When you’re looking into options for a Southern California trip, consider Long Beach. It’s not as crowded as Los Angeles, San Diego, or San Francisco. Instead, you get a smaller coastal city with a lot to offer.
You’ll find notable attractions here, along with plenty of places for dining and shopping. If you do want to take a day trip, Long Beach is about 30 miles or less from major CA cities and theme parks. It’s also conveniently close to some of the top beaches in Orange County for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing.
Our Long Beach travel guide helps you get started with planning your vacation here. From transportation options and best times to visit to day trip options and budgeting tips, our AAA experts have you covered.
How to Get Around Long Beach
If you’re driving here, you might not need to rely on your vehicle to get around town much. Having your own car is convenient for going on day trips. But when you’re staying local, keeping it at the hotel and biking or taking public transportation to get around may be better options. Driving around Long Beach means you have to find parking. You might also occasionally deal with traffic backing up on main roadways, like I-405 and I-710, and roads near the airport.
If you’ll be flying into Long Beach Airport or Los Angeles International Airport, you may want to rent a car, depending on your itinerary. But public transportation options are also available, including:
- Metro Link’s Blue Line light rail from downtown Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles
- Long Beach Transit public buses and seasonal water taxis
Biking is another way to explore the area. Long Beach is a bike-friendly city, giving you many bike paths and trails to use, including the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path.
Best Time to Visit Long Beach
With mild weather nearly all year long, you don’t have to worry about temperatures being too hot or cold here. But weather isn’t the only factor to consider when planning your trip to Long Beach. Your budget, events you want to attend, and other factors can also affect the best time for a vacation in this Southern California city.
If you’re looking for low rates, fall through early spring is a great time to come. You can look forward to pleasantly warm temperatures and fewer crowds around. Rates also tend to be lower, since this is the off-peak season.
If you want a lot of fun festivals to attend, plan a visit in summer. There’s the Long Beach Sea Festival and the Catalina Ski Race in July, for example. You’ll also have hot weather for swimming and soaking up the sun. Just note that it’s also pricier and more crowded in summer.
If you want a mix of reduced rates and fun events, visit here in late spring. Temperatures are warm, but not hot. Rates on hotels and other travel-related expenses also tend to be lower. You’ll have plenty of events to attend, too, such as the Long Beach Seafood Festival in May.
Theme Parks Near Long Beach
A trip to Long Beach is the perfect opportunity to visit a nearby theme park. Several are around 30 miles from the city, though traffic can make the drive to and from these parks longer. Whether you want to visit one of the busiest parks in the area or prefer a less crowded one, check out the following theme parks near Long Beach.
Disneyland Park in Anaheim
California’s most famous theme park, Disneyland, is about 25 miles away in Anaheim. Just take CA-91 E to get there from Long Beach. You’ll have tons of rides and attractions to enjoy, from the Matterhorn Bobsleds and The Haunted Mansion to Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Space Mountain. Parks here include:
- Disneyland Park
- Disney California Adventure Park
Adventure City in Anaheim
If you want to avoid the crowds at Disneyland, visit Adventure City instead. It’s also in Anaheim, located roughly 15 miles away from Long Beach via CA-22 E. You won’t find famous, flashy rides and attractions here at one of the state’s smallest theme parks. But you’ll find a lot of family-friendly things to do, such as:
- Freeway Coaster
- Vintage carousel from 1946
- Drop Zone
- Giggle Wheel
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park
For water rides and thrill rides, take a 20-mile drive along I-710 N and CA-91 E to Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park. You’ll find Peanuts-themed attractions here, like Beagle Express Railroad and Camp Snoopy. Cool off on water rides, like Banzai Falls and Calico River Rapids. Other rides include:
- GhostRider wooden roller coaster
- Supreme Scream drop-down ride
- Calico Mine Ride
- Sierra Sidewinder
Universal Studios Hollywood in Universal City
For movie-themed fun, visit Universal Studios Hollywood. It’s just over 30 miles from Long Beach via I-710 N and US-101 N. The park’s Upper Lot features studio tours, stunt shows, an aerial carousel ride, motion simulator ride, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Lower Lot features rides and attractions based on several Universal properties, including Jurassic Park, Super Mario, and Transformers.
