You might not know Long Beach has one of the largest coastal wetlands left in Southern California, tucked between city life and the ocean. You’ll find vibrant murals, a world-class aquarium, and a retired ocean liner turned museum, all within easy reach. Stroll beaches, sip local brews, or explore contemporary art — and there are a few unexpected spots that’ll change how you see the city, so keep going to find them.
Aquarium of the Pacific
A visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific immerses you in California’s largest aquarium, a 360,000-square-foot hub of over 100 exhibits and more than 11,000 animals representing about 500 species. You’ll move from luminous tidepools to the deep-blue of Shark Lagoon, noticing how each habitat reflects ocean rhythms and human impact. In Lorikeet Forest you’ll feed nectar to vibrant birds, feeling a direct, joyous connection to wildness. Pacific Visions frames research and sustainability with clear, hopeful storytelling that empowers you to act for ocean health. Behind-the-scenes tours and workshops give practical knowledge—how aquarists care for species, why conservation matters, and what you can do locally. The exhibits don’t just show life; they invite choices: reduce plastic, support habitat protections, rethink consumption. You leave equipped, not burdened, with concrete steps toward stewardship. The aquarium turns observation into liberation, offering both wonder and the tools to protect the blue world you depend on.
The Queen Mary
Step aboard the Queen Mary and you’ll feel the weight of its 1936 history as a luxury liner turned wartime troopship, now parked in Long Beach as a museum and hotel. You can tour restored staterooms and the Captain’s Cabin, join guided historical walks or themed dining events, and view exhibits that trace the ship’s cinematic and cultural legacy. If you’re up for something spookier, nightly ghost tours and paranormal investigations tap into the vessel’s reputation as one of the city’s most haunted attractions.
Historic Ocean Liner
Launched in 1936, the Queen Mary sits permanently in Long Beach as a National Historic Landmark you can walk through, sleep aboard, and explore on guided tours. You’ll feel the ship’s dual identity—luxury liner and wartime troop transport—underneath its sweeping Art Deco lines and original furnishings. Move through grand public rooms, imagine transatlantic voyages, and notice the craftsmanship that defined the golden age of ocean travel. The vessel’s museum displays give context without overwhelming: timelines, artifacts, and stories that connect you to global history and personal narratives. Special events keep the ship alive, from themed dinners to after-dark investigations, inviting you to claim a piece of its past and experience a vast, stubbornly defiant sense of freedom.
Tours and Exhibits
When you board the Queen Mary, guided tours and self-led exhibits fold together to reveal layers of luxury, war service, and Hollywood glamour—each deck offering a different chapter to explore. You’ll move through cabins and corridors that once hosted transatlantic travelers, noting the Captain’s Cabin with its distinctive bathtub and ornate details that speak to a bygone opulence. Museum displays trace the ship’s wartime conversion and its role in film and celebrity culture, and knowledgeable guides deliver crisp context about architecture, people, and pivotal events. Seasonal programs add fresh perspectives, from themed exhibits to performances, so you can return and see new facets. The experience frees you to piece history together on your own terms.
Haunted Attractions
Aboard the Queen Mary you’ll find a reputation for the uncanny that’s as integral to the ship as its art deco fittings and transatlantic history. You’ll walk dim corridors where crew and guests are said to linger, and guides will share measured accounts of apparitions, footsteps and cold spots that history alone can’t explain. You can join nightly ghost tours that trace the ship’s tragedies and mysteries, or sign up for hands-on investigations using EMF meters and other gear to seek proof yourself. Room B340 draws particular attention; reports of noises and sightings concentrate there. Seasonal events, especially Halloween, turn the vessel into a collective rite—part storytelling, part empowerment—where you confront fear and claim your curiosity.
