Location: Long Beach
Top Things to do in Long Beach
Top 10 Museums 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. Historical Society of Long Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3 reviews
We have served the city for over 50 years, collecting and preserving its rich history for current and future generations. We invite you to visit our gallery at 4260 Atlantic Avenue in the city's Bixby Knolls neighborhood.
2. Museum of Latin American Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Known as MOLAA, this combination museum and cultural center is devoted exclusively to contemporary Latin American and Latino art, including paintings, lithographs and sculptures, and also offers gift shop.
Reviewed By GlobalGypsy_13 - San Diego, United States
The cutting edge Latin American art at MOLAA never disappoints. Special exhibits are changed regularly. Currently (Nov., 2019), you'll find an exhibit on an American artist in Mexico (Stein/Estano), a Mexican born artist who created the logo for the LA Olympics as well as the doors to the Catholic cathedral in LA, and short films in Spanish with the minature sets. There's a large gift shop, free parking, and sometimes the outdoor sculpture garden and cafe are open. .
3. Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
The museum is closed during the summer, and will re-open with regular hours on September 9 for the exhibition "B.A.T. State III: Women Artists in Conversation with El Nopal Press," on view through November 15, 2019. The Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum at California State University, Long Beach creates exhibitions and programs that provide space for critical interpretation of contemporary and modern art and culture.
4. Rancho Los Cerritos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Rancho Los Cerritos is the only Local, State, and National Historic Landmark in Long Beach, California. The site echoes with the rich history of indigenous, Spanish, Mexican, and American California. We provide our award-winning education programs to 30,000 students and visitors every year. The City of Long Beach designated the Rancho as an essential business and requested we re-open for the health and well-being of our community. We are proud to welcome you back to the 5-acre site's beautifully preserved historic gardens. You can stroll the gardens Wednesday through Sunday or participate in our virtual family activities at any time. We have put new safety measures in place due to Covid-19. You must wear a mask while visiting and provide us with your contact info for contact tracing. To review our full list of safety measures please visit our website.
Reviewed By 427rosemaryp - Long Beach, United States
Admission and parking are totally FREE! We had a most interesting tour with a docent who was very knowledgeable about the history of the area as well as the specific items in the rooms. The oldest room dating from 1840 was an office/bedroom for the ranch foreman. Other rooms included a blacksmith shop, the laundry room and living quarters for the wealthy owners. Each room was filled with items of the time many of which were original to the Rancho. Lots of great information put into context for the times and people like the Chinese laundry and cooks, the Basque sheepherders, the vaqueros etc and how things changed with the Industrial revolution. Really the most interesting place to visit. The house tour is about 1 hour and there is a garden tour of similar length as well. Definitely worth a visit for locals as well as visitors.
5. Long Beach Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 122 reviews
Located high on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, this museum complex features the historic Elizabeth Milbank Anderson summer home and carriage house, both built in 1912, plus magnificent gardens, a permanent collection of European and California art and a two-story gallery with changing exhibitions.
Reviewed By JLFERG - Long Beach, United States
The Long Beach Museum of Art is a great place to spend an hour or two on a sunny or a rainy day. It is a small place and looks out over the water. The exhibits are a bit seasonal (think photos celebrating gay life for Pride Month) sometimes. But they have three shows going on at all times in addition to a few permanent pieces. A kids art space is in the basement and is lots of fun to stroll (this month it is art made by 2nd and 3rd graders). The staff is quite nice and knowledgable. The museum shop is small but is packed with stuff. Their restaurant is outdoors and first-rate with views of the LB harbor and the beach.
6. The Queen Mary
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 3,039 reviews
Old Hollywood glamour. A rich maritime history. Authentic 1930s Art Deco décor. The Queen Mary is a full-service Long Beach hotel, historical landmark, and entertainment venue featuring award-winning restaurants, historical attractions, numerous special event salons and 346 staterooms. The Queen Mary gives a unique glimpse into an era when steamships were the most regal way to travel.
Reviewed By lavonneco
July 9, 2019: We spent the day with our grandson at the Queen Mary, on the 4th of July. We decided to spend the entire day there. We arrived by 11a. We took the History Tour (Awesome) the Steam Room Tour (Awesome) watched the 4D movie about the Queen Mary and experienced a "ride" (Awesome); tried doing "Line Dancing"; did Arts and Crafts (very nice people in charge and fun project that our 5 year old could do) Watched the Talent Show, took our grandson to the Kids Zone and saw the Lego Queen Mary (our Grandson enjoyed playing with the Legos.) He enjoyed the balloon man! We had a blast ! He got to see and touch a turtle, see a falcon, a Boa and other snakes. We watched a juggler and a Magic man. We did so much more than this, I can't name them all-- but I have to say I highly recommend this. It did get very crowded at 3P; and then it was hard to get around the ship. Our friends joined us at 4P and the Fireworks show was fabulous. We had a great day, ate great food, listened to 40's- 50's bands and Barbershop quartet and on and on! Our favorite was the Piano duet. We stayed after the Fireworks to watch their show. Grandson brought home several balloons; he is still enjoying! I highly recommend going!! Request: Dear Queen Mary. I am 63 y.o. And I work out so I could do the stairs; (but preferred the elevator when one was available and working) We needed a place to sit down and rest. There simply was not enough seating for the elderly and that crowd. That is why I have to make rating 4 1/2 stars. But, Nearly 5.
7. Artistic Edge Art & Framing
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 2 reviews
8. Lbma Downtown
Located in the heart of the East Village Arts District in Downtown Long Beach, LBMA Downtown is a newly renovated, dynamic art space complete with 35-foot ceilings, exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and sweeping natural light. The gallery is currently open by advance ticket only, including for LBMA Members. Please visit lbma.org for tickets and information.
9. Michael Levy Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
10. The Bembridge Heritage
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 7 reviews
