Although Long Beach’s name might suggest it is just one beach, the city has several superb options. Whether it’s something for families at Naples Island, our four-legged friends at Rosie’s Dog Beach, or water sports fun at Descanso Beach, there is a beach for everyone. Here are the best beaches to visit on your next trip to the coast.
If you are looking for somewhere to spread out and relax, Alamitos Beach is perfect for taking it easy. Sitting next to the Long Beach City Beach, Alamitos offers golden sands for sunbathing and calm waves for taking a swim. If you are looking for something other than lazing on the beach, the paved cycle path alongside it is a great way to take in the ocean views, with bike rentals available nearby.
A family favorite on Naples Island, Mother’s Beach is an ideal destination for parents with younger children, as it features a protected, soft children’s play area and grass park. The beach’s mellow waves also make it a great starting point for paddleboarders who want to explore the waterways of the city’s Italian-inspired district.
Rosie’s Dog Beach (also known as Granada Beach) is perfect for taking a casual stroll with your canine companion. The wide beach has a dog-friendly zone where they’re free to run off-leash to their hearts’ content. The beach is also popular for windsurfing and kiteboarding and has a lifeguard service running throughout the day.
Junipero Beach, also known as Cherry Beach, is one of the top spots for taking in the sweeping seascapes of the Southern California coastline, with impressive views of both the ocean and Los Angeles harbor. The pristine beach is also next to Bixby Park which regularly hosts free yoga sessions and has plenty of exercising equipment if you’re looking to get your heart rate going before unwinding on the beach.
Near the Long Beach Peninsula, this bayside beach has been a popular holiday destination for California residents since the early 20th century, with many nearby houses being former holiday homes. The Peninsula Bayside Beach has some lovely views with small sailboats gliding through the canal. A little cafe is close by and the nearby Seaside Walk Boardwalk offers a pleasant walking route around the area.
Just a short ferry trip to Catalina Island, Descanso Beach offers a fun, if a slightly more up-market, day-trip experience. The private beach has a reasonable $2 entry fee. You can enjoy many water sports at the local beach club, including snorkeling, paddleboarding and kayaking. If you’re looking to extend your visit, the beach club also offers a fantastic restaurant and bar for you to spend the evening after a long day in the sea.