Map Of Downtown Long Beach
Explore the Best of Downtown Long Beach
Long Beach is a vibrant coastal city in Southern California that offers a plethora of attractions and experiences for visitors. Whether you are a history buff, foodie, beach lover or art enthusiast, there is something for everyone in downtown Long Beach.
Top Attractions
If you are visiting downtown Long Beach, make sure to visit the following top attractions:
- The Queen Mary: A historic ocean liner turned hotel and museum
- The Aquarium of the Pacific: A world-class marine life institution
- The Pike Outlets: A premier shopping and dining destination
- The Museum of Latin American Art: A cultural institution showcasing modern and contemporary art from Latin America
Hidden Gems
For those who want to explore some hidden gems, check out these off-the-beaten-path experiences:
- Gondola Getaway: Take a romantic gondola ride through the canals of Naples Island
- The Edison: A speakeasy-style bar with live music and vintage decor
- Long Beach Creamery: A local ice cream shop that serves unique flavors like lavender honey and whiskey vanilla
- The Attic on Broadway: A quirky restaurant with a rooftop patio and delicious brunch options
Food Scene
Long Beach is known for its diverse and delicious food scene. Here are some must-try restaurants:
- Michael’s on Naples: An upscale Italian restaurant with a rooftop bar and stunning views
- Padre: A modern Latin American restaurant with craft cocktails and a beautiful outdoor patio
- HiroNori Craft Ramen: A popular ramen spot with fresh, homemade noodles and flavorful broths
- The Breakfast Bar: A cozy breakfast spot with creative dishes like red velvet waffles and breakfast tacos
Budget-Friendly Tips
Traveling on a budget? Here are some tips to save money while exploring downtown Long Beach:
- Take advantage of free attractions like the Long Beach Museum of Art and the Shoreline Village waterfront
- Explore the city by bike with Long Beach Bike Share
- Visit local farmers markets for fresh produce and affordable snacks
- Check out happy hour specials at restaurants and bars like The Federal or The Stave Bar
Outdoor Adventures
Long Beach is surrounded by natural beauty and offers plenty of outdoor activities. Here are some top picks:
- Kayak through the Naples canals with Kayaks on the Water
- Take a scenic hike at the El Dorado Nature Center
- Go whale watching with Harbor Breeze Cruises
- Relax on the beach at Alamitos Beach or Junipero Beach
Family-Friendly Activities
Traveling with kids? Here are some family-friendly activities in downtown Long Beach:
- Visit the interactive exhibits at the Children’s Museum of Long Beach
- Take a harbor tour with Harbor Breeze Cruises
- Explore the sea creatures at the Aquarium of the Pacific
- Play mini golf and arcade games at The Pike Outlets
Natural Wonders
Long Beach is home to some stunning natural wonders that are worth exploring:
- The Naples Canals: A series of canals and bridges that evoke the charm of Venice, Italy
- The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: A protected wetland area with diverse wildlife and scenic trails
- The Bluff Park: A scenic park with panoramic views of the ocean and the city
- The Los Cerritos Wetlands: A natural oasis with hiking trails and bird-watching opportunities
Vibrant Nightlife
Long Beach has a lively nightlife scene with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Here are some top picks:
- The Blind Donkey: A whiskey bar with live music and a laid-back atmosphere
- The Federal: A gastropub with craft cocktails and a rooftop bar
- The Stave Bar: A wine bar with a cozy atmosphere and outdoor seating
- The Basement: A nightclub with DJs and dancing
Local Markets
For a taste of local culture and cuisine, visit these markets in downtown Long Beach:
- The Alamitos Bay Farmers Market: A weekly market with fresh produce and artisanal goods
- The Downtown Long Beach Farmers Market: A year-round market with local produce, food trucks, and live music
- The Retro Row Market: A monthly market with vintage clothing, antiques, and handmade crafts
- The Art Walk: A monthly event showcasing local artists and musicians
Beaches and Mountains
Long Beach is ideally situated between the ocean and the mountains, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures:
- Take a scenic drive up to the Angeles National Forest for hiking and camping
- Visit the nearby beach communities of Seal Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach
- Go skiing or snowboarding at Mountain High Resort
- Take a day trip to Catalina Island for snorkeling, kayaking, and zip-lining
Cultural Immersion
Long Beach is a diverse and multicultural city with plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion:
- Visit the Museum of Latin American Art for exhibitions and events that showcase Latin American culture
- Attend the Long Beach Dragon Boat Festival, which celebrates Chinese culture and tradition
- Explore the Cambodian community in Long Beach with a visit to the Khmer Buddhist Temple or the Cambodia Town Food and Music Festival
- Take a walking tour of the historic neighborhoods of Bluff Park or Rose Park
Art and Music Scene
Long Beach is known for its thriving art and music scenes, with plenty of galleries, venues, and festivals to explore:
- Visit the Long Beach Museum of Art for exhibitions and events that showcase contemporary art
- Attend the Long Beach Jazz Festival, which features world-renowned musicians and local talent
- Explore the murals and street art in the East Village Arts District
- Attend the Long Beach Funk Fest, which celebrates funk music and culture
Walking Tours
Long Beach is a walkable city with plenty of historic landmarks and architectural marvels to discover. Here are some walking tours to try:
- The Long Beach Heritage Tour: A self-guided tour of the city’s historic buildings and landmarks
- The Art Deco Tour: A guided tour of the city’s stunning Art Deco architecture
- The Ghost Walk: A spooky tour of the city’s haunted sites and ghost stories
- The Shoreline Village Tour: A scenic tour of the waterfront and the city’s nautical history
Historical Sites
Long Beach has a rich history that is reflected in its architecture and landmarks. Here are some historical sites to visit:
- The Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Site: A historic ranch and farm that dates back to the 18th century
- The Long Beach Museum of Art: A historic mansion turned museum that showcases local art and history
- The Long Beach Firefighter Museum: A museum that honors the history and legacy of the Long Beach Fire Department
- The Bembridge House: A historic home that showcases the Victorian era of Long Beach
Biking Routes
Long Beach is a bike-friendly city with plenty of scenic routes to explore. Here are some biking routes to try:
- The Long Beach Bike Path: A 3.1-mile bike path that runs along the beach and offers beautiful ocean views
- The Los Angeles River Trail: A 28-mile bike path that runs from Long Beach to Griffith Park and offers views of the city’s natural beauty
- The Shoreline Bike Path: A 7.6-mile bike path that runs along the waterfront and offers views of the Long Beach skyline
- The San Gabriel River Trail: A 38-mile bike path that runs from Long Beach to the San Gabriel Mountains and offers views of the city’s diverse landscapes
Wellness Retreats