Attractions In Long Beach California: Top Recommendations For An Unforgettable Visit

Aerial view of popular tourist attraction near Long Beach California, showing the skyline

Looking for amazing attractions in Long Beach California? Long Beach might just be your answer. This energetic coastal city has something for everyone, from world-class aquariums and family-friendly attractions to gorgeous beaches and historic ships. Only a short drive from Los Angeles, Long Beach expertly combines laid-back beach vibes with exciting city life. Long Beach offers all you need to relax by the sea, visit interesting museums, or enjoy delicious waterfront dining.

Top 10 Attractions In Long Beach California

Here’s your guide to the most popular attractions in Long Beach California that make a must-visit destination in Southern California.

1. Junipero Beach

Seashell finds its home on a beach, a popular attraction near Long Beach California

Photo: Quangpraha / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Junipero Beach, also called Junipero Cherry Beach, stretches between Junipero Avenue and the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier. Families or everyone trying to relax will find it perfect with its beautiful golden beach and calm waves. The beach also provides free yoga classes in the adjacent Bluff Park, where one may practise against an ocean backdrop. The mix of scenic beauty and relaxing vibes makes it one of the top attractions in Long Beach California.

Things To Do: Join morning yoga, beach volleyball, go bike riding, a leisurely stroll
Location: Located on Ocean Boulevard, between Junipero and Cherry Avenues
How To Reach: Take the 121 or 151 bus. You’ll find lots of parking along Ocean Boulevard if you’re driving

2. East Village Arts District

Vibrant graffiti wall with abstract designs, a top place to visit near Long Beach California

Photo: Tho-Ge / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

This area, which is a centre of culture and creativity, is among the most unique places to see near Long Beach, California. Street art decorates building walls, while local artists work in open studios. Independent coffee shops serve artisanal brews alongside small galleries showcasing local talent. The monthly Art Walk fills the streets with music, food vendors, and pop-up exhibitions. Historic buildings house quirky boutiques selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewellery.

Things To Do: Join the art walk on second Saturdays, browse art galleries, shop for unique items and try local coffee shops
Location: Around Linden Avenue and First Street
How To Reach: Take the Metro Blue Line to 1st Street Station or catch buses

3. Belmont Shore

A view of the Belmont shoreline, showcasing the city's beautiful beaches and palm trees

Photo: Bonnachoven / Wikimedia Commons

Known for its lively Second Street, Belmont Shore ranks high among attractions in Long Beach California. This beachside neighbourhood mixes food, shopping, and outdoor fun. The area’s appeal comes from its combination of local shops, cosy cafes, and beautiful beaches. Street performers often entertain guests along Second Street, while adjacent Rosie’s Dog Beach attracts four-legged friends. Paddleboarding and kayaking find ideal conditions on the calm waters.

Things To Do: Shopping on Second Street, try paddleboarding
Location: Second Street between Livingston Drive and Bay Shore Avenue
How To Reach: Hop on the Passport shuttle or buses

4. Pacific Island Art Museum

A collection of Roman marble busts, showcasing the diverse styles of Roman portraiture

Photo: Engin_Akyurt / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

This unique art museum allows visitors to experience Pacific Island heritage through art and artefacts. The museum’s collection includes historical items, contemporary artwork, and traditional crafts of Pacific Islander communities. Interactive exhibits let visitors learn about the island’s traditions practically. Regular cultural events are held to help revive traditional music and dance. Native Pacific Island plants in the museum’s garden offer an immersive experience that carries guests to distant shores.

Things To Do: See changing art shows, Try hands-on workshops and visit the tropical garden
Location: 695 Alamitos Avenue

5. Pacific Aquarium

 A group of jellyfish swimming gracefully in an aquarium, showing their intricate tentacles

Photo: Srishti Sethi / Wikimedia Commons

As one of the premier places to visit near Long Beach, California, this aquarium brings ocean life up close. Touch tanks let guests feel soft sharks and rays while huge displays highlight colourful coral reefs. The Shark Lagoon thrills visitors with its underwater tunnels, which provide close views of these magnificent creatures. The June Keyes Penguin Habitat attracts crowds with its energetic Penguins, while the new Pacific Visions theatre offers stunning shows on ocean conservation. Interactive displays inform guests about ocean preservation and marine life.

Things To Do: Feed lorikeet birds, watch seal and sea lion shows, and experience Pacific Visions theatre
Location: 100 Aquarium Way
How To Reach: Take the free Passport shuttle or walk from downtown Long Beach

6. Museum Of Latin American Art

The exterior of the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) in Long Beach, California

Photo: nsputnik / Wikimedia Commons

MOLAA uniquely brings Latin American culture alive via art among Long Beach, California’s attractions. The bright halls of the museum include thought-provoking installations, bold paintings, and striking sculptures. Sunday family art classes enable children to relate to Latin American culture through practical projects. Modern artworks arranged among tropical plants in the sculpture garden provide a quiet area. While the gift store offers unique artisan craft goods and books on Latin American art, live music performances in the courtyard add rhythm to weekend visits.