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
Step inside the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) and you’ll find the only U.S. institution devoted exclusively to modern and contemporary Latin American art, with a diverse collection of over 1,500 works from across the region. You’ll move through rotating exhibitions that challenge narratives and invite freedom of expression, and you’ll join workshops like Paint & Sip that teach techniques while loosening creative grip. The sculpture garden lets you breathe among large-scale pieces, seeing art and nature in dialogue. MOLAA’s programs foster community, cultural exchange, and the confidence to claim space for your voice.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Collection | Deep, representative, liberating |
| Exhibitions | Rotating, thought-provoking |
| Sculpture Garden | Outdoor reflection, scale |
| Programs | Educational, participatory |
| Location | 628 Alamitos Ave — accessible hub |
You’ll leave with new perspectives and a sense that art can be a practice of liberation.
Long Beach Museum of Art
Perched on a bluff at 2300 E Ocean Blvd, the Long Beach Museum of Art offers contemporary exhibitions and an intimate sculpture garden with sweeping Pacific views that make it as much a place for reflection as for discovery. You’ll find rotating shows that privilege local and international voices, curated to provoke thought and invite new perspectives. Walk the garden paths, let the ocean air loosen expectations, and study sculptures that frame the horizon — it’s a quiet insurgency against the ordinary. The museum runs workshops, lectures, and family programs that teach you to see, make, and speak about art with confidence. If you want access without barriers, visit on a Thursday when admission is free; those hours create space for broader participation. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, education, or a contemplative pause, the museum gives you concrete encounters with art that empower your curiosity and connect you to Long Beach’s lively cultural pulse.
Battleship IOWA Museum
Moored in San Pedro, the Battleship IOWA Museum lets you walk through a living piece of naval history that served in World War II, Korea, and the Cold War. You’ll board a ship that’s the last of the U.S. Navy’s four Iowa-class battleships, a powerful symbol of speed and firepower with nine 16-inch guns looming over the decks. Walk through officers’ quarters and peer into the Captain’s Cabin—yes, there’s a distinctive bathtub—so you can imagine daily life aboard. Guided tours reveal operational stories, tactical decisions, and sailors’ routines, giving you context rather than glorification. The exhibits and programs aim to preserve history while encouraging critical reflection and inspiration for future maritime stewards. Whether you want hands-on learning or quiet observation, the museum offers events and educational programming that connect you to technological achievement and human experience. You leave with a clearer sense of how naval power shaped eras and how you can carry that knowledge forward.
Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site
You’ll step back into California’s layered past as you tour the beautifully restored 1862 adobe at Rancho Los Cerritos, where Spanish, Mexican, and American influences meet in the architecture and exhibits. Stroll the extensive gardens to see historical plantings and period landscaping that frame the grounds. Guided tours and regular educational programs bring the site’s stories and its role in Southern California’s development to life.
History and Architecture
Although tucked into the city’s urban grid, Rancho Los Cerritos opens a clear window onto Southern California’s layered past, where a restored 1844 adobe ranch house anchors exhibits spanning the Spanish, Mexican and American eras. You’ll step into rooms where worn beams and thick adobe walls speak of frontier life, and curated artifacts map cultural shifts that shaped the region. Guided tours break down architectural details—adobe construction, tile roofs, and period modifications—so you can read how form followed function through changing hands and laws. The museum’s designation as a California Historical Landmark reminds you this isn’t nostalgia; it’s preservation of stories that liberate understanding. You leave with sharper sense of place and history’s tangible traces.
Gardens and Grounds
Just beyond the adobe’s thick walls, the gardens and grounds at Rancho Los Cerritos reveal how landscape shaped daily life here—paths, orchards and native plantings once supplied food, shade and beauty for the ranch’s inhabitants. You’ll walk purposeful rows of historic trees and drought-tolerant natives that honor the land and the people who tended it. The restored grounds feel like a quiet manifesto: practical, resilient, and beautiful. You can read the site’s layers of Spanish, Mexican and American influence in stone pathways, irrigation traces and planting choices. As a California State Historical Landmark, the ranch models stewardship and community memory, inviting you to reflect on sustained care and freedom through cultivated land.
