Location: Long Beach
Top Things to do in Long Beach
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The 7 Best Hidden Gems Things to do in Long Beach, California (CA)
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. SkyThrills!
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 154 reviews
SkyThrills!, established in 1999, has taken over 15,000 guest pilots up in our amazing fleet of exotic aircraft. Our goal? To make our guest feel safe as we thrill them like never before. We have succeeded in our mission. We have made a name for ourselves as the leader in aerobatic thrill rides and aerobatic training. We also provide vintage tours and charters for up to 6 passengers in our vintage airliner - 1957 Beech E18S for special trips like flights to Catalina Island, Las Vegas, Paso Robles, Napa Valley, or Mammoth Lakes. Come fly with us to see why we are so passionate about aviation. You will be thrilled like never before and glad you gave us a try.
2. Beach City Food Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 112 reviews
The goal of beach City Food tours is to help tourists and locals fall in love with Long Beach, and all it has to offer. We hope to educate people in a fun and unique way about what makes Long Beach one of California's top tourist destinations. By highlighting local restaurants and vendors, Beach City Food Tours paints a picture of Long Beach as seen by actual locals. The partnerships we've created with these establishments help promote the city's local businesses and entrepreneurs. We're excited to show you what our great city has to offer...because life's too short for tourist traps!
3. Rancho Los Alamitos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 94 reviews
Rancho Los Alamitos, the “Ranch of the Little Cottonwoods,” is a Long Beach City Landmark and is twice listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Rancho has a continuous history of habitation that stretches back for more than 1500 years and reflects the many people who have called it home – from the first people, the Tongva, to the Spanish and Mexican colonists, right up to the Yankee farmers of the mid-twentieth century. The 7½-acre site includes four acres of nationally significant historic gardens, a ranch house (1790-1933), and a restored barnyard of the early 20th-century working ranch. There are farm animals including horses, sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, and rabbits in the barns area.
Reviewed By labonvoyer
My traveling partner was attending a conference so I decided to catch the city bus from the Westin and visit this beautiful property. I mainly went for the gardens but was delighted with the whole experience! First of all, the docent Camille was incredible. You may wander around the property unescorted, but in order to visit the adobe home you must tour with a docent. Perhaps because it was a weekday in February, but there was only one other person on the adobe tour with me, so it felt like a private tour. Camille gave us the history from the Native Americans through the last owners-the Bixby Family. She was very interesting and informative. After, the adobe house tour, I began wandering the gardens and met Janet who I believe is in charge of the gardens. I say gardens because there are different garden sections. Although she was working, she took the time to answer some of my questions and gave me a mini tour. Even though it was February and there wasn't much in bloom, the gardens were still incredible. They have a very nice succulent/cactus garden. Would love to return to see the roses and Jacaranda trees in bloom! They have a gift shop. There is a large green lawn. I'm not sure if you are allowed to bring food in, but this would be a great family outing. In addition to the adobe house and gardens, they have a big red barn that houses a big draft horse, a couple of ponies and goats with hens free ranging. They also have a blacksmith that apparently comes and does demonstrations. The day I visited, all the docents were very welcoming. The rancho is located in a gated subdivision and only allows you in when it opens at 1pm. As an aside to home gardeners, there are 2 giant ficus trees with 2 giant palm trees growing through the canopy of the ficus trees. I was told when Mrs Bixby planted them around 100 years ago, the trees seem spaced adequately. Who hasn't planted trees in their sapling states in distances that seemed far enough but then in their maturity were much too close. Check it out when you go! So, if you love: gardens, history, farm animals, great docents and a fabulous bargain price, this is one of the big item tickets in Long Beach to visit!
4. Museum of Latin American Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Known as MOLAA, this combination museum and cultural center is devoted exclusively to contemporary Latin American and Latino art, including paintings, lithographs and sculptures, and also offers gift shop.
Reviewed By GlobalGypsy_13 - San Diego, United States
The cutting edge Latin American art at MOLAA never disappoints. Special exhibits are changed regularly. Currently (Nov., 2019), you'll find an exhibit on an American artist in Mexico (Stein/Estano), a Mexican born artist who created the logo for the LA Olympics as well as the doors to the Catholic cathedral in LA, and short films in Spanish with the minature sets. There's a large gift shop, free parking, and sometimes the outdoor sculpture garden and cafe are open. .
5. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By cosmosm109 - Kenai, United States
What a pleasant small setting. A great blue heron landed and fished in the pond and humming birds abounded. Lovely blossoms were drifting like a gentle snow beautifully landing on some of the greenery. Plenty of places to be present, contemplate, and be. Tip: Have low expectations as it is a small space, well worth the visit. Tip: Great place for a book to bring.
6. 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.
7. 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.
