Long Beach is a dream destination offering something for everyone. Often known as the waterfront playground, it is located in the heart of Southern California.
You can try a variety of popular things here such as sunbathing, and quaint shopping or you can also immerse in history and culture. This city promises you and your family endless fun and new discoveries. So, let's look at some of the fun things to do in Long Beach California:
1. Take Historical Tour At Queen Mary
Scotland's 1930 produce Queen Mary's deep history started as a luxury liner. Later known as a grey ghost during the war, it now showcases its history to the history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts.
You can take guided tours, dine in, and even stay overnight. Although, the lesser-known Art Deco swimming pool is hidden and no longer in use, it can still be seen on special tours.
2. Watch Exhibition At Long Beach Aquarium
At the Aquarium of the Pacific, visitors will get to see fascinating vibrant, and diverse marine life up close. Home to eleven thousand animals and interactive exhibits, marine life enthusiasts and families love this attraction.
This attraction has a lesser-known fact the aquarium does a behind-the-scenes tour if the visitors want to see how the animals are cared for.
3. Enjoy Fine Dining At Shoreline Village
Shoppers, families, and couples prefer visiting Shoreline Village for an excursion or date. The major attractions here are all the waterfront, including shops, eateries, and fun activities.
For entertainment, they provide parasailing, sailing, bike Rentals, harbor, and even cruises. They also have a historic carousel which dates back to the year 1983 AD.
4. Explore Long Beach Art Museum
Once a private residence, art lovers and cultural enthusiasts now idolize the Long Beach Museum of Art. There is a wide range of works to explore which is done from 1950 to the present by women artists from California.
During the museum's exhibitions, walk around the galleries, take a virtual tour, and dine at the restaurant. This museum also has educational programs for children and adults.
5. Visit The Naples Island
Known as "California's Little Italy on the Bay, Naples Island has scenic canals, gondoliers, and waterfront residences. Many couples seeking romantic experiences go here for boating, unwinding the beach, and savor Italian cuisine.
Naples also provides a soothing getaway from the city with a resort-style ambiance. The annual boat parade is also the local favorite that is a must experience to do.
6. Bike Or Skate At The Rainbow Harbor
Rainbow Harbor is best when visited by tourists and boating enthusiasts. It is due to the beautiful marina, and bot tours as ideal leisure activities. It provides a great environment for friends, and family to ride a bike or go for a skate along the waterfront.
Marina's management is a gem that looks after boat rentals, and water sports and manages events. Rainbow Harbor is the ultimate destination to have filling and exciting activities.
7. Watch Concerts At Convention Center
For concerts and events in Long Beach, the Long Beach Convention And Entertainment Center is the ultimate venue. The impressive event lineup includes high-profile concerts, cultural experiences, and conventions.
Regarding the space, it has an arena, a complex, and a terrace theatre, that offers visitors to experience endless possibilities for top-notch entertainment. It also has a hidden garden to give an escape from the hustle and bustle.
8. Hike The El Dorado Nature Center
El Dorado Nature Center provides a peaceful haven for solace-seeking hikers. The 2 miles of unpaved trails go by relishing the stunning lakes, streams, and serene forested regions.
It also has a visitor center with informative displays, an art gallery, and a gift shop. This nature center is preferred by nature lovers because it also has a small museum exhibiting local wildlife and ecosystems.
9. Shop At Pike Outlets
Pike Outlet has shopping, dining, and entertainment for a complete experience. The dining can vary from high-end to casual eateries. Shoppers and tourists can go for a night out and a family-friendly outing.
This is a one-stop destination and also has a stunning waterfront view. Once a historic amusement park, some of the original structures are still remaining here.
10. Learn History At Rancho Los Alamitos
Rancho Los Alamitos is a Long Beach City landmark that can bring out the ingenuousness of garden enthusiasts and historical aficionados. The most popular attraction of this place is the historic ranch and gardens.
This national-register-listed ranch has an organic structure, a complex story, and a heart to the traditions. For the fact that it still has a working blacksmith shop that demonstrates traditional techniques.
