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Long Beach
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Long Beach, California blends Pacific beaches, a working harbour, art museums, historic districts and lively waterfront culture for memorable city breaks.

Harbour, Beaches and Urban Character

Long Beach stretches along the southern California coast, combining a working port, broad Pacific beaches and a surprisingly varied urban landscape. Its waterfront is shaped by the Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest container ports in the United States, yet the city’s public shoreline has a more leisurely rhythm: palm-lined promenades, sandy beaches, marinas and views across the water towards the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The Queen Mary, permanently moored in the harbour, is one of the city’s most recognisable sights and a reminder of Long Beach’s earlier role in transatlantic travel.
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Neighbourhoods, Art and Architecture

Downtown Long Beach brings together the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Long Beach Convention Center, waterfront parks and the restaurants and galleries of East Village Arts District. Further east, Belmont Shore has an approachable main street of independent shops, cafés and restaurants close to the beach, while Naples is known for its canals, bridges and residential streets. The city also preserves significant early twentieth-century architecture, including the Craftsman homes of California Heights and the residences of historic Bluff Park. At the Museum of Latin American Art, contemporary and modern works provide a cultural counterpoint to the city’s maritime identity.

A Coastal Base for Southern California

Long Beach has its own airport and sits within reach of Los Angeles, Orange County and the wider Southern California coast, although traffic can make regional journeys slow. Its appeal lies in the contrast between industrial scale and everyday coastal life: cargo ships pass beyond the breakwater, cyclists follow the shoreline, and neighbourhood streets reveal layers of local history, immigrant influence and Californian design. The result is a city with a distinct identity rather than simply an extension of Los Angeles.

When is the best time to visit Long Beach?

Best: June–July, September · 24–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1856
February1961
March2051
April2120
May228
June (best)243
July (best)261
August271
September (best)266
October2415
November2135
December1846

Getting to and around Long Beach

How to get there

Long Beach is served by Long Beach Airport, a convenient regional airport with connections to selected destinations in the United States. Los Angeles International Airport is a larger alternative west of the city, while John Wayne Airport in Orange County can also be useful depending on the route. Amtrak and Metrolink services use the historic Long Beach Transit Mall area, with rail links connecting the city to destinations in Southern California; check current routes and timetables before travelling. Long Beach is also accessible by major roads including Interstate 710 and State Route 1, although traffic can be substantial. Greyhound and other intercity bus services may use regional terminals rather than a single central facility.

Transportation

Downtown, the waterfront and parts of East Village Arts District are relatively walkable, while longer journeys are served by Long Beach Transit buses and the Metro A Line, which links Long Beach with Downtown Los Angeles and stations along the route. Cycling is practical along sections of the coast and through several neighbourhoods, though facilities vary and traffic requires care. Taxis and app-based car services operate locally. A car can be useful for reaching more dispersed districts, but parking rules and street-cleaning restrictions should be checked carefully. The port itself is an active industrial zone, not a general sightseeing area, and access is restricted.

Best attractions in Long Beach

Long Beach’s principal attractions reveal several sides of the city. The Queen Mary, permanently moored near the waterfront, offers a close look at a famous ocean liner and its maritime history, while the nearby Aquarium of the Pacific introduces visitors to marine habitats of the Pacific Ocean through galleries and living displays. Shoreline Aquatic Park and Rainbow Lagoon provide open views across the harbour, with paths extending towards the beach and marina. The Museum of Latin American Art presents modern and contemporary work in a dedicated cultural setting, and Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site places the city’s urban landscape within its earlier rancho history. In Belmont Shore, a walk along Second Street can be combined with the sand and coastal scenery of Long Beach Peninsula. Naples adds a quieter change of pace, with canals, pedestrian bridges and waterside homes that contrast with the industrial scale visible elsewhere on the bay.

