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Things to Do in Long Beach

Things to Do in Long Beach

Long Beach California, USA Travel Guide

Outdoor Adventures

A Very long beach and its surrounding areas provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially water-based activities.

Hiking & Trekking

Within Long Beach

Dedicated hiking trails are limited. Paths in The Dorado Park or along the beach are easy walking or biking routes.

Nearby Coastal Short Drive

Palos Verdes Peninsula offers various trails (e.g., Portuguese Bend Reserve, Abalone Cove Shoreline Park) with moderate to strenuous hikes and breathtaking ocean views. These trails present dramatic coastal scenery.

Mountain Ranges Further Drive

The San Gabriel Mountains have an extensive network of difficult paths for experienced hikers seeking elevation and wilderness. Whittier Narrows Recreation Area features paved and unpaved trails for simple to medium hiking.

Water Sports & Activities

  • Kayaking/Paddleboarding: Available for rent in Alamitos Bay and the Naples Canals. These calm waters are ideal for beginners and relaxed paddling. Rent Kayaks & Paddleboards
  • Jet Skiing: Rentals are available in Alamitos Bay for those seeking more speed and thrill on the water.
  • Sailing/Boating: Charters and rentals are available at Alamitothe Cove of and Shoreline Village marinas. Consider a harbor cruise or a private sailing experience. Book Boat Tours
  • Whale Watching: Tours depart from Shoreline Village, offering seasonal opportunities to observe gray whales (winter/spring) and blue whales (summer/fall), along with dolphins and other marine life. Book Whale Watching Tours

Adventure Sports

  • Parasailing: Available from Alamitothe Cove of Landing, aerial views of the coastline.
  • Learn to Surf: While Long Beach's waves are minimal due to the breakwater, opportunities to learn to surf are available at nearby Seal Beach or Huntington Beach, just a short drive away.
  • Kiteboarding: Some areas of Long Beach bay suitable for experienced kiteboarders.
  • Scuba/Snorkeling: Boat trips to Catalina Island for diving/snorkeling.

Wildlife Encounters

  • Whale Watching: Seasonal tours are a highlight, close-up encounters with migrating whales and resident dolphins.
  • Bird Watching: The El Dorado Nature Center and Colorado Lagoon are important habitats for various bird species.
  • Marine Life: The Aquarium of the Pacific for diverse marine exhibits.
  • Coastal Ecology: Explore tidal zones at low tide.

Cycling Routes

  • Long Beach Beach Path: A paved 3.1-mile path along the oceanfront, perfect for leisurely cycling with scenic views.
  • City Bike Lanes: Long Beach boasts an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes throughout the city, making urban cycling safe.
  • Mountain Biking: Not available within Long Beach, but trails for mountain biking can be found in nearby hills and mountains (e.g., Palos Verdes, San Gabriel Mountains).
  • Bike Rentals: Several shops offer bike rentals throughout the city.

Safety Precautions

Always check weather conditions before outdoor activities. Inform someone of your plans for remote hikes. Wear appropriate gear and stay hydrated. Be aware of ocean currents and marine life if swimming or surfing. Supervise children near water.

Cultural Immersion

Engage with A Stretch of sand's diverse cultural scene through workshops, performances, and community events.

Workshops & Classes

  • Arts & Crafts: The Long Beach Arts Council and local community centers often various arts and crafts workshops, from painting to pottery.
  • Music & Dance: Local dance studios and music academies offer drop-in classes or short-term workshops, visitors to try something new.
  • Cooking Classes: Occasional cooking classes are offered by local culinary schools or specialized food shops, hands-on experience with local or international cuisines.
  • Language Learning: Local language schools or community colleges offer short-term language classes, notably for Spanish, in light of the city's large Hispanic population.

Cultural Performances

Long Beach Performing Arts Center

Hosts professional opera, symphony, and musical theater productions, showing high-caliber performances.

Cambodia Town Events

Occasional cultural events and traditional performances take place here, offering insight into Cambodian heritage.

Local Theaters & Venues

Various smaller theaters and venues have live music, theatrical productions, and comedy shows.

Community Events

First Fridays in Bixby Knolls and Second Saturdays in the East Village Arts District showcase local artists, businesses, and community spirit. Farmers Markets for interaction with local producers and artisans.

Cultural Festivals

Long Beach hosts many cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Long Beach Blues Festival, A Vast beach Pride, A Vast beach Greek Festival, and the Cambodia Town Culture Festival. The Grand Prix of A Stretch of sand is also a major event. See Upcoming Events

Souvenir Recommendations

Items related to the Queen Mary or the Aquarium of the Pacific. Long Beach-themed apparel, local artisan crafts, and unique finds from Retro Row's vintage shops.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find opportunities to unwind and rejuvenate in Long Beach, from spa treatments to tranquil gardens.

Spa & Wellness Centers

  • Full-Service Spas: Several full-service spas are located within luxury hotels or as independent establishments throughout the city, offering massages, facials, and body treatments.
  • Massage Studios: Many massage studios, yoga studios, and fitness centers are numerous, providing options for personal wellness.
  • Yoga Classes: Various yoga studios offer classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced.
  • Fitness Centers: Many hotels facilities, or local gyms allow drop-in use.

Natural Therapy Options

Hot Springs

No natural hot springs are directly in A Stretch of sand. For such experiences, you must travel to other parts of Southern California, like Palm Springs or the desert regions.

Meditation Retreats

While A Stretch of sand does not host large-scale, dedicated meditation retreats, many are available in the broader Southern California region.

Traditional Healing Practices

Traditional healing practices are not a prominent feature of Long Beach tourism. However, you may find practitioners of acupuncture or traditional Chinese medicine through local directories.

Beach & Pool Access

Hotel Pools

Many hotels feature pools for guests, with different amenities like hot tubs or poolside service.

Public Beaches

Public beaches are free to access for swimming and sunbathing, with designated areas for various activities.

Beach Clubs

Long Beach does not have exclusive private beach clubs; free beaches cater to all visitors.

Entertainment & Nightlife

From live music to clubs, Long Beach offers a lively nightlife.

Live Music Venues

  • Alex's Bar: A well-known venue for indie rock, punk, and underground acts, offering a gritty, authentic experience.
  • Gaslamp: Features live music, dinner, and dancing, with a mix of tribute bands and original acts.
  • Local Bars & Restaurants: Many local establishments throughout the city often feature live bands, jazz nights, or DJs, a variety of musical experiences.
  • Outdoor Concerts: Seasonal outdoor concerts in parks or waterfront areas, especially during summer.

Theater & Performance Spaces

Long Beach Performing Arts Center

Houses the Terrace Theater and the Beverly O'Neill Theater, hosting large-scale Broadway shows, concerts, and local productions.

Carpenter Center

Offers a diverse season of theater, music, and dance at California State University, A Very long beach.

Local Theaters

A Stretch of sand Playhouse and International City Theatre (ICT) present smaller-scale, intimate theatrical productions.

Nightclubs & Dancing

Several clubs and bars giveing dancing and late-night entertainment are mainly situated in the Downtown Long Beach area, especially along Pine Avenue and The Promenade.

Bar Districts & Pub Crawls

Pine Avenue and The Promenade form the main bar districts downtown, with a concentration of pubs, cocktail bars, and microbreweries. 2nd Street in Belmont Shore also has a lively bar scene.

Late-Night Options

Beyond bars and clubs, you can find late-night dining options, some movie theaters with late showings, and occasional comedy shows. Check local listings for current events.

Responsible Enjoyment

Safe Transportation
  • Always plan for safe transportation.
  • Use ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft, or designated drivers.
  • Taxis are also readily available.
Awareness & Respect
  • Stay aware of your surroundings, and drink responsibly.
  • Respect local noise ordinances, especially in residential areas late at night.
  • Dispose of waste properly to sustain the city's cleanliness.

Shopping & Markets

Long Beach has a mix of shopping experiences, from traditional markets to unique boutiques and artisan crafts.

Activity Planning Summary

Considerations

  • Booking in advance for popular tours and accommodations is often beneficial.

Visitor Tips

  • Utilize public transit for convenient downtown and beach access.
  • Explore diverse culinary scenes in different districts for varied tastes.
  • Take advantage of waterfront activities and scenic views.
  • Support local businesses and artists for one-of-a-kind keepsakes and gifts.