Long Beach, California, stands out with its rare blend of a massive working port and a thriving retro-modern arts scene centered around retrofitted Art Deco buildings. Nowhere else can you tour the historic RMS Queen Mary, explore the Pacific Islander collections at the Aquarium of the Pacific, and watch cargo ships pass while sipping craft coffee in a converted 1930s diner.
Destinations
Travel Tips & Planning
General City Overview
Notable points about Long Beach
- Long Beach, California is home to the permanently docked RMS Queen Mary, blending maritime history with ghost tours and onboard luxury dining—nowhere else offers this unique mix on a historic ocean liner.
- Unlike other California beach cities, Long Beach boasts a working port that’s also a tourist destination, including the massive Port of Long Beach and vibrant Shoreline Village with views of container ships and street performers.
- Visit between late spring and early fall (May to October) for warm, dry weather and festivals like the Long Beach Jazz Festival and the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach.
- While not the cheapest in California, Long Beach is more affordable than nearby Los Angeles or Santa Monica, with decent budget stays around Downtown and Belmont Shore.
- Rent a bike and ride the beachfront path to explore the eclectic Naples Island canals and watch locals paddleboard through waterways lined with Mediterranean-style homes.
- Don’t miss a meal at The Attic, known for its mac and Cheetos and Southern-Californian comfort food—Long Beach’s culinary scene is bold, fun, and full of twists.
- Getting around is easy thanks to the free Passport Shuttle downtown and access to the Metro Blue Line, which links to downtown L.A.; biking is also popular and safe here.
- Rosie’s Dog Beach, the only legal off-leash dog beach in L.A. County, is a hidden gem where travelers with pets can mingle with locals and enjoy casual beach vibes.
- Stay aware in areas like North Long Beach after dark, but overall it’s a friendly, diverse city where English is spoken widely, and locals are laid-back and helpful.
- Take a harbor sunset cruise from Rainbow Harbor—watch the skyline light up, sea lions play, and the Queen Mary glow, a perfect romantic or reflective moment to end the day.