Long Beach, California, is a vibrant city with a mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. With its coastal charm, fun attractions, and diverse food scene, it’s the perfect destination for a quick getaway. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler looking for a fresh experience, Long Beach has something for everyone. In this article, I’ll guide you through how to plan a perfect 3-day, 2-night itinerary that will help you make the most of your time in this captivating city.
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Waterfront
1. Arrive Early to Maximize Your Day
I always recommend arriving in Long Beach as early as possible to make the most of your first day. If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is Long Beach Airport (LGB), but many travelers prefer to fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) due to more frequent flights. Once you arrive, either take a taxi, Lyft, or use public transport to head directly into Long Beach (a 20-30 minute drive from LAX).
After settling in at your hotel, you’ll be ready to explore the city’s waterfront, which is a central feature of Long Beach.
2. Stroll Along the Long Beach Waterfront
Long Beach’s waterfront is truly one of its main attractions. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for a repeat experience, the waterfront area has a calming, coastal vibe that immediately transports you away from the hustle and bustle of the city. After checking into your hotel, I highly recommend heading straight to the Rainbow Harbor area. This location is a hub of activity and offers some of the best views in the city, so it’s the perfect spot to kick off your Long Beach experience.
As you stroll along the harbor, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, the Queen Mary anchored in the distance, and a vibrant marina filled with boats of all sizes. You can take a casual walk along the Shoreline Pedestrian Path, which stretches along the water, or just relax by one of the many benches and watch the boats glide by. It’s a peaceful escape from the city’s fast-paced environment.
The Shoreline Pedestrian Path is perfect for walking or biking, but if you’re feeling more relaxed, you can sit by the water, grab a coffee from one of the nearby cafes, and just soak in the beauty of your surroundings. As you make your way down the path, you’ll notice plenty of street performers, families enjoying their day, and tourists snapping photos of the vibrant scenery. It’s a great place for people-watching, which is always one of my favorite activities when I travel.
Tip: If you’re looking to explore beyond the waterfront, take a short walk around Pine Avenue. This lively street is lined with local shops, cozy cafes, and trendy restaurants. It’s a fantastic place to pick up souvenirs, grab a quick bite, or just browse around. As you walk, you’ll also spot some public art installations along the way, which are great for taking a break and snapping a few photos.
If you’re lucky enough to be there during a weekend, you might also catch one of the many farmers’ markets or local events held in the area. These offer a great opportunity to mingle with locals, sample fresh produce, and experience Long Beach’s vibrant community spirit. One of the best parts of strolling along the waterfront is the laid-back atmosphere, where time feels like it slows down just enough to let you truly enjoy the moment.
3. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific
After a leisurely walk along the harbor, you should definitely make your way over to the Aquarium of the Pacific, just a short walk from Rainbow Harbor. As one of the most popular attractions in Long Beach, the aquarium offers a fantastic, hands-on experience for all ages. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even on your own, this attraction has something for everyone.
The aquarium is home to thousands of ocean species, providing an opportunity to learn about marine life from around the world. I personally loved the Shark Lagoon, where you can get an up-close view of various shark species—something I’d never experienced before! The touch tanks are another fun feature, especially if you’re traveling with children or just want to interact with the sea creatures. They offer an educational experience and the chance to learn more about the delicate ecosystems beneath the surface of the ocean.
The exhibits are well-curated, and the staff is knowledgeable and passionate about marine life, making it easy to get lost in the wonder of the underwater world. One of my favorite aspects of the aquarium is the way they showcase the diversity of the world’s oceans, from the temperate waters of the Pacific to the vibrant coral reefs of Australia.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit the aquarium, consider purchasing your tickets in advance through platforms like Viator or GetYourGuide. These platforms often offer discounts or skip-the-line options, which can save you time and money, especially during peak tourist seasons. The last thing you want is to spend valuable vacation time waiting in line when you could be enjoying the exhibits. Plus, securing your tickets ahead of time gives you more flexibility in planning your day.
4. Sunset Dinner at The Reef
After a day of exploring, there’s no better way to end your first evening than with a sunset dinner at The Reef. Located right on the water, this restaurant offers a variety of fresh seafood dishes and cocktails, with a view of the ocean that’s simply breathtaking as the sun sets. It’s an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a leisurely dinner while taking in the gorgeous views.
