Are you longing for a relaxing vacation away from the hustle and bustle of California? Long Beach can offer you the much-needed respite! Located in Southern California, Long Beach is a perfect destination for different types of travellers. From beaches, marinas, and museums to vibrant shops, multi-cuisine restaurants, and vivacious nightlife, the city has plenty to offer. Moreover, Long Beach boasts 21 miles of sandy shoreline, where you can engage in a host of activities. If you are keen to visit the place, our guide on the best things to do in Long Beach can come in handy.
Top Places to Visit in Long Beach
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- The Queen Mary
- Shoreline Village
- The Pike Outlets
- Disneyland Park
Aquarium of the Pacific
If underwater ecosystems and aquatic animal life interest you, a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific will ensure an interesting underwater adventure. This largest aquarium in California displays over 11000 animals and has more than 100 exhibits and habitats showcasing the beauty of the Pacific Ocean. The habitats also give you the opportunity to watch some remarkable creatures of the Pacific Ocean from a close range.
Things to do at Aquarium of the Pacific
- Admire the beauty of underwater marine life at the Tropical Pacific Gallery.
- Go on a whale-watching cruise with an aquarium naturalist on board.
- Get up close with the animals from the Pacific Ocean at various exhibits and habitats.
The Queen Mary
Whenever you are in Long Beach, you ought to visit The Queen Mary — a luxurious passenger ship permanently stationed in this coastal city. This huge and elegant ship boasts top-notch dining and some interesting performances and events throughout the year. What’s more, the ship offers some stunning city skyline views at night. If you are looking for things to do in Long Beach today, you can explore The Queen Mary for a unique nautical experience.
Things to do at The Queen Mary
- Take a guided tour of the vessel.
- Savour meals and refreshments at the three award-winning restaurants on the ship.
- Enjoy local live music performances, comedy nights, wine-tasting dinners and other performances and events.
Shoreline Village
If you are visiting Long Beach with family, Shoreline Village promises a memorable experience for people of all ages. From waterfront shopping and dining to parasailing, harbour cruises and other activities, Shoreline Village offers them all. Therefore, when you are planning for fun things to do in Long Beach, Shoreline Village is a must-visit!
Things to do at Shoreline Village
- Shop for clothing, home furnishings, jewellery, and souvenirs.
- Rent a bike, surrey or boat to explore the coastline.
- Relish delectable meals, snacks and sweets at the eateries while enjoying views of the harbour.
The Pike Outlets
The Pike Outlets is a popular shopping and dining destination housing over 30 retail stores and eateries. The place also has a theatre, boutique hotel, Ferris wheel, and some scintillating nightlife venues. So, if you are keen to go on a shopping and food spree while vacationing in the city, The Pike Outlets is the place to be! This place is also good for those looking for low-cost or free things to do in Long Beach.
Things to do at The Pike Outlets
- Explore the retail shops for clothes, footwear and more.
- Tantalise your tastebuds with different cuisines at the popular restaurants here.
- Enjoy a ride on the Ferris wheel.
- Watch a show at Laugh Factory or Cinemark,
Disneyland Park
Located about 25 miles away from Long Beach, Disneyland Park in California is a dream destination for kids and adults alike. This magical theme park houses a plethora of activities and entertainment options for visitors and ensures a fun-filled and memorable experience. Therefore, if you are looking for things to do near Long Beach, a trip to Disneyland Park is the best option.
Things to do at Disneyland Park
- Meet your favourite Disney characters at Fantasyland and enjoy different rides, shopping, dining, and other activities.
- Experience the vision and fantasy of the future at Tomorrowland with a range of space-age rides. You can also enjoy space-age shopping and space-themed dining here.
- Explore the theme park and enjoy different events and tours.
Best Time to Visit Long Beach
Long Beach is good to visit all year round. However, May is one of the best times to visit this beautiful destination. The weather is not too hot, and the waterfront is less crowded. Also, there are many things to do in Long Beach during this time of the year.
You can also plan a trip in September or the fall season when the weather is just right, and the place is sparsely crowded. Long Beach is a good option if you are planning a winter vacation. Winters here are mild and sunny, unlike other cities in the United States.
Travel Insurance for Long Beach
If you plan a trip to Long Beach, having a comprehensive travel insurance policy will ensure peace of mind and financial security throughout your stay. In case your flight gets cancelled, or there is a medical emergency, the insurer will come to your rescue. With travel insurance handy, you can quit worrying about unforeseen circumstances and enjoy your vacation to the fullest. However, rather than choosing a policy randomly, make sure you shortlist and compare a few to find one that best matches your requirements and pocket.