Things To Do: Join guided art tours, attend Sunday family workshops and visit the sculpture garden
Location: 628 Alamitos Avenue
How To Reach: Take Long Beach Transit buses 51 or 52, or drive and use museum parking

7. Queen Mary

The Queen Mary, a historic cruise ship and top places to see near Long Beach California

Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons

Step back in time to the famous Queen Mary, one of the most popular attractions near Long Beach, California. This massive 1930s ship now acts as a floating museum, hotel, and restaurant. Admiring the elegant old-world design and artwork, you may stroll through the same hallways previously occupied by celebrities and kings. You can take a ghost tour at night and also eat at one of the ship’s restaurants. Moreover, you may even sleep in one of the original rooms!

Things To Do: Take a ship tour to discover its stories, go ghost searching late at night, have lunch with ocean views and see the massive engine room
Location: 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
How To Reach: Catch the free Passport shuttle from downtown, or drive and park at the ship

8. Naples Island

A small, tropical island with palm trees surrounded by turquoise water and a blue sky

Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

Naples Island seems like a little Italy right in California. Waterfront houses surround canals where gondolas glide by to provide perfect photo moments. Fresh seafood is served at nearby restaurants with water views. Particularly at sunset, the roads of the island provide excellent places for evening walks. Christmas brings special magic when boat parades light up the canals. Small bridges connect the islands and provide spots to watch kayakers and paddleboarders pass below.

Things To Do: Take gondola rides, walk the canals, watch sunset over the bay and dine at waterfront restaurants
Location: Between Alamitos Bay and Marine Stadium
How To Reach: Drive via 2nd Street/Pacific Coast Highway or take Long Beach Transit bus 121

9. El Dorado Park

 A signpost for El Dorado Regional Park East highlighting the park's connection to nature

Photo: Northwalker / Wikimedia Commons

El Dorado Park provides unlimited outdoor fun and is among the best attractions close to Long Beach, California. Its lakes attract fishing fans, while miles of trails welcome walkers and cyclists. The nature centre teaches visitors about nearby species through practical displays. Youngsters like the playground sections and train rides. Bird watchers spot local species in the wildlife areas. A relic of the 1984 Olympics, the archery range still holds frequent practice sessions and competitions.

Things To Do: Fish in stocked lakes, enjoy the train rides and visit the nature centre
Location: 7550 E. Spring Street
How To Reach: Drive via Spring Street or take Long Beach Transit bus 173

10. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

A traditional Japanese Zen garden with carefully placed rocks and a small pine tree

Photo: jggrz / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only

This peaceful garden ranks among the top attractions in Long Beach California, with distance. Koi fish swim in peaceful ponds as water runs over smooth stones. Traditional residences show visitors Japanese culture through tea ceremonies. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while fall shows off maple trees in bright colours. The Zen garden provides a peaceful spot for meditation. Special events all year long honour Japanese culture through cuisine, art, and music.

Things To Do: Feed koi fish, join tea ceremonies and walk meditation paths
Location: California State University Long Beach, Earl Warren Drive
How To Reach: Take Long Beach Transit bus 121 or 171 to CSULB campus

Attractions in Long Beach California, is a vibrant destination that seamlessly blends coastal charm with urban excitement. From the stunning Junipero Beach to the artistic East Village Arts District and the historic Queen Mary, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, this city has it all. So pack your bags and explore the diverse attractions that make Long Beach a must-visit spot in Southern California. Book your trip with TRipXL, your unforgettable adventure awaits.

Cover Photo: Lewis McNeal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit is from May to October, when temperatures range from 70-85°F with minimal rain. September and October provide warm waters for swimming and lower numbers of tourists.
Long Beach is about 23 miles from LAX. Riding a shuttle service or ridesharing is the most handy choice.
Try the local favourite Breakfast Bar, check out the Retro Row on 4th Street for antique shopping, and visit the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden for peaceful walks.
Stroll the beach paths, visit the free Rancho Los Cerritos historic site, see street art in the Arts District, and ride the free Passport shuttle throughout downtown. El Dorado Nature Center offers free entry, and many other museums have free admission days on a monthly basis.
Visit Catalina Island (1-hour ferry), Disneyland in Anaheim (30 minutes), Huntington Beach (25 minutes), or Newport Beach (35 minutes). Los Angeles attractions like Hollywood and Santa Monica are just an hour away by car.

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