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Native plants | Support local ecology |
| Orchards | Food and history |
| Paths | Everyday labor made visible |
Tours and Programs
Step into history with a guided tour at Rancho Los Cerritos, where docents lead you through the 1866 adobe and its restored gardens while pointing out details that reveal Long Beach’s Spanish, Mexican and early American eras. You’ll hear stories of settlers and ranch hands, learn about adobe construction, and see how land use shaped community life. The gardens invite you to notice native plants that sustained people and wildlife, a quiet lesson in resilience and stewardship. Regular educational programs and events connect you with living history, offering talks, workshops and family activities that deepen understanding and inspire engagement. Open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, the site lets you reclaim history, question narratives, and join a shared civic memory.
Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
A living snapshot of Southern California’s past, Rancho Los Alamitos spans 7.5 acres of preserved buildings, gardens, and a working farm that trace the region’s shift from Spanish and Mexican eras to American statehood. You’ll step into an 1800s adobe home on guided tours that reveal architectural details and the lives of families who shaped the land. Stroll through layered gardens where native plants reclaim space and seasonal blooms punctuate pathways, offering quiet moments to reflect on continuity and change. A historic barn and functioning farm demonstrate agricultural practices that sustained communities, inviting you to contemplate stewardship and self-reliance. Educational programs and community events connect you with stories often missing from textbooks, fostering cultural awareness and collective memory. Best of all, this history is open to everyone—admission is free—so you can access a tangible past, learn actively, and leave inspired to participate in the ongoing work of preserving place and freedom.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
You’ll step into a tranquil 1.3-acre Japanese garden filled with koi ponds, waterfalls, bonsai and carefully arranged plantings that invite quiet reflection. Plan your visit around guided tours or seasonal cultural events, and check hours — students and staff often get in free while the public pays a small fee. Wear comfortable shoes for the stone paths and arrive early if you want photos without crowds.
Tranquil Garden Highlights
Although tucked inside the Cal State Long Beach campus, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden feels like a quiet world of its own, where winding paths lead you past a koi pond, cascading waterfalls, and a bonsai collection that reflects traditional Japanese aesthetics. You’ll notice how 1.3 acres fold into a deliberate landscape, over 200 plant species shaping seasonal shifts and a calm rhythm. Established in 1981, the garden uses classic principles—balance, asymmetry, and borrowed scenery—to free your mind from noise. Educational programs and workshops let you learn techniques and cultural context, so you leave not just refreshed but more capable. Move slowly, breathe, and let the subtle details—the ripples, moss, clipped evergreens—reclaim your attention.
Visiting Tips and Hours
After you’ve let the garden’s small details settle, plan your visit so you get the most from its quiet layout and programs. You’ll find the 1.3-acre Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden on the CSU Long Beach campus, where koi ponds, waterfalls, bonsai and layered plantings invite slow, deliberate observation. Admission is typically free for students and staff; general admission runs about $5, with senior and child discounts. The garden’s public hours are Tuesday–Sunday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., with extended summer hours. Workshops and events appear regularly, offering chances to learn and connect.
- Visit early to claim peaceful views and softer light
- Bring a camera but move gently to respect the space
- Check the calendar for workshops and talks
- Carry water and dress for sun or shade
Bike Along the Shoreline and Belmont Shore
When you hop on a bike in Long Beach, the interconnected routes make it easy to cruise the Shoreline and Belmont Shore while soaking up ocean views and sea breezes. You’ll find Shoreline Way near Belmont Plaza Pool especially picturesque — a steady path where salt air and surf soundtrack your ride. Long Beach Bike Share stations put rental bikes within reach, so you can be spontaneous and unburdened. Ride Bayshore Beach for a calmer stretch if you want to swim or relax; families and free spirits will appreciate the gentler pace. With ideal year-round weather, you can choose a casual coastal roll or push for a more adventurous loop. Observe kites, sailboats, and local life as you move; the city’s layout invites exploration and liberation. Bring a light lock, water, and curiosity, and let the shoreline guide you to small discoveries.
| Route | Vibe |
|---|---|
| Shoreline Way | Scenic, breezy |
| Belmont Shore | Lively, social |
| Bayshore Beach | Calm, family-friendly |
| Bike Share | Convenient, flexible |
Whale Watching Tours
If you want a front-row seat to ocean giants, Long Beach’s three-hour whale watching tours deliver close encounters with blue whales, dolphins, and other marine life while guides explain behavior and local ecology. You’ll leave the marina feeling small and free as the horizon opens, scanning for spouts, breaches, and the subtle choreography of pods. Guides point out identifying features, migration timing, and how local currents shape feeding grounds, so you learn while you watch.
