Long Beach – The City and Harbor South of Los Angeles
The city of Long Beach offers a different experience from Los Angeles to its north. At the heart of the city is its large port and marina, along with a long coastline stretching along the Pacific Ocean. The legendary luxury liner Queen Mary is permanently docked here and is now a popular tourist attraction. Nearby, you'll find the massive Aquarium of the Pacific. The city is renowned for its large spring events held annually, like the Long Beach Grand Prix and the enormous Pride Parade. To the west, in San Pedro, there are two U.S. Navy ships that have been converted into attractions, along with the charming Pacific coastline.
How much time should you spend in Long Beach?
Devote a full day to explore Long Beach and the western coastal stretch of the city.
8 Must-See and Do Things in Long Beach
- Dine (or even stay) in old-world luxury aboard the Queen Mary
- The big guns of the USS Iowa
- Shark species at the Aquarium of the Pacific
- Stunning Latin art at MOLAA
- History at the Spanish ranchos of Long Beach – Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos
- The magnificent lighthouse at Point Fermin Park
- The unique modern architecture of Wayfarers Chapel
- The might of the US Navy at the SS Lane Victory
What is Long Beach?
- Long Beach is a major port city in the southern part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area
- The city has about half a million residents and is the seventh largest in California
- It is located 20 kilometers south of downtown Los Angeles within the vast urban expanse of the metropolis
- The city is located at the mouth of the Los Angeles River to the Pacific Ocean, where the city's huge port and marina are also situated.
- The Long Beach shoreline stretches east from the marina, and at the river's mouth stands the city's main attraction – the famous ship Queen Mary, which is now a museum and floating hotel.
The city was originally built as part of the oil discovery in the southern part of Los Angeles in the 1920s. Following the oil, the port was also opened, which is now one of the largest in the entire USA. The city is also the headquarters of the large American oil company, Epson.
Over the years, Long Beach has become a popular tourist destination, separate from Los Angeles. Every April, the Long Beach Grand Prix takes place on the city streets. About a month later, the Long Beach Pride Parade occurs, which is considered the third largest parade in the USA.
When is the best time to visit Long Beach?
The best time to visit Long Beach is during the two main events held in the city in the spring:
- In April, a street race takes place as part of the Grand Prix competitions. This event attracts a large number of tourists and visitors from across the metropolis, and the entire city dons a festive spirit.
- Another celebration in the city is the traditional Long Beach Pride Parade, held in May. The Pride Parade also attracts a multitude of tourists, from the community and beyond, who come for three days of festival fun.
During these two spring events, finding accommodation in the city is challenging and traffic tends to be heavy, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.
- The weather in Long Beach is Mediterranean, with mild winters by American standards and summers that are not excessively hot.
- Every season and throughout the year, a visit to the city promises wonderful weather, usually sunny and not too hot or humid.
- The summer in Long Beach is ideal, with average temperatures of 25-26 degrees Celsius and plenty of sunshine.
- Winter in Long Beach is cool but there are also really warm days even in the heart of winter.
- Relatively, the city is also very dry with not too much rain throughout the year. Like back home, there's almost no rain at all in the summer.
- Spring and autumn also boast great weather, very pleasant throughout both seasons and not too rainy.
Map of Long Beach
How to Plan a Trip Route in Long Beach?
- It's a good idea to start your trip in Long Beach with the cluster of sites and attractions at the mouth of the Los Angeles River. There stands the city’s large port and the famous marina.
- The main attraction of Long Beach is the famous ship Queen Mary, which is currently docked at the river's mouth and is a place for leisure, touring, and a hotel.
- Nearby is also the large Aquarium of the Pacific, a popular spot for a day with the kids.
- From the port area, it's worth driving along Long Beach's beautiful shore and visiting the Long Beach Museum of Art.
- Be sure to check out the fascinating sites within the city like the Latin Art Museum and the two old ranches which are now period museums.
From Long Beach, it's worth heading to San Pedro, where you can climb aboard the SS Lane Victory and the USS Iowa. These two ships served the US Navy in World War II and are now museums. Nearby is also the Los Angeles Maritime Museum.
From San Pedro, it's a good idea to continue west along the ocean shore toward Rancho Palos Verdes. First, stop at Point Fermin Park, where you'll find the unique lighthouse.
In Rancho Palos Verdes, you must see Wayfarers Chapel, a unique modern architectural marvel, and enjoy the sunset views at the park surrounding Point Vicente Lighthouse.
For planning a trip itinerary in Long Beach and professional advice, click here…
Everything You Must See and Do in Long Beach
The Queen Mary
The important historic ship, the Queen Mary, now rests at the mouth of the Los Angeles River in the port of Long Beach. The ship is located near the main terminal of Carnival Cruise Line and is a major attraction in the tourist city. It was built in England for the Cunard Line, which is now owned by Carnival Cruise.
The ship sailed until 1967 and was replaced by Cunard's new flagship, the Queen Mary 2. During its active years, it served as a pleasure cruise, but during World War II, it also served as a troop carrier under the British army. Upon retirement, it arrived at the shipyards in Long Beach for renovations, and it was decided to keep it in the port as a tourist attraction. Nowadays, the ship hosts bars and restaurants; you can stay on it as a hotel or just visit the mother of cruise ships and pleasure cruises.
Address: 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach
Aquarium of the Pacific
The Long Beach Aquarium is located not far from the Queen Mary, on the eastern side of the Los Angeles River outlet. It is one of the largest aquariums on the West Coast of the USA, displaying more than 11,000 items including fish, marine creatures, and amphibians. Besides the main aquarium, there are several other attractions such as Shark Lagoon where you can see Pacific Ocean shark species and Manta Rays, a giant tank dedicated to jellyfish species called the Jellyfish Touch Tank, and more.
