Long Beach

Long Beach is a large coastal and port city at the southeastern edge of Los Angeles County, bordering the city of Los Angeles to the northwest and Orange County to the southeast. With a population of approximately 467,000 (2020), it is the second-largest city in the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area and the seventh-largest city in California. Situated in the Gateway Cities region, it is one of the most culturally diverse cities in America, with significant Latino, white (non-Hispanic), Black, and Asian communities.

The city is home to genuine tourist attractions including the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary floating museum/hotel, and the annual Long Beach Grand Prix — a premier open-wheel racing event held on city streets. While it may not top every visitor's list compared to Hollywood, Santa Monica, or Downtown L.A., Long Beach draws its fair share of tourists and holds its own with a revitalized downtown, thriving arts scene, and excellent waterfront.

Long Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. Average highs range from about 67°F (19°C) in December–January to 83°F (28°C) in August–September. Rainfall is concentrated from November through March, with virtually none from May through October. The best time to visit is spring (March–May) or fall (September–November) for comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, though summer is also pleasant with coastal breezes moderating the heat.

By Plane

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the nearest major airport, located about 30 miles (45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic) northwest of Long Beach. John Wayne/Orange County Airport (SNA) is about 15 miles southeast. Long Beach Airport (LGB) offers limited domestic service and is located 5 miles northeast of downtown. Ground transport from LAX includes ride-hail (Uber/Lyft, $30–60 depending on traffic), taxis, and the Metro Green Line with connections.

By Train

Long Beach Transit operates the Metro Blue Line (now A Line) light rail connecting Long Beach to Downtown Los Angeles (approximately 55 minutes). The Long Beach Transit Center at 107 E First Street connects to Metro bus lines. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner stops at nearby Anaheim and Fullerton, with connecting Metrolink commuter rail to Long Beach.

By Car / Road

Long Beach is well-connected by freeways. The I-405 (San Diego Freeway) and I-710 (Long Beach Freeway) are the primary north-south routes. I-405 connects to the San Fernando Valley and Orange County. The I-710 connects north to Downtown LA (approximately 30 minutes in light traffic). From San Diego, take I-5 north to I-405 (approximately 2 hours). From San Francisco, take I-5 south (approximately 6 hours). The Port of Long Beach is one of the busiest container ports in the world and generates significant truck traffic on the I-710.

Long Beach Transit operates an extensive bus network throughout the city and to nearby communities. The Metro A Line (Blue Line) light rail connects Long Beach to Downtown LA, passing through Compton and South LA. Bike lanes are increasingly available, and Long Beach has a bike-share program. Ride-hail services (Uber/Lyft) are widely available. The downtown waterfront area and Shoreline Village are very walkable. The city is car-dependent for outlying neighborhoods.

• Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way. One of the largest aquariums in the United States, with over 12,000 animals from 500+ species across three major ocean habitats. Adults $36.95, Seniors $33.95, Children (3–11) $26.95.

• Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy. A permanently docked 1936 oceanliner now serving as a hotel, restaurant, and museum. Guided tours explore the ship's history and hauntings.

• Shoreline Village. A waterfront shopping, dining, and entertainment complex along the harbor, with a carousel, shops, and restaurants overlooking the port.

• Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden (CSU Long Beach campus). A serene 1.3-acre Japanese garden with koi pond, tea house, and bonsai collection.

• Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), 628 Alamitos Ave. The only museum in the U.S. dedicated to contemporary Latin American art.

• Long Beach Grand Prix (April). One of the premier open-wheel racing events in the U.S., held on a temporary street circuit through Downtown Long Beach.

• Kayaking and paddleboarding. Rentals available at the waterfront for exploring the harbor, Naples Island canals, and Alamitos Bay.

• Rainbow Harbor cruises. Boat tours of the harbor and port, with views of the Queen Mary, port facilities, and coastline.

• Naples Island gondola rides. Authentic Venetian-style gondola cruises through the canals of the charming Naples Island neighborhood.

• Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride (May). One of the largest Pride celebrations in Southern California, with a festival and parade along Ocean Boulevard.

Long Beach's culinary scene reflects its extraordinary cultural diversity.

• Boathouse on the Bay, 1039 E Ocean Blvd. Waterfront seafood restaurant with harbor views and a popular brunch.
• Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles, 730 E Broadway. A Los Angeles institution famous for fried chicken and waffles.
• Phnom Penh Noodle Shack, 1644 Cherry Ave. Authentic Cambodian cuisine reflecting the city's large Cambodian community.
• Superior Industries Deli, 4th Street corridor. Classic Jewish deli fare with overstuffed sandwiches.
• Open Sesame, 3151 E Pacific Coast Hwy. Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine with a lively atmosphere.
• Fuego, 3012 Pacific Coast Hwy. Upscale Latin-inspired cuisine with craft cocktails and harbor views.

Long Beach has a growing craft brewery scene, including Beachwood Brewing, Timeless Pints, and Trademark Brewing. The Pine Avenue corridor in Downtown is the main nightlife area, with bars, cocktail lounges, and live music venues. The waterfront area near the Aquarium offers several waterfront bars and restaurants. Tap water is safe to drink.

• Budget: Hotel Current, 5325 E Pacific Coast Hwy. A boutique-style budget hotel with modern rooms and a central location. Roughly $90–150/night.
• Mid-range: The Westin Long Beach, 333 E Ocean Blvd. A downtown hotel near the waterfront with a pool and restaurant. Roughly $170–280/night.
• Upscale: Hotel Maya, 700 Queens Way. A waterfront hotel on the Long Beach harbor with stunning views, tropical gardens, and a floating pool. Roughly $250–400/night.

• The Pike Outlets, 210 E Ocean Blvd. An open-air outlet mall near the waterfront with national brands and restaurants.
• Downtown Long Beach. A growing retail district with independent shops, vintage stores, and galleries concentrated around Pine Avenue and the Promenade.
• Alamitos Beach area. Local boutiques and surf shops along the beach.

• Los Angeles (25 miles / 30–60 min north). The entertainment capital of the world with Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Downtown LA's cultural institutions.
• Anaheim (20 miles / 30 min east). Home to Disneyland Resort and Angel Stadium.
• Huntington Beach (15 miles / 25 min south). Known as "Surf City USA," with excellent beaches and a vibrant downtown.
• Santa Monica (25 miles / 40 min northwest). Iconic pier, Third Street Promenade, and beachfront cycling.
• Laguna Beach (30 miles / 40 min south). An artists' colony with cove beaches, galleries, and the Pageant of the Masters.