Bucket List: Top 10 Best things to see and do in Long Beach, CA, USA

The vibrant and beautiful city of Long Beach is one of the most visited summer destinations offering waterfront attractions and varying beach choices. In addition, there are loads of best things to do in Long Beach, CA, from exploring family-friendly parks or shopping for unique antiques.

So to know more about Iowa by the Sea, here are the 10 best things to do in Long Beach, CA.

1. Bluff Park

Topping off the list of the best things to do in Long Beach, CA, is enjoying the sunset views and socializing with locals at Bluff Park. The site is a 25.8 acres park near a high-end neighborhood ideal for an afternoon walk, jogging, or simply relaxing by the beach.

2. Downtown Waterfront

If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay and dine, head to the Downtown Waterfront. The area is the busiest part of the city, where tourist gathers and hotels operate. The waterfront also has various restaurants offering stunning views of the ocean.

3. Aquarium of the Pacific

An ideal attraction for a family trip where kids will surely enjoy, the Aquarium of the Pacific is a 5 acres public aquarium located at Rainbow Harbor. The facility attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually, featuring over 11,000 animals of over 500 various species, mainly of the Pacific Ocean, Southern California, Northern Pacific, and Tropical Pacific beautiful reefs.

4. Catalina Island

For a more secluded yet touristy trip, hop on a boat and visit Catalina Island. The lovely island is an hour boat ride from the town and considered a historic summer attraction famous since the 1920s where several Hollywood films took place. Some of the offerings on the island include a casino, golf courses, ranch, and chic resorts.

5. The Queen Mary

A unique and fascinating way to enjoy and spend the night is by boarding the Queen Mary. The ship was constructed in 1936 and considered a historic ocean liner for partaking in World War I, now serving as a floating hotel at Long Beach Waterfront. Guest can enjoy dining at the ship restaurants or choose to stay for the night for some ghost hunting.

6. Naples

Another great way to enjoy your stay in Long Beach is experiencing the Venice vibes at Naples. The site is a neighborhood located at Alamitos Bay which lies on three islands, inspired by Italy’s Grand Canal and culture. Naples features some of the most distinct characters of Italy from the arched bridge, fountain, and even from the street names.

7. Beaches of Long Beach

Visiting Long Beach won’t be complete without exploring the town’s breathtaking summer paradise. Apart from the city beach, the city has several beaches worth seeing, such as the Alamitos Bay Beach, offering to cruise, and the Alamitos Park Beach, perfect for swimming and relaxing with family or friends.

8. El Dorado East Regional Park

An ideal for family adventures, the El Dorado East Regional Park offers lots of activity space, a nature trail, a flying field on the North West, and multiple lakes. The site also has lots of shade and trees perfect for picnics, archery range, and designated 2 large parks for dogs.

9. Long Beach Museum of Art

A must-visit for art enthusiasts, the Long Beach Museum of Art features great art exhibitions with a scenic ocean view. The facility consists of 3 floors, displaying artworks of local artists, and has over 4,000 art collections, emphasizing American decorative art, European art, and California’s modern and contemporary art.

10. Long Beach Antique Market

The best place to grab some quirky finds to bring home souvenirs, the Long Beach Antique Market, is a flea market located in Veterans Memorial Stadium. The market has over 800 sellers featuring different collectibles such as home décor, vintage clothing, jewelry, antiques. Long Beach Antique Market is considered the best flea market in L.A. and the top flea market in the U.S.

References

• 25 Best Things To Do In Long Beach (C.A.), The Crazy Tourist
• Lane, (2019), 12 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Long Beach, CA, Planetware

Our Top Hotel Picks for Long Beach, CA

• Hyatt Regency Long Beach [Check rates and availability] – This upscale hotel is a 9-minute walk from the Aquarium of the Pacific and a 10-minute walk from the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center.
• Long Beach Marriott [Check rates and availability] – A half-mile from Long Beach Airport, this down-to-earth hotel is 3 miles from Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden and walking trails in El Dorado Nature Center.
• The Westin Long Beach [Check rates and availability] – This upscale, high-rise hotel is a 6-minute walk from the Museum of Latin American Art and a mile from the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, tour packages, and affordable flights in Long Beach, CA, and nearby cities? Check out our list of cheap Long Beach, CA hotels and resorts via Agoda and Booking.

Long Beach CA Travel and Tour Packages

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