Address: Aquarium Way, 100, Long Beach
Click here for the latest aquarium opening hours…
Long Beach Museum of Art
The Long Beach Museum of Art is located along the city's long shoreline at Junipero Beach. The museum's collection includes about 4,000 works from the early 20th century to contemporary art. The collection features a wide array of well-known American artists, a few notable European artists of the modern era, and rotating exhibitions of contemporary art. Beside the small museum is a cool terrace with a fountain and an ocean view that, on sunny days, is bustling with visitors and diners.
Address: E Ocean Blvd. 2300, Long Beach
Click here for the latest museum hours…
MOLAA – Museum of Latin American Art
The hustle is a large museum showcasing the best of Latin American art. It is located in the heart of the city, in a predominantly Spanish-speaking area. The museum opened in 1996 in a large building designed by the Mexican architect Manuel Rosen. Rosen integrated the museum structure with a 1920s roller rink, and part of the museum still includes the rink's special deck floor. The museum boasts a rich collection of art from across Latin America and Spanish-speaking American artists. The place also features a charming sculpture garden.
Address: Alamitos Ave. 628, Long Beach
Click here for the museum's current opening hours…
Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
Rancho Los Alamitos is the grand farmhouse owned by Manuel Nieto, the big real estate tycoon of the mid-19th century. It was built in the late 18th century as part of the settlement by Spanish-speaking Mexicans in this part of California. Over the years, the house changed hands several times and was donated to the city of Long Beach in 1968. The site has been preserved and is now a historical museum showcasing period furniture and artifacts from the early 20th century. The farmhouse and gardens are located in the east of the city, just a ten-minute drive from the marina.
Address: E Bixby Hill Rd. 6400, Long Beach
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Rancho Los Cerritos
On the other side of Long Beach, just a ten-minute drive from the marina, lies another mansion once owned by Manuel Nieto. Today, it stands as a period museum on a large expanse along the east bank of the Los Angeles River. The farmhouse was built in 1834 on small hills (cerritos in Spanish) above the river. In 1955, the city of Long Beach purchased the farm and surrounding land, turning it into a historic museum and preservation site. The site features exhibits of artifacts and period furnishings from the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century.
Address: Virginia Rd. 4600, Long Beach
Click here for the museum's current operating hours…
San Pedro, Los Angeles
Los Angeles Maritime Museum
At what was once the Los Angeles ferry terminal, you'll now find the city's maritime museum. It's located on the central channel of the Port of Los Angeles, not far from the battleship USS Iowa, which is a part of the museum. The museum features displays of famous ship models, various technological developments from the past, and loads of detailed information about the shipping industry. It's a great place with educational activities for kids or just a fun spot to wander around with the whole family.
Address: Foot of 6th St Berthing, 84, San Pedro
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USS Iowa Battleship Museum
The most attractive section of the Los Angeles Maritime Museum is just a bit north of the ferry terminal building. The USS Iowa is a large American battleship that first sailed in 1943 and took part in battles against the Japanese in the Pacific Ocean. Later on, it also took part in the Korean War and naval patrols during the Cold War. Today, you can hop on board the battleship and see firsthand the might of the American fleet.
Address: S Harbor Blvd. 250, Los Angeles
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The S.S. Lane Victory
You can also visit the deck of the SS Lane Victory, located at the southern segment of the central canal, not far from the Maritime Museum. Unlike the USS Iowa warship, the Lane Victory also served the U.S. Navy but as a cargo ship. The Lane Victory participated in battles against the Japanese in World War II and the Korean War, serving as an important supply ship from behind the lines. The ship is docked for preservation, and you can visit to witness this great technological marvel.
Address: Berth 52, 2400 Miner St. San Pedro
Click here for the museum's current visiting hours…
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
The educational aquarium of the Los Angeles Department of Parks is located at Cabrillo Beach on the grand entrance to Cabrillo Marina in San Pedro. The impressive structure was designed by celebrated architect Frank Gehry, and it's a gem in its own right, regardless of the marine collection. The aquarium features a nearly academic display of local marine life, complete with precise cataloging and academic research. It's not a large, popular spot like the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, but an educational place with activities and workshops for children.
Address: 3720 Stephen M White Dr., San Pedro
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Point Fermin Park
Point Fermin Park is a stunning viewpoint of the Pacific Ocean, about a five-minute drive from the Cabrillo Aquarium. On the cliffs of the cape, there's a large terrace that has become a popular hiking spot. Nearby the park is the charming Point Fermin Lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1874 and looks more like a large manor house with a tower than a typical lighthouse.
Address: W Paseo Del Mar, 807, San Pedro
Rancho Palos Verdes
Wayfarers Chapel
Rancho Palos Verdes is a small city in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, south of the city of Torrance. It's a peaceful community situated on the southern slopes of a hilly area with several nature reserves in the hills above the coast. Wayfarers Chapel is the most famous building in the city. The chapel was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright Jr., the son of the groundbreaking architect.
The church was built in the early 1950s, with meticulous planning involving metals, wood, and lots of glass. To this day, it is considered a pilgrimage site for modern architecture enthusiasts and a highly sought-after wedding venue, thanks to the light and the stunning sea view from the large glass space.
Address: Palos Verdes Dr S. 5755, Rancho Palos Verdes
Point Vicente Lighthouse
Around the Point Vicente Lighthouse is a breathtaking natural landscape. It's a natural area right within Rancho Palos Verdes city and a popular hiking spot. From the trails near the lighthouse, there are stunning views of the cliffs and beaches of the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse was built in 1923, stands 20 meters tall, and is part of a larger complex maintained by the coast guard stationed there.
Address: Palos Verdes Dr W. 31550, Rancho Palos Verdes
