Long Beach — The Complete Guide
Most people who haven't been think of Long Beach as "far" or "industrial." The reality: it's 25 minutes from downtown LA, it's one of the most walkable cities in the country, it has better public transit than most of LA, and it has the kind of genuine cultural diversity — 90 distinct international cuisines within city limits — that other LA neighborhoods only claim.
2028 Olympics
Long Beach is hosting 7 Olympic events across seven venues — the most of any city other than Los Angeles itself. This is a massive deal and it's driving billions in infrastructure investment that's already underway.
- Beach Volleyball — Alamitos Beach (right downtown)
- Canoe Sprint & Rowing — Marine Stadium (built for the 1932 Olympics)
- Sailing (Windsurfing, Kiteboarding) — Belmont Shore waters
- Open Water Swimming — Alamitos Beach waterfront
- Artistic Swimming & Water Polo — Convention Center temporary aquatics center
- Sport Climbing — Convention Center (Pacific Ocean as backdrop)
- Handball — Long Beach Arena
- Target Shooting — Convention Center (first time within walking distance of other Olympic disciplines)
The city's Elevate '28 plan includes $500 million in infrastructure improvements: convention center upgrades, street renovations, park improvements, Queen Mary restoration, cultural investments in Cambodia Town and the Latino community, and new bikeways. Three countries — Greece, Ireland, and Denmark — have already established national hospitality houses in Long Beach for the Games. Visit now before everyone discovers it.
The Waterfront
Aquarium of the Pacific
The largest aquarium in Southern California, with over 12,000 animals across 50+ exhibits and 17 major habitats. Highlights: shark lagoon walk-through tunnel, sea otter habitat, jellyfish gallery, penguin exhibit. It hosts cultural festivals year-round — Southeast Asia Day, Autumn Festival (Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Filipino cultures). Allow 2-3 hours. Tickets around $37 adults, $27 kids.
Rainbow Harbor
The marina in front of the aquarium and convention center. Swan pedal boats, harbor cruises, whale watching tours (December through April for gray whale migration), and the Catalina Express ferry to Catalina Island — about 1 hour each way.
The Queen Mary
The RMS Queen Mary — a retired 1936 ocean liner permanently moored in Long Beach Harbor — carried passengers from Elizabeth Taylor to Clark Gable to Winston Churchill across the Atlantic. During WWII, she transported up to 16,000 soldiers per voyage as "The Grey Ghost." Self-guided tours explore Art Deco interiors, the engine room, the bridge, and the ship's legendary haunted reputation. The city is investing over $200 million in Olympic Legacy infrastructure, including Queen Mary restoration — check current access status before visiting.
The Neighborhoods
Cambodia Town
Long Beach has the largest population of Cambodian Americans outside of Cambodia. The community was established when refugees fled the Khmer Rouge genocide in the 1970s. In 2007, a section of Anaheim Street was officially designated as "Cambodia Town" — the first Cambodian cultural district in the United States.
The food is the real draw. Sophy's (Thai and Cambodian staples, 30+ years), Phnom Penh Noodle Shack (soups and noodles), Battambang BBQ. This is the deepest Cambodian food scene in America — and almost nobody outside Long Beach knows about it. The Cambodia Town Parade and Culture Festival is April 5, 2025.
Naples
Three small islands separated by canals, directly inspired by Naples, Italy. The canals are lined with homes, arched bridges, and quiet walkways. Gondola Getaway operates authentic Venetian gondola rides — romantic, kitschy, and genuinely beautiful. Book in advance for weekend evenings. Walking the canals is free and takes about an hour — you feel like you've been teleported out of LA entirely.
Belmont Shore
The neighborhood locals swear by. Second Street is the main strip — restaurants, boutiques, coffee shops, bars. All walkable. A beach-town-within-a-city feel unlike anything else in the LA metro. Go here for brunch, vintage shopping, and sunset.
Retro Row (4th Street)
4th Street between Junipero and Cherry — vintage shops, record stores, eclectic restaurants, a distinctly indie vibe. Long Beach's answer to Silver Lake, but with its own personality.
Downtown Long Beach & The Arts District
The East Village Arts District is the cultural heart of downtown — galleries, studios, restaurants, and monthly art walks. Pine Avenue is the main commercial strip. What was once a place to avoid is now one of the best urban waterfront districts in Southern California.
The Beaches
Long Beach has over five miles of coastline, but with a caveat: a breakwater built in the 1940s to protect the harbor means the beaches don't have significant waves. The water is calm and flat — ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing, but not surfing.
- Alamitos Beach — Wide, flat, soft sand. The most popular beach and the future site of Olympic beach volleyball.
- Belmont Shore Beach — The beach fronting Belmont Shore. Less crowded, more local.
