What are the fun things to do in Long Beach, California? As the name says, it is a beach or a coast surrounded by water. Are you a person who loves to roam and enjoy the shores? Then this is the right article that you are reading now. Before we discuss the fun things to do in Long Beach, let us learn about Long Beach, its location, weather, and other facts about it.
1. Fun Things about Long Beach, California
Long Beach, CA, is a coastal city and harbor in Southern California, USA, 20 miles South of Los Angeles. The best part of this city is the ocean views, which cover 5.5 miles of beach for those who would love to have water adventures on the Pacific Ocean .
According to the World Population Review statistics, the present population of Long Beach, CA, in 2023 is approximately 4,68,000, forming California’s 7th largest city and the USA’s 41st massive city.
Long Beach’s unique beauty combines an urban environment feel with beach views, and that’s why it is one of the best cities to visit in Southern California. Also, this waterfront city allows experiencing marine life, diversified culture, tourist attractions, parks, gardens, art galleries, swarming neighborhoods and sites, festivals, water adventures, and much more add to the list.
Last, enjoying luscious food, city lights, and soaking in the sunshine of Southern California with other excitement along the seaside day and night, Long Beach, CA, is a family-friendly destination with alluring attractions to grab more visitors and tourists.
1.1. Weather and Climate in Long Beach, California
Long Beach, CA, experiences a semi-arid Mediterranean climate where the summer is short, arid, and warm. Winter is long, cool, mild, and partly cloudy. Summer starts in June and goes till September, while winter begins in November and goes on till March.
In summer, the temperature lies in the range of 64°F and 82°F. In winter, the temperature range is between 49°F and 64°F. August experiences the hottest summer, and December experience the coldest winter.
Based on the above weather, the most comfortable and pleasant months to visit Long Beach are from June to October.
2. Best Things to do in Long Beach, California
What are the best things to do in Long Beach, CA? Let us now dive in and discuss the exciting things and the top attractions that this waterfront city has to offer to visitors.
2.1. Long Beach Waterfront
Long Beach Waterfront, or Downtown Waterfront, is a water landscape offering mind-blowing sights and restaurants facing Queensway Bay.
It is one of the best tourist attractions and remarkable things to do in Long Beach, CA, as it provides scenic beauty to walk, relax, sightsee, shop, dine, and other entertainment options.
2.2. Long Beach Museum of Art
The Long Beach Museum of Art is one of the most tempting and attractive cultural art destinations facing the Pacific Ocean Boulevard in the zone of Bluff Park on the North end of Long Beach, California.
Established in 1950, the Long Beach Museum of Art showcases the local community with a broad permanent collection of over 4000 artworks of the 20th Century belonging to the European Era and American style to modern California, decorative and contemporary art, sculptures, paintings, furniture, ceramics, and other lovely pieces of objects.
The museum campus also includes the historical home of Elizabeth Milbank Anderson (built-in 1912). She was an American Philanthropist and Advocate for Women’s Education and Public Health.
Apart from its varied art collection, the Long Beach Museum of Art also presents exhibitions by various artists and a big outdoor sculpture garden. The garden features pieces from Californian artists created from plastic items and landfills like glass and metal to an enormous sculpture fountain.
To refresh with eateries breaks or brunch, the Long Beach Museum of Art has a delicious restaurant called Claire’s at the museum. It is a great place to sit back for coffee or a tasty lunch.
2.3. Shoreline Village
Shoreline Village is a Long Beach Waterfront shopping village that showcases colored boardwalk restaurants, souvenirs, and shops with scenic views of the Rainbow Harbor. Activities like rental biking, harbor cruising, carousel riding, sunset views, sailing, and parasailing are fun for tourists on the Shoreline Village.
Restaurants like Parker’s Lighthouse are well-known for fresh seafood, while Louisiana Charlie’s is famous for fine dining at Shoreline Village. Also, some shops in Shoreline Village sell chocolates, ice cream, and funnel cakes. Shoreline Village is one of the most admiring, family-friendly spots for most tourists.
2.4. Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is one of the top attractions and the best things to do in Long Beach, California. This museum, established by Dr. Robert Gumbiner in 1996, sets its location in the Downtown East Village Arts District.
