Location: Long Beach
Top Things to do in Long Beach
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Top 10 Things to do in Long Beach, United States
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. El Dorado Nature Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 134 reviews
Reviewed By 97gretchenm - Paramount
This is a nice area to visit with small children , short trails through various plants and trees, small ponds along the way. Opportunities to teach children about wild life and nature. There is a visitor station that explains about the different things at the center.
2. Naples Island
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 298 reviews
Reviewed By Fish-Fun-Seaker - Vancouver, Canada
This is a walking neighborhood of beautiful waterfront homes. Park your car near the business area and then walk for a couple of hours, taking pictures of the canals, boats, homes and gardens. Would be a wonderful area to paddle through on the water also. We met some of the local homeowners on out walk and they were all very friendly. We were there during Halloween season and there were many homes that were decorated. I am certain many homes will be decorated at Christmas, too. Lovely way to spend an afternoon outdoors.
3. Catalina Express
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 967 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 CarolMB1971 - Central CA
The boats are in top condition--clean and comfortable. The catamaran style boat makes for the smoothest and most comfortable ride to the island. Food service is fast and simple. We had seats outside in the back and we were able to enjoy watching dolphins jump in the boat's wake for several minutes of the ride!
4. Rosie's Dog Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By Alicyn - Alexandria, Virginia
We were on vacation and dogless. We went for a walk down the beach and suddenly there were dogs. Happy, playing, running, swimming dogs. This is like the happiest place on earth to see these guys. We loved it and got to pet a bunch of the little furballs. Great place
5. Long Beach Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 908 reviews
Reviewed By Jennifer H - Missoula
Fun, family friendly waterfront. Nice paved path for walking/running or biking. Multiple public restrooms along the path. Large selection of shops and restaurants along the way. Beautiful views of the ocean, the Queen Mary, docked cruise ships. The sandy beach is intermittently littered which is the only downside. Otherwise, an enjoyable way to spend some time outside in Long Beach!
6. Aquarium of the Pacific
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.
Reviewed By Bob S - Long Beach, California
The aquarium is full of literally awesome displays and experiences. The headline feature is a clear tank that must be 30 feet high, where you can see hundreds of fish and the divers who tend to them. Smaller displays feature jellyfish, seahorses, and more, with viewing windows set low enough that young children can see without being lifted. There's a touch tank that kids love, and a pinniped habitat with a transparent underwater tunnel. For children of all ages, this is a real treat.
7. Belmont Shore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Reviewed By TraveLee073 - Southern California
I've been patronizing the place since the mid-50's and although likely established in the 20's, it has an 'Old Town' feel. It provides a good mile of a range of shops, restaurants, and parlors so you can have dinner and strool both sides of the street while snacking on your favorite dessert. Have eaten in a lot of the restaurants with fairly good results. Indian, Greek, Mid-Eastern, Italian (mostly pizza), Down Home food are all there. Fun place to visit to see the Holiday decorations and I always enjoy a visit to Billings, an old-time hardware store with a wide range of items including Lionel Trains. Wife and I end up there several evenings a year and always find it enjoyable.
8. Shoreline Village
Overall Ratings
4 based on 775 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 Islander1971mv - Edgartown, Massachusetts
Nice stroll along the docks filled with a variety of gift shops and amusements for all ages. Restaurants and bike rentals are also available along with boat charters. Well worth the visit, go and relax and people watch!
9. Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
Overall Ratings
4 based on 275 reviews
Used for conventions, exhibits and special events, this large arena offers 46,000 square feet of exhibit space plus seating for more than 13,500 people.
Reviewed By Susan B - Long Beach, California, United States
This center is in a great location to come for a convention....So many places to see and things to do. Lots of great eating places, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and shopping. Disneyland is about 30 minutes away. The convention center itself is maintained well, and has a great staff to help you if needed.
10. Pine Avenue
Overall Ratings
4 based on 227 reviews
Shop in the daytime or party at night along this trendy retail and restaurant district, where historic buildings house shops and eateries, and a sizzling nightlife takes over when the sun goes down.
Reviewed By Cynthia A - Sierra Madre, California
You can get pretty much any kind of food along here, from Greek to Spanish and everything in between. Many have outdoor seating, some are even dog friendly. We are just here for a few days, making the decision of where to eat challenging.
You might try a gourmet "Crawl" have one drink and one appetizer at a place, then move on to the next!
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