10 Amazing Things to Do in Long Beach, CA for the Ultimate Coastal Escape

Long Beach, California, offers a perfect blend of coastal charm and urban excitement. With its stunning waterfront, diverse attractions, and year-round perfect weather, this seaside gem delivers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveler. Whether you’re a nature lover, food enthusiast, or culture seeker, Long Beach has something special waiting for you.

1. Explore the Aquarium of the Pacific

Step into an underwater wonderland at this world-class aquarium housing over 11,000 marine animals. The shark lagoon lets you touch bamboo sharks while the sea otter habitat showcases these playful creatures in action.

Kids love the interactive tide pools where they can handle starfish and sea anemones under staff supervision. The Tropical Pacific Gallery transports visitors to colorful coral reefs teeming with exotic fish.

Don’t miss the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibits and the outdoor harbor terrace offering lovely bay views. As one of America’s top aquariums, it perfectly balances education and entertainment.

2. Stroll the Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path

Morning joggers and evening couples alike treasure this 4.5-mile coastal path stretching from bustling Shoreline Village to charming Belmont Shore. Palm trees line the route, offering welcome shade during sunny California days.

Rent a beach cruiser from one of several nearby shops and feel the ocean breeze as you pedal past sandy beaches and picturesque marinas. Skateboarders and rollerbladers share the smooth pavement with walkers enjoying the relaxed atmosphere.

The path reveals perfect vantage points for watching sailboats glide across the harbor and spectacular sunset views that paint the sky in vibrant oranges and pinks.

3. Wander Naples Canal by Kayak or Gondola

Glide through the enchanting waterways of Naples Island, where Mediterranean-inspired homes line pristine canals. Authentic Venetian gondolas offer romantic tours complete with serenading gondoliers – perfect for special occasions or surprise proposals.

For more active exploration, kayak rentals provide a self-guided adventure through these peaceful waters. Friendly ducks often paddle alongside as you navigate under charming bridges and past waterfront gardens.

During December, the Christmas Boat Parade transforms these canals into a magical display of lights and decorations. Year-round, this hidden gem offers a serene escape from the busier tourist spots in Long Beach.

4. Relax at Bluff Park & Visit the Long Beach Museum of Art

Perched above the shoreline, this grassy oasis offers spectacular ocean panoramas and cool sea breezes. Locals spread blankets for picnics while watching parasailers drift across the horizon and container ships entering the busy port.

The historic Long Beach Museum of Art sits within this peaceful setting, housed in a charming 1912 Craftsman home. Inside, contemporary works by California artists share space with international exhibitions that rotate throughout the year.

After exploring the galleries, stop at Claire’s at the Museum restaurant for brunch on a stunning oceanfront patio. The park’s walking paths, public sculptures, and manicured gardens make it perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

5. Visit the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

Tucked away on Cal State Long Beach’s campus lies this tranquil 1.3-acre sanctuary designed by master landscape architect Edward Lovell. Koi fish in vibrant orange and white patterns glide beneath traditional zigzag bridges representing life’s journey.

Seasonal changes bring new beauty: cherry blossoms in spring, water lilies in summer, and fiery maple leaves in fall. The teahouse pavilion hosts authentic Japanese tea ceremonies where visitors learn about this ancient cultural practice.

Meditation stones and carefully pruned bonsai trees create perfect spots for quiet reflection. Though small in size, the garden’s meticulous design makes it feel like a world away from the surrounding urban environment.

6. Discover Museums at Shoreline Village & Bluff Park Neighborhood

Art enthusiasts find paradise in Long Beach’s diverse museum scene. The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) stands as the only museum in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary Latin American art, featuring bold murals and thought-provoking installations.

Nearby, the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum showcases intricate carvings, textiles, and ceremonial objects from Polynesian, Micronesian, and Melanesian cultures. Both museums offer hands-on workshops where visitors create their own masterpieces inspired by the collections.

Between gallery visits, charming cafés and boutiques in the arts district provide perfect refreshment stops. Many museums offer free admission days, making cultural exploration accessible to everyone.

7. Catch a Harbor Cruise or Aqualink Water Taxi

Maritime adventures await aboard Long Beach’s fleet of harbor vessels. The sleek red Aqualink water taxis zip between Rainbow Harbor and Belmont Shore, offering an affordable way to see the coastline while avoiding parking hassles.

Harbor cruises reveal massive shipping operations alongside playful sea lions basking on buoys. Winter brings the thrilling whale watching season, when magnificent gray whales migrate past Long Beach, often accompanied by acrobatic dolphins leaping in their wake.

Sunset dinner cruises combine spectacular views with fresh seafood and live music. For a special experience, book a sailing on an authentic tall ship where crew members share fascinating stories about the area’s maritime history.

8. Visit the Iconic Queen Mary & Haunted Tours

Majestically anchored in Long Beach Harbor, this legendary 1930s ocean liner stands as a floating hotel and living museum. The Art Deco interiors transport visitors to the golden age of transatlantic travel with original wood paneling, vintage staterooms, and grand ballrooms.

History buffs marvel at exhibits showcasing the ship’s wartime service as a troop transport. After dark, ghost tours explore the vessel’s spookier side, revealing why the Queen Mary ranks among America’s most haunted locations.

The observation deck provides spectacular views of the Long Beach skyline. Sunday brunches in the elegant dining room combine gourmet offerings with the unique experience of dining aboard this historic maritime treasure.

9. Enjoy Belmont Shore & Second Street Dining

Foodies flock to this charming neighborhood where Second Street buzzes with over 50 restaurants and boutiques. Morning brings locals to sidewalk cafés sipping lattes while watching the neighborhood wake up.

The culinary scene spans global flavors – from authentic Italian pasta houses to innovative sushi bars. Liv’s serves fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen, while Sweet Jill’s bakery tempts with giant cinnamon rolls and beach-themed cookies.

Between meals, browse independent bookstores, surf shops, and jewelry boutiques. Just steps away, Belmont Shore Beach offers a quieter alternative to main beaches, perfect for watching volleyball tournaments or simply wiggling toes in the soft sand.

10. Explore Retro Row on 4th Street

Vintage treasures await along this eclectic stretch where mid-century modern furniture shops neighbor record stores filled with vinyl classics. The Art Theatre, a restored 1920s movie house, screens indie films and cult favorites to appreciative crowds.

Fashion hunters discover one-of-a-kind pieces in carefully curated vintage clothing stores. Portfolio Coffeehouse serves as the neighborhood’s living room where artists sketch, writers type, and friends catch up over specialty brews.

Hungry visitors choose between authentic Mexican taquerias and hip vegan eateries. The area’s retro roller skate shop outfits locals for nearby beach path cruising. This vibrant district perfectly captures Long Beach’s creative spirit and appreciation for nostalgic Americana.