Long Beach, CA: 15 Coolest Things To Do

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.

Covering a little more than seven acres, Los Cerritos Park is one of the best green spaces in Long Beach. A firm favourite among locals, the park has everything you would need to spend a day out, with beautiful scenery, picnic tables and an awesome play area if the kids are looking to expel some energy. Be sure to check out the Long Beach Municipal Band programme, as they hold concerts throughout the year from the bandstand.

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.

First opened in 1903 and located just near the popular Junipero Beach, Bixby Park is a perfect spot to spend a sunny afternoon. The park itself has plenty of activities available, including a sports field, volleyball courts and skate park. On top of that, it hosts several programs for local residents and even has a free yoga class taking place every day at 11am, all you need to take part is to turn up with your mat.

Spanning 105 acres and featuring some of the best landscapes in the city, El Dorado Nature Centre is a must visit for anyone looking to escape the city. Taking a walk around one of the park’s shaded footpaths, you’ll see plenty of wildflowers and local wildlife, with frogs and turtles making the space their home. And if you’re interested in learning more about the wildlife, you can learn all about it at the El Dorado Nature Center.

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.

More of a recreational space, Scherer Park has everything you need to get the blood pumping. Basketball, tennis and volleyball courts are all available within the park and following a major recent initiative, the park boasts a full-size community center including a weight room, a youth recreation centre and adult fitness classes. Found just off Long Beach Boulevard, the park is open all year round.

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.

Overlooking the ocean, Marina Vista Park is filled with some of the city’s best waterfront views. Found just off East Eliot Street, this pristine park covers roughly 20 acres and has some great amenities on offer, including a marine reserve, several sports courts and public swimming all available. If you’re around near the end of October, the annual Howl’oween, a Halloween-inspired dogs parade, cannot be missed.

Just a short walk away from its neighbour, the Marina Vista Park, Colorado Lagoon is a fascinating space in its own right. Giving guests an opportunity to explore some of the area’s extensive wetlands, the park has an overabundance of flora and fauna to discover. The park has a few activities available, although keep in mind that swimming is prohibited when the water is in poor condition. There is also a charming model boat lake and shop available towards the end of the park, with the shop opening for a few weeks each summer.

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.

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.

The Atlantis-like site is actually a formerly luxurious neighborhood that fell hundreds of feet into a canyon during an earthquake. Now, it draws hikers from all over who trek down into the steep abyss and mark it with graffiti. It’s an amazing sight, but beware of passing trespassing signs — authorities will issue tickets. Recommended by Mary Pettas

This museum is free the first weekend of every month for Bank of America cardholders and features work from Frida Kahlo and Dia de los Muertos. They also hold cultural events and offer beautiful outside grounds with a sculpture garden. Recommended by Mary Pettas

There are tons of great bars in Long Beach to choose from, from sports bars to whiskey bars with craft cocktails. Sip this ridiculously overloaded signature bloody Mary by the sea at The Attic. Recommended by Mary Pettas