Things to do in Long Beach, CA

If you plan on visiting Long Beach or if you just moved to the city but you are not sure what the city can offer you, take a look at our list of interesting activities in Long Beach, CA.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Roughly 1.7 million people visit the Aquarium of the Pacific annually to see over 11,000 animals, watch the 150 sharks at the shark lagoon, and learn interesting facts about the different marine species during the lectures and educational programs held there. Besides observing the marine animals you will get to take part in art exhibitions, art shows, festivals, lectures and see real-time ocean data on a huge globe. The Aquarium of the Pacific is very environmental-friendly and has been awarded for being the nation’s most energy-efficient business for 2009.

Address: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802-8126
Opening hours: from Sunday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm
Prices: $29.95 for adults, $17.95 for children, and $26.95 for seniors

Long Beach Waterfront

Here you can enjoy a beautiful view, have a delectable meal at the many modern restaurants, do some shopping at The Pike shop located at Rainbow Harbor, do some cycling or just take a walk and enjoy the view. You can visit the Yard House, the luxurious ship Queen Mary, or Parker’s Lighthouse which is on three levels, offers a two-story wine cellar and delicious seafood.

Address: 54th Place and Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA

Catalina Express

Up to 1 million people annually take part in the Catalina Express tours because they offer an unforgettable experience for the visitors and residents of Long Beach. The boat offers many benefits like panoramic viewing windows for you to take beautiful photographs and on-deck seating for a full experience. The fleet has eight vessels with Catalina Jet being the biggest having the capacity to carry roughly 500 people.

Address: 320 Golden Shr, Long Beach, CA 90802-4243
Prices: starting from $30 to $160

Shoreline Village

This place has so much charm and beauty that it is a must to visit it at least once. Here you can rent a fishing boat, yacht, or catamarans; in case you are new at sailing, you can enroll in some of the sailing lessons.

When you go to Shoreline Village, make sure to visit the Pelican Pier Pavilion where you can ride a carousel, play video games, air hockey, skeeball and more. The Pavilion is open Monday to Sunday from 12 pm to 11 pm. You can have your family photograph taken at Smile for the Birdie where you can pet, hold and learn more about their exotic birds. Working hours are Saturdays and Sunday from 12 pm to 7 pm.

Address: 401-435 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802-4549

Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

Events hit this magical place every week! There will be an Imprinted Sportswear Show this January 18th, International Salon & Spa Expo on January 27th, and the list goes on through the year. The center is 400,000 square feet big and in addition to its three multi-faceted exhibition halls – where conventions, trade shows, meetings or special events take place –there are a number of other facilities, including the Terrace Theater, the Rainbow Bridge, The Cove (Southern California’s premier street party venue), and a beautiful ballroom.

Address: 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802-4825

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

You can enjoy the beautiful weather and nature around you in this peaceful and relaxing 1.3-acre garden. If you need a short break from the busy city, this oasis is one of the best places to do just that.

Address: 1250 N Bellflower Blvd, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90840-0004
Working Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm
Prices: free of charge

The Walter Pyramid

This is an iconic image of Long Beach and you must visit it, be it to watch a game or just to take a picture of the building. It is a multipurpose arena, currently, home to the state’s men and women’s basketball and volleyball programs. Seminars and other are also held here often. You could be one of the 200,000 annual visitors at Walter Pyramid. Those who have visited this place say the atmosphere is phenomenal.

Address: 1250 N Bellflower Blvd, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90840-0004
Tickets: prices start from as little as $7 to $35

Long Beach Playhouse

If all the walking, cycling, and sightseeing have made you a bit tired and you need a calm night out with friends or family you can visit Long Beach Playhouse. Here you can watch plays like Mark Twain Tonight, Pack of Lies, Peter and the Star catcher, Flight, My Fair Lady, among many others. In near proximity, you will find good places to grab something to eat as well for a perfect end of the night.

Address: 5021 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804-3214
Tickets: prices start from $14 to $27

There are so many memorable events and places to visit in Long Beach, CA! Honorable mentions are Naples Island, El Dorado Nature Center, Rosie’s Dog Beach, Belmont Shore, Pike and Rainbow Harbor, Museum of Latin American arts, Long Beach Museum of Arts, Bluff Park, Marine Park.