
Weird & Unusual Attractions in Long Beach, California, United States
1. RMS Queen Mary
A retired ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach, offering historical tours and ghostly encounters.
- Historical Artifact: One of the grandest ocean liners ever built, with an extensive history dating back to 1936.
- Haunted Attraction: Said to be haunted by crew members and passengers who perished during its service.
- Hotel & Event Venue: Now a hotel and event venue, providing unique accommodation and function experiences.
2. Art Theatre
A historic movie theater showcasing independent films, concerts, and events in an art-deco setting.
- Art Deco Architecture: One of the last remaining art deco movie palaces in Southern California.
- Independent Film Screenings: Offers a diverse selection of independent films, documentaries, and foreign cinema.
- Live Music & Events: Hosts live music events and performances throughout the year.
3. Ruby's Diner
A diner with a vintage car hop service from the 1940s and '50s, located on the Long Beach waterfront.
- Car Hop Service: One of the few remaining diners in the U.S. still offering car hop service.
- Waterfront Views: Offers stunning views of the Long Beach waterfront and Queen Mary.
- Retro Atmosphere: Features a retro atmosphere, taking you back to the iconic diners of the mid-20th century.
4. Rossmoor Village
A unique, self-governing neighborhood with its own post office and a strong sense of community.
- Self-Governance: One of the few remaining self-governed communities in the U.S.
- Private Post Office: Has its own private post office, managed by residents.
- Active Community Life: Known for its active community life and events throughout the year.
5. Naples Island
A group of man-made islands connected by bridges, featuring unique homes and boat access.
- Man-Made Islands: One of the few remaining man-made island communities in Southern California.
- Boat Access: Many homes have boat access, making it popular among boating enthusiasts.
- Unique Homes: Features a variety of unique and colorful homes, reflecting the island's laid-back lifestyle.
6. Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
A museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art from Latin America and Latino artists.
- Focus on Latin American Art: One of the few museums in the U.S. solely dedicated to Latin American art.
- Rotating Exhibits: Hosts rotating exhibitions featuring both established and emerging artists.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs, workshops, and lectures for visitors of all ages.
7. Alamitos Bay Landing
A popular fishing spot with a unique floating pier, offering boat rentals and seafood restaurants.
- Floating Pier: One of the few floating piers in California, providing easy access to fishing and boating.
- Boat Rentals: Offers boat rentals for recreational fishing and exploring the bay.
- Seafood Restaurants: Features seafood restaurants serving fresh catch of the day.
8. Rainbow Harbor
A busy harbor with a colorful array of shops, restaurants, and boat tours.
- Colorful Shops & Restaurants: Features an array of colorful shops, restaurants, and cafes along the waterfront.
- Boat Tours: Offers boat tours to nearby destinations such as Catalina Island.
- Marina Activities: Home to a marina with yacht rentals, sailing lessons, and other water activities.
9. Pike's Place Fish Market Replica
A replica of the famous Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, offering fresh seafood and a lively atmosphere.
- Seattle-Inspired Attraction: One of the few replicas of the iconic Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle.
- Fresh Seafood: Offers fresh seafood, including fish tossed to customers as a tradition.
- Lively Atmosphere: Features a lively atmosphere with friendly staff and entertaining customer interaction.
10. The Wrigley Mansion
A Mediterranean-style mansion built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr., now serving as a venue for events.
- Mediterranean Architecture: Features stunning Mediterranean architecture, designed by R.I.P. Johnson.
- Historical Significance: Built by the founder of the Wrigley Chewing Gum Company, showcasing his success and influence.
- Event Venue: Now serves as a popular event venue for weddings, corporate events, and private functions.
11. Long Beach Murals
A collection of large-scale murals and street art throughout the city, showcasing local talent.
- Local Talent Showcase: Features artwork by local and international artists, promoting Long Beach's creative community.
- Urban Art Exploration: Provides opportunities for urban art exploration throughout the city.
- Changing Landscapes: The murals and street art are constantly evolving, offering a fresh visual experience.
12. The Art Council of Long Beach
A non-profit organization promoting the arts through exhibitions, workshops, and events.
- Arts Promotion: Promotes the visual and performing arts in Long Beach through a variety of programs.
- Community Engagement: Engages local artists, schools, and community groups in its programming.
- Arts Education: Offers arts education programs for all ages, fostering creativity and artistic development.
13. The Long Beach Cruise Terminal
A busy cruise terminal offering departures to popular destinations, such as Mexico and Alaska.
- Cruise Destinations: Offers cruise destinations including Mexico, Alaska, and the Caribbean.
- Departure Point: Serves as a departure point for major cruise lines, providing travelers with convenient access to cruises.
- Cruise Ship Tours: Offers tours of the cruise ships docked at the terminal.
14. The Long Beach Airport Observation Deck
An observation deck providing views of airplanes taking off and landing, with a museum on-site.
- Airplane Viewing: Offers stunning views of airplanes taking off and landing at the airport.
- Museum on-site: Features an aviation museum showcasing historical aircraft and artifacts.
- Photography Opportunities: Provides great opportunities for photographing airplanes and their takeoffs/landings.
15. The Pike Outlets
An outdoor shopping center featuring unique stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
- Unique Shops: Features a variety of unique shops not found in typical malls.
- Outdoor Dining: Offers outdoor dining options, taking advantage of the pleasant Long Beach climate.
- Entertainment Venues: Features entertainment venues such as a movie theater and live music performances.