The Essential Guide to Long Beach, California

When you think of Southern California’s coastal cities, Los Angeles and San Diego typically spring to mind. But perched right on the sand between the two, there’s one cultural and culinary destination that often flies under most travelers’ radars: Long Beach.

Long Beach is located about half an hour down the coast from Los Angeles proper, though it often gets mixed up in the greater L.A. or Orange County areas. However, hip-hop lovers will recognize the LBC as the stomping grounds of legends like Snoop Dogg and Warren G, but the city’s significance extends far beyond what you might hear on the radio. 

Visitors can get a taste of Southern California’s legendary cultural diversity by exploring unique enclaves like Cambodia Town, a one-mile stretch of businesses and restaurants home to the largest population of people of Cambodian descent outside of Southeast Asia. Sports fans, meanwhile, should note that Long Beach will serve as a venue for events like beach volleyball and rowing during the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Although Long Beach isn’t exactly a hidden gem to those in the know, the city is a solid laid-back alternative to its northern and southern neighbors. “You really get this Southern California beachfront vibe, but you also get a big city,” says Steve Goodling, president and CEO at Visit Long Beach. “We’re bigger than Atlanta and Miami, and most people don’t realize that. But because of our proximity to L.A. and Orange County, we have a lot of creativity that has come into the city.”

And as a longtime visitor and resident of Southern California, I have to say I have a bit of a soft spot for Long Beach and that creative energy—the sunshine, great weather, and bustling food scene doesn’t hurt either.

Here’s what you need to know before planning a trip to Long Beach, California.

Best Hotels & Resorts

Fairmont Breakers

Once frequented by Hollywood royalty like Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and Rita Hayworth, Fairmont Breakers was constructed in the 1920s and reopened in 2024 following years of renovations. But the hotel retains its unique character, with an updated look paying homage to the Fairmont Breakers’ storied past.

“It’s our first luxury hotel in the city of Long Beach, and it’s in the heart of our downtown,” says Gooding. “It reminds me of a San Francisco-style boutique hotel, with the beautiful plaster moldings inside.” Today, guests can enjoy a spot of pampering at the two-story Fairmont Spa, catch some rays at the rooftop pool, and sip cocktails while listening to live jazz at the Alter Ego library bar.

Queen Mary

This fun property is one of the most iconic landmarks in Southern California. The Queen Mary has lived many lives—first as a luxury ocean liner, then as a troop transport ship during World War II, and it now serves as a floating hotel with 250 rooms anchored in Long Beach Harbor. Guests can stay in one of the opulent staterooms or suites and spend their free time exploring exhibits throughout the ship. 

Hotel Maya

The waterfront Hotel Maya brings Latin American-inspired flair to Long Beach, with amenities like poolside cabanas and beach yoga classes on offer. Pet-friendly rooms allow you to bring all of your family members along for the stay, and the hotel’s Fuego Restaurant makes a great setting for everything from celebrations to casual dinners. 

“They have this beautiful indoor-outdoor patio,” says Goodling. “When you look back on the city, you feel like you’ve left and you’re now at a resort.”

Best Things to Do

Head to the beach.

Considering Long Beach’s name, you should start your trip off on the right foot with a classic SoCal beach day. “We have five miles of beaches,” says Goodling. “At one end we have Rainbow Harbor, and on the other end is Alamitos Bay.” 

Along the sand runs a concrete path ideal for strolling and people-watching–you’ll likely see a colorful assortment of cyclists and roller skaters. If you’re visiting with four-legged friends, don’t miss Rosie’s Dog Beach, one of the only dog-friendly beaches in the Southern California area. It’s a great destination for you and your pup to soak up some sun.

Take a whale-watching tour.

Can’t get enough of the Pacific? Set out on the water aboard a whale-watching tour from Harbor Breeze Cruises. Humpbacks, orcas, gray whales, and more all swim the waters off the coast of Long Beach, and lucky visitors might just catch a glimpse of these majestic mammals in the waves. 

For the ecoconscious visitor, Harbor Breeze will soon launch a first-of-its-kind, fully electric whale watching vessel called El Escudo. “When you go out there and it stops, it’s just you, the ocean, and the whales,” says Goodling.

Go for a gondola ride.

The Italian-themed Naples neighborhood centers around a series of scenic canals, and while you can easily admire the waterways from land, Gondola Getaway has traditional, Venetian-style gondola rides accompanied by live music. “A lot of the gondoliers are in the music school at Cal State Long Beach, so they serenade you as they gondolier you through the canals,” says Goodling.

Visit the aquarium and local museums.

Although the plentiful sunshine beckons visitors outside, make sure you save time for indoor exploration, too. The 360,000-square-foot Aquarium of the Pacific showcases Long Beach’s rich marine life, with more than 500 different species on display and touch tanks for the little ones. In terms of history and culture, you’ve got the Museum of Latin American Art, the Long Beach Museum of Art, and tours at Rancho Los Alamitos, an early 20th-century ranch gifted to the city in 1968.

