Location: Long Beach
Top Things to do in Long Beach
The 10 Best Tours in Long Beach, California (CA)
For some, a tour of the Queen Mary, docked here since its retirement in 1967, evokes waves of nostalgia for the days of the huge ocean liner with its opulent rooms, 1930s deco décor and teakwood decks. Others, particularly the younger set, are entranced by the spine-tingling haunted ship stories on the nighttime ghost tour. But for everyone, a visit to this floating hotel and museum is a must on any trip to Long Beach. At one time a less-than-appealing place to visit, Long Beach has transformed itself into an upscale tourist resort, with many waterfront attractions, including a new, state-of-the-art aquarium with a fabulous shark exhibit, two excellent art museums, charming shops, public golf courses, the annual April Grand Prix international auto race and lots of recreational activities along its eight-mile stretch of beach. Take the kids to the waterfront entertainment complex with rides and live performances or to the farming demonstrations at Rancho Los Alamitos. Feeling romantic? Cruise the canals of Naples (that's right, Naples Island in Long Beach) in a genuine Venetian gondola. One thing is for sure: tensions and stresses dissolve in this laid-back, friendly city.
Restaurants in Long Beach
1. Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Arriving to port of Los Angeles or Port of Long Beach by Cruise ship??? Then this tour is for you! Tour famous Los Angeles landmarks and local institutions on this fun, action-packed day trip from Port of Long Beach and Port of San Pedro at 9:00 am ( along with your luggage). See top Downtown Los Angeles area, and attractions including TCL Chinese Theater, Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills, Venice Beach, Santa Monica and the Hollywood Sign. Get a close-up view of famous movie locations, see the biggest ports in the US and explore Hollywood Boulevard on this tour that's a well-balanced mix of guided tours and free time. At the end of the tour, You have an option to be dropped of to LAX Airport at 4:00 pm, or to any hotel in Santa Monica, San Pedro or Long Beach at 4:30 Pm. and back to the Cruise Ship at 4:30 pm.
Inclusions: Local taxes
Exclusions: Lunch, entrance fee to any museum.
Reviewed By 815greaseg
John the driver was amazing! We loved his stories and felt like we had inside info into all that we saw! Would definitely recommend this fun adventure to anyone ????
2. Catalina Island Day Trip from Los Angeles with Zipline Adventure
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Spend a day in paradise on this day trip to Catalina Island off the coast of Los Angeles. After a smooth 1-hour ferry ride to the island, get ready for an unforgettable zipline eco-tour! Soar high above the hills of Avalon and over the Descanso Canyon floor, stopping at eco-stations to learn about the unique and interesting aspects of the island including its wildlife, vegetation and history. This is the most exhilarating, scenic and informative way to experience this beautiful resort destination.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip ferry transfers, Zipline Adventure, All safety equipment, Professional guide (Zipline tour)
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drink
Reviewed By cheverros
My least favorite part was not being prepared to take advantage of all the activities. I enjoyed Catalina, it was a foggy day but it's best to go in the warmer months.
3. Catalina Island Day Trip from Los Angeles with Discover Avalon Scenic Tour
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Enjoy a day out on beautiful Catalina Island, just a smooth 1-hour ferry ride off the coast of Long Beach. After you arrive, you will join a scenic tour of the main city, Avalon and see the amazing views from the hilltop! You will also have free time to explore the town of Avalon, with it's unique one of a kind shops, restaurants and more. Max group size is 9 travelers.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Round-trip ferry transfer, Avalon sightseeing tour
Exclusions: Gratuities, Food and drinks
Reviewed By cheverros
My least favorite part was not being prepared to take advantage of all the activities. I enjoyed Catalina, it was a foggy day but it's best to go in the warmer months.
4. 3 Hour Sailing Lesson: Rainbow Harbor Long Beach to the Pacific Ocean
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Beginner to Advanced Sailing Lesson/ Instruction, for Up to 6 Passengers. No Experience Needed, All Ages, Animals/ Pets Allowed
Inclusions: Bottled water, Includes a sloop rigged sailboat and USCG licensed instructor
Exclusions: You are welcome to bring your own snacks and Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By Julie A
I booked a sailing charter with Sunglow for my partner, twin teenage daughters and I, and the experience was amazing. I cant say enough about how wonderful Captain Jamie was. We were driving from Monterey and VERY late, but Captain Jamie was so accomidating and took us out despite our tardiness. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly, courteous and just a down right great captain. Cant wait to go back to California to have Sunglow charter our next adventure.
5. Guided Whale Watching Tour from Long Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
We are the top destination for whale watching in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Our custom built high speed vessels can cover waters north to Santa Monica and south to Newport Beach for maximum range coverage resulting in maximum marine life sighting success. Our fleet of state of the art vessels adhere to strict safety codes and regulations, ensuring you and your friends and family enjoy a wonderful experience out on the water. All whale watching excursions embark under the guidance of highly trained captains not only equipped to man your boat, but also to provide informative narration of the wildlife you might encounter. Marine life we encounter includes: Gray Whales (November-April), Blue Whales (may-November), and year-round we can see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, rare Marine Birds, and much more!
