Day Trips from Long Beach. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Nearby Destinations

Many locations are within day-trip distance, presenting diverse experiences from theme parks to island escapes and major cities.

Consider booking tours and activities for these destinations through GetYourGuide.

Accessible Locations & Travel

Catalina Island: Approximately 1 hour by Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach.
Theme Parks (Disneyland, Knott's Berry Farm): 25-45 minutes drive; car or ride-share recommended.
Los Angeles: Metro A Line for Downtown LA. Car or ride-share for other areas.
Coastal Cities (Huntington, Laguna Beach): 20-60 minutes drive; car or ride-share.

Natural Escapes

Southern California has many natural areas for outdoor beauty and tranquility beyond the city.

Parks and Reserves

Discover local ecosystems and conservation initiatives.

Popular Spots

Palos Verdes Peninsula: Coastal hikes, tide pooling, scenic views.
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve: Wetland habitat for birds that migrate, walking trails.
San Gabriel Mountains: 1-1.5 hours drive for hiking and scenic routes.

Seasonal Wonders

Witness unique natural phenomena based on the season.

Seasonal Activities

Whale Migration: Gray Whales (Dec-May), Blue Whales (May-Oct). Tours from Long Beach.
Wildflower Blooms: Spectacular superblooms in spring (March-April) after sufficient rain.
Pacific Coast Highway: Scenic drive through coastal Orange County.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites

Mission San Juan Capistrano: 1-hour drive south, California's colonial past.
Olvera Street (Downtown LA): 45 minutes via Metro A Line, historic Mexican marketplace.
No prominent rural towns or pilgrimage sites in the immediate vicinity.
Inland Orange County includes some agricultural patches.

Time & Planning

Catalina Island: Plan a full day.
Theme Parks: Dedicate a full day (or two for both Disney parks).
The City of angels: Full day per area (e.g., Downtown/Hollywood, Santa Monica/Venice).
Organized city tours are available for La.

Multi-Day Extensions

San Diego: 2-hour drive south.Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter.
Santa Barbara: 2-hour drive north.Coastal city, wine country nearby.
Palm Springs: 2-hour head east.Desert resort, mid-century architecture.
Logical Next Destinations:Big Sur, Monterey, San Francisco, California National Parks.

Transportation:Car for flexibility.
Amtrak:San Diego & Santa Barbara.
Flights:San Francisco, further afield.
Suggested Routes:PCH Road Trip, National Parks Loop.

Planning Tip

For multi-day extensions, a car rental typically offers the most flexibility.

Practical Information

Practical tips for navigating Long Beach, from communication to cultural norms and accessibility.

Internet Access

Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public libraries. Some downtown public areas include free Wi-Fi.

Mobile Connectivity

Major U.S. carriers are T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. Prepaid SIM cards or eSIMs are available. Consider Airalo for eSIMs or Solis Wi-Fi for portable devices.

Postal Services

USPS post offices are throughout the city. FedEx and UPS drop-off locations are common for express shipping.

Language & Translation

English is spoken officially. Spanish is widely spoken, and Khmer in Cambodia Town.

Translation Tools

Translation apps like Google Translate are valuable. Download offline language packs.
Many tourist-facing businesses include Spanish-speaking staff.
Consider Rosetta Stone for language learning.

Important Phrases English

Basic phrases for polite interactions.

Common Greetings & Questions

"Hello" / "Hi" (Informal greeting)
"Excuse me" (To gain attention or apologize)
"Thank you" (For gratitude), "Please" (For polite requests)

Business Hours & Schedules

Retail Stores:10 AM - 9 PM daily (shorter Sundays).

Restaurants (Lunch):11 AM - 2 PM.

Restaurants (Dinner):5 PM - 10 PM.

Grocery Stores:7 AM - 10 PM (some ALL day and night).

Banks:Mon-Fri 9 AM - 5 PM (some Sat mornings).

ATMs:Widely available 24/7.

Holiday Travel Note

Major U.S. Federal Holidays result in business closures or reduced hours. Check specific websites for holiday schedules.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Local customs, attire expectations, and respectful interactions.

Greetings & Attire

Casual greetings common. Handshakes standard for introductions.

Social Practices

Direct eye contact shows sincerity.
General attire: Casual (jeans, t-shirts).
Nicer Restaurants/Events: Business casual or smart casual attire.

Dining & Photography

Tipping awaited for service. Wait to be seated in sit-down restaurants.

Considerations

Splitting bills common; inform your server early.
Photography generally in public spaces. Seek permission before photographing individuals.
Observe signs that are displayed regarding rules on photography in museums/private establishments.

Taboos & Sensitive Topics

Avoid discussing politics, religion, or personal income with strangers.

Social Awareness

Americans generally prefer more distance during conversations.
Long Beach is a progressive city; INDIVIDUALS from the lgbtq+ community are welcomed.
Gender equality legally protected; public spaces are inclusive.

Accessibility Information

Long Beach strives for an easy-to-reach environment for all travelers.

Infrastructure & Services

U.S. Cities follow the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Public transportation (Long Beach Transit, LA Metro) are wheelchair accessible.
Service animals permitted in the majority of public places.

Accessible Attractions

attractions with accessibility.

Aquarium of the Pacific

Fully accessible for visitors with mobility aids.

Museum of Latin American Art MOLAA

Accessible facilities for all guests.

Long Beach Museum of Art LBMA

Accessible for mobility challenges.

Direct Contact Confirmation

Contact specific hotels or attractions directly to confirm accessibility features and any specialized services you may require.

Itinerary Suggestions

These suggestions present frameworks for various types of trips.

-Hour Layover Highlights

AM

Morning 9 AM - 1 PM

Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific. Lunch at Shoreline Village or Pine Avenue.

PM

Afternoon 2 PM - 6 PM

Explore Shoreline Village, harbor views, consider a harbor cruise or walk around Rainbow Harbor.

EV

Evening 6 PM onwards

Dinner downtown on Pine Avenue, then a leisurely walk along The Promenade.

Weekend Getaway 2-3 Days

Day 1: Downtown & Waterfront (Aquarium, Shoreline Village, The Pike Outlets). Dinner Pine Avenue.
Day 2: Coastal Charm & Art (MOLAA/LBMA, Belmont Shore, Naples Island walk/gondola). Dinner Belmont Shore.
Day 3: Nature or Theme Park (Catalina Island via ferry, Disneyland/Knott's Berry Farm, or El Dorado Park).
Consider booking activities for Day 3 through GetYourGuide Day Trips.

One-Week Comprehensive Experience

Days 1-3: Long Beach Immersion (Aquarium, Queen Mary (check status), museums, Belmont Shore, Naples, East Village Arts District, Cambodia Town cuisine).
Days 4-5: Los Angeles (Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica/Venice Beach via Metro and ride-share) or Theme Parks (Disneyland/Knott's Berry Farm).
Days 6-7: Relaxation (Long Beach City Beach) or Island Escape (Catalina Island).
Depart on The FINAL day.

Long-Term Stay Recommendations

Accommodation

Look into short-term rentals or extended-stay hotels for longer visits.

Local Immersion

Engage with community events, farmers markets, and local hangouts. Discover hidden gems.

Outdoor Exploration

Explore nearby regional parks and areas of nature for hiking and outdoor activities.

Two-Week Exploration

Combine the one-week experience with further day trips and multi-day extensions to San Diego, Santa Barbara, or Palm Springs (car rental recommended). Explore California's National Parks.

Day Trips from Long Beach