Long Beach is an iconic Southern California city for locals and tourists alike. Home to more than 500,000 people, it’s no surprise the city is filled with so many interesting attractions and fun things to do. Browse the categories below to find free and affordable activities and things to do in the Long Beach area.
Long Beach is infamous for its 10-mile shoreline, filled with popular things to do like whale watching cruises and iconic shopping districts. Dine and shop at the best restaurants and cafes in Long Beach, or schedule a guided tour at one of the city’s top attractions.
Some of the best things to do in Long Beach include:
Explore restaurants, boutiques, and art in Shoreline Village
The tourism industry in Long Beach has always been successful with so many popular attractions in every corner of the city. Walk famous shorelines and shop in trendy shopping districts like the locals do.
Popular attractions near Long Beach include:
The Port of Los Angeles, also called America’s Port
Belmont Shore, a shopping and dining destination
Los Cerritos Ranch House, showcases 19th-century ranch life
Battleship USS Iowa Museum, a maritime museum in the Port of Los Angeles
4th Street shopping, famous for vintage shops on Retro Row
Long Beach is full of exciting daytime activities ranging from farmers markets to nationally-recognized tours. Here are some fun things you can do in Long Beach today.
Exciting activities near Long Beach include:
Touring the Bembridge House
Shopping in the Long Beach Antique Market
Bowling, movies, and shopping at the Pike at Rainbow Harbor
Long Beach comes to life when the sun goes down. From live jazz to carnival lights, there’s never a lack of things to do in Long Beach at night. Catch a show at one of the city’s oldest theaters or dine out at one of the best restaurants around.
Nighttime activities near Long Beach include:
Shark Lagoon Night at the aquarium
Movie showings at the Art Theater, Southern California’s oldest running single-screen theater
Shows at Harvelle’s, Long Beach venue with live jazz and cocktails
Concerts and comedy performances at Terrace Theater
Long Beach is packed with amusement parks and other fun things to do with kids. Explore the city’s well-maintained beaches and parks or the world-class Aquarium of the Pacific.
Family-friendly things to do near Long Beach include:
Knott’s Berry Farm and Knott’s Soak City
Adventure City for kids 1-9 with family rides and a petting zoo
Aquarium of the Pacific, located in Rainbow Harbor
Day trips to Don Knabe Community Regional Park
An educational harbor cruise or a Water Taxi to explore the city
In Long Beach, spending the day inside can be just as exciting as visiting popular tourist attractions. Check out world-class spas and resorts, indoor pools, events at local music venues, comedy shows, and more.
Things to do indoors in Long Beach include:
See a comedy show at Laugh Factory
Play billiards at Lakewood Family Billiards
Go for a swim at the Belmont Pool
Brushstrokes and Beverages, cost and location depends on the night
Thumb through records at Third Eye, VIP, Fingerprints Music, or Bagatelle Records
Long Beach has no shortage of exciting things to see and explore outside. Fish, swim, rent paddle boats, and more at El Dorado East Regional Park. Or check out some of the city’s best outdoor activities, popular sightseeing spots, and more.
Outdoor activities and things to see in Long Beach include:
Watching the sunset at Hilltop Park
A trip to Pine Avenue Pier for great lighthouse and shoreline views