
How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Long Beach, California, United States
1. Queen Mary
Historic ship hotel offering tours and dining. Avoid peak hours for a less crowded experience.
- Off-peak Visits: Visit during off-hours to reduce crowds
- Self-Guided Tours: Opt for self-guided tours instead of guided ones for flexibility and pace
- Local Restaurants: Try local eateries near Queen Mary instead of the ship's dining options
2. Rainbow Harbor
Marina with shopping, dining, and boat tours. Explore surrounding areas for unique finds.
- Explore Surrounding Shops: Discover local shops outside the harbor
- Walking Tour: Take a walking tour to find hidden gems nearby
- Local Seafood Restaurants: Seek out local seafood restaurants instead of touristy eateries
3. Pine Avenue Pedestrian District
Shopping and dining area with street performers. Visit during the day to miss peak hours.
- Daytime Visits: Visit during the day to avoid evening crowds
- Local Shops: Support local businesses instead of chain stores
- Street Food Vendors: Try street food from local vendors for an authentic experience
4. Naples Island
Canal-connected neighborhood with homes and boat docks. Rent a bike to explore the area.
- Bike Rental: Rent a bike for an efficient way to see Naples Island
- Locals' Homes: Respect privacy while exploring the island
- Island Pathways: Stick to designated pathways and enjoy the serene surroundings
5. Alamitos Bay Beach & Athletic Club
Beach with sports facilities, volleyball courts, and a skate park. Visit during non-peak times for tranquility.
- Non-Peak Hours: Visit the beach at less crowded hours
- Local Sports Facilities: Try local sports facilities for a more authentic experience
- Neighborhood Exploration: Explore the surrounding neighborhood to discover hidden gems
6. Belmont Shore
Upscale shopping and dining area with a beach. Visit during off-season for fewer crowds.
- Off-Season Visits: Visit during the off-season to avoid peak tourist hours
- Local Shops and Restaurants: Support local businesses for an authentic experience
- Beach Walks: Take a leisurely walk along the beach to see Belmont Shore's coastline
7. Rossmoor Golf Course
Public golf course with scenic views. Play a round of golf during the week for fewer crowds.
- Weekday Visits: Play golf during the week to avoid weekend crowds
- Local Golf Course: Support the local community by playing at Rossmoor Golf Course
- Scenic Walks: Take a scenic walk around the golf course for peace and tranquility
8. Electric Bike Tours Long Beach
Guided electric bike tours of Long Beach. Book a tour during off-peak hours for a personal experience.
- Off-Peak Tours: Book an off-peak tour to avoid crowds
- Local Guides: Learn from knowledgeable local guides
- Customizable Tours: Request a custom tour to explore less crowded areas
9. Bixby Knolls
Commercial district with unique shopping and dining. Visit during non-peak hours for a calmer atmosphere.
- Non-Peak Hours: Visit during off-hours to enjoy the area without crowds
- Local Shops and Restaurants: Support local businesses for an authentic experience
- Street Art Tour: Take a street art tour to discover Long Beach's vibrant murals
10. Bluff Park
Park with panoramic views of the city and ocean. Visit during sunrise or sunset for a peaceful experience.
- Sunrise/Sunset Visits: Visit at sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views
- Local Park: Support the local community by visiting Bluff Park
- Hiking Trails: Explore nearby hiking trails for a scenic workout
11. Long Beach Farmers Market
Weekly market selling fresh produce and local goods. Visit during the early morning to avoid crowds.
- Early Morning Visits: Visit during the early morning for fewer crowds
- Local Produce: Support local farmers and enjoy fresh produce
- Artisan Goods: Discover artisan goods made by local vendors
12. Recreation Park
Large park with sports facilities, a lake, and walking paths. Visit during non-peak hours for relaxation.
- Non-Peak Hours: Visit Recreation Park during off-hours for peace and tranquility
- Local Sports Facilities: Try local sports facilities for a more authentic experience
- Nature Walks: Take a leisurely walk along the park's walking paths to enjoy nature
13. Aquarium of the Pacific
Oceanic and aquatic life museum. Visit during off-peak hours for a more relaxed experience.
- Off-Peak Hours: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds
- Local Aquarium: Support the local community by visiting Aquarium of the Pacific
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Book a behind-the-scenes tour for a unique experience
14. Crafted Farmhouse
Local brewery and kitchen with rotating taps. Visit during the week to miss crowds.
- Weekday Visits: Visit Crafted Farmhouse during the week for fewer crowds
- Local Brewery: Support local businesses and enjoy craft beers
- Farm-to-Table Meals: Enjoy farm-to-table meals made with locally sourced ingredients
15. 4th Street Vine
Wine bar and restaurant offering tastings. Visit during the early evening to miss crowds.
- Early Evening Visits: Visit 4th Street Vine during the early evening for fewer crowds
- Local Wine Bar: Support local businesses and enjoy California wines
- Wine Tastings: Participate in wine tastings to discover new favorites