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Best landmarks in Long Beach

The Queen Mary is Long Beach’s defining maritime landmark, its 1930s ocean-liner form recalling the era of transatlantic passenger travel and the city’s close relationship with the sea. The Villa Riviera, a 1929 Art Deco skyscraper on Ocean Boulevard, remains one of the most recognisable buildings in the skyline. The historic Long Beach Main Post Office and the WPA-era civic architecture associated with the city’s post-earthquake rebuilding reflect the design confidence of the early twentieth century. Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site preserves an adobe residence and grounds linked to the region’s Mexican rancho period, while the Bembridge House offers an example of ornate Victorian domestic architecture. The Long Beach Municipal Auditorium no longer survives, but its former waterfront setting and the city’s preserved neighbourhoods, including Bluff Park and California Heights, help explain the architectural layers between the shore, downtown and inland Long Beach.

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Explore Long Beach on the map

Plan your Long Beach trip on one map. See where the top attractions, landmarks, restaurants, bars and hotels are, find what's near where you're staying, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Neighbourhoods in Long Beach

Best restaurants in Long Beach

Long Beach’s dining scene reflects its coastal location and the city’s long history of migration. Mexican food is deeply established, with taquerias, family-run restaurants and regional specialities found across the city, while Cambodian cuisine is an important part of local food culture, particularly around the Anaheim Street corridor and Cambodia Town. Seafood appears in casual restaurants and waterfront settings, though the city’s dining identity is broader than its shoreline. Belmont Shore and Retro Row offer dense clusters of cafés, bakeries, bars and independent restaurants, while Downtown and the East Village Arts District provide a mix of international food, contemporary Californian cooking and relaxed all-day dining. Farmers’ markets and specialist food shops add seasonal produce and prepared foods, and the city’s multicultural communities make it possible to move from familiar Mexican dishes to Southeast Asian, Caribbean, Mediterranean and other cuisines within a short distance.

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Best bars in Long Beach

Long Beach has an approachable evening scene spread across several districts rather than concentrated in one club quarter. Downtown and the East Village Arts District contain cocktail bars, beer-focused venues, casual pubs, live music rooms and performance spaces, while Retro Row along Fourth Street is known for independent bars, restaurants and a more characterful evening atmosphere. Belmont Shore offers social drinking and dining along Second Street, with activity varying by venue and day of the week. The city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife has a visible presence, especially in areas around Downtown and Broadway. Evening entertainment also includes concerts, theatre, arts events and performances at venues such as the Long Beach Convention Center and the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Visitors should check current venue policies and local transport options, particularly when returning from the waterfront or nightlife districts late at night.

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Best nightclubs in Long Beach

Long Beach has an approachable evening scene spread across several districts rather than concentrated in one club quarter. Downtown and the East Village Arts District contain cocktail bars, beer-focused venues, casual pubs, live music rooms and performance spaces, while Retro Row along Fourth Street is known for independent bars, restaurants and a more characterful evening atmosphere. Belmont Shore offers social drinking and dining along Second Street, with activity varying by venue and day of the week. The city’s LGBTQ+ nightlife has a visible presence, especially in areas around Downtown and Broadway. Evening entertainment also includes concerts, theatre, arts events and performances at venues such as the Long Beach Convention Center and the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Visitors should check current venue policies and local transport options, particularly when returning from the waterfront or nightlife districts late at night.

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Best shops in Long Beach

Long Beach shopping ranges from independent neighbourhood streets to specialist retail districts. Belmont Shore’s Second Street is the best-known concentration of boutiques, surf and beachwear shops, cafés and everyday retailers near the ocean, while Retro Row along Fourth Street is associated with vintage clothing, second-hand furniture, records and independent businesses. Downtown and the East Village Arts District provide galleries, design shops and smaller creative enterprises, with the exact retail mix changing over time. Local markets offer produce, prepared food and handmade goods, and antiques and vintage finds are particularly suited to browsing rather than hurried shopping. Visitors looking for souvenirs may find Long Beach-related art, maritime items and locally made products, while the city’s Cambodian, Mexican and other immigrant communities give some commercial corridors distinctive food shops and specialist goods. Shopping is generally more neighbourhood-based than centred on a single enclosed mall.

