Long Beach, California was founded as both a working harbour and a summer resort. That may appear as a basic contradiction until you see the entrance to the harbour and visit the downtown area of the city. Long Beach Harbor is the busiest working port in the United States, with its own freeway that takes visitors to exits that are numbered to match the harbour berths.
Downtown Long Beach is located along the beautiful coast with a Rainbow Pier and resorts apartments and hotels. There are two distinctly different districts to Long Beach and each has its own sites and activities.
Things to do in Long Beach
Long Beach is a city in Los Angeles County, California. It is the 42nd-most populous city in the United States, with a population of 466,742 as of 2020. A charter city, Long Beach is the seventh-most populous city in California. Incorporated in 1897, Long Beach lies in Southern California in the southern part of Los Angeles County. Long Beach is approximately 20 miles (32 km) south of downtown Los Angeles, and is part of the Gateway Cities region.
The Port of Long Beach is the second busiest container port in the United States and is among the world’s largest shipping ports. The city is over an oilfield with minor wells both directly beneath the city as well as offshore.
The RMS Queen Mary
The Queen Mary luxury liner was put into operation in 1936 as part of the English lines. The ship made its way to Long Beach in December 9, 1967 and two days later the ship was presented to the City of Long Beach. Restoration took many years to complete. The Queen Mary today features 365 hotel staterooms, a restaurant, 16 Art Deco reception rooms and even a private wedding chapel aboard the ship. The Queen Mary is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the best-known luxury cruise ships that ever sailed.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Join the 12,000 sea creatures at this aquarium for a special visit. The Aquarium is located in downtown Long Beach overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Rainbow Harbor. Enjoy the Shark Lagoon and Animal Vision 3-D film display. Eat lunch at the Caf Scuba on the second level of the Aquarium and enjoy an unparalleled view of the ocean and harbour. Both indoor and outdoor seating options are available in this caf.
Tour a Museum
Long Beach Museum of Art is located on East Ocean Boulevard in downtown Long Beach. The 1912 home and garden is a wonderful location for an intimate lunch in the cafe. Tall palm fronds ruffle in the breeze above the museum and gardens and make a shady location for a luncheon. California art is the focus of the museum. Check the museum’s website for calendars of special educational events.
A Walk on the Beach
If the sun is out and the weather is nice, the best thing to do in Long Beach is to take a long walk along the Pacific Ocean. Long Beach has a beautiful white sand beach located along the edge of the downtown area. Sidewalks run along the historic downtown buildings.
Visit a World War II-Era Cargo Ship
The S.S. Lane Victory was in service during the 1940s and is today the only surviving victory-class ship in the world. Open during the week from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., the ship is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Adults and children both will enjoy the view, interactive displays and historic artifacts aboard the ship.
Watch for Whales
Cruises leave daily from the Los Angeles Harbor. Whales going both directions, called “Northbounders” and “Southbounders,” can be viewed all times during the year, but the peak seasons are in late December through April and special two and three-hour boat tours are offered during those months.
Party with an Ocean View
The Yard House restaurant patio has a harbour view. Plan a wedding for dozens of people and the restaurant has a long bar, as well as a full menu of dinners, lunches, and snacks. If you are looking for hundreds of beers on draft, consider NoelleZSassy restaurant in Long Beach’s Belmont Shore with a harbour lights view.
Take a Harbor Cruise
Free harbour tours are offered during World Trade Week. First come, first loaded on the boat. If you missed World Trade Week in May, several boat companies offer tours of the Los Angeles Harbor. The port is one of the busiest in the world and you will be able to see cargo and cruise ships, dock equipment and the wildlife located along the harbour.
Look for Books
Bertrand Smith opened his bookstore in Long Beach in 1934. The family was booksellers in Cincinnati and that is the business he was determined to build in Long Beach. The store today is located at 240 Long Beach Boulevard. Expect to spend a day sorting through the stacks in the five gigantic rooms that make up the store. Bookcases hold books, music and art on shelves from the ground to the tall ceilings. On the same calibre as Powell’s in Portland, book lovers will not be disappointed with the selection. Acres of Books is California’s largest secondhand bookstore. You’ll also find staff exceptionally helpful!
Visit Ports of Call
Technically in the city of San Pedro, The Ports of Call is part of the general Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbor complex. Take a trolley to the shopping district from any location along Wilmington or San Pedro. The Ports of Call Village, built-in 1963, recreates an eastern fishing village. The fifteen-acre site has unique restaurants and shops located along the Main Channel. Harbor tour stations are located nearby. Free parking is offered to guests of Ports of Call.
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