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Premier Attractions and Must-Do Activities in Long Beach
As a Long Beach local who’s wandered these shores for years, I always start visitors at the Aquarium of the Pacific, Southern California’s largest, with over 11,000 animals in immersive habitats like the 350,000-gallon tropical reef teeming with sharks and sea turtles.
Open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, adult tickets run about $50; I once spent four hours watching sea otters play, a highlight for families. Book via aquariumofpacific.org or call (562) 590-3100.
Queen Mary: Historic Ocean Liner Experience
Step aboard the Queen Mary, a 1930s Art Deco icon docked since 1967, offering haunted tours that chilled me during a midnight visit where guides shared ghost stories backed by real EVP recordings. Daily tours from 10 AM, tickets $30-50; explore engine rooms and first-class staterooms. Contact queenmary.com or (877) 342-0738. Rated 4.5/5 from 20,000+ reviews for its eerie allure.
Next, Shoreline Village buzzes with waterfront shops and eateries; I grabbed fresh seafood at a harbor-view spot last summer, watching sailboats glide by. Open 10 AM to 8 PM; free entry, parking $2/hour.
Locals’ Personal Insights and Pro Must-Know Tips
“I’ve lived here 15 years, and my top pro tip is timing beach days for weekdays to avoid crowds at Alamitos Bay,” I share from countless sunsets. For safety, dial 911 for emergencies or Long Beach PD at (562) 570-7000; for non-emergencies, call (562) 435-4666. Pros: Endless ocean access, diverse eats; Cons: Traffic peaks onpeaks on weekends, petty theft in tourist spots so use hotel safes.
Pros of Long Beach
- Year-round mild weather, averaging 70°F, ideal for outdoor fun.
- Queen Mary and the aquariumpeaks onthe aquarium draw 2 million visitors yearly for world-class entertainment.
- Vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with inclusive events like Pride.
Cons to Watch
- Homeless presence downtown; stay vigilant after dark.
- Parking isParking is scarce near beaches;beaches; plan for $15/day fees.
- Foggy mornings can delay whale watches.
Best Places to Stay with Ratings and Recommendations
I recommend downtown’s Hotel Maya at 2105 E Shoreline Dr, with harbor views and a pool; rooms are $200-350/night, with aare $200-350/night, with a 4.3/5 rating. Budget pick: Best Western Plus near the aquarium, $150/night. Luxury: Queen Mary Hotel onboard for $250+, immersive history. Book via their sites or booking.com.
Pro Tip on Stays
Opt for waterfront spots for walkability; I saved hours avoiding traffic by staying near Shoreline Village.
Typical Costs, Suggested Budgets and Smart Money-Saving Tips
Mid-Range Daily Budget: $200-300/person
- Hotel: $150-250
- Meals: $40-60 (breakfast $15, lunch $20, dinner $30)
- Attractions: $50-80
- Transport: $20-40
Savings Hacks
- Aquarium combo tickets save 20%; eat picnic lunches at beaches.
- Use a Longa Long Beach Transit pass for $5/day for/day for unlimited rides.
- Free Sundays at the MOLAA art museum.
How to Get Around Long Beach Efficiently
Rent bikes via lbtransit.org for $5/hour along 11-mile beach paths; I pedaled from Belmont Shore to Naples in 30 minutes. Rideshares like Uber average $10-20 cross-town; the airport shuttle from LGB is $15. Fly into Long Beach Airport (LGB) for ease.
Optimal Times to Visit Long Beach and How to Arrive
Come spring (March-May) for 70°F days and whale season; avoid summer crowds. Fly direct to LGB or LAX (30-min drive). Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner stops downtown.
Recommended Tours, Nearby Spots and Ideal Stay Length
Harbor Breeze whale watches ($35, 2seewhales.com, (562) 983-5297) spotted blues on my trip. Day trip to Catalina Island ferry: $80. Stay 4 days: Day 1 aquarium/Queen Mary, Day 2 beaches, Day 3 tours, Day 4 shops.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long Beach Travel
What are the top attractions in Long Beach?
Aquarium of the Pacific, Queen Mary, and Shoreline Village top my list for their unique blends of education, history, and fun.
Is Long Beach safe for tourists?
Yes, especially tourist areas; I advise groups at night and securing valuables.
How much does a trip to Long Beach cost?
$200-300 daily covers basics; save with passes and free events.
Best time to visit Long Beach?
Spring for the weather and fewer crowds, perfect for outdoor activities.
