Location: Long Beach
Top Things to do in Long Beach
Top 10 Nature & Parks 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. Rainbow Lagoon Park
2. Aquarium of the Pacific
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,171 reviews
Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.
Reviewed By Banana427 - Clearwater, United States
We went when the outside was open only and weren't disappointed! The jelly fish touch tank was our favorite part! They had a shark aquarium, ray touch tank and birds too!! Worth the visit! Lots of workers Wondering around to answer questions too!
3. Long Beach Waterfront
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,093 reviews
Reviewed By 191erlindac - Long Beach, United States
The Long Beach Waterfront has many activities to enjoy. Shoreline Village, The Aquarium, Whale Watching & Sailing excursions, restaurants, colorful shopping, and other entertainment activities. The Long Beach Waterfront can be viewed from many observation points. Walking distance to see the skyline is from the working Lighthouse near the Aquarium. Further out, the stunning Long Beach Waterfront Skyline can be seen from the Queen Mary, Reef Restaurants, and other Hotels across the water.
4. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By cosmosm109 - Kenai, United States
What a pleasant small setting. A great blue heron landed and fished in the pond and humming birds abounded. Lovely blossoms were drifting like a gentle snow beautifully landing on some of the greenery. Plenty of places to be present, contemplate, and be. Tip: Have low expectations as it is a small space, well worth the visit. Tip: Great place for a book to bring.
5. Naple Canals
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 366 reviews
Reviewed By robertomS1384NF - Long Beach, United States
Naples island is just a small island with amazing houses you can see quire close. there are walkways by the blue canals were you can bike, walk around or even kayak. During the summer is a beautiful setting worth your while to look at and during the winter the xmas boat lights festival is really something.
6. Rosie's Dog Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 203 reviews
Reviewed By hotel222review - Norwood, United States
You can let your dog run and play in the water and socialize with other dogs. My miniature schnauzer, Darla loved it...even though she doesn't like to get wet!
7. Bluff Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By bobandmargieg - Long Beach, United States
A very scenic walk above the beach on the bluffs of Long Beach. You could start at Cherry Ave and be going east where you will walk by some buildings and the Art Museum, Which during WWII was the Naval Officers club. You will be able to see the Oil Islands, which are not condo's but working oil wells on islands named for the astronauts who died in a capsule disaster. About midway there is the lone sailor a brass statue overlooking the harbor with his seabag. Sit on a bench and just enjoy the day, there might be people flying kites or flying model gliders in the wind.
8. Bixby Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 34 reviews
Urban park offers a variety of amenities including a playground, mobile skate park, community center, youth recreation programs and a teen center.
Reviewed By TravelingFutureTales - Los Angeles, United States
This is a nice little spot to visit. The park isn't all that big but does offer skateboarding areas, free use your own body weight machines that can be fun, barbeque areas and benches that you can grill on, and is extremely close to the beach, you can actually see the ocean. So there are plenty of things to keep the family entertained. In addition, Long Beach has many free events here such as concerts and free movie nights. All these things make this small park fun to visit and as said, you can literally head to the beach in minutes with a short walk.
9. Marine Park (Mother's Beach)
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By 367john - Auckland Central, New Zealand
Californians love their beaches. Like trout fishers they also have their secret, favourite locations. Called Mothers Beach, this a real pearl of a beach for families with small children. It hides away behind a Coast Guard facility, but is a white sand, swimming beach with toilets, grills and tables. The last time we were there we had the whole place to ourselves. The water is shallow and protected so there are no waves. Small children can splash all they want. Parking can be interesting as the small lot seems to be filled up by people who are not on the beach. (Where were they?). Don't even think of parking in the Coast Guard spaces! But street parking is available and the walk is easy. Sure, this is not open ocean, but it absolutely works for children and parents wanting to just sit and watch. Lovely!
10. City Beach
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