Top Things to Do in Long Beach
Going to the beach for swimming, kayaking, and other water fun is simple to do in Long Beach. The city has several to visit, including Junipero Beach, Bayshore Beach, and Alamitos Beach. But beaches aren’t the only thing to do here. Long Beach also has all of the following attractions and activities.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Explore the ocean’s marine life at Aquarium of the Pacific. You’ll get to see more than 150 sharks and rays at Shark Lagoon and tons of brightly colored fish at the Tropical Pacific Gallery. The aquarium also offers interactive art exhibits and animal shows.
The Queen Mary
The RMS Queen Mary, an ocean liner that first set sail in 1936, found its permanent docking place in Long Beach in 1967. It’s now a hotel, but you don’t have to book a room here to explore the ship. The Queen Mary is also a museum with exhibits highlighting its past. Take a daily public tour or self-guided tour to learn more about its history and visit several areas, including the captain’s quarters, music room, and engine room.
El Dorado Frontier Theme Park
For family-friendly activities, visit this amusement park. El Dorado Frontier Theme Park’s not as big as Universal Studios or Disneyland, but it offers whimsical fun with a Western theme. Pan for gold, ride a train, and go on a carousel. If you’re visiting in winter, El Dorado turns into a winter wonderland with lights, holiday train rides, and other festivities.
Museum of Latin American Art
If you want to explore the city’s cultural attractions, the Museum of Latin American Art is one of the top places to go. MOLAA features contemporary and modern art from Latino and Latin American artists. That includes more than 1,300 works of art and a sculpture garden in its permanent collection.
Swan Boat Rentals in Rainbow Lagoon
One of the top sights to see in Long Beach is the giant swan boats paddling around Rainbow Lagoon. You can join in the fun and rent a swan boat during your trip. Make it even more enjoyable with a picnic lunch while you’re on board.
Where to Stay in Long Beach
Traveling to Long Beach gives you a chance to stay in accommodations with beautiful views of the water. But the city also has many other hotel options to consider, depending on where you want to stay and how much you want to spend. These are some of the top accommodations in town based on various travel needs and priorities.
Hyatt Regency Long Beach
- Address: 200 S. Pine Ave., Long Beach, CA 90802
- Diamond-designation:: Three Diamond
- Best for: Waterfront accommodations close to entertainment
If you’ll be attending any events or shows at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, the Hyatt Regency puts you right next door to it. This hotel also has a waterfront location that offers scenic views to enjoy throughout your stay. Lounge by the pool or explore the waters in self-propelled boats while you’re here.
The Westin Hotel
- Address: 333 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Great for: Easy access to many attractions and the waterfront
The Westin Hotel isn’t right on the waterfront, but it’s close enough to take in harbor views. You can also walk or bike to several attractions in Long Beach from these accommodations. Dine in on-site restaurants and take a swim while you’re a guest here.
Courtyard by Marriott
- Address: 3841 N. Lakewood Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90808
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best for: Budget-friendly accommodations close to the airport
If you’re flying in and out of Long Beach Airport, the Courtyard offers a convenient location. It’s also a top choice if you’re trying to keep accommodation costs lower. You get transportation to and from the airport, a hot tub to soak in, and other great amenities.
Hampton Inn by Hilton
- Address: 3771 N Lakewood Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90808
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best for: Accommodations close to shopping and dining
If you plan on doing a lot of shopping while you’re in town, the Hampton Inn makes it easy. It’s located near major shopping and dining options in Long Beach. The hotel also offers guests transportation to and from Long Beach Airport for added convenience.
Residence Inn by Marriott
- Address: 600 Queensway Dr., Long Beach, CA 90802
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Best for: Families or large groups
If you need accommodations for the whole family or a group of friends, the Residence Inn is a great option. All suites here are spacious and have kitchenettes, so you can make some of your own meals and save on dining expenses. You also get views of Queen Mary from this hotel.