The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) exhibits inspiring contemporary, beautiful, and modern art of about 1300 works, including photographs, sculptures, video art, and paintings that belong to Latino artists and Latin Americans.
The Latin American Art Museum (MOLAA) features exhibitions displaying a magnificent collection of artists’ works. The Day of the Dead and Celebrity Diversity Series are the ones naming a few.
Additionally, a 15,000 square-feet outdoor sculpture garden forms a part of this Latin American Art Museum (MOLAA) that showcases fountains, several platforms for events and exhibitions, and many colorful spots to rest and relax.
2.5. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
California State University, Long Beach is home to the tranquil Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, a serene Japanese garden and green area. It exhibits a perfect landscape, a Japanese culture, and relaxation for students and the community forming one of the best tourist attractions and lovely things to do in Long Beach, CA.
Mrs. Loraine Miller Collins founded the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden in 1981 with the help of an architect Edward R. Lovell as a homage to her lost husband, Earl Burns Miller.
The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden covers a space of 1.3 acres featuring bridges, pagodas, a Koi Pond, a traditional Tea House, rock gardens, and a wedding venue. Escaping into the tranquil space of Koi Pond and enjoying peace and quietness from the city’s hustle and bustle forms the highlights of Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden.
2.6. Downtown Long Beach
Downtown Long Beach forms a lively neighborhood and one of the awesome things to do in Long Beach, CA. It surrounds itself with palm trees and other modern buildings providing avenues for shopping, restaurants, nightlife, outdoor attractions, and other entertainment options.
The fascinating part of Downtown Long Beach is viewing the waterfront amidst the colorful city lights. Additionally, Downtown Long Beach is lined with several streets to enjoy eateries.
The main street of Downtown Long Beach is Pine Avenue which offers options for restaurants, bars, and eateries like L’Opera Ristorante and George’s Greek Cafe. It’s also a perfect location for bar hopping.
Long Beach’s Downtown also hosts various events in a year. The event, Long Beach Art Walk in the heart of East Village Arts District, displays art galleries portraying works like sculptures and paintings with live music performances. Another popular event is the Grand Prix of Long Beach, where car racing takes place with race cars like F1.
2.7. Shoreline Aquatic Park
Shoreline Aquatic Park is an open grassy park on Queensway Bay in Downtown Waterfront. The park and waterfront property offers a large area for picnics and events and a 10-story tall Lion’s Lighthouse for Sight.
This park gives the best views to enjoy the sunset along the shoreline and watch the beautiful Long Beach Skyline. Further, the park also has a 3.7 km Loop Trail for running and bird watching.
2.8. Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center
Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center is an impressive convention center in Long Beach, CA. Opened in 1962, the Long Beach Convention Center features plazas, multiple theaters, live music, and other exciting happening.
In a meeting and exhibit space of 400000 square feet, the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center can intake up to 14000 people. The center also comprises a Long Beach Arena for concerts and events like Ice Hockey and Basketball.
The Long Beach Performing Arts Center, a performing venue in the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, hosts shows and concerts like the Long Beach Symphony and operas and is one of the fun things to do in Long Beach.
2.9. Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is the largest public aquarium in Long Beach, Southern California, on the Rainbow Harbor adjacent to the Shoreline Aquatic Park, set up in 1998. The aquarium covers an area of 5 acres which equals 3,60,000 square feet. It is one of the awesome things to do in Long Beach, CA.
Serving as home to more than 12,000 marine animals, including 500+ species and 100+ exhibits and habitats, the Aquarium of the Pacific welcomes over 1.7 million visitors a year. The marine animals belonging to the Aquarium of the Pacific are seals, sea lions, otters, sharks, turtles, octopuses, rays, and more.
Besides, Long Beach’s Aquarium of the Pacific hosts exhibits for children and adults. The exhibit June Keyes Penguin Habitat serves as home to various penguins. Other exhibits are Lorikeet Forest, a 1000 sqm sanctuary for rainbow lorikeets, the Shark Lagoon, and the Moon Jelly Touch Lab.
The Ocean Science Center at the Aquarium of the Pacific conducts presentations with an immersive movie theater with animal shows to study and explore marine life.
Suggested Reading: Best Aquariums in California to Check Out
2.10. Queen Mary
Queen Mary, also called (Royal Mail Ship) R.M.S.Queen Mary, is one of the grandest and largest ocean liners or a ship previously navigating the Pacific Ocean between New York and England. Visit to Queen Mary is one of the enthralling things to do in Long Beach, CA.
