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.

Travel plan

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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

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.

More travel plans

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.

5-Day Romantic Getaway: Long Beach, USA

Experience a romantic getaway in beautiful Long Beach with your loved one. Explore the picturesque waterfront, take a sunset stroll along the beach, and enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants. Stay in a cozy beachside hotel and make unforgettable memories on your perfect romantic trip.

Long Beach: A 5-Day Adventure on a Budget

A trip to Long Beach, United States for a limited budget can still be enjoyable. Visit sights such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary, and the Long Beach Museum of Art, all of which offer free admission on select days. Stay in affordable accommodations such as hostels or budget hotels and explore the local cuisine at inexpensive restaurants and food trucks.

Long Beach Bliss: The Ultimate 5-Day Family Adventure

Long Beach, located in the beautiful state of California, offers a fantastic destination for a family-friendly trip. With its picturesque beaches stretching along the coast, there are numerous opportunities for sun-soaked fun, including sandcastle building, surfing lessons, and beach volleyball. Additionally, families can enjoy exploring the iconic Aquarium of the Pacific, taking boat tours to spot whales and dolphins, or even visiting the legendary Queen Mary ship-turned-hotel, making Long Beach an ideal vacation spot for the whole family.