Top Things to Do in Long Beach, CA: Your Ultimate Guide to Attractions, Dining, and Entertainment
- Dr. K.
- Jul 15, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 8
Just 30 minutes from the South Bay LA, and voted "Best City" for entertainment and living by the LA Times Best of the Southland 2022, Long Beach has so much to offer!
Whether it’s the local ‘Circuit’ shuttle service, fireworks shows on the waterfront, Thursday Night Markets in DTLB, or a ton of specialty stores and restaurants, there’s something for everyone.
Long Beach is also incredibly dog-friendly! I’ve highlighted a few of my favorite spots (look for the red hearts) to help you plan your visit.
Fun things to do in Long Beach
Naples Canals
Take a romantic stroll around the canals with your furry friend (dogs on leashes are welcome!). Start at the parking lot near Appian Way and Colorado Street, then cross a bridge to explore the three islands of Naples. The largest island can be accessed from both east and west via 2nd Street and Appian Way. Check out Colonnade Park and the beautiful 3-tiered fountain at La Bella Fontana Park. Families will love Mothers Beach on the northeast edge, facing the bay.
Water Activities
Feeling adventurous?
Rent a kayak or a stand up paddle! OR go all out with a two-hour Duffy boat from Anchors Away or a 20-ft boat from London Boat Rentals These rides are dog-friendly!
For a thrill, try renting a WaveRunner, complete with a tutorial before you hit the ocean
For a touch of old-world charm, hop on a Gondola by Gondola Getaway for a 50-minute cruise, with cozy blankets and complimentary photos. Add some romance with rose bouquets, petals, and delicious food. They even offer pizza and pasta cruises, wedding getaways, and other Venetian adventures!
Spend half a day at Southern California’s largest aquarium. home to 12,000 animals and over 100 exhibits. Located on Rainbow Harbor, it welcomes over a million visitors annually. Buy your ticket
Shoreline Village
Park your car and dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Shoreline Village. Shop for beachwear, dine at various eateries, rent bikes or boats, admire the lamps at Istanbul Home, and join in the February Mardi Gras event. December brings waterfront fireworks, while Pelican Pier offers fun arcade games and delicious funnel cake. It's a fantastic spot for a stroll, especially with your dog!
Planning Your Day
Spirit Cruises offers an array of water experiences, including a one-hour cruise, whale watching, and a public harbor cruise. For a unique view, try the glass-bottom boat, by Sea View Cruises from Dock 7.
Marina Sailing provides sailing lessons and boat rentals—call ahead to check availability. This company operates across several Southern California harbors.
Sun Glow Sailing Charters offers a 3-hour sailing lesson, perfect for beginners. Explore this opportunity!
Swan Boat Rental at Rainbow Lagoon at Rainbow Lagoon is a hit with kids, especially with the shaded canopies.
Rent a bike at Wheel Fun Rentals and enjy ra ride ide along the boardwalk
Dolphin and Whale Adventures
Get close to wildlife with a tour from Harbor Breeze, located in Rainbow Harbor. They offer morning and afternoon departures on spacious boats.
SoCal Whale Watching operates smaller boats (only 6 people) and meets near the Aquarium, passing by The Queen Mary and the Korean Bell of Friendship. Buy your ticket
Rosie’s Dog Beach
A dog parent’s dream! This four-acre stretch along Ocean Blvd, between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues, lets dogs run free. While it’s not a fenced area, it’s a great spot with facilities for cleaning up after your pup has had their fun.
Long Beach by Air
For a splurge, see Long Beach from the sky!
California Parasail in Shoreline Village offers a thrilling parasailing experience.
Anthelion Helicopters provides a coastal tour over Long Beach ports, Naples, Alamitos Bay, and Seal Beach.
Where to Eat - (Vegetarian Options)
More than just a breakfast spot, this eclectic 1920s-style home offers New American cuisine with Southern flair. Try the Cheetos Mac and Cheese for the kids, and enjoy good vegetarian options and decent drinks.
Beloved for its owner and award-winning food with Mexican and Latin American influences. Great vegetarian choices too!
A specialty coffee and seasonal food cafe with many vegetarian options. It’s a charming farm-to-table spot, LGBTQIA friendly!
Enjoy organic produce, coffee, or a sit-down breakfast. Or perhaps a cocktail while watching the sunset. This simple spot overlooks the Colorado Lagoon.
Where to Drink, Party or be Entertained!
From salsa to rock and roll, Long Beach has some excellent entertainment options downtown, near East Village, or in Belmont Shore. Check out Alegria for hip hop and Latin music, and Sevilla for some of the hottest entertainment!
4th Street in Long Beach is retro-vibrant with bars such as The Stache and 4th Street Vine.
The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina offers upscale vibes with fantastic views, cocktails and chic interiors.
Ballast Point Brewery is low-key with a harborside location perfect for sunsets and watcihng passing boats.
Catch a show at Laugh Factory or watch an indie film at The Art Theater.
Green Sea Shells was recently featured in a Redfin article on Long Beach and named a top local expert by Redfin.
Long Beach, a Southern California paradise, has become increasingly popular for those looking to rent or buy a home. With plenty of beachfront activities, it’s no wonder nearly 450,000 people call Long Beach home. The city's popularity and property prices are rising, so if you’re considering buying a home, be prepared for a competitive market with a median home sale price of $771,000. If renting is more your style, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,856.
If those prices don’t fit your budget, check out the 10 best affordable Long Beach suburbs to consider living in, all less than 20 minutes from the city center. You’ll be close enough to enjoy all of Long Beach’s best activities without the high cost of city life.
