Looking for the best things to do in Long Beach? This diverse coastal city south of LA offers a walkable waterfront, a top aquarium, and charming beach neighborhoods. Locals point to the Aquarium of the Pacific, the historic Queen Mary, the shops and dining of Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street, and the canals of Naples Island.
Things to do in Long Beach
The Waterfront
The Aquarium of the Pacific, Rainbow Harbor, Shoreline Village, and the permanently docked Queen Mary ocean liner.
Belmont Shore & 2nd Street
Long Beach’s beloved shopping-and-dining strip, steps from the beach and the pier.
Naples Island
Canals, waterfront homes, and gondola rides — a surprising slice of Venice in Southern California.
Arts & Nature
The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), the East Village Arts District, and the El Dorado Nature Center.
Things to do in Long Beach at night
Downtown’s Pine Avenue and the East Village lead for bars and dining, with 2nd Street in Belmont Shore and waterfront spots rounding out the evening.
Free things to do in Long Beach
- The beach and the waterfront bike path
- Strolling Belmont Shore and Naples
- Shoreline Village and the harbor
What Long Beach locals actually recommend
The best 2nd Street spots, the quiet beach corners, what’s on downtown — that comes from people who live here. On Neighborhood Nurturers’ Long Beach community, real neighbors answer “what should I actually do this weekend?” Join your Long Beach neighbors free →
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Long Beach?
Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, tour the Queen Mary, shop and dine on Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street, take a gondola ride through the Naples Island canals, and enjoy the beach and waterfront.
What is Long Beach known for?
Its waterfront and the Aquarium of the Pacific, the historic Queen Mary, the Naples Island canals, and diverse, walkable beach neighborhoods like Belmont Shore.
What are free things to do in Long Beach?
The beach and waterfront bike path, strolling Belmont Shore and Naples, and Shoreline Village are all free.
Is Long Beach worth visiting?
Yes — for the aquarium, the Queen Mary, the beach neighborhoods and the Naples canals, it’s one of the most enjoyable coastal cities in the LA area.