Dress in layers, bring sunscreen, and prepare for wind and sun that can change in minutes. Tours run strongest December–April for gray whales and May–November for blue whales; many companies even offer a free second trip if you don’t spot whales. Expect a communal, almost revolutionary quiet when a whale surfaces — people drop their phones and simply witness.
- Departures from Long Beach Marina and nearby docks
- Knowledgeable guides explaining behavior and ecology
- Migration-season windows for best sightings
- Most operators offer sighting guarantees
Shoreline Village and the Pike Promenade
Stroll the waterfront and you’ll find Shoreline Village and the Pike Promenade, a lively pair of destinations where colorful shops, seafood restaurants, and seaside attractions cluster around the marina and Queen Mary views. You can wander over 30 boutiques and eateries at Shoreline Village, pause for fresh seafood with a harbor breeze, and catch live music or seasonal events that keep the atmosphere electric. The Pike Promenade, once an old amusement area, now mixes entertainment, dining, and an open-air marketplace that invites you to explore without a schedule.
You’ll spot a Ferris wheel and arcades that beckon families and anyone craving a playful escape. Both spots are made for walking or biking, so you can move at your own pace, claim a sunny bench, and watch boats drift by. If you want freedom from routines, these waterfront corridors let you choose what to see, taste, and feel.
Retro Row (4th Street) Shopping
Walk down 4th Street and you’ll find Retro Row’s mix of vintage clothing stores where you can score true throwback pieces and one-of-a-kind accessories. You’ll also stroll past indie boutiques and gift shops stocked with handmade crafts, local art, and quirky treasures. Finish your visit with retro entertainment—think roller skates, classic theaters, and lively murals that give the block its nostalgic vibe.
Vintage Clothing Finds
Retro Row on 4th Street pulses with retro fashion and indie flair, where you can dig through racks of true vintage, upcycled treasures and quirky accessories across shops like Pigeons Roller Skate Shop and Plantiitas. You’ll feel the neighborhood’s nostalgic hum around the restored Art Theatre, which frames your hunt with classic cinema vibes. Sustainably minded sellers curate items that let you express yourself without compromising values. Wander murals, pause for coffee, then slip into a leather jacket or a 70s dress that feels like freedom.
- Scan carefully for quality and unique labels.
- Ask shopkeepers about restoration or upcycling stories.
- Mix eras to craft an unmistakable personal look.
- Take photos; outfits tell your liberated story.
Indie Boutiques & Gifts
From your vintage hunt along 4th Street, turn your attention to the neighborhood’s indie boutiques and gift shops, where local makers and small-business owners fill storefronts with handmade goods, quirky keepsakes, and one-of-a-kind finds. You’ll wander past shops offering antiques, collectibles, and mindful crafts that let you choose items with meaning, not mass-market sameness. Pop into Pigeons Roller Skate Shop for bold skates or Plantiitas for plant-forward, eco-friendly gifts that support sustainable living. Note the rhythm of community events and art walks — they make shopping feel participatory, not passive. These storefronts invite you to express yourself freely, support local creativity, and leave with objects that reflect your independent spirit.
Retro Entertainment Spots
When you stroll down 4th Street, Retro Row pulses with old-school charm and modern creativity — vintage clothing racks, antique cases, and indie storefronts sit cheek-by-jowl with cafés and the restored Art Theatre, so you can hunt for records, try on ’70s denim, and catch a classic film all in one afternoon. You’ll find curated vintage shops, collectibles, and botanical boutiques that let you reclaim style on your own terms. The Art Theatre screens indie and classic movies, while shops like Pigeons Roller Skate Shop and Plantiitas add playful utility and plant-based flair. Pop-up markets and community events keep the street alive, inviting you to explore, connect, and expand your aesthetic freedom.