11. Visit The Historic Site Rancho Los Cerritos
A historic educational destination site to visit in Long Beach California, USA is Rancho Los Cerritos. It glimpses the visitors a rich history and cultural heritage.
History enthusiasts and families can enjoy historic adobe homes, beautiful gardens, and thought-provoking exhibits. During the free garden tour, native plants are showcased with their historical uses.
12. Stop By The Museum Of Latin American Art
With a fun atmosphere, Long Beach also has a rich historical side. The collections in the Museum of Latin American Art are modern and contemporary Latin American and Latin art.
As a cross-cultural dialogue hub, there is a sculpture garden that works as a platform for diverse artists. Thus, it is a choice of place for cultural enthusiasts and lovers of art.
13. Wander Through The Japanese Garden
Strolling around Long Beach, the place that provides quietude and repose is the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. This living museum is a place to learn about art and culture.
The garden has koi ponds that visitors enjoy viewing and feeding if reserved. The Zen Garden, a tea house, and a beautiful collection of exotic flowers and plants make the trip unforgettable.
14. Boating At Catalina Express
Catalina Express is known for the boating experience enhanced by the cool breeze and the sparkling water, all around. The 30 daily departures, ease the planning burden.
Even the best attraction, the ferry ride is magical making the day tippers and adventure seekers love this place. It sometimes also offers a Commodore Lounge upgrade with complimentary beverages and snacks earning a good reputation.
15. Have Fun At Bixby Knolls Events
Bixby Knolls, a charming and family-friendly neighborhood offers unique restaurants, shops, and events. The neighborhood prides itself on its quality hosting of monthly events like First Fridays.
The hosted events have esteeming music, mouthwatering foods, and commendable arts. Bixby Knolls is also known for its concentration of excellent brewpubs. And is favored by the locals and visitors looking for the neighborhood vibe.
16. Explore The Vintage Market
Collecting vintage items is popular among collectors and vintage enthusiasts making them visit Long Beach Vintage Market. The market has some unique, antique, and rare finds.
This market has collectibles and home decor vintage clothing, jewelry, and antiques since 1982. This market also always has a festive and pleasant atmosphere due to live music, food trucks, and antique and vintage finds.
17. Spend Evening At The Playhouse
Long Beach Theater is a great place to spend an evening with friends and family. The theater show at Long Beach Playhouse includes classics, new works, and special events.
The live performances are in demand among the cultural enthusiasts and theatre lovers. However, it is a lesser-known fact that the playhouse also offers acting classes and workshops for all ages.
18. Walk Around Bluff Park
Bluff Park is a sanctuary that invites walkers, joggers, and dog enthusiasts towards itself. The path can be used to stroll around or take an energizing run.
And for people looking for a peaceful escape, the soothing grassy area is ideal for picnics or outdoor yoga classes. An honorable fact about Bluff Park is that it is home to the Lone Sailor Memorial.
19. See The Ethnic Art At Pacific Island Museum
If you are planning to stay at hotels in Long Beach, there are options near the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum, making it an ideal location for exploration.
This small, yet impactful museum boasts a diverse collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, and installations that represent the unique cultures of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. So, we recommend you to visit here with your family as this place has something for everyone.
20. Go To The Concerts At Symphony Orchestra
Long Beach Symphony Orchestra can present more than 100 concerts, education, and community programs annually. Their anchor series includes the Classical Series and the POPS! Series.
The symphony also provides over 150 free high-quality music, and education programs, making it valuable to music lovers and cultural enthusiasts. This orchestra also offers free outdoor concerts during summer.
21. Birdwatching At Dominguez Gap Wetlands
Dominguez Gap Wetlands is a popular choice among bird watchers and lovers of nature. Visitors love to walk along the beach and the trailing path hiking and watching around the birds too.
However, looking back at the wetlands, it is also a part of the control system. This system also provides habitat for wildlife.
22. Discover The Bembridge House
As the heart of Long Beach, Bembridge House is a gem from 1906. The steep gable roof, porch gable, and hexagonal tower take back to the Victorian age.
There are guided tours offered by this Victorian-era home for architect lovers and history enthusiasts. This house hosts special holiday tours with periodic decorations.
