Long Beach Grand Prix Street Circuit
Experience the thunder of engines and the thrill of speed at the iconic Long Beach Grand Prix street circuit, a legendary motorsport festival.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, free admission
Long Beach Grand Prix Street Circuit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, free admission
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thunder of engines and the thrill of speed at the iconic Long Beach Grand Prix street circuit, a legendary motorsport festival.
"Seeing how fast these cars are in person is truly incredible."
🚗 Skip Official Parking
Park in nearby garages or take the rail to avoid long walks and high costs. :car:
👂 Bring Ear Protection
The roar of the engines is incredibly loud; essential for children and sensitive ears. :ear:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
IndyCar Action
Throughout the circuit
Witness the thunderous roar of IndyCars as they navigate this iconic street circuit at breakneck speeds.
Formula Drift Competition
Specific drift zones
Experience the adrenaline-pumping spectacle of professional drifting, with cars sliding sideways inches from the barriers.
IMSA SportsCar Championship
Throughout the circuit
Catch the thrilling endurance racing of IMSA, featuring a diverse lineup of high-performance GT3 cars.
Concert Series
Main stage area
Enjoy live music performances from popular artists after the day's racing concludes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Grand Prix Experience
Maximizing Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Skip Official Parking
Park in nearby garages or take the rail to avoid long walks and high costs. :car:
👂 Bring Ear Protection
The roar of the engines is incredibly loud; essential for children and sensitive ears. :ear:
🎟️ Look for Ticket Deals
Check local papers or community colleges for 'Free Friday' or discounted tickets. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Paddock Pass Upgrade
Elevates the experience, offering closer access to teams and drivers. :star:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Skip Official Parking
Park in nearby garages or take the rail to avoid long walks and high costs. :car:
👂 Bring Ear Protection
The roar of the engines is incredibly loud; essential for children and sensitive ears. :ear:
🎟️ Look for Ticket Deals
Check local papers or community colleges for 'Free Friday' or discounted tickets. :ticket:
🚶♀️ Paddock Pass Upgrade
Elevates the experience, offering closer access to teams and drivers. :star:
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
Grandstands offer little shade; bring hats and sunglasses for comfort. :sunglasses:
📸 Great Photo Ops
The street circuit offers diverse angles for stunning motorsport photography. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the electrifying atmosphere and the sheer speed of the cars, calling it an 'absolute blast' for first-timers. The variety of racing series, including thrilling drifting and concerts, adds to the overall excitement. However, parking and navigation can be significant challenges, with many recommending alternative transport or off-site parking to avoid hassle.
"This event is an absolute blast, especially for first-timers. Seeing how fast these cars are in person is truly incredible. The course is massive, and unless you have grandstand seats, a suite, or a box, it can be tough to find a comfortable spot to view the race.
We purchased general admission tickets along with paddock passes, which really elevated the experience and made it worthwhile.
The biggest downside, as usual, was the parking. I highly recommend skipping the venue’s parking and park in a nearby garage instead, which costs around $20. You'll have to walk, but not as far as I had to with official race parking, I had to hike nearly a mile (about 15 minutes) just to reach the closest GA entry. Aside from parking, I highly recommend."
Brian Skuletich
"Free Fridays are always good. Look for tickets in the Orange County newspaper or and LongBeach City College. Awesome drifting competition and party after 5PM when the life expo closes down and chase people out of the convention center. Park on 5th street or take the rail in to save on the parking which is pretty costly."
Dave Wong
"It was a bit difficult to find our seats. The signs are not very clear and employees sent me in a circle. The race was awesome and the crowd was great. Beer and food vendors were fairly close to the seats. Great experience overall."
Cesar Gtz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The circuit is located in downtown Long Beach, California. Many visitors opt to take the Metro Rail to save on parking hassles and costs. If driving, be prepared for significant traffic and expensive parking; consider using off-site garages and walking or taking a shuttle.
Official venue parking can be limited and far from entry gates. It's highly recommended to park in nearby commercial garages or utilize public transportation like the Long Beach Transit or Metro Rail to reach the event.
Yes, public transportation is a great way to avoid parking issues. The Long Beach Transit system and the Metro C Line (Green Line) with a transfer to a bus can get you close to the circuit.
If you're staying in downtown Long Beach, walking is feasible. However, be aware that the circuit is extensive, and walking from official race parking can still be a considerable distance.
