Long Beach International Airport

Waterfront city blending maritime history, culture, and California sun.

Long Beach sits along the Southern California coast, roughly 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles. It is home to one of the busiest ports in the Western Hemisphere, yet offers a surprisingly laid-back beach atmosphere, a vibrant arts scene, and diverse neighborhoods ranging from the historic Belmont Shore to the eclectic East Village Arts District.

The city draws visitors with its iconic oceanfront, world-class aquarium, and the legendary retired ocean liner the Queen Mary. A strong Latino cultural heritage, a thriving LGBTQ+ community, and excellent dining options give Long Beach a cosmopolitan character that sets it apart from neighboring beach towns.

Whether you come for a weekend or a week, Long Beach rewards exploration on foot, by bike along the Shoreline path, or by hopping its compact transit network to discover waterfront attractions, local markets, and lively nightlife.

• •Aquarium of the Pacific — world-class marine exhibits showcasing Pacific Ocean ecosystems.
• •Queen Mary — historic retired ocean liner offering tours, dining, and overnight stays.
• •Shoreline Village — charming waterfront shopping and dining with harbor views.
• •El Dorado Nature Center — peaceful urban nature reserve with trails and wildlife.
• •Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) — only museum in the US dedicated to contemporary Latin American art.
• •Belmont Shore — walkable beach neighborhood lined with boutiques, cafés, and lively restaurants.

Getting around: Long Beach is served by Metro A Line (Blue) light rail connecting it directly to downtown Los Angeles, while the free Passport Bus loops through major downtown attractions and the waterfront. Local buses operated by Long Beach Transit cover most neighborhoods. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available, and the city's flat terrain makes cycling practical, with rental stations and dedicated bike paths along the coast.

Best time: Late spring through early fall (May to October) offers the warmest, sunniest weather, though June can bring morning coastal fog known locally as 'June Gloom.'

Local food: Don't miss fresh fish tacos at a waterfront shack, bi-coastal ceviche influenced by the city's Latino heritage, and craft beers from Long Beach's growing local brewery scene.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.