Best Shopping

Shoreline Village

Located in Rainbow Harbor, the waterfront Shoreline Village has a small collection of eccentric boutiques and clothing shops, such as the Village Hat Shop or the trendy Queen Mary Couture. Visit after dark to admire the city lights reflecting off the waves and pick up something unique, like a one-of-a-kind hat or jewelry made with sea glass.

Belmont Shores

Centered around the bustling 2nd Street, Belmont Shores has a solid spread of locally owned stores and big chains alike. You can snag a sweet treat at Candified, grab souvenirs at LB Swag, and pick up goodies for your canine companions at The Dog Bakery.

Retro Row

For those who love antiquing, Long Beach’s Retro Row awaits. At this assortment of antique and vintage stores along 4th Street, you’re sure to find something unexpected from yesteryear, whether you’re hunting for midcentury modern furniture or new-to-you vinyl records.

The Pike Outlets

Major retailers like Nike and Levi anchor The Pike Outlets, a former amusement park-turned-shopping mall. While you’re here, take a ride on the Ferris wheel or the carousel, both holdovers from the Pike’s 20th-century history.

Best Restaurants

Heritage

In 2023, Heritage became Long Beach’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Helmed by the sibling duo Lauren and Philip Pretty, this Rose Park joint serves a seasonal menu of modern California cuisine that highlights locally grown produce. “The culinary experience is awesome,” says Goodling. “Here it is, in a craftsman-style house with a busy street in front of it, but people are loving it.”

Ammatoli

Chef Dima Habibeh runs this popular downtown eatery, beloved for its Mediterranean dishes. “It’s a wonderful Lebanese restaurant,” says Goodling. To get the most out of the menu, try a selection of mezzas (small plates) like the beet labneh (Greek yogurt dip) or grilled halloumi, accompanied by a glass of wine.

Tacos La Carreta

Long Beach has a wide range of Latin American eateries around nearly every nook and cranny. Although you can’t really go wrong, the Sinaloan-style Tacos La Carreta is a must. Drop by the taco truck on 69th Street for an order of crispy tripa (tripe) or carne asada tacos.

Phnom Penh Noodle Shack

For authentic Cambodian cuisine, swing by Phnom Penh Noodle Shack. Open for breakfast and lunch, this family-owned eatery dishes up hefty bowls of kathiew, a bone broth soup with silky rice noodles topped with slices of beef, green onions, and crispy fried garlic. A word to the wise: Phnom Penh Noodle Shack draws quite the crowd, so seating and parking can be tough to come by. Budget your mealtime accordingly.

Best Time to Visit

Because of its prime location in Southern California, Long Beach is a vacation-worthy destination all year round. Naturally, the city does tend to see the most crowding during the summer months, so those who’d like more space on the sand should plan a trip for one of the shoulder seasons.

Otherwise, mark your calendar for one of Long Beach’s many yearly events. “What I would recommend is that a visitor look at their interests,” says Goodling. “So, for example, if they love racing, the longest-running street race in the United States is in Long Beach, usually in April, so that’s the time to come.” Other events include the Cambodia Town Parade and Festival in April, June’s Long Beach Pride, and the dazzling holiday tree lighting in early December at Long Beach Terrace Theater.

How to Get There

The closest major airport to Long Beach is Los Angeles International (LAX)—it’s about 21 miles away. There’s also John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Santa Ana, California (30 miles away), or the small, public Long Beach Airport (LGB), which is serviced by airlines such as Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Hawaiian Airlines. Alternatively, you could engage in a time-honored Southern Californian tradition: driving.

“Long Beach is very freeway accessible,” says Goodling. “No one has to drive really far. Most people don’t realize that we’re as close to LAX as downtown L.A. is, so whether people fly in to conferences or just want to plan for a holiday, we’re 15 to 30 minutes away from LAX, depending on traffic.”

Neighborhoods to Visit

Broadway Corridor

Roughly three miles long, this hopping neighborhood forms the heart of Long Beach’s LGBTQ+ scene. Snap a picture with the city’s famous rainbow crosswalks and take some time to browse the array of restaurants, stores, and coffee shops here, many tucked inside historic buildings.

East Village

Visitors can get to know Long Beach’s hip Arts District at East Village, a lively spot packed with galleries, boutique stores, and unusual eateries. Stop by during one of the monthly Second Saturdays to experience some of the city’s infectious energy, or simply meander through the streets, admiring the colorful murals and other public artworks.

Bixby Knolls

Although Long Beach locals know Bixby Knolls for being family-friendly, this charming neighborhood is anything but quiet. “Bixby is maturing,” Goodling says. “There are a lot of new restaurants that have opened up.” The district has earned the moniker “Brewery Knolls” due to a profusion of craft brewpubs, and Bixby also hosts monthly First Fridays, during which local businesses stay open late into the evening for visitors to browse.

How to Get Around

As in much of Southern California, a car will be your best bet for flexible travel around Long Beach, especially since you rarely have to struggle for parking here. But with that said, the city has a fairly robust public transportation system, so out-of-town visitors can get around on Long Beach Transit buses. Water taxis operate along the coast in the summer months, and the free Passport Bus runs between destinations like the Queen Mary and Shoreline Village from Friday through Sunday.