Sightseeing
Dedicated as much to education as entertainment, this aquarium is incredible. Inevitably, the shark lagoon and its touchable habitat is the most popular exhibit. Other highlights include the adorable sea otter habitat and the low-key but fascinating Whales: Voices of the Sea. This is a must see, especially if you have kids!
805 locals recommend
Aquarium of the Pacific
100 Aquarium WayDedicated as much to education as entertainment, this aquarium is incredible. Inevitably, the shark lagoon and its touchable habitat is the most popular exhibit. Other highlights include the adorable sea otter habitat and the low-key but fascinating Whales: Voices of the Sea. This is a must see, especially if you have kids!
This 1936 grand cruise ship hasn’t sailed since the 1960s; these days, it multitasks as a historic tourist attraction, several eating and drinking spots (the bar is a wonderful Art Deco glory) and, of course, a hotel. I definitely recommend checking out their website to find out what is happening while you are here!
624 locals recommend
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens HwyThis 1936 grand cruise ship hasn’t sailed since the 1960s; these days, it multitasks as a historic tourist attraction, several eating and drinking spots (the bar is a wonderful Art Deco glory) and, of course, a hotel. I definitely recommend checking out their website to find out what is happening while you are here!
Slip away from the everyday grind at this 105-acre plant and animal sanctuary. Start at the visitor center and you’ll find two miles of dirt trails and a quarter-mile paved path that wind around two lakes, a stream and forested areas. The Nature Center is part of the larger El Dorado Regional Park; its western half is dedicated to sports fields and a golf course, while the eastern half features fishing lakes, trails, playgrounds and an archery range.
89 locals recommend
El Dorado Nature Center
7550 E Spring StSlip away from the everyday grind at this 105-acre plant and animal sanctuary. Start at the visitor center and you’ll find two miles of dirt trails and a quarter-mile paved path that wind around two lakes, a stream and forested areas. The Nature Center is part of the larger El Dorado Regional Park; its western half is dedicated to sports fields and a golf course, while the eastern half features fishing lakes, trails, playgrounds and an archery range.
Located on land that once housed a productive silent film studio, everything about this museum is a forward-thinking enterprise, from its modern and contemporary-driven collection to its building. The core of the permanent collection is in the Long Gallery, with work by one artist from every Latin American country. Swing by on Sundays for free admission.
154 locals recommend
Museum of Latin American Art
628 Alamitos AveLocated on land that once housed a productive silent film studio, everything about this museum is a forward-thinking enterprise, from its modern and contemporary-driven collection to its building. The core of the permanent collection is in the Long Gallery, with work by one artist from every Latin American country. Swing by on Sundays for free admission.
Like the Westside’s Venice Canals, this Long Beach neighborhood borrowed a bit of Italian inspiration for its three islands and narrow waterways. It’s decidedly more Southern Californian than Neapolitan, but Naples is worth a visit to take a stroll along—or a gondola ride through—its canals. Make sure to visit during the holidays for the annual Christmas boat parade.
Naples Canals Waterway
Naples CanalLike the Westside’s Venice Canals, this Long Beach neighborhood borrowed a bit of Italian inspiration for its three islands and narrow waterways. It’s decidedly more Southern Californian than Neapolitan, but Naples is worth a visit to take a stroll along—or a gondola ride through—its canals. Make sure to visit during the holidays for the annual Christmas boat parade.
Rancho Los Alamitos manages to contain nearly the entire evolution of Southern California in one piece of property. Originally a sacred Tongva village, the land later became a ranch under both Spanish and Mexican rule; the original building and its gardens, designed by the Olmstead Brothers, among others, remain open to the public as a museum. Though the grounds and barn area are open to self-guided tours, you’ll need to be led through the house by a docent.
31 locals recommend
Rancho Los Alamitos
6400 E Bixby Hill RdRancho Los Alamitos manages to contain nearly the entire evolution of Southern California in one piece of property. Originally a sacred Tongva village, the land later became a ranch under both Spanish and Mexican rule; the original building and its gardens, designed by the Olmstead Brothers, among others, remain open to the public as a museum. Though the grounds and barn area are open to self-guided tours, you’ll need to be led through the house by a docent.
Take a stroll around the serene central pond at this 1.3-acre garden on the Cal State Long Beach campus. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden hosts lectures, screenings, workshops and an annual origami festival. Dedicated in April 1981, the garden was a gift from Loraine Miller Collins in memory of her late husband, Earl Burns Miller.
57 locals recommend
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Earl Warren DriveTake a stroll around the serene central pond at this 1.3-acre garden on the Cal State Long Beach campus. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden hosts lectures, screenings, workshops and an annual origami festival. Dedicated in April 1981, the garden was a gift from Loraine Miller Collins in memory of her late husband, Earl Burns Miller.
The Long Beach Museum of Art keeps its locals entertained with a cultured roster of temporary exhibits. The extensive video library is now in the hands of the Getty, but the museum’s ceramic and sculpture-filled permanent collection still includes some notable Californian pieces. Make sure to stop by Claire’s, the museum’s oceanfront patio, for a bite to eat.
211 locals recommend
Long Beach Museum of Art
2300 E Ocean BlvdThe Long Beach Museum of Art keeps its locals entertained with a cultured roster of temporary exhibits. The extensive video library is now in the hands of the Getty, but the museum’s ceramic and sculpture-filled permanent collection still includes some notable Californian pieces. Make sure to stop by Claire’s, the museum’s oceanfront patio, for a bite to eat.
Food scene
Little Coyote
2118 E 4th StAMAZING PIZZA