Location: Long Beach
Top Things to do in Long Beach
Countries
Top 10 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. 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!
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. 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..
9. The Queen Mary
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,039 reviews
Old Hollywood glamour. A rich maritime history. Authentic 1930s Art Deco décor. The Queen Mary is a full-service Long Beach hotel, historical landmark, and entertainment venue featuring award-winning restaurants, historical attractions, numerous special event salons and 346 staterooms. The Queen Mary gives a unique glimpse into an era when steamships were the most regal way to travel.
Reviewed By lavonneco
July 9, 2019: We spent the day with our grandson at the Queen Mary, on the 4th of July. We decided to spend the entire day there. We arrived by 11a. We took the History Tour (Awesome) the Steam Room Tour (Awesome) watched the 4D movie about the Queen Mary and experienced a "ride" (Awesome); tried doing "Line Dancing"; did Arts and Crafts (very nice people in charge and fun project that our 5 year old could do) Watched the Talent Show, took our grandson to the Kids Zone and saw the Lego Queen Mary (our Grandson enjoyed playing with the Legos.) He enjoyed the balloon man! We had a blast ! He got to see and touch a turtle, see a falcon, a Boa and other snakes. We watched a juggler and a Magic man. We did so much more than this, I can't name them all-- but I have to say I highly recommend this. It did get very crowded at 3P; and then it was hard to get around the ship. Our friends joined us at 4P and the Fireworks show was fabulous. We had a great day, ate great food, listened to 40's- 50's bands and Barbershop quartet and on and on! Our favorite was the Piano duet. We stayed after the Fireworks to watch their show. Grandson brought home several balloons; he is still enjoying! I highly recommend going!! Request: Dear Queen Mary. I am 63 y.o. And I work out so I could do the stairs; (but preferred the elevator when one was available and working) We needed a place to sit down and rest. There simply was not enough seating for the elderly and that crowd. That is why I have to make rating 4 1/2 stars. But, Nearly 5.
10. Shoreline Village
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 915 reviews
Quirky shops, souvenir stores and restaurants line this popular waterfront boardwalk, which also features a carousel and fun zone for kids, live entertainment, beautiful views of the city and dynamite sunsets.
Reviewed By Felebe
I've been a resident of beautiful Long Beach most of my life. Through out the years I've witnessed Downtown Long Beach develop into a major tourist attraction particularly Shoreline Village as well as The Pike area. Shoreline has so many restaurants with great food to tantalize even the pickiest tastebuds.From the Yardhouse and it's good appetizers and assortment of beer on tap alone with one of the best Mexican food place named Tequila Jack's don't have to ask their speciality can we say greatest house margarita in this town. After you've filled your belly Take a walk check out the unique shops with assorted trinkets and yaghts to see though I never left my city Shoreline Village gave a feel of A wonderfilled Vacation in my city. Us residents forget the beauty of our attractions but once you visit Shoreline you feel the warmth of the people,the ambiance of the place only thing didn't get to do is get on the magical Carousel it was closed but it was still a worderful time so hats off to you Shoreline never lost it's beauty.Its a must visit place even if you're a longtime resident. Check it out you'll never want to leave.