- Browse vinyl and retro clothing
- Rent skates, grab accessories
- See an indie or classic film
- Shop plants and handmade goods
Shoreline Aquatic Park and Harborwalk
A waterfront gem, Shoreline Aquatic Park and the Harborwalk give you over 10 acres of scenic green space and a 1.5-mile path that links the Aquarium of the Pacific to the Queen Mary. You can walk or bike that ribbon of shoreline, feeling the harbor breeze and watching boats slip by as public art punctuates the route. The park’s lawns and shaded benches invite picnics and quiet reflection, a place to pause and reclaim your time. If you want more motion, rent a kayak or paddleboard nearby and cut across the water under your own power. Seasonal festivals and community events animate the park, offering music, food, and chances to connect with locals who care about this shared space. Sculptures and installations add texture to your stroll, turning every turn into a small discovery. Whether you seek calm, movement, or communal energy, this stretch of Long Beach frees you to choose how to be present.
Naples Island Gondola Rides
If you keep strolling past the Harborwalk, you’re soon drawn inland to the serenely canal-cut neighborhood of Naples Island, where gondolas quietly glide beneath arched bridges. You’ll find a peaceful, Venice-like escape that feels deliberately removed from routine, perfect for reclaiming time with someone you love or a small crew of friends. Rides run about 50 minutes, carrying up to six people, and a gondolier narrates local history as you float past waterfront homes and lush gardens. You can enhance the moment with blankets, snacks, or drinks, and sunset trips turn the canals golden and intimate. These year-round voyages let you choose stillness or celebration.
- Romantic sunset rides that brighten vows and proposals
- Cozy group experience for families or friends (up to six)
- Scenic views of landscaped gardens and classic architecture
- Optional amenities: blankets, snacks, and beverages
Book a slot, step into quiet, and let the canals loosen whatever’s been holding you back.
Long Beach Grand Prix (Street Racing)
For decades the roar of engines has turned downtown Long Beach into a temporary racetrack, and you can feel the buzz from blocks away as teams prep on the 1.968-mile street circuit. You’ll be swept up by the scale: since 1975 this annual event draws 200,000+ spectators who come for high-speed IndyCar battles, tight chicanes, and ocean glimpses between turns. Walk the paddock, watch crews tune precision machines, and let the communal energy free you — the festival vibe blends racing, celebrities, and car shows into a liberating parade of speed.
| What to expect | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| IndyCar races | World-class drivers, intense overtakes |
| Festival atmosphere | Live entertainment, vendors, exhibitions |
| Scenic street circuit | Challenging turns, beachfront views |
Plan multi-day visits to catch practice, qualifying, and the main race. You’ll leave with ears ringing, adrenaline high, and a sense that you shared something bigger than a race.
The Hangar Food Hall and Local Eateries
After the roar of engines fades, head toward The Hangar Food Hall to refuel—this repurposed space hums with local energy, offering a rotating lineup of vendors serving fresh, ingredient-forward dishes across cuisines. You’ll find a casual, communal setting where modern design meets comfortable seating, and vendors emphasize seasonal produce, creative preparations, and options for many diets. The hall invites exploration: grab small plates to share, follow the aromas, and let live music or a weekend event set the tempo. It’s a place to savor variety, support local cooks, and feel a little freer with each bite.
After engines quiet, explore The Hangar Food Hall — a vibrant, communal spot for seasonal, globally inspired bites and live music
- Sample bold, globally inspired dishes made from local ingredients.
- Mix established favorites with daring new concepts.
- Enjoy community events and live music that lift the mood.
- Find vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and meat-forward choices.
Go with curiosity, taste deliberately, and celebrate Long Beach’s dynamic food scene in a space built for gathering.