Where to Eat in Long Beach
Being near the coast means you’ll find plenty of seafood options in the city. But Long Beach also has several other dining establishments serving other types of cuisine. We’ve rounded up some of the top places to enjoy a meal while you’re in town.
The Boathouse on the Bay
- Address: 190 N. Marina Dr., Long Beach, CA 90803
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested on weekends
- Type of Cuisine: California
Take in views of Alamitos Bay while dining at the Boathouse on the Bay. Its California cuisine menu includes several seafood and steak entrees and sides, such as lobster mac and cheese and Chilean sea bass.
Michael’s on Naples Ristorante
- Address: 5620 E. 2nd St., Long Beach, CA 90803
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
- Type of Cuisine: Italian
Head over to Naples Island for a delicious Italian dinner or Sunday brunch. Michael’s offers a prix-fixe menu with pizzas, pasta dishes, meat entrees, and tempting desserts, like almond cake and zeppole.
555 East
- Address: 555 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA 90802
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
- Type of Cuisine: Steak, Seafood
After visiting Aquarium of the Pacific, consider having a steak dinner at 555 East. The restaurant’s close to the aquarium and other attractions. Choose from Prime beef entrees, such as rib-eye and filet mignon. The menu also includes seafood and pasta dishes.
Chiang Rai
- Address: 3832 E. Anaheim St., Long Beach, CA 90804
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
- Type of Cuisine: Thai
The corner restaurant, Chiang Rai, is a local favorite. Enjoy Thai street foods, like hot and sour soup with Thai herbs, fried chicken, or Khao Soi curry noodle soup. Be prepared for a longer wait if you visit during lunchtime or other busy times.
Parker’s Lighthouse
- Address: 435 Shoreline Village Dr., Long Beach, CA 90802
- Diamond-designation: Three Diamond
- Reservations: Suggested
- Type of Cuisine: Seafood
For beautiful views of Queensway Bay and the Los Angeles River, head to Parker’s Lighthouse for dinner or lunch. Dine out on the patio for fresh air and incredible surroundings. The lunch and dinner menus mainly feature seafood dishes, such as clam chowder and grilled salmon, but you can also find chicken, steak, and other entrees here.
Long Beach Photo Spots
If you visit any theme parks close to Long Beach, you’re bound to take plenty of pics. But you can also get tons of great vacation photos in town. From the downtown streets to the shores, our guide to Long Beach includes these hot spots for taking incredible photographs.
1. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
The garden has several areas that give you gorgeous backdrops for your photos. One of the best is the koi pond. Capture images with colorful koi and peaceful pond waters as your background. You can also capture memorable images on the garden’s platform bridge or crescent bridge, black rock beach, zen garden, and tea house.
2. Lions Lighthouse
While it’s not a functional lighthouse, Lions Lighthouse at Shoreline Park still makes a great setting for vacation pics. Stand with this 10-story lighthouse behind you, along with the waters of Rainbow Harbor. For the most stunning images, aim to head here at sunrise or sunset to take vacation pics.
3. Hilltop Park
To get panoramic photos of Long Beach and the surrounding area, visit Hilltop Park on Dawson Avenue in neighboring Signal Hill. Climb up the hill, and you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the city skyline, Catalina Island, the Pacific Ocean, and even the famous Hollywood sign. That gives you plenty of options for photo backdrops.
4. Ferris Wheel at Pike Outlets
Pike Outlets is a shopping and dining center, but it’s known for its giant ferris wheel. Take photos of this colorful ride during the day, or come at night when it’s all lit up in LED lights. Either way, you’ll have an eye-catching setting for your trip photographs. Take pics from the top of the ferris wheel for even more stunning images.
5. Street Murals
Several streets throughout Long Beach have public art that makes for visually striking photo backdrops. Vibrant murals on buildings give you the perfect setting for memorable pics. Check out the Arts Council map of murals for a better idea of what they look like and where you can find them. Choose a few of your favorites for your photographs.
