls or bike rides with stunning ocean views.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Cal State Long Beach campus
A serene and beautiful small garden offering a peaceful escape within the city.
Long Beach Pier
Various locations
Enjoy breathtaking views and a relaxing walk on one of Long Beach's favorite piers.
Catalina Island Ferry
Departure from Long Beach
A scenic ferry ride to Avalon, often described as the most beautiful beach in California.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Beach Vibe
Navigating Long Beach
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bring your own trash bags
Some areas can be littered; carrying bags helps keep the beach clean. :recycle:
Rent a bike to explore
Perfect for cruising along the shoreline and parks. :bike:
Cash for beach clubs
If visiting beach clubs, ensure you have cash for day passes and tips. :moneybag:
Enjoy waterfront dining
Numerous restaurants offer great food with ocean views. :forkandknife:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bring your own trash bags
Some areas can be littered; carrying bags helps keep the beach clean. :recycle:
Rent a bike to explore
Perfect for cruising along the shoreline and parks. :bike:
Cash for beach clubs
If visiting beach clubs, ensure you have cash for day passes and tips. :moneybag:
Enjoy waterfront dining
Numerous restaurants offer great food with ocean views. :forkandknife:
Catch a stunning sunset
Long Beach offers incredible sunset views, especially from the piers. :city_sunset:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Long Beach offers a pleasant coastal experience with beautiful ocean views and numerous dining options. Visitors appreciate the scenic walking and biking trails, as well as the convenience of nearby restaurants. However, some reviewers note significant cleanliness issues on certain parts of the beach, with litter being a recurring concern.
"Very dirty towards the left side. Did not swim there. Wouldn't go there again."
alicia mirbach
"Nice beach and ocean view. A lot of small restaurants along the way. I gave four stars because it is a lot of trash, specially plastics and bottles (no trash cans by the beach just where the restaurants are).
We need to save our planet."
Michelle Rodriguez
"Lovely place to go take a walk or swim. Different places near by to grab a bite or even a coffee."
Enmy R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Long Beach is accessible by car via major freeways like the I-405 and I-710. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Long Beach Airport (LGB) are the closest major airports. Public transportation options include the Long Beach Transit bus system and the Metro Rail Green Line, which connects to nearby areas.
Yes, Long Beach is quite walkable in many areas, and the city has a decent public bus system. Renting a bike is also a popular and enjoyable way to explore the coastline and parks. Ride-sharing services are readily available.
Absolutely! Catalina Express offers ferry services from Long Beach (and other nearby ports) to Catalina Island, a popular day trip destination.
The Shoreline Aquatic Park Loop Trail is ideal for walking or biking. Many visitors also enjoy strolling along the piers for scenic views.
Driving along Ocean Boulevard offers beautiful ocean views. For a unique experience, consider exploring the areas around the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Access to Long Beach's public beaches is generally free. However, some beach clubs or specific areas might have day pass fees.
Attraction hours vary. The Aquarium of the Pacific typically opens around 10 AM. It's always best to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information on hours and any potential closures.
Long Beach hosts various events throughout the year, including music festivals, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings. Keep an eye on local event listings for 'Cruisin' Long Beach' or other community events.
Yes, beach chair and umbrella rentals are often available at Long Beach, providing comfort for a day by the ocean.
The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is open to the public and generally free to enter, though it's always a good idea to confirm their current access policies.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the beautiful beaches, the Aquarium of the Pacific, the historic Queen Mary, Shoreline Aquatic Park, and the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. The city also boasts a vibrant dining and entertainment scene.
While some visitors find the beaches lovely for walks and swimming, others note that certain areas can be quite dirty, with litter like plastics and bottles. It's advisable to be mindful of this and perhaps bring your own trash bags.
Yes, the Shoreline Aquatic Park Loop Trail and the Colorado Lagoon Loop Trail are popular, easy, and flat options for walking and jogging.
Families can enjoy the beaches, visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, explore the Japanese Garden, or take a ferry to Catalina Island. Many restaurants are also family-friendly.
Long Beach offers many picturesque spots, from its beaches and piers to the Japanese Garden and the city skyline. Sunsets are particularly stunning.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Long Beach offers a diverse culinary scene, from casual beachfront eateries to upscale restaurants. You can find everything from seafood and international cuisine to ramen and breweries.
Yes, there are many small restaurants and cafes located along the beach, offering convenient options for a bite or coffee with ocean views.
Jounetsu Ramen is a highly recommended family-owned spot known for its rich, flavorful broths, especially the spicy Tonkotsu.
Yes, Belmont Brewing Company is a popular spot known for its drinks and sunset views. Many other establishments offer a variety of beverages.
Consider dining at a restaurant with a view of the Queen Mary or enjoying a meal at a beachfront cafe. The city's diverse neighborhoods offer many unique culinary finds.
📸 📸 Photography
The piers, Shoreline Aquatic Park, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, and the beaches themselves offer great photo opportunities. Don't miss the sunset views!
Yes, the Queen Mary is an iconic landmark and a popular subject for photography, offering a historic and majestic backdrop.
Generally, photography is allowed in public spaces. However, always be respectful of private property and individuals.
The 'golden hour' before sunset and the 'blue hour' after sunset offer beautiful lighting. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing vibrant beach scenes.
Besides the piers and gardens, the city skyline viewed from the waterfront, and the colorful murals found in various neighborhoods can make for interesting shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a peaceful outing, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden offers a serene environment for a family stroll. Taking the Catalina Express ferry to Catalina Island is also a memorable adventure, with beautiful scenery and a different pace of life. Many restaurants in Long Beach are accommodating to families, and the city's walkable areas and parks make it easy to navigate with children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Opt for casual eateries and food trucks rather than high-end restaurants. Many small restaurants along the beach offer affordable meals. Utilizing public transportation like the Long Beach Transit buses can save on costs compared to ride-sharing or taxis. Consider packing your own snacks and drinks for beach days to further reduce expenses.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider a day trip to Catalina Island via the Catalina Express for a change of scenery and a touch of island romance. For a more relaxed and intimate experience, exploring the tranquil Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden provides a peaceful escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Long Beach's Beaches
Despite these concerns, many find the beaches to be lovely spots for a stroll or a dip. The presence of numerous small restaurants along the waterfront provides convenient options for grabbing a bite or a coffee. Renting beach chairs and umbrellas is also an option for added comfort.
To make the most of your beach experience, consider bringing your own trash bags to help manage any litter you encounter. This proactive approach can contribute to a more pleasant environment for everyone.
Getting Active in Long Beach
For those who enjoy beach sports, Long Beach hosts leagues and activities like coed beach soccer, providing a fun way to engage with the community and stay fit.
Beyond the trails and beach sports, the city's generally pleasant weather and coastal setting make it ideal for cycling along the extensive bike paths or simply enjoying a brisk walk along the waterfront.
Culinary Delights of Long Beach
The city also offers vibrant brewery culture, with places like Belmont Brewing Company providing a great atmosphere to enjoy drinks and watch the sunset. Many restaurants are situated along the waterfront, offering the added bonus of ocean views with your meal.
Exploring the different neighborhoods of Long Beach can lead to discovering hidden culinary gems, from international cuisine to local favorites. The variety ensures that any foodie will find plenty to savor during their visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit