Long Beach Destinations
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Long Beach Attractions and things to do
LONG BEACH ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, California
562-590-3100
Open Daily 9am-6pm
Admission Charged
This is the only aquarium in the world to focus on the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy 550 species, 17 living habitats and 30 exhibits which take them on a journey throughout the Pacific Ocean’s three regions: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific. With its sweeping, curving, wave-like architecture, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific is designed to emulate the ocean. Over 12,000 creatures are on view at this fascinating, state-of-the-art aquarium, which re-creates three different ecosystems and brings visitors face to face with sharks, sea lions, eels and other residents of giant tanks.
Museum of Latin American Art
628 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, California 90802
562-437-1689
Hours: Tuesdays - Friday, 11:30am – 7:00pm, Saturday 11:00am - 7:00pm, Sunday 11:00am - 6:00pm.
Admission Charged
Known as MoLAA, this combination museum and cultural center is devoted exclusively to contemporary Latin American art, including paintings, lithographs and sculptures. It also offers shows, classes, wine tastings, an open-air market, gift shop, and a restaurant.
Long Beach Museum of Art
2300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90803 562-439-2119
Galleries & Store Tuesday – Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Admission Charged
Located high on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, this museum complex features the historic Elizabeth Milbank Anderson summer home and carriage house, both built in 1912, plus magnificent gardens, a permanent collection of European and California art, and a two-story gallery with changing exhibits.
Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway Long Beach, CA 90802
(800) 437-2934 (Phone) (562) 435-3511
The ships hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. with extended hours for restaurants & lounges.
First Class Passage ticket includes Ghosts & Legends show, admission to the adjoining exhibit of a Russian Cold War submarine, two Guided Tours and all exhibit areas. Casual to elegant dining
General admission passport includes the Ghosts and Legends and self-guided Shipwalk tour. Behind the Scenes Guided Tour and World War II Tour and First Class Passage package also available.
The Queen Mary was already an icon before arriving at its permanent home in Long Beach. “The grandest ocean liner ever built was hostess to the rich and famous during the 1930s and considered by many as the only civilized way to travel. World War II saw the Queen Marys conversion to a troop ship know as the Grey Ghost, carrying up to 15,000 troops at one time. She later carried more than 22,000 war brides and children to the United States and Canada. After her arrival in Long Beach in December of 1967, she was removed from British registry and ownership turned over to the City of Long Beach. Her operation, maintenance and preservation are entrusted to the non-profit RMS Foundation.
Soviet Foxtrot Submarine ( code name Scorpion)
- 1126 Queens Hwy.
Long Beach, California 90802
562-432-3316
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Admission includes a short film. The submarine is open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily.
The Soviet Foxtrot submarine, code name Scorpion, is on display just outside the Queen Mary. Touring the sub gives an idea of what life was like in close quarters. Steep ladders, small hatches, narrow corridors and lowered ceilings created an atmosphere much like an obstacle course. Imagine 78 crew sharing two showers and three toilets for up to three months at sea! Whale Watching
From December to early April, take a cruise to spot gray whales on their yearly migration. You may see the whales “spy hopping,” poking their heads above the water a bit, or “breaching,” a spectacular display as the whales propel themselves out of the water and fall back with a big splash. Bring your binoculars. Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site 4600 Virginia Road Long Beach, California 90807 562-570-1755
Open to the public Wednesday – Sunday from 1—5 (except on major holidays).
Admission Free
Rancho Los Cerritos was originally a Spanish land grant of 27,000 acres, but is still impressive at its present size of 4.7 acres. The complex includes an 1844 Monterey-Colonial two story adobe house (combining both Mexican and American architectural styles )and historic gardens. behave fun taking “Tea with Margaret Bixby.” You’ll enjoy a Victorian tea and find out about 19th century ranch life from “Margaret Bixby” in a living history presentation. The Pyramid
1250 Bellflower Blvd. California State University Long Beach Long Beach, California 90840
562-985-4949
Admission Free to View
This imposing edifice on the campus of California State University Long Beach, is one of only three pyramid-shaped buildings in the U.S. It is used for various functions including sporting events, conferences, weddings and filming for movies and commercials.
Rancho Los Alamitos
6400 Bixby Hill Road Long Beach, California 90815 562-431-3541
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free
This historic site was part of a massive Spanish land grant in 1784 and today serves as a living history museum comprised of six agricultural buildings, working blacksmith shop, magnificent gardens and a rambling adobe ranch house built in 1800.
California State University Long Beach
1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, California 90840
562-985-4111 Call for additional information Long Beach Arena
300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, California 90802
562-436-3661
Call for additional information
Admission Free to View
Used for conventions, exhibits and special events, this large arena offers 46,000 square feet of exhibit space plus seating for more than 13,500 people. Naples Island
5437 E. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, California
562-433-9595
Call for schedule of departures
Admission Charged for Trip
A peninsula on the southern most tip of Long Beach. Naples was patterned after the Italian city of the same name (with canals). Authentic gondolas glide along the waterways while spectators watch from the waterfront sidewalks.
Signal Hill Farmers Market
2701 Walnut Ave. Long Beach, California 90806
866-466-3834
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Free Weekly open-air market situated on a scenic grassy field features fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, , cut flowers, live orchids, farm fresh products, and baked goods.
Gondola Getaway
5437 E Ocean Blvd Long Beach, California
562-433-9595
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
A romantic one-hour Alamitos Bay cruise on an authentic Italian gondola, complete with gondolier (who will croon upon request) and complimentary food basket.
Shoreline Pedestrian/Bicycle Path
Alamitos Avenue to 54th Place Long Beach, California Biking trail; Jogging path/track
Pine Avenue
Between Ocean Blvd. and 3rd Ave. Long Beach, California
Open Daily
Admission Free Shop in the daytime or party at night within this trendy retail and restaurant district, with historicbuildings, shops and eateries. A sizzling nightlife takes over when the sun goes down. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
562-985-8885
Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.,Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Holiday and Seasonal Closures:
Winter: Mid December to the end of January Spring Break: The week before Easter Summer Holidays: The Fourth of July Fall: Thanksgiving Day through the following Sunday
Admission Charged. However, there is no fee to visit the garden unless a public program is offered that day. On the Cal State University Long Beach campus, you’ll find the quiet beauty of this large Japanese Garden. Enter through a tile roof gate modeled after one in Kyoto, Japan to another world. Explore a three-tiered Buddhist pagoda, wander the path in the White Birch Woods, and don’t miss the ceremonial teahouse where you pass through the sliding shoji doors into another world. There’s also a wonderful koi pond, bonsai gardens, waterfalls, and a “zigzag bridge”: built to ward off evil spirits that, legend holds, can travel only in straight lines. Shoreline Village
419 Shoreline Drive Long Beach, California 90802 562-435-2668 Call for days and hours of operation
Quirky shops, souvenir stores and restaurants line this popular waterfront boardwalk, which also features a carousel and fun zone for kids, live entertainment, beautiful views of the city, and dynamite sunsets.
Californian
419 Shoreline Village Drive at Pine Avenue Long Beach, California 800-432-2201
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
This 145-foot replica of the C.W. Lawrence is California’s “Official Tallship.” Long Beach Waterfront
54th Place and Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, California
Admission Free
Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the trail East 4th Street
Long Beach, California
Admission Free Shoppers looking to buy vintage clothes, furniture and other memorabilia from the 1950s up through the ‘70s will enjoy the many shops that span more than two-blocks on this popular, busy street. El Dorado Regional Park
7500 East Spring Street
Long Beach, California
310-570-1771
Open Daily from 7am dusk
Admission Charged
There are 3 fishing lakes, with pedal boats, and ducks that love to be fed. There is an archery range (you must bring your own equipment) a model glider field, a Frisbee golf course (byo), playgrounds, and bike trails (byo). Steam train rides. (Is this a miniature train or full size.? Where does it go: around the park or elsewhere?
LONG BEACH FAMILY FUN ATTRACTIONS Rainbow Harbor
419 Shoreline Village Drive at Pine Avenue Long Beach, California
800-432-2201
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Climb on board the tallship Californian, a full-scale re-creation of the 1848 Revenue Marine Cutter, C.W. Lawrence, one of fastest and grandest cutters on the California coast. Kids jump right into the adventure of clambering around the riggings and exploring below decks. If you really love tall ships, there are day cruises available.
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, California
562-590-3100
Open daily 9:00am - 6:00pm
Admission Charged
Over 5,500 species, from moon jellies to sharks, in 17 exhibits from the Bering Sea to Southern California to tropical barrier reef environments. The huge, three-story-high tanks are the most popular exhibits, but don’t miss the Soft Coral Lagoon’s Plexiglass underpass: peer up at tropical fish weaving through the coral and watch divers feeding the fish. Ready for a rest? Have a seat in the theatre, and watch a documentary on sea life.
Mothers’ Beach
At Marina Park (Appian Way)
If you have toddlers, head for “Mother’s Beach”. Lifeguards on duty in summer, sandy beach and gentle waves, barbecue grills, grassy areas, and a whale to climb on that spouts water.
El Dorado Regional Park and Nature Center
7500 East Spring Street
Long Beach, California
310-570-1771
Open Daily from 7am dusk
Admission Charged
There are 3 fishing lakes with pedal boats, and ducks that love to be fed. There is an archery range, (you must bring your own equipment) a model glider field, a Frisbee golf course (byo), playgrounds, and bike trails. Steam train rides too.
El Dorado Nature Center
Near the El Dorado Regional Park
7500 East Spring Street
Long Beach, California
310-570-1771
Open Daily from 7am - dusk
Admission Charged
The Center has streams and lakes and hiking trails, making it a great place to stretch your legs. The Center is set in a meadow surrounded by trees and is home to everything from turtles to weasels to rabbits. Bicycling and walking are free, but there is a small parking fee. At the Center Museum, children will love the hands-on exhibits and workshops. Rancho Los Alamitos
6400 Bixby Hill Road Long Beach, California 90815
562-431-3541
Open Wednesday through Sunday with tours every half hour
Admission Charged
The 7 acre ranch has an adobe house built in 1800 and barns with draft horses, goats, sheep, and other farm animals. It is set in four acres of gardens, and has a working blacksmith shop. This is a great way to spend a couple hours watching farming demonstrations (you’ll have the opportunity to take part in some yourselves!) pecial events are held all year long. Call for details.
Rancho Los Cerritos
4600 Virginia Road Long Beach, California 90805
562-570-1755
Call for additional information
Admission Free Originally a Spanish land grant of 27,000 acres; the ranch has shrunk to 4.7 acres. It contains an 1844 Monterey-Colonial adobe house and historic gardens. Have fun taking “Tea with Margaret Bixby.” You’ll enjoy a Victorian tea and find out about 19th century ranch life from “Margaret Bixby” in a living history presentation.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
6300 State University Drive Long Beach, California 90815 562-985-5930
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Holiday and Seasonal Closures:
Winter: Mid December to the end of January; Spring Break: The week before Easter Summer Holidays: The Fourth of July; Fall: Thanksgiving Day through the following Sunday
On the Cal State University Long Beach campus, you’ll find quiet beauty in this large Japanese Garden. Enter through a tiled roof gate modeled after one in Kyoto, Japan and emerge in another world. Explore a three-tiered Buddhist pagoda, wander the path in the White Birch Woods, and don’t miss the ceremonial teahouse where you pass through the sliding shoji doors to more wonders. There’s also a wonderful koi pond, bonsai gardens, waterfalls, and a “zigzag bridge” built to ward off evil spirits (which, legend holds, can only travelin straight lines).
Queen Mary Seaport
At the end of I-710
Long Beach, CA
562-435-3511
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
One of the main attractions in Long Beach is this huge ocean liner with its opulent public rooms and staterooms. This ship is one of the glories of the 1930s deco design period with gorgeous woods everywhere (even the decks are made of teakwood). Some believe that the ship is haunted!
LONG BEACH EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Antique & Collectible Market
323-655-5703
Long Beach Veterans Stadium located at Lakewood Blvd. and Conant Street near the Long Beach Airport.
Held the 3rd Sunday of Every month
Admission Charged The Long Beach Outdoor Antique & Collectable Market offers over 800 Dealers with a huge selection of antiques, collectibles and home furnishings at bargain prices
April Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
3000 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, California United States
882-88-SPEED
Call for days and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The annual race is billed as the largest sport special event of the West Coast, roaring engines, 180pmh speeds, and perfect weather, make for a fun filled day.
May Long Beach Community Band Classics Concert
Lakewood First Baptist Church
5336 East Arbor Road
Long Beach, California
562-403-2923
Call for exact dates and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The annual spring concert features the Shoreline Concert Band.
June
** Bixby Knolls Street Fair**
Atlantic Ave between Carson and Bixby Long Beach
Admission if Free The Annual Bixby Knolls Street Fair takes place on Atlantic Avenue, the District’s central commercial corridor, which is closed to traffic for several blocks to allow arts and crafts vendors, local business people and food purveyors to set up booths and boutiques in the street. The Fair is a free open-air festival that is attended by over 10,000 local residents and visitors who come to enjoy the free, family-oriented fun that includes shopping, food, kids’ activities and all sorts of live entertainment on the outdoor stage and on the street.
