Things to do in Long Beach, California
- Long Beach is home to one of the world's only off-shore 'oil islands', which are disguised with palm trees and waterfalls to reduce their visual impact on the skyline.
- The city's municipal airport remains the only major commercial airport in the region that still requires passengers to walk across the tarmac to reach their aircraft.
- During the early 20th century, the city experienced a massive oil boom after the discovery of the Signal Hill field, which was once the most productive oil field in the world.
- Long Beach hosts the annual Grand Prix, which utilizes a temporary street circuit constructed from the city's downtown grid.
- The city has officially designated Rosie's Dog Beach as the only legal off-leash beach area for dogs within Los Angeles County.
About Long Beach, California
Long Beach serves as a critical maritime hub and major coastal gateway in Southern California, anchored by its massive port and extensive urban shoreline. The city uniquely blends heavy industrial infrastructure with expansive recreational spaces, ranging from the marine biodiversity at the Aquarium of the Pacific [380] to the serene Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden [33931]. Locals and visitors frequently utilize the diverse landscape, whether hiking through the El Dorado Nature Center [58616] or utilizing the coastal bike paths near Junipero Beach [44890]. This distinct geography supports both global shipping logistics and a relaxed, diverse suburban atmosphere.
Highlights of Long Beach, California
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Zoos
Explore extensive marine exhibits featuring the diverse sea life of the Pacific Ocean.
Parks
Enjoy a designated shoreline stretch where dogs can run freely off-leash.
Parks
Reach the highest elevation point for panoramic views across the city basin.
Parks
Walk through this waterfront park for direct views of the harbor and docked ships.
Parks
Visit a central community hub featuring sports courts and historic landscaping.
Parks
Experience a protected wilderness area featuring native flora and diverse local bird species.
Beaches and ponds
Relax on a wide, sandy expanse popular for swimming and coastal recreation.
Parks
Traverse the peaceful walking paths of this meticulously maintained botanical retreat.
Top things to do in Long Beach, California
The 410 highest-rated places in Long Beach, California, ranked by travellers.
1
Amusement parks
Disneyland Park in Anaheim is the original theme park designed and built under the direct supervision of Walt Disney, op...
2
Amusement parks
Disney California Adventure Park is a 72-acre theme park adjacent to Disneyland Park in Anaheim that celebrates the cult...
3
Amusement parks
Knott's Berry Farm is a 57-acre theme park in Buena Park, California, that originated as a roadside berry stand in the 1...
4
Zoos
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a non-profit institution focused on the marine life of the Pacific Ocean, categorized by...
5
Venues
Angel Stadium is the fourth-oldest active Major League Baseball stadium in the United States, having opened in 1966. It...
6
Places of interest
The Redondo Beach Pier is a historic, V-shaped wooden pier extending over the Pacific Ocean, serving as a hub for dining...
7
Beaches and ponds
Huntington Beach is globally recognized as 'Surf City USA' and is home to the Huntington Beach Pier, one of the longest...
8
Amusement parks
Paradise Gardens Park is a waterfront district located within Disney California Adventure, characterized by its nostalgi...
9
Museums
The Battleship IOWA Museum is an Iowa-class battleship permanently docked in the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro. Commi...
10
Beaches and ponds
Hermosa Beach Pier is a 1,140-foot-long concrete structure extending into the Pacific Ocean from the terminus of Pier Av...
11
Parks
Rosie's Dog Beach is the only legal off-leash dog beach in the city of Long Beach, California. The designated area spans...
12
Places of interest
The Korean Friendship Bell is a massive bronze bell housed in a stone pagoda located at the southern tip of the Palos Ve...
13
Amusement parks
Cars Land is a 12-acre immersive environment within Disney California Adventure Park that recreates the fictional town o...
14
Parks
Mile Square Regional Park is a 607-acre urban recreation area located in Fountain Valley, California, originally serving...
15
Parks
Point Fermin Park is a 37-acre coastal park situated atop the bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula in San Pedro. The par...
16
Parks
Knott's Soak City is a 15-acre water park located adjacent to the Knott's Berry Farm theme park in Buena Park, Californi...
17
Parks
Hilltop Park is located at the highest elevation in Signal Hill, providing 360-degree panoramic views of Long Beach, the...
18
Zoos
The Cabrillo Marine Aquarium specializes in the marine life of Southern California, focusing on local species native to...
19
Parks
Charles H. Wilson Park is a 44-acre regional recreation facility serving as the primary community park for the city of T...
20
Parks
White Point Park is a coastal nature preserve in San Pedro featuring a rugged shoreline and expansive tide pools. The pa...
21
Amusement parks
Adventure City is a family-oriented amusement park located in Anaheim, California, designed specifically for younger chi...
22
Venues
La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts is a 1,251-seat venue operating as a primary cultural hub in Southern Californ...
23
Places of interest
The Disneyland Esplanade serves as the primary pedestrian gateway connecting the entrances of Disneyland Park and Disney...
24
Natural attractions
The Palos Verdes Estates Shoreline Preserve consists of a network of coastal trails spanning approximately 2.5 miles of...
25
Parks
Cerritos Heritage Park is a 15-acre recreational facility centered around a man-made lake and the historically themed Pl...
26
Parks
Don Knabe Community Regional Park is a 65-acre multi-use recreational facility located in Cerritos, California. The park...
27
Parks
ShoreLine Aquatic Park is a prominent peninsula-style green space situated in Long Beach Harbor. The park is defined by...
28
Parks
Bixby Park is a 17-acre oceanfront green space in Long Beach featuring tiered landscaping and direct access to the beach...
29
Beaches and ponds
Mother's Beach, officially known as Marine Park, is a man-made, bay-side beach located within the Alamitos Bay peninsula...
30
Parks
La Mirada Community Regional Park is a 67-acre multipurpose public facility managed by the Los Angeles County Department...
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Long Beach, California on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Long Beach, California
Late spring to early autumn, specifically June through September, offers the most reliable sunshine and ocean breezes ideal for outdoor coastal activities.
3 days, allowing enough time to explore both the waterfront harbor attractions and the various inland park systems.
A mix of ride-sharing, the Long Beach Transit bus system, and the Metro A Line (Blue Line) rail service connecting to Los Angeles.
Downtown Long Beach provides immediate access to the harbor and transit, while the Belmont Shore neighborhood offers a more residential, beach-oriented atmosphere.
Mid-range; while accommodation costs are significant due to coastal demand, many outdoor attractions remain free or low-cost.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 410 curated attractions in and around Long Beach, California, ranked by traveller ratings.
Disneyland Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Long Beach, California right now.
The largest category is parks, with 210 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Downtown Los Angeles, Bayonne, New Jersey, Washington, D.C..
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