Downtown Waterfront
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Downtown Waterfront

Long Beach, United States

A vibrant coastal hub offering stunning ocean views, diverse dining, and scenic water transit.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Downtown Waterfront

Downtown Waterfront

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant coastal hub offering stunning ocean views, diverse dining, and scenic water transit.

"Savor fresh seafood, cocktails, and sunset views at acclaimed waterfront eateries."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌊 Aqualink for Easy Travel

Use the Aqualink water taxi for a cheap and scenic way to explore the waterfront. ⛵

🌅 Sunset Dining

Book tables in advance for waterfront restaurants to guarantee the best sunset views. ❤️

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Waterfront Dining

Waterfront Dining

Various restaurants along the coast

Savor fresh seafood, cocktails, and sunset views at acclaimed waterfront eateries.

Aqualink Water Taxi

Aqualink Water Taxi

Multiple stops along the waterfront

Hop on this affordable water taxi for scenic rides and easy access to waterfront attractions.

New Year's Eve Fireworks

New Year's Eve Fireworks

Downtown Long Beach waterfront

Experience spectacular double fireworks shows at 9 PM and midnight to ring in the New Year.

Future Amphitheater

Future Amphitheater

Waterfront area

Anticipate major concerts and entertainment at the upcoming waterfront amphitheater.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Beat the crowds by visiting during weekdays or early mornings. Weekends and evenings, especially around events, can get busy. Check local event listings to avoid or plan for them.

Getting Around

Consider the Aqualink water taxi for a scenic and convenient way to navigate the waterfront. Parking can be challenging, so public transport or ride-sharing might be easier.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset hours
Why
Stunning views and dining
Crowd
Medium
When
Event nights
Why
Festive atmosphere, fireworks
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Celebrate the start of the New Year with a waterfront fireworks show! The Downtown Long Beach Alliance and Harbor Breeze Cruises will light up the sky not once, but twice with shows at 9PM and midnight. #visitlb #longbeach #dtlb #downtownlongbeach #fireworks
@visitlb
245 likes • 22.1K views

🌊 Aqualink for Easy Travel

Use the Aqualink water taxi for a cheap and scenic way to explore the waterfront. ⛵

🌅 Sunset Dining

Book tables in advance for waterfront restaurants to guarantee the best sunset views. ❤️

#longbeachwaterfront #pacificocean
@jenkristine8
8 likes • 58 views
It’s downtown Seattle’s newest gem, and it just might be one of the best public amenities on the West Coast. Overlook Walk opened last week, linking Pike Place Market directly to the redeveloped waterfront. This new pedestrian connection features stunning views of Elliott Bay, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. 😍 Check out this new centerpiece of the central waterfront’s redevelopment. #Dow...
downtownseattle
20.1K likes • 432.8K views

🎆 NYE Fireworks

Arrive early for the New Year's Eve fireworks; two shows ensure a great view. :tada:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Shoreline Drive

Enjoy a scenic night drive or walk along Shoreline Drive for beautiful city lights. :city_sunrise:

From Lake Union to Elliott Bay, one of the best ways to take in Seattle is from the water. As you cruise through the Ballard Locks and towards the Downtown Waterfront, it really comes into view how deeply connected our city is to the water. Shoutout to @argosycruises for this special experience 💌 #seattle #downtown #waterfront #cruise #spaceneedle #pikeplacemarket #pacificnorthwest #cinematic #se...
chad.shp
0 likes • 8.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌊 Aqualink for Easy Travel

Use the Aqualink water taxi for a cheap and scenic way to explore the waterfront. ⛵

🌅 Sunset Dining

Book tables in advance for waterfront restaurants to guarantee the best sunset views. ❤️

🎆 NYE Fireworks

Arrive early for the New Year's Eve fireworks; two shows ensure a great view. :tada:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Shoreline Drive

Enjoy a scenic night drive or walk along Shoreline Drive for beautiful city lights. :city_sunrise:

🏨 Waterfront Stays

Consider hotels like Hotel Maya for stunning waterfront views and a relaxing getaway. 🛏️

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Downtown Waterfront for its stunning ocean views, vibrant dining scene, and enjoyable water taxi service. The opportunity to dine with sunset backdrops and the convenience of the Aqualink are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some find parking challenging and expensive, and during major events, crowds can be significant.

What People Like

Beautiful waterfront views
Excellent dining options
Affordable Aqualink taxi

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Crowded during events

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Downtown Waterfront is accessible by car, public transport, and ride-sharing services. The Aqualink water taxi also offers a unique way to travel between points along the waterfront. 🚌 🚕 ⛵

Parking is available in various lots and garages, but it can be limited and expensive, especially during peak times and events. Consider ride-sharing or public transit to avoid parking hassles. 🅿️ :moneywithwings:

For a scenic and convenient experience, the Aqualink water taxi is highly recommended. Walking and biking are also great options for exploring the immediate waterfront areas. 🚲 🚶

Yes, Long Beach Transit buses serve the downtown area, with several routes stopping near the waterfront. Check their schedule for the most convenient options. 🚌

Most areas of the Downtown Waterfront are accessible, with paved walkways and ramps. Specific accessibility information for attractions can be found on their individual websites. ♿

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Downtown Waterfront itself is a public area and does not require tickets for general access. However, specific attractions, boat tours, or events held at the waterfront may have admission fees. 🎟️

The waterfront is generally accessible 24/7, but individual businesses, restaurants, and attractions will have their own operating hours. It's best to check the specific hours for any place you plan to visit. :clock1:

Yes, simply strolling along the waterfront, enjoying the views, and people-watching are free activities. Many public spaces and parks along the waterfront are also free to access. :moneymouthface:

Information about events like New Year's Eve fireworks or concerts can often be found on Visit Long Beach's website, local event calendars, and social media channels. 📅

The Aqualink water taxi is very affordable, often costing around $5 per ride, making it a budget-friendly way to explore. 💵

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Boathouse On The Bay is frequently praised for its waterfront views, seafood, sushi, and cocktails. Other popular spots offer diverse cuisines with ocean vistas. 🍴

Yes, alongside upscale dining, you can find more casual eateries and cafes offering quick bites and relaxed atmospheres along the waterfront. :hamburger:

Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, especially those with broader menus. It's always a good idea to check menus online or call ahead to confirm. :leafy_green:

Several waterfront restaurants offer happy hour specials with discounted drinks and appetizers, often with great views. Boathouse On The Bay is noted for its happy hour. 🍸

For popular waterfront restaurants, especially during peak hours or weekends, reservations are highly recommended to secure a table, particularly one with a view. :telephone_receiver:

📸 📸 Photography

The entire waterfront offers stunning photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset. Look for views of the harbor, boats, and city skyline. 📷

Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for photos. The waterfront at night, with city lights reflecting on the water, is also spectacular. :star2:

While specific landmarks might be under development (like the new amphitheater), the general harbor views, the Queen Mary (if visible), and the city skyline are popular subjects. :building_construction:

Yes, the Aqualink offers unique vantage points for photography as you cruise along the water. Be mindful of movement and other passengers. ⛵ :iphone:

Sunset shots, food photography with a waterfront backdrop, and dynamic shots from the Aqualink are popular on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. ❤️

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