Rainbow Harbor
A vibrant waterfront hub in Long Beach, CA, featuring Shoreline Village, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and scenic harbor views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe
Rainbow Harbor
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed vibe

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterfront hub in Long Beach, CA, featuring Shoreline Village, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and scenic harbor views.
"Absolutely spectacular, one of the most beautiful harbors I've seen, with an awesomely built boardwalk and friendly folks."
🚢 Affordable Boat Tours
Take a 45-min harbor tour for around $15 for great views!
🐳 Whale & Dolphin Watching
Book tours from Dock 2 for a chance to see whales and dolphins.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shoreline Village Charm
Adjacent to Rainbow Harbor
Explore colorful shops, diverse eateries, and lively entertainment along the waterfront boardwalk.

Aquarium of the Pacific
On Rainbow Harbor
Discover a vast array of marine life, from playful seals to majestic sharks, in one of SoCal's largest aquariums.

Iconic Queen Mary Views
Visible from Rainbow Harbor
Admire the historic Queen Mary ocean liner, a majestic landmark offering a glimpse into maritime history.

Lions Lighthouse
Rainbow Harbor
A picturesque lighthouse offering scenic views and a perfect spot for photos, especially at sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Views
Embrace the Waterfront Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚢 Affordable Boat Tours
Take a 45-min harbor tour for around $15 for great views!
🐳 Whale & Dolphin Watching
Book tours from Dock 2 for a chance to see whales and dolphins.
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Strolls
Enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride along the scenic boardwalk.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The Lions Lighthouse area is perfect for capturing stunning sunset photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚢 Affordable Boat Tours
Take a 45-min harbor tour for around $15 for great views!
🐳 Whale & Dolphin Watching
Book tours from Dock 2 for a chance to see whales and dolphins.
🚶♀️ Boardwalk Strolls
Enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride along the scenic boardwalk.
📸 Sunset Photo Ops
The Lions Lighthouse area is perfect for capturing stunning sunset photos.
🚗 Parking Tips
Parking can be found in nearby garages; consider walking or using public transport.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rainbow Harbor is widely praised as a beautiful and relaxing waterfront destination with a charming boardwalk, diverse shops, and restaurants. Visitors enjoy the scenic views, especially of the Queen Mary and during sunset, and appreciate the availability of boat tours for whale watching and harbor cruises. While generally positive, some find parking can be a hassle, and the area can get crowded during peak times.
"A beautiful area with a boardwalk. You can enjoy a walk here and could even cycle. There are shops,restaurants and an aquarium. There two boat services one is harbour tour and the other one is whales watching tour. Harbour tour takes 45 mins. Whales watching takes more than 2 hours."
Hans Shanaka
"This Harbor is absolutely spectacular, one of the most beautiful I've seen in the States or even Europe, although I love the Neopoltain bay the most.
However, this area is extremely wonderful with an awesomely built boardwalk, with music, mostly friendly folks, and lots of spectacular shops and galleries.
💜💙💜
And at nighttime the entire place is lighted by with rainbow illumination.
Highly recommend 🤙🤙🤙🐬🐋🐟🦀"
Dean Lorenzo Tartaglia (DeanLorenzo828)
"Nice place. If you want to see whales and dolphins you have to come to the dock 2. They are so good to find these mammal animals in the ocean."
Yardan oz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Rainbow Harbor is easily accessible by car, with several parking garages nearby. Public transportation options, including buses, also serve the area. Some visitors recommend using ride-sharing services for convenience.
Yes, Long Beach Transit operates bus routes that stop near Rainbow Harbor, making it accessible without a car.
Walking the boardwalk is a popular way to see the sights. For a different perspective, consider a harbor cruise or renting a bike.
Absolutely! The boardwalk is great for cycling, offering scenic views as you ride.
Yes, Rainbow Harbor features a well-built boardwalk that is perfect for leisurely walks and exploring the waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Rainbow Harbor itself is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. However, attractions within the harbor, like the Aquarium of the Pacific or boat tours, will have their own admission fees.
A 45-minute harbor tour typically costs around $15, offering a great value for sightseeing.
While specific discounts vary, look out for potential deals or package offers, especially if booking in advance or during off-peak times. The water taxis can be as low as $1.
Operating hours vary by attraction. The Aquarium of the Pacific has specific hours, and boat tour schedules can change seasonally. It's best to check the individual websites for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, booking boat tours in advance is often recommended, especially during peak season or for popular whale watching excursions, to secure your spot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include Shoreline Village with its shops and restaurants, the Aquarium of the Pacific, views of the Queen Mary, and various boat tours like whale watching and harbor cruises.
You can find harbor tours offering scenic views of the coastline and landmarks, as well as dedicated whale watching tours for a chance to see marine life.
Yes, Rainbow Harbor is very family-friendly, with the Aquarium of the Pacific being a major draw for kids, plus plenty of space to walk and enjoy the waterfront.
At night, Rainbow Harbor often features rainbow illumination, creating a magical atmosphere. Shoreline Village offers dining and entertainment options.
Yes, the historic Queen Mary ocean liner is prominently visible from Rainbow Harbor, offering great photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Shoreline Village, located within Rainbow Harbor, offers a variety of restaurants and eateries with waterfront dining options.
You'll find a range of cuisines, from casual seafood and American fare to international options, catering to different tastes.
Many restaurants in Shoreline Village offer outdoor seating with beautiful views of the harbor and the water.
While specific recommendations are limited, casual eateries and American diners often have simpler, blander options like grilled chicken or plain pasta. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant.
Dining prices can vary, with some casual spots being more affordable than others. Shoreline Village offers a range of price points.
📸 📸 Photography
The Lions Lighthouse, the boardwalk with views of the Queen Mary, and the colorful buildings of Shoreline Village are all excellent photo opportunities.
Sunset offers the most dramatic lighting, with the golden hour casting a beautiful glow over the harbor and city skyline.
Yes, most boat tours allow passengers to take photos. Keep your camera ready for marine life sightings and scenic views.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be mindful of private property and any specific rules set by individual attractions.
You can capture wide shots of the Queen Mary from the harbor, or closer views from the boardwalk, especially during sunset.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Rainbow Harbor by Water
When embarking on a boat tour, remember that conditions at sea can be cooler than on land, so bringing a jacket is advisable. Many tours are family-friendly and offer a fantastic opportunity to see marine life up close. Keep an eye out for special events or seasonal offerings, as the harbor often hosts unique maritime experiences.
Shoreline Village: A Waterfront Hub
Shoreline Village is also a prime spot for enjoying the harbor's ambiance. You can find places to grab a bite with waterfront views, making it an ideal location for a relaxed meal or a casual stroll. The colorful architecture and gentle sway of the boats in the marina add to its picturesque appeal. It's a great place to start or end your visit to Rainbow Harbor, offering a blend of shopping, dining, and scenic beauty.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Rainbow Harbor
For those interested in wildlife photography, boat tours offer the best chances to capture images of whales and dolphins. Remember to bring a camera with a good zoom lens if you're hoping for close-up shots of marine life. The colorful buildings and bustling activity of Shoreline Village also make for vibrant and engaging photos. Consider visiting during weekdays or early mornings to avoid larger crowds and have more freedom to compose your shots.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit