The Ultimate Long Beach Weekend Adventure Guide

Experience the ultimate coastal adventure in Long Beach.

22 April 2023

Long Beach is a vibrant coastal city in Southern California that offers a unique blend of beach life, urban dwellings and cultural attractions. As a tourist, one can enjoy the city's iconic attractions such as the Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific, pamper themselves with world-class dining and shopping experiences, or simply soak up the sun on the city's popular beaches. With its mild climate, scenic beauty, and diverse cultural offerings, Long Beach is the perfect destination for a fun-filled and relaxing vacation.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beach and Boardwalk

  • Check-in at the Hotel Maya, a stunning property with a lush tropical setting
  • Head to the Long Beach Boardwalk for a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the coastline
  • Have lunch at Ruby's Diner, a classic 1950s diner with delicious burgers and shakes
  • Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, home to over 11,000 aquatic animals and interactive exhibits
  • Enjoy dinner at Parker's Lighthouse, a waterfront restaurant with stunning views and fresh seafood
Day 2

Art and Culture

  • Start the day with a coffee from Recreational Coffee, a trendy cafe with a laid back vibe
  • Explore the Museum of Latin American Art, featuring contemporary art from Latin America and the US
  • Head to the historic Queen Mary ship for a self-guided tour or a paranormal tour at night
  • Have lunch at The Attic, a charming restaurant with Southern-style comfort food and creative cocktails
  • Visit the Long Beach Museum of Art, housed in a beautiful historic mansion with stunning ocean views
  • Stop by the Long Beach East Village Arts District, home to galleries, boutiques, and cafes
Day 3

Outdoor Adventure

  • Drive to the El Dorado Nature Center for a peaceful hike or boat ride through the wetlands
  • Have lunch at Beachwood BBQ, a local favorite with award-winning smoked meats and craft beer
  • Head to the Long Beach Golf Course for a round of golf with breathtaking views
  • Visit the Naples Island Canals for a scenic gondola ride or paddle boarding
  • Enjoy dinner at Michael's on Naples, an elegant Italian restaurant with a romantic rooftop patio
Day 4

Shopping and Foodie Tour

  • Browse the unique boutiques and shops on Retro Row, featuring vintage and retro clothing and accessories
  • Have brunch at The Social List, a trendy restaurant with Spanish-inspired tapas and bottomless mimosas
  • Visit the Long Beach Farmers Market for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and live music
  • Take a foodie tour of the city with Beach City Food Tours, sampling local cuisine and meeting chefs
  • End the trip with a sunset cocktail at The Sky Room, a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city and ocean

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.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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