Beyond Rental Cars: Offbeat Vehicles to Drive in Long Beach

Long Beach prides itself on being a highly walkable city, a bike-friendly city, even a great place to get on a pair of roller skates! But sometimes you need bigger wheels to get around, and why rent a regular car when there are other, more interesting choices? Here are some specialty vehicles you may want to consider for your next outing in Long Beach.

ADRENALINE RUSH LOS ANGELES

You’ve probably seen a Polaris Slingshot on the road looking like a combination between a sporty convertible and the Batmobile. These unusual three-wheeled vehicles provide a unique driving experience perfect for zipping along LA-area freeways and the Pacific Coast Highway or making a memorable first impression on a date or business lunch. Adrenaline Rush Los Angeles (17152 Bellflower Blvd, Bellflower) offers hourly Slingshot rentals from its location in Bellflower just north of Long Beach.

WHEEL FUN RENTALS

Wheel Fun Rentals offers bicycles, tandem bikes, four- or six-seat surrey bikes, and recumbent bikes for rent at its locations in Shoreline Village (429 Shoreline Village Dr, Ste G / 780 Shoreline Dr) and El Dorado Park (7550 E Spring St), near some of the city’s scenic biking paths. E-bikes are an increasingly popular way to get around in Southern California, especially for those who may not be comfortable powering a bike the old fashioned way. In Long Beach, try out an e-bike and zip along the bike path on the beach, in the park, or on protected bike paths along the streets throughout the city.

DRIVER

It’s not unusual to see golf carts on the streets of Long Beach, particularly in Belmont Shore where residents take advantage of their small size and quiet, emission-free driving. Golf carts are a great way to see more of Long Beach up close while transporting your group to restaurants and other outings. Check out Driver Electric Golf Cart Rentals (235 E Broadway, #800), which offers street legal all-electric golf carts that can carry up to six passengers, with free local delivery and pickup. Some even come decked out with colorful LED string lights for after dark.

Credit: Driver

LIMOUSINES

Sometimes, nothing but a limousine will do. Whether you are planning an elegant occasion for you and your partner or a special celebration for a larger party, nothing makes for a classic good time like a stretch limo. There are several local limo companies that operate in Long Beach, including ABA Unique Limousine Service (1713 W Whittier Blvd, Montebello), which offers a traditional stretch limousine as well as Sprinter limousines and limo buses. Best VIP Chauffeured Worldwide (2701 S. Birch St, Santa Ana) can set you up in a classic six-passenger Lincoln Continental limo or limo Sprinter van, and Karmel Shuttle Service (1835 W. Katella Ave, Anaheim) offers limousines, Sprinter limos, and 20- and 30-passenger party buses.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.