- Rosie's Dog Beach — The only off-leash dog beach in all of Los Angeles County. Dogs run free 6am‒8pm daily. Between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues.
- Mother's Beach — On the bay side of Naples, gentle waves, playground. The family beach.
Where to Eat
Cambodian food — Sophy's, Phnom Penh Noodle Shack, Battambang BBQ. The deepest Cambodian food scene in America.
Michael's Pizzeria — Neapolitan pizza from a James Beard-nominated chef. Serious pizza.
The 4th Horseman — Heavy metal-themed pizza on Retro Row. The pizza is excellent and the atmosphere is unforgettable.
The Attic on Broadway — Farm-to-table American in a beautifully restored 1920s building. Outstanding brunch.
Lola's Mexican Cuisine — Elevated Mexican food in a gorgeous setting. One of the best restaurants in the city.
George's Greek Cafe — A downtown institution on Pine Avenue. Great patio for people watching.
Ballast Point Long Beach — Craft brewery on the waterfront with harbor views.
Ellie's — Upscale American restaurant that's become a dining destination.
Getting There
Metro A Line (Blue Line): From downtown LA (7th St/Metro Center) direct to downtown Long Beach. About 50 minutes, $1.75. This is the move — skip the car entirely.
By car: 25 minutes from DTLA, 45‒60 minutes from the Westside. Take the 710 south from downtown or the 405 to the 710.
By bike: Long Beach has an extensive bike lane network. Consistently ranked one of the most bikeable cities in America. Bike shares available.
Catalina Express: Ferry to Catalina Island departs from downtown Long Beach, about 1 hour to Avalon.
Parking: Downtown has multiple structures. Much easier than Westside beaches.
What to Know
- Long Beach is its own city (population ~475,000 — bigger than Miami, Minneapolis, or Atlanta). Its own airport, its own port (one of the busiest in the world).
- Long Beach Museum of Art — On a bluff overlooking the ocean, in a 1912 Craftsman mansion. Small but excellent, with ocean views from the sculpture garden.
- Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) — The only museum in the US dedicated exclusively to contemporary Latin American and Latino art.
- Rancho Los Cerritos — The only local, state, AND national historic landmark in Long Beach. 19th-century ranch with free tours.
- El Dorado Park — 400 acres of trails, lakes, and nature. The green escape from the waterfront.
- Long Beach has hosted Olympics before: rowing and sailing in 1932, sailing/fencing/archery in 1984. Marine Stadium, built for 1932, returns for 2028.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Olympic events is Long Beach hosting in 2028? Long Beach is hosting 7 Olympic events across seven venues — more than any city except Los Angeles itself. Events include Beach Volleyball at Alamitos Beach, Rowing and Canoe Sprint at Marine Stadium, Sailing at Belmont Shore, Open Water Swimming, Water Polo, Artistic Swimming, Sport Climbing, and Target Shooting. The city's Elevate '28 plan includes $500 million in infrastructure investment.
Is there an off-leash dog beach in LA County? Yes — Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach is the only off-leash dog beach in all of Los Angeles County. Dogs can run free from 6am to 8pm daily. Located between Roycroft and Argonne Avenues.
Can you take the Metro to Long Beach? Yes. The Metro A Line (Blue Line) runs from downtown LA (7th St/Metro Center) directly to downtown Long Beach. The trip takes about 50 minutes and costs $1.75. It's one of the best transit connections to any beach destination in the LA region.
What is Cambodia Town in Long Beach? Long Beach has the largest population of Cambodian Americans outside of Cambodia. The community was established when refugees fled the Khmer Rouge genocide in the 1970s. In 2007, a section of Anaheim Street was officially designated as "Cambodia Town" — the first Cambodian cultural district in the United States. The food scene is among the most authentic Cambodian dining in America.
Can you take gondola rides in Long Beach? Yes. Naples is a neighborhood of three small islands in Long Beach separated by canals, modeled after Naples, Italy. Gondola Getaway operates authentic Venetian gondola rides on the canals. Book well in advance for weekend evenings. Walking the canals is free and open to the public.
Is Long Beach good for surfing? No. A breakwater built in the 1940s to protect the harbor means the Long Beach beaches don't have significant waves. The water is calm and flat — ideal for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing. Surfers head to Huntington Beach or Malibu instead.
Is Long Beach a nice beach? Yes, Long Beach has undergone significant revitalization. The beach itself is pleasant, and the city offers the Aquarium of the Pacific, a vibrant waterfront, the Queen Mary, and a growing food scene.
What is Long Beach known for? Long Beach is known for the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary ship, its diverse neighborhoods, a thriving arts scene, and its beautiful waterfront with views of the harbor and Catalina Island.
