Long Beach, California is a great weekend destination where you can find a plethora of museums, historic attractions, restaurants, great places to show and beautiful scenic views! Let’s take a look at some of the best things to do in Long Beach!
Shoreline Village
You can find a little something for everyone here. A wide variety of shops and boutiques, restaurants, bars, and a variety of entertainment options are all available here at Shoreline Village. Shops like Raindance and Purple House sell handmade clothing, jewelry, arts and crafts. Are you hungry? You can find all types of cuisine, from burgers and shakes, to freshly baked cakes and homemade ice cream! There is plenty of entertainment to keep the kids happy, too! The Shoreline Village Carousel, skeeball, skating, or the awesome arcade are all places that the kids can find enjoyment too!
ADDRESS- 429 Shoreline Village Drive
PHONE-562-435-2668
The Queen Mary
A major tourist attraction, the RMS Queen Mary was once known as one of the greatest luxury liners to ever have sailed the seas. Her last voyage was in December of 1967, and she is now a floating hotel with three award-winning restaurants and a spa. There are exquisite Art Deco style staterooms available in which to stay. There is a guided tour that you can learn the vast, rich history of this famous ship. It covers not only the ship’s groundbreaking construction, but also the royal launce to her time as a troop ship during World War II. You can enjoy beautiful Pacific Ocean views while relaxing on board, or enjoying a delicious meal!
ADDRESS-1126 Queens Highway
PHONE-877-342-0738
Aquarium of the Pacific
Situated on Rainbow Harbor, this aquarium is Southern California’s largest public aquarium. It sees over 1.5 million visitors a year! It is home to over 11,000 animals, fish, and marine creatures that call the Pacific Ocean home. With over 50 animal exhibits, including the Southern California and Baja Gallery, and the June Keyes Penguin Habitat. There are multiple educational programs, interactive activities, workshops for all ages, and lectures available. You can not only have an enjoyable time at this aquarium, but also learn quite a bit!
ADDRESS-100 Aquarium Way
PHONE-562-590-3100
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
This tranquil and immaculately manicured Japanese-style garden is on the campus of California State University in Long Beach. It was built in 1981 by Mrs. Loraine Miller Collins, in honor of her late husband Earl Burns Miller. It was established as an educational resource for the campus as well as the community surrounding it. It is over 1.3 acres large, and the design of this unique garden was inspired by the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo. It features winding pathways, ponds, water features, and beautiful floral displays. Annual events are held each year, and the gardens can be rented out for special occasions.
ADDRESS-1250 Bellflower Blvd BAC Room 203
PHONE-562-985-8889
Long Beach Museum of Art
If you are an art lover, a visit to this museum is a must! Located in Bluff Park, it is home to an impressive permanent collection of art that ranges across genres and periods, from drawings and paintings, to sculptures and decorative art objects. There are over 3,000 works of art displayed. You can find early 20th century European art and modern Californian works of art. Many educational programs are offered, as well as free family art-making workshops. There is also a great outdoor café with beautiful ocean views.
ADDRESS-2300 E Ocean Blvd
PHONE-562-439-2119
LONG BEACH ANTIQUE MARKET
You can find this traditional flea market open the third Sunday of each month. It draws visitors from all over to explore its variety of antiques, collectibles, and treasures. There are over 900 vendors and sellers at this antique market! They offer a variety of vintage collectibles and clothing, antiques, and unique treasures. This market is one of the best in the United States! It is spread over 20 acres, and you are sure to enjoy a visit to this market, even if you just stroll around and explore.
ADDRESS-4901 E. Conant St
PHONE-323-655-5703
Parker’s Lighthouse
Breathtaking views of the harbor, award-winning menu-a diverse wine list and impeccable service are just a few things you will enjoy during an unforgettable dining experience here. This renowned restaurant serves a wide range of innovative southern California seafood dishes, as well as freshly made sushi. You may choose an award-winning wine from their brand new two-story wine cellar. Beautiful views are promised since this exquisite restaurant is on the third floor.
ADDRESS-435 Shoreline Village Dr
PHONE-562-432-6500
RANCHO LOS CERRITOS HISTORIC SITE
This museum and heritage site shows the vast history of how ranch life was affected for those in Spanish, Mexican, and American California between the 1860s and 1880s. Built in 1844, this Monterey-style adobe ranch is a National, State, and Long Beach Historic Landmark. It includes collections of more than 1000 different items of clothing and textiles from the 1830s-1930s, and over 1,100 historic photographic views of the Rancho and it occupants. You can also find a variety of furniture, artifacts, documents, and deeds all relating to the ranch here. There are guided tours available, as well as organized events relating to the heritage of the ranch.
ADDRESS-4600 Virginia Rd
PHONE-562-206-2040
EL DORADO NATURE CENTER
This natural and tranquil haven is a wonderful place to visit to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The landscapes of El Dorado form a green heart at the center of the city, and helps provide a peaceful sanctuary for local fauna and flora to flourish. The area is a network of trails, snaking through the forested areas and cutting across streams, which are the perfect place for walking or hiking. However, no bikes or running is allowed. You can also stop by the Visitor’s Center at the entrance, and find information about the park as well as various educational displays.
ADDRESS-7550 E. Spring St