Pow Wow Long Beach Murals and Street Art
When you wander Long Beach’s streets, Pow Wow murals catch your eye with bold color, sweeping scale, and stories that speak to the city’s people and places. You’ll find work from local and international artists who, since 2013, have turned walls into collective testimony—over 100 murals so far—each one insisting on visibility and belonging. Walk or bike mapped routes to encounter pieces that reckon with culture, community, and the environment; the images are unapologetic, generous, and rooted in neighborhood experience. During the festival you can watch artists at work, join workshops, catch live music, and visit pop-up exhibitions that invite dialogue rather than spectatorship. The murals reward slow looking: look for recurring motifs, local references, and layered meanings that connect you to Long Beach’s diverse identity. If you want art that liberates rather than decorates, Pow Wow’s streets offer public canvases that champion creative freedom and civic conversation.
Belmont Shore Dining and Nightlife
Stroll down 2nd Street and you’ll find a string of the best spots for every taste, from cozy delis to upscale seafood. As evening falls the bars and nightclubs light up, offering live music, craft cocktails, and a lively crowd that keeps the beach-town energy going. You can easily hop between a casual bite, a waterfront view, and a vibrant late-night scene without leaving the promenade.
Best Spots on 2nd
Count on 2nd Street in Belmont Shore to deliver a lively, walkable strip where you can hop between indie boutiques, vintage shops, and a lineup of eateries and bars that spill onto the sidewalk. You’ll find tight-knit energy—shops with unexpected finds, cafes that feel like neighborhood hubs, and dining spots that celebrate simple, bold flavors. Try Angelo’s Deli for a Soppressata sandwich that feels unapologetically real, or The Breakfast Bar for a home-style morning that slows you down. Events and festivals keep the pace electric, drawing locals and visitors into the communal street rhythm. Embrace the freedom to wander, taste, and discover.
- Indie boutiques with curated, offbeat pieces
- Vintage shops for liberated style finds
- Angelo’s Deli: iconic sandwiches
- The Breakfast Bar: hearty, homey breakfasts
Bars and Nightclubs
Although Belmont Shore winds down to the water, its evening energy kicks up along 2nd Street, where bars and nightclubs serve everyone from laid-back beer lovers to late-night dancers. You’ll find cozy spots like The Blind Donkey with craft cocktails and an extensive whiskey list, and lively venues serving Southern comfort and inventive drinks at The Attic. Summer brings live music and patio parties that loosen inhibitions, and many places welcome dogs so you can celebrate freedom with your pup. Move between pub warmth and dance-floor release; the scene’s inclusive, unpretentious vibe invites you to pick your pace and own the night.
| Vibe | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Chill patios | Social freedom, relaxed connection |
| Dance floors | Release, communal joy |
Alamitos Beach and Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier
Alamitos Beach and the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier offer a classic Southern California beach day—soft sand for sunbathing, surf for swimming, and a wide promenade that’s perfect for people-watching or a breezy walk out over the Pacific. You’ll find a lively coastline where you can stretch out on sand, plunge into gentle waves, or join a pickup game of beach volleyball. The pier extends into open water, giving you an elevated vantage for horizon views, fishing, and quiet reflection away from the shore. Facilities like restrooms, showers, and picnic tables make it easy to stay all day, and the Long Beach Bike Path links you to the pier and nearby neighborhoods so you can move freely.
- Walk the pier at sunset for wide ocean vistas and fresh air.
- Bike the coastal path for a liberating, scenic ride.
- Pack a picnic and use public tables and showers.
- Join community events hosted on the pier.
El Dorado East Regional Park and Nature Center
If you want a quieter, greener escape from the shoreline, head inland to El Dorado East Regional Park and its Nature Center, a more than 100-acre respite filled with trails, picnic groves, and a central lake where paddle boats drift past herons and mallards. You’ll find clear paths that invite steady walks or meditative hikes beneath eucalyptus and native trees, and picnic areas that make it easy to lay claim to an afternoon of freedom. The Nature Center offers hands-on exhibits and programs that sharpen your sense of local ecosystems and the species that populate them. Cast a line at designated fishing spots or watch birds from the shoreline; each moment feels intentional and unhurried. If you bring a dog, the fenced dog park lets your companion run free while you breathe easier. For more active play or family needs, El Dorado East links to the larger El Dorado Park’s fields and playgrounds, expanding your options without losing that calm, liberating vibe.