Tip: Try the macadamia-crusted halibut or the lobster tail—both are fantastic choices. Be sure to book your reservation early, especially if you’re visiting on a weekend.
Day 2: Culture, Art, and History
5. Start Your Day with Breakfast at Claire’s at the Museum
On your second day, start the morning with a delicious breakfast at Claire’s at the Museum, located inside the Long Beach Museum of Art. This charming restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and offers a range of breakfast options, from omelets to scrambled eggs with crab cakes. Pair it with a mimosa for a truly delightful start to the day.
Tip: After breakfast, take some time to explore the museum itself. The Long Beach Museum of Art has impressive exhibits, particularly showcasing contemporary and Southern California art. The museum’s oceanfront location also offers some stunning views of the coastline.
6. Explore the Long Beach Museum of Art
The Long Beach Museum of Art (LBMA) is a must-see for art lovers. Located on the bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the museum’s collection spans over a century of artistic expression, featuring both permanent and rotating exhibitions. I was particularly drawn to their collection of modern art and the Kleefeld Contemporary Wing, which blends traditional gallery space with interactive media.
Tip: If you’re on a budget, visit on Thursdays, when admission is free.
7. Explore the Historic Queen Mary
Next, head over to the iconic Queen Mary—a retired British ocean liner that now serves as a museum and hotel. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking to explore a quirky piece of American history, the Queen Mary offers fascinating tours of its onboard exhibitions, including tales of its time as a wartime troop ship. You can even book a ghost tour, as the Queen Mary is known to be one of the most haunted ships in the world.
Tip: Book your tickets ahead through sites like Viator to access discounted prices and skip the line.
8. Walk Through Shoreline Village
Take a relaxing stroll through Shoreline Village, a vibrant, waterfront shopping and dining area. This area is filled with colorful shops, quirky boutiques, and a variety of restaurants. It’s also home to a carousel, a great spot for families or those who just want to feel like a kid again. Don’t forget to grab some saltwater taffy or a fun souvenir to remember your trip by.
Tip: Try some classic clam chowder at one of the seafood shacks in the area—it’s a local favorite.
Day 3: Outdoor Adventures and Final Explorations
9. Rent a Bike and Explore the Beach Path
On your last day, start the morning by renting a bike and heading to Alamitos Bay. Long Beach is incredibly bike-friendly, and the Long Beach bike path stretches all the way from downtown Long Beach to Belmont Shore. Cycling along the coastline is an incredible way to take in the sights and enjoy the beautiful weather, especially in the morning before the crowds arrive.
Tip: You can rent bikes from Bike & Ride or Long Beach Bike Share. If you prefer to take it slow, consider renting a surrey bike—those fun, multi-person pedal vehicles.
10. Relax and Have Fun at Belmont Shore
Finally, head to Belmont Shore, one of Long Beach’s most charming neighborhoods. Known for its laid-back vibe, this area is perfect for a relaxing afternoon. You can grab a coffee at one of the many cafes or have lunch at a casual eatery by the beach. If you’re in the mood for shopping, browse through the unique boutiques or pick up a new swimsuit from a local shop.
Tip: While you’re in Belmont Shore, check out Naples Island, where you can rent a kayak and explore the canals or simply enjoy a leisurely walk along the water. It’s one of Long Beach’s hidden gems!
Booking Your Long Beach Trip
While planning your trip, be sure to use trusted platforms to book your hotel accommodation, restaurant reservations, and activities. A few recommended platforms are:
- Expedia – Great for hotels, flight bookings, and car rentals.
- Viator – Ideal for tour bookings and museum tickets in Long Beach, including the Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific.
- OpenTable – Perfect for restaurant reservations, especially for popular spots like The Reef or Claire’s at the Museum.
- Hotels.com – A solid choice for booking your hotel stay and earning rewards toward future stays.
Long Beach is a destination that offers something for every type of traveler. From relaxing on the beach to soaking in the cultural attractions, there’s no shortage of things to do. By following these tips and planning accordingly, you’ll be able to experience the best of this sunny Southern California city in just three days. Happy travels!