Arriving early in the day, especially on Friday, can help you avoid the worst traffic. Utilizing public transport or parking further away and walking are also effective strategies.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased through the official Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach website. Keep an eye out for potential deals or 'Free Friday' promotions advertised locally.
Yes, there are general admission tickets, reserved grandstand seats, and premium VIP packages. Paddock passes are also available and highly recommended for a more in-depth experience.
General Admission grants access to the circuit grounds, including viewing areas along the track and access to the Lifestyle Expo and Family Fun Zone.
Historically, 'Free Fridays' have been offered, allowing access to certain areas of the event without a ticket. Check the official event schedule for current promotions.
The Grand Prix is typically a multi-day event, usually spanning Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Specific hours for racing, concerts, and the expo vary daily; consult the official schedule.
🎫 🏎️ Onsite Experience
The event features a variety of thrilling racing series, including NTT IndyCar SERIES, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, Stadium SUPER Trucks, and Formula DRIFT.
Grandstand seats offer dedicated views, but can be expensive. General Admission areas provide more flexibility but can be crowded. Paddock passes offer a unique perspective and access to team areas.
Yes, the event typically includes a Family Fun Zone with activities for children, making it a great outing for families.
A variety of food and beverage vendors are usually available throughout the circuit, offering typical event fare.
Yes, the sound of racing engines is extremely loud. It's highly recommended to bring ear protection, especially for children.
📸 📸 Photography & Videography
The street circuit offers many dynamic angles. Areas with close barriers, like the hairpin turns or the run through the cones, provide excellent opportunities for capturing the speed and intensity.
Generally, professional camera equipment may be restricted. Check the event's specific policies regarding cameras and tripods before you go.
You can capture close-ups of the cars, wide shots of the circuit, action shots of drifting, and the general atmosphere of the event. The variety of racing series ensures diverse photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically prohibited at major sporting events like the Grand Prix due to safety and security regulations.
Its urban setting provides a unique backdrop, and the tight corners and long straights create varied visual opportunities for filmmakers and photographers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Navigating the event with kids can be easier if you plan your transportation and parking carefully. Opting for public transit or parking further away and walking can reduce stress. General admission tickets offer flexibility, but be prepared for a lot of walking; consider bringing a stroller if needed. The Formula Drift events are often a big hit with younger audiences due to their visual spectacle.
💰 Budget Travelers
General Admission tickets are the most affordable way to access the event grounds. Pack your own snacks and water if allowed, as food and drink prices can add up. Look for ticket deals in local newspapers or community colleges, as suggested by past attendees.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Look for spots near the hairpin turns or the infamous 'cone' section for intense drifting and racing action. While professional camera gear might have restrictions, even a good smartphone can capture stunning images. The variety of racing series, from IndyCars to GT3s and drift cars, ensures diverse photographic subjects. The evening concerts also offer opportunities for low-light photography, adding another dimension to your visual documentation of the event.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Long Beach Street Circuit
This street circuit demands precision and bravery from drivers. The close proximity of the barriers means even a small mistake can lead to significant consequences, adding to the drama and excitement for spectators. The surface can be bumpy and unforgiving, testing the limits of both car and driver. Many drivers consider it one of the most demanding tracks on the calendar, with its unique character contributing to its enduring appeal.
+1Beyond the main racing events, the Long Beach Grand Prix has evolved into a full-scale festival. It now includes thrilling Formula Drift competitions, where drivers showcase their skills in controlled slides, and often features live concerts by popular artists, transforming the race weekend into a vibrant celebration of speed, sound, and culture.
+1Navigating the Grand Prix: Tips from the Community
When it comes to enjoying the races, general admission offers flexibility but can mean a lot of walking and searching for a good vantage point. For those seeking a more immersive experience, paddock passes are frequently mentioned as a worthwhile upgrade, providing closer access to the teams and drivers. It's also crucial to be prepared for the sensory experience; the noise levels are extreme, making ear protection a must, particularly for children.
Beyond the racing, the event is a full-blown festival. Visitors often highlight the Formula Drift competitions as a major draw, offering a different kind of high-octane entertainment. Additionally, the concerts and lifestyle expo add to the overall atmosphere, making the Grand Prix a comprehensive entertainment package. Looking for ticket deals, such as 'Free Fridays,' can also significantly enhance the value of the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit