4 Days of Fun: Long Beach on a Budget

Beach fun without breaking the bank - Long Beach, here we come!

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Explore the Queen Mary and Downtown Long Beach

Start the day at the Queen Mary, a stunning art deco ocean liner turned hotel.
Visit the ship's museum to learn about its history and famous guests like Winston Churchill.
Take a stroll through Downtown Long Beach and check out local shops and restaurants, like The Attic for breakfast or Beachwood BBQ for lunch.
See the colorful murals and street art in the Arts District.
End the day with drinks at The Blind Donkey, a whiskey bar with a large selection of bourbons and live music.
Hotel recommendation: The Varden Hotel, a cozy and charming boutique hotel in the heart of Downtown Long Beach.

Day 2

Relax at the Beach and Visit the Aquarium

Head to Belmont Shore, one of Long Beach's most popular beaches, and spend the morning soaking up the sun and playing in the ocean.
Have lunch at Belmont Brewing Company, where you can enjoy craft beer and delicious pub food with ocean views.
Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific and see over 11,000 marine animals from penguins to sharks.
Watch the sunset on the beach and have dinner at The Attic on Broadway for delicious comfort food.

Day 3

Explore Naples Island and Eat Your Way Through Long Beach

Start the day with a kayak or paddleboard rental at Naples Island and explore the canals and beautiful homes.
Visit the Museum of Latin American Art to see contemporary art and learn about Latin America's rich culture.
Go on a food tour with Beach City Food Tours and try Long Beach's diverse cuisine, from Mexican street tacos to craft donuts.
Visit The Pike Outlets for shopping and entertainment, with historic rides and carnival games at The Pike Amusement Park.
Have dinner at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. and enjoy seafood and cocktails with an ocean view.
Hotel recommendation: Beachrunners Inn, a charming and affordable hotel just a block from the beach.

Day 4

Hike the Bluffs and Experience Long Beach's Nightlife

Start the day with a hike at Bluff Park and enjoy stunning views of the ocean and Catalina Island.
Take a tour of the Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens to learn about California's early history and culture.
Have lunch at Schooner or Later, a classic breakfast and lunch spot with a nautical theme.
Visit the historic Long Beach Art Theatre for indie movies and events.
End the day with drinks and dancing at The Federal Bar, a speakeasy-style bar with a great nightlife scene.
Enjoy your stay in Long Beach!

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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