The Top 8 Things to Do In Long Beach
Long Beach offers the best of Southern California living.
With gorgeous weather and amazing local culture, there’s so much to discover while you’re here. When you visit Long Beach here are the top eight things to do. You can view all of our attractions and activities here.
1. Visit The Aquarium of Pacific
Kids and families alike will love a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific and its many interactive exhibits, but this world-class aquarium is a perfect fit for visitors of all ages. The aquarium’s indoor and outdoor spaces celebrate the vast beauty of the Pacific Ocean, featuring more than 11,000 animals and 500 species. Don’t miss the Shark Lagoon, home to more than 150 sharks. The June Keyes Penguin Habitat is also a must-see, where you can watch twenty Magellanic Penguins playing in and out of the water. No visit is complete without exploration of the aquariums expansion, Pacific Visions. Journey inside the new stunning glass building to experience a state-of–the-art immersive theater, interactive art installations, engaging multimedia displays, and live animal exhibits. Explore underwater realms, future possibilities, and help create a new planet right here on Earth.
2. Spot Whales on A Harbor Cruise
Get a new perspective of Long Beach on a scenic and educational harbor cruise with Harbor Breeze Cruises or Spirit Cruises. Take in the views of Long Beach harbor and The Queen Mary as knowledgeable guides point out our plentiful sea life, including whales, dolphins, sea lions, harbor seals, and marine birds. There’s no better way to relax on the water and immerse yourself in the local environment.
3. Take a Romantic Gondola Ride
Rowed by gondoliers in classically striped shirts and straw hats, passengers have been serenaded while floating through the Italian-inspired waterways of Naples Islands for more than four decades thanks to Gondola Getaway (5437 E. Ocean Blvd.). The enchanting experience is best at sunset, with the boats meandering through the canals, under bridges and across a calm bay.
4. Explore Shoreline Village
This shopping, dining, and entertainment destination is a must-see (and great photo-op) while you’re in Long Beach. Nestled right along the beautiful harbor, Shoreline Village offers the perfect setting for a romantic sunset walk or a family bike ride down the coastal bike path. Choose from the many restaurants and stores where you can savor fresh seafood or find the perfect souvenir.
5. Take In A Live Performance
For music and theater lovers there’s always a new performance on the calendar at one of Long Beach’s many venues. The Long Beach Opera, Long Beach Symphony, and Music Angelica all offer packed seasons. The Long Beach community also supports several theater companies with regular performances at venues like the Long Beach Playhouse, International City Theatre and P3 Theatre Company. You may even discover your new favorite band or DJ at Long Beach’s many exciting bars and nightlife venues, including The Federal Bar, Live After 5, and Sevilla Nightclub.
6. View Amazing Artwork
Long Beach boasts two distinguished museums for visitors to enjoy. The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only institution of its kind in the U.S. and features a beautiful 15,000 square-foot sculpture garden. The Long Beach Museum of Art is located within the historic Anderson house and situated on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After you tour the collection, enjoy lunch with a waterfront view of the ocean at Claire’s, the on-site restaurant.
7. Shop and Stroll
From your favorite retailers and outlet bargains to unique boutiques and vintage shops - Long Beach is every shopper’s dream. Start downtown with Pine Avenue’s many local shops and dining options. Then make your way over to the nearby Pike Outlets where you can find deals on your favorite brands. If you love vintage discoveries, funky Retro Row on 4th Street is a must-see. Uncover treasures from the past and find a variety of dining options nearby. The Belmont Shores neighborhood is one more shopping destination to add to your Long Beach list. Walk the palm tree-lined streets and explore unique local boutiques and many delicious restaurants and cafes.
8. Annual Acura Grand Prix
The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is an IndyCar Series race held on a street circuit. It is the longest running major street race held in North America. This year’s event runs from April 8–10. The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is much more than a race. It is a three-day, two evening festival, combining world-class racing with activities for the whole family, all taking place on the streets of downtown Long Beach.
More than 185,000 fans will watch five exciting racing events headlined by the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the same cars as in the Indianapolis 500. Off the track, the Lifestyle Expo and Family Fun Zone combines family-friendly activities with an exhibit of the newest home, automotive and personal products. Other activities include the Food Truck Experience, with food trucks from all over L.A., the Mothers Exotic Car Paddock (Sunday only), and driver autograph sessions.
Start planning your Long Beach getaway today. Find out what’s going on while you’re in town with our Events Calendar. Or find the perfect hotel for your stay!