Long Beach Bike Share and Waterfront Cruising
When you grab a bike from one of Long Beach Bike Share’s more than 1,000 stations, you’ll find yourself on a scenic 5.5-mile coastal path that makes waterfront cruising effortless and rewarding. You’ll pedal past open water, skyline glimpses, and pockets of salt air that clear your head and invite forward motion. The system’s pay-per-ride model lets you choose an hour or a day, so you control the pace and the distance.
Grab a Long Beach Bike Share and cruise a scenic 5.5-mile waterfront path—flexible hourly or daily rides await.
You can link into bike-friendly routes that thread neighborhoods and green spaces, stopping where curiosity leads. Dedicated lanes mean you’ll ride with confidence, whether you’re aiming for the Aquarium of the Pacific or the looming silhouette of the Queen Mary.
- Easy pickup at hundreds of stations citywide
- Scenic coastal path with ocean and skyline views
- Hourly and daily rental options for flexible exploring
- Connected routes promoting sustainable, liberating travel
This is a simple, empowering way to claim the waterfront on your own terms.
Brewery Knolls Craft Beer Trail
After you’ve soaked up the waterfront—perhaps by bike along the coastal path—head inland to Brewery Knolls, Long Beach’s compact craft-beer district where you can wander between taprooms on foot. You’ll find a tight cluster of brewpubs and microbreweries that invite exploration: Long Beach Beer Lab’s experimental batches, Beachwood Brewing’s celebrated IPAs, and other innovators using local ingredients and inventive techniques. Walk a few blocks and join a tasting or a guided tour to learn how grain, hops, yeast and spirit converge into distinctive pours. Taprooms are relaxed and social, often pairing house brews with thoughtful food matches so you can taste contrasts and complements. The vibe encourages freedom of choice — sample boldly, swap recommendations, and linger where the conversation and music pull you in. Whether you’re a serious enthusiast or casually curious, Brewery Knolls gives you a compact, liberated craft-beer experience that feels both communal and distinctly Long Beach.
Uptown Long Beach Exploring and Boutique Shopping
Curious where Long Beach’s local flavor really shows up? You’ll find it in Uptown’s lively streets, where boutiques, vintage shops, and indie eateries invite you to roam and reclaim your weekend. The East Village Arts District pulses with galleries and coffee nooks — perfect for slow wandering, discovering handmade goods, and seeing art that challenges you. Community markets and events bring fresh produce and crafted wares; they’re places to connect and support creators. The pedestrian-friendly layout makes it easy to drift between shops and pocket parks, letting you pause, reflect, and decide your next find.
Uptown Long Beach: wander indie boutiques, sip in artsy cafés, discover vintage finds and vibrant local markets.
- Browse unique clothing and accessories in small boutiques that favor character over chains.
- Hunt vintage treasures and home goods that tell stories you can take home.
- Sip coffee in an artsy café, then pop into a gallery displaying bold local work.
- Time your visit for a farmers’ market or street event to meet makers and eat fresh.
Uptown rewards curiosity and independent spirit.
Dogs’ Day Out Spots and Pet-Friendly Cafés
A few of Long Beach’s best days are the ones you spend with your dog, from morning runs along Marine Stadium to lazy afternoons at Rosie’s Dog Beach where pups chase waves and zoomies rule the sand. You’ll find green expanses like Marine Stadium Park and Rosie the Riveter Park where your dog can burn energy off-leash, noses to the wind, free to explore. Swap directions to a patio at Berlin Bistro or Bo-beau when you want a relaxed meal; these cafés welcome dogs and make sharing the city simple. For motion lovers, Long Beach’s bike-friendly routes and dog-friendly rental options let you push boundaries together, turning errands into mini-adventures. Keep an eye out for Dogs’ Day Out events—shops and eateries roll out pet menus and playful activities so your companion gets the spotlight. Whether you crave calm shoreline afternoons or active urban rides, Long Beach hands you space and choice to roam with your dog, fully liberated.
