Introduction
Long Beach, California is the most populated city in Los Angeles County. With over 500 thousand residents and millions of tourists each year, Long Beach has something for everyone! From the Aquarium of the Pacific to shopping at The Pike Outlets, there are endless things to do in Long Beach. If you’re looking for more than just beach days and restaurants, this guide will help you find some of our favorite things to do while visiting LBC!
Aquarium of the Pacific
Aquarium of the Pacific offers a wide range of educational experiences for people of all ages. The Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is a Smithsonian Affiliate.
The Aquarium opened to the public on October 28, 1998. It was designed by Randall Davis Architects from Santa Monica, California, and built for 50 million dollars on what used to be part of the Naval Base San Pedro in Long Beach, California.[1]
Shoreline Village
Shoreline Village is a shopping center in Long Beach, California. It is located at the foot of the Queen Mary and contains over 100 shops and restaurants, as well as several galleries. The center was built in 1960 by Fred Cook to house his collection of antique carousel horses.
Naples Canals
Naples Canals is a neighborhood in Long Beach, California. It’s one of the most popular neighborhoods in Long Beach and has a rich history. Naples canal is an excellent place to live because it has beautiful homes and a great environment. If you are looking for some fun things to do with your family or friends there are plenty of activities that you can enjoy together at Naples Canals.
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier
- Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier
- This is a public pier in Long Beach, California that features a playground, picnic tables, and a large grassy area. The beachside has great views of Catalina Island to the west, as well as the Queen Mary and Los Angeles skyline to the east. It’s also home to some incredible restaurants with gorgeous waterfront dining options.
The Pike Outlets
The Pike Outlets are a popular shopping destination for locals and tourists alike. Located in the heart of downtown Long Beach, the Pike Outlets feature more than 120 stores and restaurants including H&M, Old Navy, and Under Armour. The outlets are open daily from 10 am-9 pm during the peak season (summer months) but close earlier in other seasons—the best time to visit is during “Viva Vegas” which runs from June through August each year.
The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary was built in 1928 and was the largest passenger ship at that time. It has been retired since 1967 and is now a hotel, museum, and cruise ship that takes people on tours of the ocean. The Queen Mary is located in Long Beach, California.
El Dorado Nature Center
El Dorado Nature Center is a great place to see wildlife. It has a variety of exhibits that allow you to get up close and personal with animals from around the world. You’ll even be able to swim with dolphins!
The center is located in Long Beach, which makes it easy for visitors to experience everything this Southern California city has to offer.
Museum of Latin American Art
The Museum of Latin American Art (MLA) is a perfect place to spend a day in Long Beach. It’s located in a beautiful building, and it’s free!
The museum is open daily from 11-6:30, so you can visit any time during the week. When you go inside, many exhibits will teach you about Latin American culture and art. You’ll see works by famous artists such as Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. There are also special events where you can meet some of these artists!
If you’re ever looking for something educational or fun to do with your family or friends while visiting Long Beach California then this museum should be on your list!
California State University Long Beach (CSULB) and Long Beach City College (LBCC)
If you’re a student, or even if you’re just looking to learn something new, two educational institutions in Long Beach can help: California State University Long Beach (CSULB) and Long Beach City College (LBCC).
CSULB is a public university serving more than 40,000 students from the surrounding region. The school offers more than 30 undergraduate majors and has received numerous awards for its academic programs—including being listed as one of the top universities for veterans by U.S. News & World Report for nine consecutive years.
CSULB also offers graduate degrees in education, nursing, and public administration among other disciplines along with continuing education opportunities such as summer classes on campus or through their online program called classes.
LBCC is another great option if you want to earn your degree without paying too much money upfront—the community college provides affordable tuition so that students can get their college degree at an affordable cost while still earning credit toward transferable credits to 4-year universities later on down the road when they’re ready to move up into higher education levels like an associate’s degree followed by bachelor’s degree programs etcetera…
Takeaway:
The 14 best things to do in Long Beach, California:
- Backtrack along the boardwalk and watch for pelicans and dolphins on your way back to the pier.
- Ride a bike along the beachfront promenade, which is much more interesting than driving through traffic on PCH (especially if you’re coming from LA).
- Head over to Alamitos Bay Marina Park, where there are often free concerts on the weekends!
- Eat at The Pike Outlets’ many restaurants before heading out onto PCH again—the mall has some great stores too!
Conclusion
And we are sure that you will have a great time in Long Beach. If you want to take your visit up a notch, make sure to check out the Shoreline Village and Naples Canals, where you can enjoy a nice dinner or spend some time with family and friends.
