Long Beach: A 5-Day Adventure on a Budget

Discover Long Beach's hidden gems without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Beachy Fun in Long Beach

  • Check into Vagabond Inn & Suites – a hotel that’s easy on the pocket and close to the beach.
  • Head to nearby Belmont Shore Beach for some sun, sand, and sea. Enjoy beach volleyball, swimming, and sunbathing.
  • Take a stroll along the boardwalk and explore the shops and eateries along the way.
  • Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific – an impressive sea-life exhibit that will leave you mesmerized.
  • End the day with dinner at Open Sesame – a traditional Mediterranean restaurant that serves some of the best hummus in town.
Day 2

Unexpected Delights

  • Grab breakfast at At Last Café – a quirky eatery famous for its gourmet dishes.
  • Visit the Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site – a beautifully preserved adobe house that gives you a glimpse into California’s past.
  • Take a walk around Shoreline Village – an amusement park by the sea that has something for everyone.
  • Visit the Museum of Latin American Art – a one-of-a-kind gallery for all art enthusiasts.
  • End the day with a meal at Lola’s Mexican Cuisine – a restaurant that serves authentic Mexican dishes made lovingly by hand.
Day 3

Offbeat Adventures

  • Explore the vibrant art scene in the city by visiting the Long Beach Museum of Art.
  • Take a tram ride to the California State University Long Beach campus – a beautiful campus that’s a perfect spot for a leisurely walk.
  • Head over to the East Village Art District – a haven for street art and offbeat galleries.
  • Visit the Sunnyside Cemetery – a historic site that’s home to some famous Long Beach residents.
  • End the day with a meal at Restauration – a farm-to-table bistro that serves fresh food.
Day 4

Island Hopping

  • Take a ferry to nearby Catalina Island – an old-world island that’s perfect for a day trip.
  • Explore the island’s stunning natural beauty by going on a hike or renting a bike.
  • Visit the Descanso Beach Club – an exclusive beach club that’s perfect for lounging by the water or trying out water sports.
  • Take a tour of the Avalon Casino – a classic landmark that has now been converted into a movie theater.
  • End the day with a meal at the Bluewater Grill – a seafood restaurant that serves fresh catches of the day.
Day 5

Museums and More

  • Visit the Long Beach Museum of Art – a small but perfectly curated museum that showcases local and international artworks.
  • Take a stroll around the beautiful Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden – a peaceful sanctuary that’s perfect for meditation or quiet reflection.
  • Head over to the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum – an unusual but fascinating museum that showcases the art and culture of the Pacific Islands.
  • End the day with a meal at the James Republic – a farm-to-table restaurant that serves up some mouth-watering dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

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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Long Beach on a Budget: 2 Days of Adventure.

Visiting Long Beach on a budget is achievable with some smart planning. Explore the beaches, museums, and cultural festivals, all free or low-cost. Try local street food and stay in affordable accommodations at motels or Airbnb options for an affordable yet memorable vacation.