Long Beach California: Long Beach is a city located in California that’s about half a million in population.
It is one of the busiest cities in California, as it hosts several festivals, carnivals, and sporting events.
The city even has one of the largest shipping ports in the world.
This contributes to the diversity and excitement the city is filled with.
Long Beach finally getting all the recognition it deserves.
Now, it is considered one of the best cities in California, and for good reason.
There are so many fun and amazing things to do in Long Beach California.
That’s why we have compiled a list of 17 fun things for you to do in Long Beach California.
Contents
17 Fun Things to Do in Long Beach California
1. Visit the Long Beach Antique Market
What’s more fun than an Antique market? An exclusive Antique market.
Here you’ll find some of the coolest and rarest things you’ll probably ever see.
This is one of the best weekend activities in long Beach and it only happens once a week.
So, get ready to see tons of people arriving even before sunrise.
If you enjoy the hassle and tussling of popular Market demands, then this is the right place for you.
There is always so much good stuff to buy and so little time, so you’d better go prepared.
This is no doubt one of the most popular activities in Long Beach, California.
- The Antique Market is always open on the third Sunday of every month, from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm.
- Early admission costs $12 while regular admission costs $8.
- Children under the age of 12 have free admission.
Address- 4901 E Conant St, Long Beach, CA 90808, United States.
2. Visit the Naples Canal
This is one of the most luxurious places to visit in Long Beach, California.
This would explain why it shares a name with one of the finest cities in Italy.
Naples is definitely a place you want to visit while you’re in Long Beach, California.
The entire area has an Italian theme, so you can be sure that you’ll be experiencing luxury at its finest.
It’s like taking a trip to Italy right inside the city of Long Beach, California.
There are also several activities for you to engage in while you’re in Naples.
You could take a ride with the Gondola Getaway.
You could also dine at some of the amazing restaurants or visit some luxurious stores.
Though Naples is Italian-themed, it has its own unique atmosphere and it really shows how beautiful Long Beach, California is.
Address- Long Beach, CA 90803, United States.
3. Visit The Museum of Latin American Art
This is also one of the best places to visit in Long Beach, California.
The museum has got several art collections and contributions from the Latin American community.
It is one of the most exciting and colorful ways to spend your time in Long Beach California.
This Museum is one of its kind in the United States.
Here you’ll find some of the most respected figures in the Latin American artists and their amazing works.
Their works symbolize very important and significant aspects of Latin American culture.
A visit to the museum will enlighten you.
Admissions
- $10 for adults.
- $7 for seniors and students
- Free for children below 12
Address- 628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States.
4. Relax at Bluff Park
Take some time off from all the Long Beach sightseeing and activities by relaxing at Bluff Park.
The bluff Park is a 12-acre park that sits on the edge of the little, upscale bluff neighborhood.
The park is at the edge of the Pacific and is often visited by different groups of people.
It is a great place to just sit and unwind.
The park offers free yoga daily, so you can go there to participate.
There’s nothing more relaxing than yoga at the edge of the Pacific, with an amazing view of the horizon.
The park is even equipped with several telescopes to help you look further into the horizon.
This is one of the most relaxing places in Long Beach California.
5. Take a Trip to Downtown Long Beach
Here you’ll find amazing outdoor activities, nightlife attractions, and some of the best places to visit in Long Beach, California.
Some of the most fun things to do in Long Beach are in the city’s downtown.
There are great places to eat and drink, not to mention all the streets and places to explore.
There are several attractions in downtown California.
The waterfront area is one of the most popular attractions.
If you are lucky, you might even catch a few annual events while you’re there.
Regardless, downtown California has got something for everyone.
You’ll have a good time
Address- Pine Avenue E, Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA, United States.
6. Pay a Visit to the Laugh Factory
This is a place you don’t want to miss out on, especially if you like to laugh.
And who doesn’t?
The laugh factory isn’t just cleverly named, it has lived up to its name for several years.
Here, you’ll catch some of the best comedy shows and performances.
Some of the comedy industry’s biggest names in the country have performed on the stages of the laugh factory.
A night at the Laugh Factory will have your ribs metaphorically cracked.
It is an experience you don’t want to miss.
Some of the people who have performed on the stage of the laugh factory are Tiffany Haddish, Daniel Tosh, and Dave Chappelle among many others.
This is no doubt one of the biggest attractions in Long Beach, California.
Opening Hours
- Wednesdays and Thursdays- 10 am to 9:45 pm
- Fridays and Saturdays- 10 am to 11:45 pm
Address- 151 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States.
7. Take a Breeze Cruise with Harbor Breeze Cruises
This is one of the best Long Beach activities you can participate in.
If you’re looking to spend some out on the water, this is easily one of the best things to do in Long Beach.
On these cruises, you’ll get to enjoy the luminous blue the Pacific Ocean is so popular for.
You’ll also find some of the beautiful creatures that live in the Pacific Ocean.
From whales to dolphins and other aquatic life forms.
Harbor Breeze Cruises give you the opportunity to watch and learn about the behaviors of these majestic creatures while cruising on the Pacific Ocean.
This is definitely one of the best things to do in Long Beach.
Whale-watching cruises take place at 12:00 pm and 3:00 pm every day, so be sure to catch one while you’re in Long Beach.
Address- 100 Aquarium Way #2 Long Beach, CA 90802, United States.
