Tours in Long Beach and Beyond

For those with limited time, tours can be a great option, helping you to make the most of your time while maximizing your fun. Long Beach tour companies offer curated experiences led by local experts that provide the kind of insider knowledge to enhance your enjoyment in and around–and above–the city. Whether your reason for being here is leisure or business, these tours will take you to hidden gems, popular landmarks and top-notch food spots as well as high-flying, one-of-a-kind experiences.

MAVERICK HELICOPTERS

From its heliport at the Queen Mary Terminals, Maverick Helicopters (1175 Queens Hwy) offers one-of-a-kind aerial tours of Southern California. Not only can you get to Catalina Island in just 15 minutes by chopper, but a flight can also show you the beauty of the California coast during a 30-minute tour of breathtaking vistas of the Pacific and Dana Point as well as the Queen Mary. Its 40-minute Hollywood & Beyond tour gives you stunning views of the Getty Museum, LA Coliseum as well as all things Hollywood: Hollywood Hills, Hollywood Bowl and Hollywood Sign.

EDIBLE EXPLORERS

Edible Explorers creates immersive, story-driven food tours that celebrate local flavors, cultural heritage, and community connections, highlighting neighborhood gems, while diving deep into the history behind every bite. They offer walking tours like a Belmont Shore food tour or Downtown Craft Cocktail tour. They will also plan a custom foodie experience especially for you. Whatever you decide, whether curious traveler or local, you’ll get a deeper appreciation for one of the country’s most exciting and diverse food scenes, an unforgettable culinary adventure.

HARBOR CRUISES

Long Beach’s amazing harbor is packed full of incredible sights, from the Queen Mary to one of the world’s most important ports. Two local cruise companies provide wonderful tours of this wonder and do it in a timely manner–i.e. an hour or less. Spirit Cruises (435 Shoreline Village Dr) and Harbor Breeze Cruises (100 Aquarium Way Dock #2) offer harbor cruises that include unique views of the Queen Mary, the Long Beach and Angel’s Gate Lighthouses, and the Port of Long Beach and its massive cargo ships. See beautiful views of the Long Beach skyline from the water and wildlife like California sea lions at play on harbor buoys.

SUNSEEKER TOURS

Sunseeker Tours picks up directly from all hotels in Long Beach and cruise terminals daily. They offer transportation for small or large groups, airport drop-off, and field trips. Their state-of-the-art coaches accommodate anywhere from 14 to 56 passengers. Want to see LA in a day? Their eight-hour tour will take you to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, Venice Beach and a whole lot more. They’ll stop at many points along the way for free time, shopping and lunch.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.