Inclusions: Restroom on board, 2 to 2.5-hour whale watching cruise
Exclusions: Snacks for purchase onboard, Beverages for purchase onboard, Beverages for purchase onboard
Reviewed By 876jeannettea
I have gone whale watching in Dana Point and Newport Beach but I keep coming back to this company. I love their boats as they are comfortable and being up on the upper deck you can see more marine wildlife. They are very knowledgeable and know what areas to look for whales. I went on their first 6 hour whale watching and dolphin trip. I had a blast. I got to see the back side of Catalina Island for the first time. We saw 2 Blue Whales, lots of Common Dolphins, a few Bottlenose, a Mola Mola and some sea lions. It was a great day on the water. I hope they offer this 6 hour trip again in the future. 6 hours gives you a lot of time to look for marine life. You take your time looking and spend some time with dolphins or whales or other marine wildlife when you find them. The boat wasn't overly crowded. I felt comfortable being on board and actually forgot about Covid for a few hours.
6. 3 hour BYOB Sailboat Ride with Captain in Long Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
This activity is unique because you are welcome to bring your own alcohol and food. Also, it is a private trip only your group on the boat with the captain.
Inclusions: Includes a sloop rigged sailboat and USCG licensed Captain
Exclusions: You are welcome to bring your own snacks and Alcoholic Beverages
Reviewed By Julie A
I booked a sailing charter with Sunglow for my partner, twin teenage daughters and I, and the experience was amazing. I cant say enough about how wonderful Captain Jamie was. We were driving from Monterey and VERY late, but Captain Jamie was so accomidating and took us out despite our tardiness. Extremely knowledgeable, friendly, courteous and just a down right great captain. Cant wait to go back to California to have Sunglow charter our next adventure.
7. Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach and Los Angeles
Overall Ratings
4.8 based on 36 reviews
Cruise over downtown Long Beach and the historical Queen Mary on this private helicopter tour. You'll then soar over the port of Long Beach and Los Angeles while climbing up to get spectacular views of Catalina and the L.A. Basin.
Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Fuel surcharge, Headsets to hear the guide clearly, Live commentary on board, Private tour
Exclusions: Gratuities
Reviewed By luiscM120MZ
If what I paid for says 45 minutes it should be 45 minutes not 15 minutes or less. Called customer service and they said they’d call me back with my options and yet I’m still waiting for a return call. The pilots were great and even though the experience was very short lived it was memorable for my wife’s and I anniversary, however, I’m sure it would of been even more spectacular to actually get to experience the whole tour!
8. Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon
Overall Ratings
4.7 based on 84 reviews
The Swan Boats on Rainbow Lagoon are one of the hottest new activities in Long Beach's ionic Rainbow Harbor. Don’t miss this unique way to experience the area and all of its beauty. All of our boats come equipped with shaded canopies for maximum comfort. Our large swan boats feature a roomy back seat for those that would like to forego pedaling and would prefer to just enjoy the view. You are welcome to bring food and drinks on-board the swan boats for a floating picnic (no alcohol is permitted).
Inclusions: Swan Boat Rental, US Coast Guard Approved PFD / Life Vest
Exclusions:
Reviewed By Foxyroxy_323
My reservation got cancelled. I arrived to the location and they said they had cancelled it because it was to windy. I didn’t receive any updates or a courtesy call.
9. Skip the Ticketing Line: Aquarium of the Pacific General Admission Ticket
Overall Ratings
4.6 based on 132 reviews
Families on vacation in Long Beach, Los Angeles or Anaheim, don’t want to miss the Aquarium of the Pacific. Discover sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Come face-to-face with the ocean’s ultimate predators in Shark Lagoon, hand-feed colorful lorikeet birds, and watch our Magellanic penguins. Discover Pacific Visions where you explore underwater realms and future possibilities. The centerpiece, Honda Pacific Visions Theater is included in admission. There’s no better time to visit the Aquarium then now! Keeping our guests and staff safe is our top priority. We are limiting the number of visitors, requiring advance timed reservations, and managing traffic flow to ensure social distancing, requiring face coverings and temperature checks, and providing numerous hand-sanitizing stations. Visit http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/visit/aquarium_safety for details.
Inclusions: 4D movie and entrance to Pacific Visions
Exclusions: Food and drinks, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Optional aquarium activities such as purchasing nectar to feed the lorikeets, Behind the Scenes Tours and Harbor Cruises may be purchased at the Information Desk upon arrival
Reviewed By rochelleforster
We visited the Aquarium with 3 year old boys. They did a great job of using the space and being COVID friendly. They moved as many of the exhibits outside as possible (only the outdoors portion is open). They also reduced the admission. Kids will love it! We loved it!. There are touch exhibits, a bird house (entry is timed and birds fly around), seal exhibit, sharks, a penguin tank (our boys were fascinated). We spent 2 ½ hours here. Afterwards we walked around the harbor, saw lighthouse, and then had lunch at a restaurant on the other side of the harbor (Gladstones which was very good). A wonderful outing!
10. Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Long Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Staying in Long Beach and want to explore Los Angeles but don't have much time? Then check out this afternoon highlights tour of Los Angeles from Long Beach. See downtown Los Angeles, the Sunset Strip, the Hollywood Sign and the TCL Chinese Theatre as you listen to narration by your informative guide. Visit movie locations featured in blockbusters including ‘King Kong,’ ‘Armageddon’ and ‘Independence Day.’ With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this is a convenient way to cover lots of can’t-miss Los Angeles landmarks in a relatively short period of time. This small-group tour is limited to 14 people to ensure more individualized attention from your guide.
Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional guide, Transportation by air-conditioned van
Exclusions: Food and drink, Gratuities
Reviewed By 815greaseg
John the driver was amazing! We loved his stories and felt like we had inside info into all that we saw! Would definitely recommend this fun adventure to anyone ????
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