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8. Visit the El Dorado Nature Center
If you’re a nature lover, this is one of the best things to do in Long Beach, California.
The El Dorado Nature Center is one of many Long Beach attractions, but what sets this particular attraction apart is the privacy.
Thanks to the secluded nature of the El Dorado Nature Center, people don’t just randomly wander into it.
This means you can come here to enjoy some solitude.
This is one of the quieter attractions in Long Beach.
Here you’ll find amazing indigenous trees and flowers that you probably haven’t seen before.
Go with your hiking shoes to take a walk through any trail of your choice.
Or simply go there to sit and relax, take in all the beautiful scenery and atmosphere.
Opening hours
- Tuesdays to Sundays- 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Address- 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815, United States.
9. Visit the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
This is definitely one of the top things to do in Long Beach California.
The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a great place to go be alone and also learn a little about the Japanese culture.
It is also a great place to practice meditation, the atmosphere is peaceful and tranquil.
The garden is located on California State University Long Beach’s Campus.
In the garden, you’ll find beautiful things like their koi pond and pagodas that’ll draw you into a peaceful state of mind.
This is definitely a place you want to visit.
Admissions
- Adults- $5
- Seniors- $4
- Children- $2
Opening hours
- Tuesdays to Fridays- 9:00am- 4:00pm
- Sundays- 12pm-4pm
Address- Earl Warren Dr, Long Beach, CA 90840, United States.
10. Join the Long Beach Bayou Festival
Annual events are some of the best things to do in Long Beach California, so you might want to plan your visit around an event or two.
The Long Beach Bayou Festival shows you how the city pays tributes to other regions.
For one weekend in June, the city becomes New Orleans, and they do it right.
With the right music and parades, you’ll almost forget that you’re really in Long Beach.
This is a festival you definitely want to see while you’re in Long Beach, California.
Address- 3505 Long Beach Blvd #2, Long Beach, CA 90807, United States.
11. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific
This is one of the most interesting places to visit in Long Beach, California.
There are several life forms in the vastness of the Pacific Ocean.
Many of which, you’ve probably never seen or heard of.
Here, you’ll find so many amazing creatures that live in the deepest parts of the Pacific Ocean.
The aquarium boasts of thousands of creatures.
It is the biggest and most popular aquarium in all of southern California.
The experience is both entertaining and informative.
You’ll learn about the different species and how they thrive in their environments.
It’s a great place to visit with your children.
Admissions
All guests (ages 3 and above) – $19
Opening Hours
- Mondays to Tuesdays- 9:00am to 6:00pm
- Fridays- 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Saturdays and Sundays- 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
Address- 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States.
12. Check out the Walter Pyramid
Have you ever thought of pyramids outside the ones in Egypt?
Probably not. Well, right here in Long Beach, California, there is an impressive pyramid that is definitely worth visiting.
The Walter Pyramid is not only impressive by sight, the pyramid serves as an indoor arena for Long Beach State University.
You can catch several sports events like volleyball and basketball games, you can check ahead of time to know when events will happen.
Address- 1250 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840, United States
13. Take surfing lessons
Long Beach is one of the best places to get surfing lessons, mostly because of the large water bodies.
If you have been looking to get surfing lessons, Long Beach is one of the best places to get one.
Surfing is a very exciting activity, and it often appears to be more difficult than it actually is.
So, don’t be afraid to take the step towards learning. Look up surfing lessons while you’re in Long Beach.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a surfing competition while you’re in the city.
14. Catch the Grand Prix of Long Beach
The Grand Prix is an amazing street race event that takes place in April.
Downtown roads turn to racetracks and excitement fills the air.
This is a great way to satisfy your need for speed.
The event is held by the IndyCar Series, and the event features several amazing cars and drivers.
The Grand Prix has been happening for over 40 years.
It’s a three-day event, with great food, exciting music, and cars.
Lots of amazing cars.
This is one of the most exciting things to do in Long Beach, California.
15. Spend Some Time on The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is an Oceanliner that was built in 1936.
The ship was active during the First World War. And there are rumors of paranormal activities on the ship.
The ship no longer moves as it is now forever anchored along the Long Beach waterfront.
Now, it serves as a unique hotel/dining room restaurant among other things.
Make reservations ahead to experience the beauty of the Queen Mary.
16. Take a Boat Tour
Because of the water bodies in Long Beach, boat tours are very popular.
This is one of the best ways to enjoy your visit to Long Beach, California.
There are several local boat tour companies and small businesses in Long Beach.
Look up boat tours while in Long Beach to enjoy some “on the water” fun.
You might end up seeing some whales and dolphins on your tour.
17. Catch The Great Sand Sculpture Contest
Not many people have made sand sculptures before, and even if you have, they must have been simple sandcastles.
Well, prepare to see some mind-blowing sand sculptures while you’re in Long Beach, California.
This is an event that shows extreme talent and creativity using sand.
The contest has been happening for over 80 years now.
It is one of the top events in Long Beach.
There are also amazing musical performances at the contest, so be ready to be entertained.
The contest takes place in August for two days and it always takes place at Granada beach.
Be sure to catch the contest if you find yourself in Long Beach around this time.
Conclusion
There are several other things to do in Long Beach, California.
This is but a guide to show you some of the fun things you can do in the city.
Don’t limit yourself to the list, have some specifications.
