Things to See and Do at Cal State Long Beach

With more than 41,000 enrolled students, California State University, Long Beach (a.k.a. Long Beach State–Go Beach!) is an asset to the local community and beyond, offering facilities that are open to the public for education and entertainment. Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, the university campus is a place to engage with fun activities, from thrilling sports events to a centering stroll through a beautiful Japanese garden.

JAPANESE GARDEN

One of the most beautiful retreats in Long Beach, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden (Earl Warren Dr) is a wonderful escape for a meditative stroll or feeding the koi fish in the pond. It’s also one of the most popular special events venues in the city, regularly hosting weddings and receptions. Throughout the year, the garden offers events for the public, including arts and crafts workshops, cultural festivals, yoga, and sound bathing sessions. Learn more and make a reservation to visit online.

PERFORMING ARTS

The Carpenter Performing Arts Center (6200 E Atherton St) is named after pop duo Richard and Karen Carpenter, who both attended CSULB in the 1960s. The center hosts performances of renowned musicians, dance troupes, and speakers, as well as recitals by CSULB music and dance students and shows by Musical Theatre West. The 2024-25 season marks the center’s 30th anniversary season, with tickets available online.

SPORTS EVENTS

Cal State Long Beach has a long history of athletic excellence, having produced numerous professional and Olympic athletes, including Misty May-Treanor who won three consecutive gold medals in beach volleyball. The men’s volleyball team won consecutive NCAA championships in 2018 and 2019. Basketball and volleyball games are held in the iconic blue Walter Pyramid, and the Dirtbags baseball team games are held at Blair Field next to Recreation Park. Individual tickets for those and other sports, plus season packages and group sales, are available online.

BOOKSTORE

Not only does the University Bookstore (6049 E 7th St) sell textbooks, art supplies, planners, notebooks, and other school supplies, it’s also the clearing house for CSULB swag so locals, students, alumni, and their families can show their Beach pride. Of course you can find hats, shirts, hoodies, and other apparel, plus the store stocks a wide variety of gifts, from stickers to coffee mugs, and even accessories for pets. You can visit the store to shop on campus, or order online any time.

ART MUSEUM

The Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum (1250 Bellflower Blvd) was founded in 1973 and showcases thought-provoking and culturally relevant exhibits of contemporary artists. The museum is free to visit and displays new exhibits during the fall and spring semesters each year. Programs open to the public include Second Saturday Family Days each month featuring art activities for all ages and weekly Tuesday Talks with artists and scholars.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

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