5 Days of Coastal Fun in Long Beach

Experience the lively coastal vibe of Long Beach in California.

22 April 2023

Long Beach is a vibrant coastal city in southern California, known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque boardwalk, and lively nightlife. Visitors can explore the Aquarium of the Pacific, take a stroll along the iconic Queen Mary ship, or relax in one of the many parks and gardens. With a variety of restaurants and shopping options, Long Beach is the perfect destination for a fun-filled vacation by the sea.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Discover Long Beach

  • Check into The Westin Long Beach, a luxury hotel with panoramic views of the waterfront.
  • Stroll to Shoreline Village, a charming waterfront village packed with shops, restaurants, and attractions.
  • Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, where you can see over 12,000 marine animals from around the world.
  • Take a scenic harbor cruise to see the city's skyline from a different perspective.
  • Savor some fresh seafood at P.F. Chang's or indulge in some fine Italian cuisine at Buono's Pizzeria.
Day 2

Beach Day

  • Head to the beach at Belmont Shore, a long stretch of sand and surf that's perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
  • Explore the lively Belmont Shore neighborhood, which is filled with boutiques, cafes, and bars.
  • Rent a bike or rollerblades to ride along the beach path and soak up the ocean views.
  • Grab lunch at Simmzy's, a hip gastropub that serves up craft beers and tasty burgers.
  • Watch the sunset from the famous Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.
Day 3

Art and Culture

  • Discover the cultural treasures of Long Beach at the Museum of Latin American Art, which features an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art from Latin America.
  • Visit the Long Beach Museum of Art, housed in a historic mansion with panoramic views of the ocean and presenting paintings, photographs and sculptures.
  • Wander the East Village Arts District, which is dotted with galleries, street art, and live music venues.
  • Enjoy an authentic Ethiopian dinner at Rosalind's or taste Latin-inspired tapas at Alegria Cocina Latina.
Day 4

Shop and Dine

  • Browse the trendy boutiques and vintage shops along 4th Street Retro Row, a hip shopping district that's full of character and charm.
  • Savor a gourmet breakfast at Lola's Mexican Cuisine, known for their signature chilaquiles and handmade tortillas.
  • Take a detour to Signal Hill, one of the city's highest peaks, for sweeping views of the area.
  • Visit the Shoreline Drive area to enjoy the lively nightlife, from swanky rooftop lounges to dive bars that will keep you boogying all night long.
  • Relish the delights of a hearty pizza dinner at Michael's on Naples Ristorante and close out the day.
Day 5

Family Fun

  • Explore the family-friendly piers and beaches of Seal Beach, where kids can build sandcastles and ride the Ferris wheel at the pier carnival.
  • Visit the California State University Long Beach, where you can learn about the history and architecture of this public educational institution.
  • Catch a movie at the Art Theatre, a historic cinema that's been screening indie and classic films since 1924.
  • Take a stroll through the beautiful Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, a peaceful oasis preserve that features a koi pond and waterfalls.
  • Try an authentic Mexican meal at Taco Surf or enjoy a hearty burger at Johnny's Pastrami.

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

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.

Long Beach Love: A Romantic Getaway Guide

A romantic trip to Long Beach, United States would offer endless opportunities for fun and relaxation. Couples can enjoy a sunset walk along the beautiful coastline, indulge in succulent seafood, and go whale watching for the ultimate romantic experience. The city's scenic beauty, museums, and nature reserves make it the perfect destination for a romantic getaway.

Sunny Adventures in Long Beach: A 3-Day Guide

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.

Long Beach: A Beachin' 3-Day Adventure for the Whole Family

Long Beach in the United States offers an ideal family-friendly destination with its beautiful beaches, numerous outdoor activities, and a vibrant waterfront. Families can enjoy a day at the popular Aquarium of the Pacific, explore the historic Queen Mary ship, or have fun at the colorful carnival rides in the famous Shoreline Village. With its warm weather, welcoming community, and diverse range of attractions, Long Beach guarantees a memorable and enjoyable trip for the whole family.