Day Trips from Long Beach
Theme parks aren’t the only destinations for day trips in the area. If you’re thinking about visiting another city or major attraction during your vacation, you’ll have several to choose from in this part of Southern California. The following are some that our AAA team recommends adding to your Long Beach trip itinerary.
1. Hollywood
- Distance: 30 miles
This iconic city isn’t far from Long Beach, but it can take awhile to get there due to backups on the freeway. Once you’re there, you’ll have a lot to see and do. Take pics with the Hollywood sign behind you. Stroll through the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and visit other famous sites in the city, including the Griffith Observatory and TCL Chinese Theatre.
2. La Brea Tar Pits
- Distance: 29 miles
Less than 30 miles from Long Beach is a fossil site dating all the way back to the Ice Age. The La Brea Tar Pits give you a chance to see bubbling tar, fossils, and active excavation sites. There’s a museum on site where you can find out more about the pits and see fossils of saber-toothed tigers, mammoths, and other Ice Age animals.
3. Runyon Canyon Park
- Distance: 33 miles
For an outdoor adventure, take a day trip to Runyon Canyon Park. You’ll get to hike through the Hollywood Hills, giving you a great workout and a chance to enjoy some incredible views of the area. Take your pick of three main trails, varying in terms of length and difficulty. You can also check out some of the park’s smaller trails.
4. Catalina Island
- Distance: 29 miles
For the beach and exciting outdoor activities, visit Catalina Island. You can spend your time relaxing on one of the island’s public beaches, or do something more daring, like taking a tour to see the resident bison or going scuba diving. Other activities here include helicopter tours, snorkeling, and parasailing. Catalina Island also has several shops and restaurants.
5. Anaheim
- Distance: 25 miles
The city’s known for being the home of Disneyland, but there are many other things to do in Anaheim. Plan a day trip here to see history, art, and culture at the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center, USS Midway Museum, and City National Grove of Anaheim. Visit the GardenWalk for shopping and dining.
Visiting Long Beach on a Budget
Long Beach might not be among the most expensive places to visit in California. But your travel costs may be higher than expected, especially if you include a day trip or two to theme parks. To help keep your spending down, follow these budgeting tips while planning your Long Beach vacation.
1. Plan a winter trip instead of summer. Many tourists come to Long Beach during summer to make the most of the hot weather and beaches. That increases prices on accommodations, flights, rental cars, and other expenses. You can save big with a winter vacation here. You won’t be competing with lots of other tourists for reservations, resulting in lower rates overall.
2. Find deals and discounted rates using your AAA membership. AAA helps you reduce travel expenses with discounts on rental cars, attractions and tours, hotels, and more. As a member, explore available deals on the following for your Long Beach trip:
- Tickets to local attractions and activities
- Accommodations in or near Long Beach
- Vehicle discounts for car rentals
3. Bike around to save on gas and parking costs. With Long Beach being such a bike-friendly place, biking around is a good way to save money. Getting around this way helps keep parking and gas costs to a minimum during your trip. Bring your own bike if you’re driving into town, or rent one for your stay if you’re flying into town.
4. Book accommodations away from the water for lower rates. As with most coastal cities, waterfront hotels tend to cost the most. Staying in accommodations that aren’t as close to the water can help you find lower rates. You’ll still be just minutes from the shore if you want to take in water views.
5. Check out low cost or free things to do in Long Beach. Visiting Long Beach doesn’t have to mean spending lots of money on attractions and activities day in and day out. The city has plenty of things to do that are free or low-cost, like exploring El Dorado Nature Center, Rancho Los Alamitos, or Long Beach Museum of Art’s Downtown satellite location.
Plan Your Long Beach Vacation with AAA
Once you’ve gathered inspiration for your dream Long Beach trip on Trip Canvas, contact one of AAA’s Travel Agents today to start making your dream a reality, using your AAA membership to access exclusive deals. No matter your budget, they can help you simplify the planning process with prepackaged trips or à la carte options.