Long Beach

Introduction

You will find this coastal city situated in southeastern Los Angeles County, California. As a charter city, it serves as a significant urban hub within the region.

Before you go

Prepare for your visit to this coastal and port city in Southern California by recognizing its vast diversity and varied character. As a large urban center with a high population density, the area encompasses a wide range of environments, from industrial zones and struggling neighborhoods to quiet middle-class communities and exclusive areas. You will find that different people describe the city in very different ways because it contains such a broad spectrum of experiences.

Explore various distinct neighborhoods to experience the local culture:

• Downtown Long Beach serves as the high-rise commercial and governmental hub, while the nearby East Village functions as the arts district.
• The Shoreline Village area features lighthouses and an aquarium along the water.
• Visit the Broadway Corridor, known as the gayborhood, or head to Cambodia Town to see one of the largest Cambodian communities in the country.
• Experience the trendy atmosphere of Retro Row, known for its boutiques and coffee shops, or visit the fancy Italian-style neighborhood of Naples with its canals and gondolas.
• Explore the residential character of North Long Beach, the working-class West Long Beach, or the postwar suburban neighborhoods of the Eastside.

Getting there

You can reach Long Beach via several airports in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Long Beach Airport offers a convenient, low-hassle experience for local and regional travel within Southern California. For more frequent service and a wider range of destinations, you can fly into Los Angeles International or John Wayne Airport. If arriving at John Wayne, renting a car or using a shuttle service is recommended to navigate the distance into Orange County.

For those traveling by rail, the Metro A Line connects Long Beach to Downtown Los Angeles and several surrounding areas. You can also reach the city via various bus lines, including Flixbus and Greyhound, which offer routes from locations such as Union Station and El Monte. If you are coming from Orange County, specific transit routes serve the area, with some options connecting directly to local landmarks like California State University-Long Beach.

• If arriving by car from the west or Orange County, use the 405 freeway, connecting to the 710 for access to downtown.
• Travelers from the north can use the 710 or the 605 freeways, though be aware that the 710 is a busy freight corridor that may experience fog.
• A scenic route from coastal Orange County follows the Pacific Coast Highway, which provides access to South Bay communities like Lomita.
• Cruise ships dock at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, where you can find taxi and shuttle services for local travel.

Getting around

Driving is a convenient way to explore Long Beach, with many areas offering free parking while others along the shoreline and in the downtown district require payment. You can navigate the city via major east-west streets like Ocean Blvd, Pacific Coast Highway, and Carson Street, or travel north-south on thoroughfares such as Santa Fe Avenue and Long Beach Blvd. Be mindful of the Los Alamitos Traffic Circle, a complex roundabout where several major roads converge.

For public transportation, you can ride the bright red Passport buses to reach downtown attractions like the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Shoreline Village. Other transit options include:

• Long Beach Transit, which provides numerous routes through the city and neighboring areas.
• The Metro system, featuring the A Line light rail that connects you to downtown Los Angeles.
• The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) for regional travel.

Where to stay

You can find a wide range of accommodations in the Downtown area, particularly along Linden Avenue where numerous hotels are located. Choose from historic luxury options that feature restored interiors and spa facilities, or opt for an ApartHotel if you prefer a more compact stay. For those seeking specific amenities, some properties offer water views, rooftop bars with panoramic vistas, or pet-friendly rooms in a Latin resort theme near the port.

Depending on your itinerary, other areas provide distinct experiences:

• Stay near the airport in suites equipped with kitchens and ample workspace.
• Experience a unique stay in grand first-class staterooms aboard a sea queen.
• Find convenient options along the coast or in International City.

Food & drink

Explore a diverse culinary landscape in Long Beach that caters to every palate. For those seeking coastal flavors, you can enjoy seafood dining along the waterfront or visit a restaurant with views of the Queen Mary. If you prefer a local atmosphere, head to the Bixby Knolls neighborhood for homebaked pies and comfort food, or find a bakery known for its fresh strawberry and ollalieberry pies. You can also choose from various international cuisines, including authentic Italian dishes, Japanese steak houses and sushi, Vietnamese pho in a tiny neighborhood cafe, Greek lamb chops, and French crepes served in a sunny atmosphere.

The local dining scene offers plenty of variety for different moods:

• Mexican favorites like fish tacos, breakfast burritos, or specialty plates featuring pork shank and stuffed pasilla chiles.
• Plant-based options at a vegan and raw cafe.
• Upscale experiences including a prime steakhouse in the downtown area or white cloth Italian dining with a rooftop lounge.

What to see and do

Explore the coastal charm of Long Beach by wandering through Naples Island, a neighborhood defined by its scenic canals and homes. You can take a romantic gondola ride along these waterways or stroll the walkways to admire the local architecture. If you prefer the coast, enjoy the four-mile stretch of beach where you can surf, swim, or walk along the concrete bike and skating lanes. For a different perspective, head to Signal Hill Hilltop Park in the nearby suburban area to take in expansive views of the coastline and distant hills.

Immerse yourself in local history and culture with these notable sites:

• Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific to explore various habitats and species from across the Pacific Ocean.
• Step aboard the Queen Mary, a historic Art Deco ocean liner featuring a shopping promenade, bars, and a variety of guided tours.
• View the Russian Foxtrot Submarine, a former Soviet vessel moored near the Queen Mary.
• Experience the local arts scene at the Long Beach Museum of Art or visit the Museum of Latin American Art in the East Village Arts District.
• Discover historic architecture at the Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Adobe or explore the grounds of the Rancho Los Alamitos Museum.
• Visit the Long Beach Firefighter's Museum to see a collection of vintage fire equipment.

Three days in Long Beach

Day one, you can begin your journey by exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown Long Beach. You might wander through the historic Broadway Corridor or experience the unique culture found within Cambodia Town.

Day two, you can head toward the coastal areas to visit The Shoreline Village or explore the distinct character of North Long Beach and West Long Beach.

Day three, you can spend your time in the Eastside area or experience the nostalgic vibes of Retro Row before concluding your stay in Southern California.