The Best Things To Do In Long Beach California

Lying just south of Los Angeles, along the SoCal coast, Long Beach has some fantastic attractions. With one of the best aquariums in the country, some of the top beaches in California and a classic piece of history in the Queen Mary, it has something for all tastes. Here, Culture Trip takes you through some of the best places to visit on your next trip to the city.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Bringing in over one million visitors a year, the Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the most popular destinations in Long Beach. Home to more than 500 local and regional species, including sharks, otters and penguins, the center is dedicated to the protection and conservation of its resident animals. Be sure to catch one of the many daily feedings to see the inhabitants up close and personal.

Comprising several districts, the Long Beach Waterfront has plenty on offer for the discerning day tripper. If you fancy a relaxing stroll along the waterfront, the Rainbow Harbor Esplanade is the perfect opportunity to take in the sea. However, if you’re looking for a bit of retail therapy, the Pike Outlet is filled with stores, restaurants and much more.

Naples Island

Reminiscent of an Italian waterfront, Naples Island is a delightful destination in Long Beach. It features plenty of charming restaurants and shops, with sailboats nestled in the nearby harbor. If you are looking to take to the water yourself, kayak and gondola rides are available to hire on the sandy shores.

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

If you’re looking for a place to relax and take in some gorgeous scenery, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is the perfect place to unwind. Part of the California State University, Long Beach, the garden has been delighting guests for 40 years. Frequently used for weddings and special occasions, it’s open to the public five days a week and hosts several events throughout the year.

The Queen Mary

Built in Scotland in the 1930s, the Queen Mary has had an extraordinary history and now makes its home in Long Beach. Currently a hotel and visitor attraction, it’s a staple of the Long Beach shoreline. Outside the luxury hotel, you can book tours of the historic ship to hear some of the fascinating stories that have played out below the decks.

Long Beach Museum of Art

Once a private beachfront home, the Long Beach Museum of Art has been showcasing local artistic talent since the late 1950s. The museum’s permanent collection has more than 3,000 pieces of original work from some of the best artists America and Europe have to offer. It has also hosted many standout temporary exhibitions, from Matisse to Patrick Angus.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.