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Long Beach essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the United States dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards, including contactless payments, are widely accepted in hotels, museums, restaurants, shops and transport ticketing systems, but smaller vendors and some informal markets may still prefer or require cash. ATMs are readily available in commercial areas, although overseas card issuers may charge foreign-exchange or withdrawal fees. When paying by card in restaurants, a gratuity is normally added separately, and travellers should review the final amount before confirming payment. Carrying a small amount of cash is useful for minor purchases, independent stalls and unexpected transport needs.
Safety
Long Beach is a large urban destination with different conditions from one neighbourhood to another. Keep valuables concealed, avoid leaving bags visible in parked cars and take particular care in crowded waterfront areas, on public transport and around nightlife districts. After dark, use well-lit streets and established transport rather than isolated beach or industrial areas. Follow posted instructions at beaches, where waves, currents and changing conditions can create risks, and remain outside restricted port zones. Normal urban awareness is generally more useful than alarm, but visitors should check local conditions and heed advice from lifeguards, transport staff and public authorities.
Emergency Situations
In the United States, dial 911 for police, fire or urgent medical assistance; operators can generally connect callers with the appropriate service. Give the exact address or a clear landmark, explain the nature of the emergency and remain on the line unless instructed otherwise. For non-urgent police matters, use the Long Beach Police Department’s published non-emergency contact channels rather than 911. Visitors should carry travel insurance details, prescription information and an identification document, and should ask accommodation staff to help locate suitable urgent care or hospital services when the situation is not life-threatening. Follow beach lifeguard instructions immediately in coastal emergencies.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress is generally casual, but modest clothing is appropriate in religious buildings and smart-casual attire may be expected at some restaurants and evening venues. Ask before photographing people closely, private homes or cultural activities, and respect signs at historic sites and on the waterfront. Tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, taxis and for many personal services, with the amount depending on service and circumstance; check whether a gratuity has already been added. Do not enter restricted port or railway areas, ignore lifeguard warnings, or assume that alcohol is permitted on every beach or in every public space. Queueing and personal space are valued in everyday situations.
Local Tips
Long Beach is easiest to understand as a collection of distinct areas: combine the Downtown waterfront with East Village Arts District, then set aside separate time for Belmont Shore, Naples and the historic neighbourhoods north of the centre. The Shoreline Aquatic Park area offers a useful first view of the harbour, while the pedestrian paths around the waterfront and beach suit relaxed exploration. For architecture, look beyond the central attractions to Bluff Park and California Heights. The city’s relationship with the port is best appreciated from public viewpoints and museums, since much of the working harbour is closed to casual visitors.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloWhat's up[wats up]
GoodbyeLater[lay-ter]
YesYeah[yeah]
NoNah[nah]
Please/You're welcomePlease/No problem[pleez/no prob-lem]
Thank youThanks[thanks]
Excuse me/SorryMy bad[my bad]
How are you?How you doin'?[how you doin']
Fine. And you?Chillin'. You?[chil-lin'. you?]
Do you speak English?You speak English?[you speak english?]
I don't understandI don't get it[i don't get it]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseCan I check out the menu?[can i check out the menu?]
I don't eat meatI'm vegetarian[i'm veg-e-tair-ee-an]
Cheers!Cheers![cheers!]
I would like to pay, pleaseCan I settle up, please[can i set-tle up, please]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Help![help!]
Go away!Get lost![get lost!]
Call the Police!Call the cops![call the cops!]
Call a doctor!Get a doctor![get a doctor!]
I'm lostI'm lost[i'm lost]
I'm illI'm sick[i'm sick]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...I wanna cop...[i wanna cop...]
I'm just lookingJust browsing[just brows-ing]
How much is it?How much?[how much?]
That's too expensiveThat's steep[that's steep]
Can you lower the price?Can you hook it up?[can you hook it up?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?What time is it?[what time is it?]
It's one o'clockIt's one[it's one]
Half past (10)Ten thirty[ten thir-ty]
MorningMorning[morning]
AfternoonAfternoon[af-ter-noon]
EveningEvening[even-ing]
YesterdayYesterday[yes-ter-day]
TodayToday[to-day]
TomorrowTomorrow[to-mor-row]
1One[one]
2Two[two]
3Three[three]
4Four[four]
5Five[five]
6Six[six]
7Seven[seven]
8Eight[eight]
9Nine[nine]
10Ten[ten]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Where's the...?[where's the...?]
What's the address?What's the addy?[what's the addy?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Can you show me?[can you show me?]
When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?[when's the next (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)A ticket (to ....)[a ticket (to ....)]