Various soldiers and tourists used to board the Queen Mary ship as it served a purpose in World War II. The first trip of Queen Mary started in 1936 to Southampton, England, from New York, USA, and there were regular trips from 1936 to 1967.
The Queen Mary ship is 310 meters long and currently stays docked at Long Beach since 1967, acting as the best tourist attraction with hotels, restaurants, dining options, bars, and a museum.
Bars like Observation Bar and Art Deco Lounge in Queen Mary provide signature drinks. Visitors can enjoy overnight stays and onboard tours and learn the local history of the Queen Mary.
2.11. Catalina Island
Catalina Island is one of California’s iconic islands and one of the fabulous things to do in Long Beach, CA. It stays at 22 miles distance from Southern California and a 1-hour ride from Long Beach. The population on Catalina Island constitutes around 5000, but it is also one of the top attractions.
Avalon, the only city on Catalina Island, is the best tourist spot featuring restaurants, hotels, beaches, kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, a golf course, and other adventures and recreational activities. Catalina Museum for Art and History is a known museum in Avalon offering art and history exhibitions with other virtual events.
The best way to reach Catalina Island is by taking a ferry ride and cruising through Catalina Express, a round adventurous boat trip. Enjoying ocean excursions, top-class hotels, museum visits, and ocean-view dining makes Catalina Island one of the remarkable places to visit.
2.12. El Dorado Nature Center
El Dorado Nature Center is one of the most beautiful nature parks in Long Beach, CA, and one of the most incredible things to do in Long Beach.
Covering 105 acres of land, El Dorado Nature Center is home to various native plant species and wildlife habitats with flora and fauna, a stream, lakes, and nature walking trails. Moreover, the Nature Center includes 100+ species of birds, turtles, rabbits, and forests like Eucalyptus trees and Redwoods.
El Dorado Nature Center is a family-friendly destination that provides artwork, educational displays, and souvenirs. Embracing nature with a private space and solitude for just a few hours is one of the positive qualities to seek in this park.
2.13. El Dorado Park
El Dorado Park is another attractive nature park along the San Gabriel River in Long Beach, CA. It is one of the best things to do in Long Beach for strolls on greenery-filled walking trails and enjoying a picnic under the shade of trees.
The activities to enjoy in this park are the disc golf course, courts for roller hockey, tennis, basketball, BBQ, and fishing. Tourists can also use Wheel Fun Rentals which provides bicycle rentals with cycles like four-wheel bikes, classic cruisers, kids bikes, and go-cart style bikes.
2.14. Bluff Park
Bluff Park is a scenic nature park between Ocean Boulevard and the Pacific Ocean, covering 13 acres. The park comprises a sandy beach with greenery and palm trees and a residential space with apartment buildings and homes.
Bluff Park was initially a military space for World War II for which the Lone Sailor Memorial Statue, made of Bronze, signifies the memory of Navy women and men who died in the 1941 attack of Pearl Harbor.
Enjoying the breathtaking views of the sea along with the cool breeze, jogging or walking along the path, and relaxing under the sunshine are some of the best experiences that Bluff Park offers. Additionally, various instructors conduct free daily yoga classes.
2.15. Junipero Cherry Beach
Junipero Cherry Beach, also called Junipero Beach or Long Beach Cherry Beach, is a beach stretch along Ocean Boulevard connecting Junipero Cherry Avenue to Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, facing Bluff Park and Bixby Park.
Visitors can access the beach via various stairways and pathways of Bluff Park. A noteworthy feature of this beach is that it offers a definite trail called Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path. The bike paths are about 4.5 miles long along the Pacific Ocean for walking, jogging, and skating. There is also a parallel path to it for pedestrians and cyclists.
2.16. Rosie’s Dog Beach
Rosie’s Dog Beach is a dog-friendly beach along Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA. On this beach, the pet dogs can move freely and enjoy vacation fun in an area of 4 acres.
Surrounding calm waters with a sandy shore, dogs can run off-leash on the sand and have fun splashing in the oceanic waters. Dogs can play with other puppy dogs and play around the beach. Rosie’s Dog Beach also offers plenty of space for exercising or relaxing after tiring worktimes.
