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Long Beach, California sits on the coast of southeastern Los Angeles County, approximately 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. With a population of over 450,000, Long Beach ranks as the 7th-most populous city in California and the 44th-most populous city in the United States. The city is known for its vibrant waterfront, the second-busiest container port in the country, and a surprising depth of cultural attractions that reflect its rich maritime heritage and diverse communities. Long Beach was incorporated in 1897 and has grown from a modest seaside resort into a major urban center with a distinct identity shaped by the Pacific Ocean, the Port of Long Beach, and the Tongva people who first called this coastline home.
Long Beach occupies a distinctive position in the Los Angeles metropolitan area as the largest city in California that is not a county seat. The city stretches along San Pedro Bay, with the iconic Queen Mary permanently docked at its waterfront and the Aquarium of the Pacific drawing visitors from across the region. The Port of Long Beach ranks among the world’s largest shipping ports, handling enormous volumes of cargo that keep the region economically vital. Beneath the city and offshore lies one of the most productive oilfields in Southern California, a legacy that has shaped the urban landscape for over a century.
The Tongva people were the original inhabitants of the Long Beach coast for thousands of years before Spanish explorers arrived in the 16th century. The Tongva established major settlements including Tevaaxa’anga inland near the Los Angeles River and Ahwaanga and Puvunga along the coast, with Puvunga holding particular ceremonial significance as the place of their emergence as a people. By 1805, most villagers had been relocated to Mission San Gabriel, where many succumbed to disease, torture, and overworking — a tragic chapter that profoundly diminished the indigenous population.
Following California’s separation from Mexico and its annexation by the United States, the land passed through several hands until Juan Temple purchased Rancho Los Cerritos in 1843 and built the Casa de los Cerritos, a Monterey Colonial-style adobe that remains standing today as a National Historic Landmark. Temple became the wealthiest man in Los Angeles County, and his ranch house played important roles during the Mexican-American War. In the 1870s, the ranch was subdivided by William E. Willmore as “Willmore City” before being acquired by the Long Beach Land and Water Company, which renamed the settlement Long Beach.
The city grew rapidly as a seaside resort in the early 1900s, with the famous Pike amusement zone drawing crowds from 1902 until 1969. The Grand Prix of Long Beach, an IndyCar race that began in 1975, has become one of the most prestigious motorsport events in the country. Long Beach’s cultural identity today blends its maritime legacy with a vibrant arts scene, numerous festivals including the Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade, and a diverse population that reflects the broader dynamism of Southern California.
Long Beach’s waterfront is its most celebrated feature, anchored by the permanently docked RMS Queen Mary. Once the fastest passenger liner ever built, the Queen Mary served as a troop carrier in World War II and carried celebrities and dignitaries across the Atlantic before finding her permanent home in Long Beach in 1967. Visitors can tour the ship’s engine room, staterooms, and haunted corners while learning about her storied history through daily tours and special events.
The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the largest aquariums in the United States, housing over 11,000 animals representing more than 500 species. The facility focuses on the Pacific Ocean’s three major regions: the Southern California/Baja, the Northern Pacific, and the Tropical domains. Notable exhibits include the Shark Lagoon, where visitors can touch sharks and rays, the Lorikeet Forest aviary, and the Jumbo Pearl display featuring one of the largest pearl oysters in the world. The aquarium’s conservation work and educational programs make it a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape.
The Casa de los Cerritos, the historic adobe built by Juan Temple in 1844, offers a window into Long Beach’s Rancho era. As the oldest building in Long Beach and a National Historic Landmark, the adobe preserves original architectural elements and hosts periodic reenactments and cultural events that bring the Mexican and early American periods to life. For panoramic views of the harbor and beyond, the Long Beach Spectrum and the waterfront promenade provide urban gathering spaces that frame the city’s maritime energy.
The Long Beach waterfront and beach areas provide year-round recreation for residents and visitors. The ** Belmont Shore** neighborhood offers a lively beach atmosphere with volleyball courts, bike paths, and the ** Alamitos Peninsula** stretching toward Naples Island. The Colorado Lagoon and Marine Stadium are popular spots for kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, while the hornblower cruises and harbor tours offer ways to experience the port from the water.
The city maintains an extensive system of parks and green spaces, including El Dorado Nature Center — a 300-acre urban wilderness with walking trails through wetlands and arroyos — and Hilltop Park at the eastern edge of the city, which offers sweeping views of the Los Angeles Basin. For cyclists, the Los Angeles River Bike Path connects Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles along a dedicated route, making car-free travel between the two cities increasingly viable.
Diving and snorkeling around the LONG BEACH breakwater and offshore reefs attract water enthusiasts seeking to explore kelp forests and artificial reef structures. The nearby Catalina Island, accessible by ferry from the Long Beach Terminal, offers world-class diving, hiking, and scenic beauty in the Channel Islands. The city’s location between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains makes it a convenient base for day trips throughout Southern California.
Long Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, dry summers typical of coastal Southern California. The most comfortable time to visit is during the spring months of March through May, when daytime temperatures range from the mid-60s to low 80s and wildflowers bloom along the coastal bluffs. Summer brings warmer weather in the 80s and 90s, with the beach atmosphere at its most vibrant and events like the Grand Prix of Long Beach drawing large crowds.
Fall offers pleasant temperatures and reduced crowds, making September through November an attractive alternative for visitors who want to experience the city’s attractions without peak-season congestion. Winter months bring cooler weather in the 60s to 70s, with occasional rain showers that refresh the landscape. The Aquarium of the Pacific’s Holiday Festival and the Christmas Boat Parade add seasonal charm to the winter waterfront.
Early morning is the best time to explore the waterfront attractions before crowds build, while evenings bring the city alive with outdoor dining along the Shoreline Village area and the downtown arts district. The First Friday art walks in the East Arts Culture District and the monthly Long Beach Swap Meet at the Marina provide additional reasons to time a visit around the local events calendar.
Here are some of our recommended things to do in Long Beach. Pick your favorite!
History and Culture