Live Music and Seasonal Festivals in the LBC
You’ll find Long Beach’s outdoor concert series filling parks and waterfronts with everything from jazz to indie rock, making evening plans easy and breezy. Annual street festivals like the Jazz Festival, Pride events, and the Sea and Folk festivals draw big crowds with multiple stages, parades, and food vendors. Stroll the monthly Art Walk or time your visit for a summer weekend to catch live sets, beach games, and a lively community vibe.
Outdoor Concert Series
When the sun dips toward the harbor and the air warms with music, Long Beach’s outdoor concert series turn parks and waterfronts into lively community gatherings that celebrate everything from jazz and folk to rock and pop. You’ll find local and national artists playing free or low-cost shows that invite you to unwind, dance, and connect. Scenic settings add a liberating sense of space while seasonal festivals layer in food stalls, craft booths, and family-friendly activities. Expect spirited crowds, thoughtful programming like the Jazz and Folk festivals, and surprises that honor the city’s musical roots.
- Bring a blanket and let the skyline be your backdrop.
- Sample street food from local vendors.
- Discover emerging bands alongside headliners.
- Join community workshops and family activities.
Annual Street Festivals
Because Long Beach pulses with seasonal energy, its annual street festivals turn city blocks and waterfronts into nonstop stages of music, food, and community. You’ll feel that pulse at the Long Beach Grand Prix in April, when over 200,000 visitors cheer a thrilling street race framed by live music and entertainment. In summer, the Long Beach Jazz Festival fills multiple stages with top artists, while the Sea Festival brings family-friendly beach events and coastal culture. May’s Pride Festival and Parade celebrates LGBTQ+ freedom with a vibrant parade, performances, and vendors. Come fall, Taste of Downtown highlights local chefs and seasonal flavors alongside music. These festivals invite you to move freely, savor local creativity, and connect with a city that celebrates expression.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Guided Historical Walking Tours of Downtown Long Beach?
Yes — you can join guided historical walking tours of downtown Long Beach that spotlight architecture, labor history, and diverse community stories. You’ll walk, learn, question, and connect with liberated perspectives led by knowledgeable local guides.
What Are the Best Family-Friendly Beaches With Lifeguards?
You’ll love Belmont Shore, Junipero Beach and Alamitos Bay Beach — all family-friendly with lifeguards, gentle surf, picnic areas and accessible walkways. Bring shade, snacks and freedom to roam; kids can safely splash and explore nearby shops.
Where Can I Catch Public Transportation to Nearby Los Angeles Attractions?
You’ll catch buses and the Metro A Line at Downtown Long Beach Transit Mall and 1st/Atlantic Station; you’ll stumble upon easy blue rail and express buses that free you to reach LA museums, beaches, and theaters without driving.
Are There Convenient Parking Options for Weekend Events?
Yes — you’ll find convenient weekend parking: city lots, metered street spots, and nearby garages, plus event shuttles and rideshare zones. Plan ahead, arrive early, and you’ll claim freedom from circling and stress.
What Safety Tips Should Visitors Know for Nighttime Outings?
Stick to well-lit areas, travel with friends, and keep valuables hidden; trust your instincts, use ride-shares or vetted transit, stay aware of surroundings, set check-in times, and learn local emergency contacts so you can move freely and confidently.
Conclusion
By now you’ve probably barely scratched the surface of Long Beach—yet it already feels like a tiny, thrilling universe you could get happily lost in. From aquarium spectacles and historic steel to sun-drenched beaches and taco joints that change your life, this city hustles with surprises around every corner. Go wander the murals, sip a daring local brew, and bring your dog: Long Beach somehow turns ordinary days into unforgettable stories you’ll tell forever.