2.17. Belmont Shore
Belmont Shore is a well-known California seaside community and one of the fun-filled things to do in Long Beach, CA, with shops, luxurious homes, restaurants, cafes, boutiques, offices, and salons.
The main street on Belmont Shore, called Second Street, offers shops, bars, and restaurants. Also, this street has old Spanish-style homes and various colorful establishments.
Belmont Plaza Pool is a large public swimming pool that provides exercise classes for adults and kids on the Belmont Shore.
2.18. Walter Pyramid
Walter Pyramid, alternatively called Long Beach Pyramid, is a blue-structured indoor arena in the shape of a pyramid on the campus of Long Beach State University. Its height is 18 stories, with a seating arrangement of up to 4000 seats.
This arena is a location for various competitions, events, conferences, film screenings, and athletic games like Basketball and Volleyball held at California State University.
2.19. Naples Island
Naples Island, also called “California’s Little Italy,” is a coastal shoreline connecting Long Beach Marina and Belmont Shore in Alamitos Bay. The top attractions on this island are kayaking in the canals and waterways, exploring the Naples Canal for boutique shops, and picnicking near La Bella Fontana Park.
2.20. Long Beach Antique Market
Long Beach Antique Market is a unique shopping flea market in Veterans Memorial Stadium, Long Beach, CA. It offers over 800+ vendors with stalls selling collectibles, souvenirs, vintage clothing, and antiques.
This market is held every 3rd Sunday of the month with a top collection of textiles, furniture, kitchenware, artworks, sports articles, and collectibles like cameras, clocks, machines, glasses, ceramics, perfume bottles, and much more. As it ranks in the top ten flea markets in the USA, sighting great celebrities is possible.
2.21. Long Beach Bayou Festival
Long Beach Bayou Festival is an annual fest celebration conducted in June in Long Beach, CA. It is one of the events filled with entertainment that celebrates the food, music, and culture of Bayou Country, Southeast USA.
The events to highlight in this festival are Zydeco Dance classes, Crawfish Eating Contest, Watermelon Eating Contest, live bands, and cooking competitions.
2.22. Long Beach Exchange
Long Beach Exchange, called LBX, is an excellent destination for indoor and outdoor shopping and fine dining, a mile from Long Beach Airport, Long Beach, CA, constructed in 2018.
This shopping complex exhibits a collection of food, art, design, and various other services in an area of 17,000 square feet. LBX has a hub called “Hangar,” which includes several retail shops, boutiques, and food vendors.
2.23. Harbor Breeze Cruises
Harbor breeze Cruises are a guided whale-watching tour agency that provides whale-watching adventures. It lasts for 2.5 hours, and tourists experience the best views of whales, dolphins, orcas, and other marine animals under the illuminating blue color of the Pacific Ocean.
2.24. Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PIEAM)
The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PIEAM) is an arts and crafts museum in Long Beach, CA. It spotlights diversified features like clothing, art, textiles, sculptures, and other cultures specific to Pacific Islands. The museum also features rotating exhibitions focusing on lives in the Pacific.
2.25. Pike Outlets
Pike Outlets is a spectacular outlet mall on Pine Avenue, Long Beach, CA measuring 344000 square feet. It is one of the finest shopping and dining spots with entertainment options of 30+ restaurants, boutique hotels, nightlife venues, a theater, a comedy club, and a Ferris Wheel.
2.26. Pelican Pier Pavilion
Pelican Pier Pavilion is a video arcade for kids in Shoreline Village, Long Beach, CA. It provides 70+ exciting video games, air hockey, skeeball, and riding a beautiful carousel.
2.27. Rainbow Lagoon
Rainbow Lagoon is a Japanese-style park with Rainbow bridges and massive arches connecting two islands in Long Beach, CA. Renting a Swan boat and pedaling to view the island’s beauty on a sunny afternoon is one of the tourist activities. When the swan boats light up during the night, it presents a romantic ambiance to couples.
3. Final Note
What are the fun things to do in Long Beach, California? From water sports, beaches, natural beauty, and extraordinary nightlife to historical museums and adventurous sports, the coastal city of Long Beach offers all the excitement.
Start planning your trip right now to explore one of the gorgeous cities in California. Happy Traveling!!