History of Long Beach

Tongva Homeland and Early Settlement

Long Beach lies within the traditional homeland of the Tongva, an Indigenous people whose villages, trade networks and relationship with the coastal wetlands predate the modern city by centuries. Spanish expeditions reached the region in the late eighteenth century, and the land later became part of Rancho Los Cerritos, a large Mexican-era cattle ranch granted to Juan Temple in 1844. The rancho’s adobe residence, now preserved as Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site in present-day Long Beach, provides a tangible connection to the period when the area was shaped by ranching, grazing and regional commerce rather than dense urban development.

From Rancho to Resort Town

After California joined the United States, the rancho lands were divided and sold, helping set the stage for a planned settlement on the coast. Long Beach was incorporated in 1888 and promoted as a seaside resort, with its shore, mild climate and pleasure facilities attracting visitors from the developing Los Angeles region. The arrival of the Pacific Electric railway in the early twentieth century strengthened this connection, bringing day-trippers and encouraging residential growth. Early civic buildings, neighbourhoods and the expanding beachfront reflected Long Beach’s transition from rural ranch country to a coastal town with ambitions beyond seasonal tourism.

Oil, Industry and the Growing Port

The discovery of oil at Signal Hill in 1921 transformed Long Beach and nearby communities, bringing investment, workers and rapid urban expansion. Petroleum wealth helped finance civic improvements, while the city’s location on San Pedro Bay supported the development of a major harbour. The Port of Long Beach was established in 1911 and grew into a crucial centre for trade, shipbuilding and industry. Together, oil and maritime commerce changed the city’s economy and physical character, linking its residential and resort districts to the industrial waterfront that remains central to Long Beach’s identity.

Earthquake and Civic Reconstruction

The Long Beach earthquake of 10 March 1933 caused extensive damage, particularly to schools and other masonry buildings, and killed more than 100 people across the affected region. The disaster prompted stronger construction standards in California and influenced the design of public buildings throughout the state. Long Beach rebuilt during the Depression, with federal relief programmes contributing to new civic and educational structures. The period also left a distinctive architectural legacy, including public buildings and schools associated with the streamlined Moderne style, while the city’s experience helped shape modern approaches to earthquake-conscious construction.

War, Migration and Modern Long Beach

During the Second World War, Long Beach became an important centre for shipbuilding and naval activity, drawing workers from across the United States and accelerating demographic change. The former Long Beach Naval Shipyard operated for much of the post-war era before closing in 1997, while the port continued to expand as container shipping reshaped global trade. Later decades brought redevelopment along the waterfront, restoration of historic neighbourhoods and the growth of cultural institutions such as the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Museum of Latin American Art. Contemporary Long Beach reflects these overlapping histories of Indigenous presence, migration, industry, leisure and port commerce.

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Evendo - Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Long Beach, California

Discover the best of Long Beach with Evendo, your 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your perfect trip effortlessly!

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and experiences
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Experience Long Beach like never before with Evendo, the ultimate travel guide app. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, find everything you need for an unforgettable trip.

  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions and dining options
  • Curated local tips to experience Long Beach like a local
  • Historical insights and travel essentials for Long Beach
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Welcome to Long Beach, California! Evendo is your perfect travel companion, providing you with detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. Whether you’re planning to visit the historic Queen Mary, stroll through the scenic Shoreline Village, or dine at the renowned Michael's on Naples, Evendo has got you covered.

With Evendo, you can easily book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app, saving you time and hassle. No more searching for what to see, do, and experience—Evendo consolidates it all in one convenient place. From exploring the Aquarium of the Pacific to enjoying a night out in Downtown Long Beach, our app ensures you won't miss a thing.

Our app features rich content, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, making it easy for you to plan and organize your trip. Use the 'Near Me' feature to discover attractions and dining options close to your current location, and navigate the city like a local with our curated local tips. Evendo also provides insights into the history of Long Beach and travel essentials to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

And the best part? Evendo is 100% free to use—no in-app purchases, no hidden costs. Plus, with coverage of over 7,000 destinations worldwide, Evendo isn't just your guide to Long Beach, but to the entire world!

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