Location: Long Beach
Top Things to do in Long Beach
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Big Groups 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. 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!
2. Jetski2Catalina
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
Jetski Adventure Tour from Long Beach to Catalina Island. We focus on exposing you to native marine life at their level. Ride your jetski with Dolphins just inches away. Snorkel in world class water at The Blue Caverns. Have lunch on a tropical beach. Experience the Pacific Ocean a whole new way. Everything is included: Jetski, Snorkeling Gear, Wetsuit, Safety Equipment, Guides. Always stay warm with our 5mm wetsuits.
3. Aquarium of the Pacific
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,171 reviews
Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.
Reviewed By Banana427 - Clearwater, United States
We went when the outside was open only and weren't disappointed! The jelly fish touch tank was our favorite part! They had a shark aquarium, ray touch tank and birds too!! Worth the visit! Lots of workers Wondering around to answer questions too!
4. 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.
5. Gondola Getaway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
A relaxing 1-hour Gondola cruise across Alamitos Bay and thru the enchanting Naples Canals. Your Gondolier will gently row you and yours as you sip your favorite bevvies and experience the hidden gem of SoCal! Whether a romantic date for two or a festive "Pizza Cruise" for up to 14-guests on our Caorlinas or anything in between... We excel at celebrating whomever and whatever you're in the mood for! Ciao...for now!!!
6. 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.
7. Long Beach Playhouse
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Long Beach Playhouse, in Long Beach, California, has produce theatrical plays for over 80 continuous years. In our two theaters; The Mainstage and Studio, we produce up to 16 plays per year including collaborations and special events with local artists and organizations. Our Mission: To serve our diverse community with quality theatre, a strong education program, and provocative-socially significant, classic and contemporary productions. To nurture and cultivate artists and audiences alike, encouraging the participation of all interested individuals.For season tickets and current plays, visit the website.
Reviewed By Scotthuddleston - Laguna Niguel, United States
Good acting, fun shows, friendly cafe to relax in before the show, very wide and comfortable seats, easy parking, and amazing sight lines from any angle with a thrust stage that puts you in the action. Prices are affordable and easy to buy tickets online. Only 5 rows so you are close to the action.... this may be my new favorite theater!
8. Catalina Express
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,122 reviews
Catalina Island is just an hour away aboard our fast and sleek boats out of Long Beach, San Pedro and Dana Point. We are committed to offering the most advanced, state-of-the-art watercraft available while maintaining a high level of dedication to safety, customer satisfaction, and quality of service. Today, the fleet consists of 8 high-speed vessels. More than one million passengers set sail to Catalina Island each year on board Catalina Express, and with year round service and up to 30 departures daily, you can easily join them.
Reviewed By gkakkar17 - Cancun, Mexico
The staff was very courteous and helpful. The ferry ride to and back from Catalina Island was also smooth and comfortable with nice views.
9. Sunseeker Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Sunseeker Tours L.A.'s City Best Tour - Hollywood & the Beaches Sunseeker provides daily full and half day tours to Hollywood and the Beaches. Your tour will include the famous Hollywood Sign, Grauman’s Chinese Theater and Sunset Strip. After lunch, We'll visit star homes, Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach. The return to Long Beach via the Vincent Thomas and Gerald Desmond Bridges completes the day with a spectacular view of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. We'll also stop at many points along the way for free time, shopping and lunch. Transportation Need transport for small or large group airport arrivals, field trips, travel from your hotel to a restaurant or Corporate head office or meeting shuttles? Let Sunseekers handle it. Our state-of-the-art coaches accommodate 27, 36, 47 and 56 passengers or 14 and 20 passengers for smaller groups.
10. El Dorado Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 195 reviews
Reviewed By hermandonna - Long Beach, United States
Unless you've been here, who knew this amazing piece of nature is located in Long Beach. The nature center has two miles of paths and a 1/4 path for the handicapped. This is a great time of year to see white heron's, geese, ducks and an occasional cottontail rabbit. The foliage is also changing this time of year, the weather is cooler and you feel transported to another place. As John Muir says, "Come to the woods, for here is rest." A great way to start your day, letting nature surround you.
