Sunny Adventures in Long Beach: A 3-Day Guide

Experience the coastal charm of Long Beach without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

A trip to Long Beach, United States on a limited budget would involve staying in affordable accommodations such as budget hotels or hostels. Exploring the city's free attractions such as the Long Beach Museum of Art and the Shoreline Aquatic Park, would be a great way to experience the destination without spending too much money. One could also take part in low-cost activities such as visiting the famous Long Beach pier or hiking the nearby Signal Hill.

Save and get deals

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Explore the Queen Mary and Downtown Long Beach

  • Stay at the Varden Hotel, a chic boutique hotel in the heart of Downtown Long Beach
  • Start the day off by getting lost in the maze-like halls of the Queen Mary ocean liner hotel
  • Wander through the charming and colorful seaside neighborhood of Shoreline Village
  • Grab a bite to eat at the hip, open-air Urban Plates, with farm-to-table eats, or the classic Long Beach staple, Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles
  • Wrap up the day with a stroll down Pine Avenue, checking out the local bars and live music
Day 2

Get Some Sun and Fun in Long Beach

  • Make your way to the legendary Belmont Shore, a quintessential Southern California beach town, and rent a beach cruiser bike
  • Bask in the sun and sea at the Long Beach Peninsula, with a long, uninterrupted stretch of sand, perfect for a day of tanning and swimming
  • Catch a movie at the historic Art Theatre, a 1920s-style movie palace that screens indie and classic films
  • Treat yourself to some fresh, sustainably-sourced seafood at the popular King's Fish House
  • End the day with a stroll through the colorful and eclectic Fourth Street Retro Row, with unique antique shops and vintage boutiques
Day 3

Experience Art and Nature in Long Beach

  • Start off with a leisurely stroll through the peaceful Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, a hidden gem on the Cal State Long Beach campus
  • Marvel at the large, colorful murals and street art in the artistic hub of the East Village Arts District
  • Visit the Long Beach Museum of Art, with stunning views of the ocean and rotating exhibits of contemporary art
  • Grab a bite at the cozy, European-style Cafe Sevilla, with tapas and live music
  • End the day with a sunset walk on the scenic Bluff Park, with stunning views of the ocean and Catalina Island in the distance

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Long Beach by plane is to fly into Long Beach Airport (LGB). Several major airlines such as Delta, JetBlue, and Southwest offer direct flights to LGB from major cities across the United States.

Car

The best way to get to Long Beach by car is to take a major highway such as Interstate 405 or Interstate 710. Both highways lead directly to Long Beach and offer easy access to the city's attractions and amenities.

Train

Unfortunately, there is no train station in Long Beach. However, travelers can take Amtrak to nearby cities such as Los Angeles or Anaheim, and then transfer to a bus or taxi to get to Long Beach.

Boat

Travelers can take a ferry to Long Beach from nearby Catalina Island. The Catalina Express operates daily ferries from Avalon and Two Harbors to Long Beach Marina. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.

Bus

A convenient way to get to Long Beach by bus is to take a Greyhound bus to the Long Beach Transit Center. Several major bus lines, including Greyhound and Megabus, operate daily buses to the Transit Center from major cities across the United States.

Destination

Long Beach

Long Beach is a coastal paradise where the ocean meets the sand and the sun shines bright enough to tan even a vampire. It's the perfect destination for those who love to soak up the sun or rinse off the saltwater with a fruity drink in hand.

 Save and get deals

Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Sunny Seaside Fun in Long Beach

Experience the sunny seaside city of Long Beach without breaking the bank. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, stroll around the waterfront, and sample the local cuisine at the Pike Outlets. Stay at affordable hotels or hostels and take advantage of the city's public transportation to explore nearby attractions such as downtown Los Angeles and Disneyland.

Beach Adventure: A Long Weekend in Long Beach

A romantic trip to Long Beach, United States promises to be nothing short of an unforgettable experience. Take a stroll along the scenic waterfront, indulge in some delicious seafood at one of the many restaurants, and catch a show at the historic Carpenter Performing Arts Center. Long Beach offers a perfect blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Long Beach Bliss: A 4-Day Family Adventure

A family-friendly trip to Long Beach, United States offers an array of exciting activities for everyone. Explore the famous Aquarium of the Pacific, where kids can learn about marine life through interactive exhibits and touch pools. Enjoy a day at the beach, with miles of sandy shores and warm waters perfect for swimming, picnicking, and building sandcastles. Embark on a scenic harbor cruise to admire stunning views of the city skyline and catch a glimpse of playful dolphins and sea lions.

4 Days of Fun: Long Beach on a Budget

Long Beach, United States is a great travel destination for budget-conscious travelers. Visitors can explore the beach and dine at affordable restaurants. Free activities, such as the Long Beach Museum of Art and the El Dorado Nature Center, are also available.