Location: Long Beach
Top Things to do in Long Beach
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10 Free Things to do in Long Beach That You Shouldn't Miss
For some, a tour of the Queen Mary, docked here since its retirement in 1967, evokes waves of nostalgia for the days of the huge ocean liner with its opulent rooms, 1930s deco décor and teakwood decks. Others, particularly the younger set, are entranced by the spine-tingling haunted ship stories on the nighttime ghost tour. But for everyone, a visit to this floating hotel and museum is a must on any trip to Long Beach. At one time a less-than-appealing place to visit, Long Beach has transformed itself into an upscale tourist resort, with many waterfront attractions, including a new, state-of-the-art aquarium with a fabulous shark exhibit, two excellent art museums, charming shops, public golf courses, the annual April Grand Prix international auto race and lots of recreational activities along its eight-mile stretch of beach. Take the kids to the waterfront entertainment complex with rides and live performances or to the farming demonstrations at Rancho Los Alamitos. Feeling romantic? Cruise the canals of Naples (that's right, Naples Island in Long Beach) in a genuine Venetian gondola. One thing is for sure: tensions and stresses dissolve in this laid-back, friendly city.
Restaurants in Long Beach
1. Long Beach Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,093 reviews
Reviewed By 191erlindac - Long Beach, United States
The Long Beach Waterfront has many activities to enjoy. Shoreline Village, The Aquarium, Whale Watching & Sailing excursions, restaurants, colorful shopping, and other entertainment activities. The Long Beach Waterfront can be viewed from many observation points. Walking distance to see the skyline is from the working Lighthouse near the Aquarium. Further out, the stunning Long Beach Waterfront Skyline can be seen from the Queen Mary, Reef Restaurants, and other Hotels across the water.
2. California State University Long Beach
3. Naple Canals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
Reviewed By robertomS1384NF - Long Beach, United States
Naples island is just a small island with amazing houses you can see quire close. there are walkways by the blue canals were you can bike, walk around or even kayak. During the summer is a beautiful setting worth your while to look at and during the winter the xmas boat lights festival is really something.
4. Rancho Los Cerritos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Rancho Los Cerritos is the only Local, State, and National Historic Landmark in Long Beach, California. The site echoes with the rich history of indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and American California. We provide our award-winning education programs to 30,000 students and visitors every year. The City of Long Beach designated the Rancho as an essential business and requested we re-open for the health and well-being of our community. We are proud to welcome you back to the 5-acre site's beautifully preserved historic gardens. You can stroll the gardens Wednesday through Sunday or participate in our virtual family activities at any time. We have put new safety measures in place due to Covid-19. You must wear a mask while visiting and provide us with your contact info for contact tracing. To review our full list of safety measures please visit our website.
Reviewed By 427rosemaryp - Long Beach, United States
Admission and parking are totally FREE! We had a most interesting tour with a docent who was very knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as the specific items in the rooms. The oldest room dating from 1840 was an office/bedroom for the ranch foreman. Other rooms included a blacksmith shop, the laundry room and living quarters for the wealthy owners. Each room was filled with items of the time many of which were original to the Rancho. Lots of great information put into context for the times and people like the Chinese laundry and cooks, the Basque sheepherders, the vaqueros etc and how things changed with the Industrial revolution. Really the most interesting place to visit. The house tour is about 1 hour and there is a garden tour of similar length as well. Definitely worth a visit for locals as well as visitors.
5. Rosie's Dog Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By hotel222review - Norwood, United States
You can let your dog run and play in the water and socialize with other dogs. My miniature schnauzer, Darla loved it...even though she doesn't like to get wet!
6. Magnolia and Willow
7. Belmont Shore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 130 reviews
Reviewed By Cynthia-LAX - Los Angeles, United States
Stroll down 2nd Street and enjoy all the shops and restaurants. You will find everything from a bicycle shop and fitness center to top rated restaurants and boutiques. Family friendly and a great way to spend a sunny Southern California day..
8. Bluff Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By bobandmargieg - Long Beach, United States
A very scenic walk above the beach on the bluffs of Long Beach. You could start at Cherry Ave and be going east where you will walk by some buildings and the Art Museum, Which during WWII was the Naval Officers club. You will be able to see the Oil Islands, which are not condo's but working oil wells on islands named for the astronauts who died in a capsule disaster. About midway there is the lone sailor a brass statue overlooking the harbor with his seabag. Sit on a bench and just enjoy the day, there might be people flying kites or flying model gliders in the wind.
9. Long Beach Transit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By 363lyndaf - Merseyside, United Kingdom
Great way to get around regular service and great helpful drivers happy to give advice on places to eat shop and visit
10. Downtown Long Beach
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 295 reviews
Reviewed By Fearless730216 - Long Beach, United States
Downtown Long Beach is a wonder of city planning and civic pride. It is a bustling but not scary busy place with lots of loft and new urban residences and restaurant and shops galore. A great walking area, and you are close to the Queen Mary and convention center. Long Beach has done a great job of creating a livable downtown area.