Long Beach Bayou Festival Long Beach
Queen Mary Events Park 1126 Queens Hwy Long Beach, CA 90802 562-435-3511
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
The Long Beach Bayou Festival is a three-day celebration that brings together authentic Louisiana music, food, shopping, arts, crafts and dancing. There are two live entertainment stages that offer a variety of musical options including Creole zydeco and jazz and blues. Come listen to the music or take some free dancing lessons.
September Harvest Festival
Long Beach Convention Center
300 E. Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, California
800-321-1213
Usually held Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm.
Admission Charged
This annual event is America’s leading marketplace of handmade art, clothing, gourmet food and thousands of unique items. The Harvest Festivals are a testimony to savvy shoppers who think outside of the mall for solutions to home decorating, wardrobe sprucing, gift giving and jewelry purchasing dilemmas. For those who crave more out of their shopping experience than just purchasing innovative items, the Harvest Festival has an exciting lineup of entertainment throughout the weekend, along with gourmet food sampling and much more.
Annual Brazilian Street Carnival and Independence Day Celebration
100 North Promenade, Downtown Long Beach
Long Beach, California
562-438-3669
Usually held 10:00am - 10:00pm
Admission Charged
Downtown Long Beach turns into a Rio Carnival every September with Brazilian bands, food, crafts, and the highlight of the day: a big Rio-style parade.
Annual Grecian Festival
562-494-8829
Call for exact dates and additional information
Admission Charged
This event features authentic Greek food, game booths and entertainment.
Long Beach KKJZ Blues Festival
Long Beach’s North Athletic Field
Long Beach, California
562-985-1686
Call for additional information and times
Admission Charged
KKJZ FM 88.1 presents this famous festival held at Cal State, spotlighting top Blues musicians.
Belmont Car Show
562-434-3066
Usually 10:00am – 3:00:pm
Admission Charged
The largest one-day show on the West Coast.
Annual Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival
Port’s O’Call Village
562-434-3066
Usually held Friday - Sunday, call for exact dates and times
Admission Charged
The annual Lobster Fest is coming. Get your appetite ready.
International Sail & Power Boat Show
Long Beach Convention Center and Downtown Marina
714/633-7581 Call for exact dates and hours of operation
Admission Charged
The Long Beach tradition continues, nearly forty years of boat shows produced by the Southern California Marine Association and presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The International Sail and Power Boat Show is the West Coast’s largest in-water and indoor boat show featuring hundreds of motor yachts, cruisers, sailboats, fishing boats, performance sport boats, family trailerables, ski boats, pontoons, inflatables and personal watercraft.
October
Homeworld Fall Show
300 East Ocean Blvd.
Long Beach, California 90802
562-436-3661
Call for additional information
See everything new at the Fall Home Show
Shipwreck
Aboard the Queen Mary
Long Beach, California
562-435-3511
Call for days and hours of operation
A month-long Halloween terror fest featuring haunted mazes aboard the Queen Mary.
Long Beach International City Bank Marathon
562-728-8829
Call for exact date and additional information
This popular and scenic course runs from the Aquarium along Ocean Blvd. througout Belmont Shore, Naples and back to the downtown area. Events include Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, inline Skating Marathon, Bike Tour, Children’s Fun Run.
December
Christmas Boat Parade
Long Beach, California
Boat Parade is usually held the second Saturday in December. Boaters may decorate their vessels and enter the parade. This parade attracts large crowds in and around the canals of Naples and it is always great fun. Arts & Entertainment The Terrace Theater
300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, California 90802
562-436-3661
Call for schedule
Admission Charged Edison Theatre
213 East Broadway Long Beach, California 90802 562-432-1818
Call for schedule and additional information
Admission Charged
Sports
Skylinks Golf Course
4800 East Wardlow Road Long Beach, California 90808
562-421-3388
Call for tee time and hours of operation
Admission Charged
Eighteen-hole challenging design is an enjoyable experience for all players, which offers an exciting blend of water hazards, numerous bunkers and excellent fairways and greens.
Long Beach Ice Dogs Hockey Club Long Beach Arena 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802 562.ICE.DOGS (423.3647)
Call for additional information
Admission Charged
Check for Long Beach Last Minute Travel Deals, Long Beach Hot Rate Hotels, Long Beach Travel & Vacation Packages, Long Beach Car Rentals.
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