| Located 25 miles south of Los Angeles, Long Beach is sometimes lost in the shadow of the megapolis. However, long before Los Angeles became the Mecca for stardom, there was Long Beach; a haven of luxury for the rich and famous. Long Beach is only 50 square miles, compared to 34,000 square miles in L.A. and that’s all right with the residents. Visitors to Long Beach also appreciate the more laid-back ambiance and beachfront escape from the crowds of Los Angeles.
Long Beach boasts over 26 miles of scenic coastline with the world’s longest breakwater, a nine-mile, man-made rock jetty creating a calm harbor. Planet Ocean, the world’s largest mural according to the Guinness Book of World Records, covers 116,000 square feet on the side of the Long Beach Arena. Long Beach THUMS off-shore drilling rigs are the only ones in the world disguised as islands with waterfalls, palms ad condo-style high rises.
Most visitors to Long Beach arrive by car for a weekend escape from the city or by air at Los Angeles International Airport or Orange Country John Wayne Airport. Long Beach Airport also offers limited service by Alaska Airlines, America West/US Airways, Delta Connection and Jet Blue’s non-stop flights to nine cities. Ground transportation from LAX is available by taxi and shuttles and rental cars. Driving is the best way to enjoy outlying area attractions; however, getting around Long Beach is a breeze with the red Passport Shuttle that runs between downtown and major Long Beach restaurants and attractions.
Things to Do in Long Beach
Grab a Long Beach travel guide. The city and surrounds areas area playgrounds packed with attractions and activities on the land and the water. The historic Queen Mary Ocean Liner takes center stage since it arrived at the dock in Long Beach Harbor in 1967. Step back in time with a tour of the “Grande Dame of the Seas.” Glide around Long Beach on a Segway People Mover tour or glide along Long Beach with a romantic gondola ride. If you close your eyes, you may think you are in Venice.
Watch the sunset paint a masterpiece across the skyline and enjoy dinner as the city nights come alive aboard Hornblower Cruise. Book a fishing trip or a seasonal whale-watching excursion. Meet 12,500 creatures from oceans of the world at Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Try your luck at nearby casinos. Or, simply enjoy the sheer luxury of doing nothing but relaxing on the beach with a good book and the background music waves brushing the shoreline.
When touring or a day at the beach piques your appetite, Long Beach restaurants feature menus packed with culinary delights like seafood fresh from Pacific Ocean waters and tempting tastes from around the world.
And, there is an array of exciting day trips within one to two hours of Long Beach including: Catalina Island, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Knott’s Berry Farm, Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Walt Disney’s original Disneyland.
Places to Stay in Long Beach
With over 5,000 rooms citywide, there are plenty of choices for Long Beach accommodations. The historic and luxurious Queen Mary Ocean Liner is a popular choice for leisure travelers and meetings and convention groups. Think of it like a stationary cruise; all the pleasures and no worries about getting seasick. If staying afloat in style is appealing, book your stateroom or suite well in advance.
Relax at an oceanfront luxury resort or value-priced motel. If the Queen Mary seems a bit on the grand side, book a unique stay on a Long Beach Bed and Boat, a floating version on traditional bed and breakfast lodging. Enjoy all of the comforts of home and more with at a Long Beach vacation home rental. Take advantage of preferred guest programs with major hotel brands for perks while earning points for free stays. And, save travel dollars with AAA, AARP and other discounts and special promotions.
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