Welcome to Long Beach
Long Beach was originally named “Wilmore City”, but because of its long, wide beaches it was renamed “Long Beach” in 1888. It’s centrally located in the heart of Southern California, approximately 25 miles south of Los Angeles, on 5 ½ miles of sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean. It’s 50 square miles in area and is home to more than 460,000 people, making it California’s 5th largest city. Long Beach provides amenities few other cities can offer. It’s blend of city convenience with a friendly, relaxed ocean side community atmosphere makes it the up and coming coastal destination.
The scenic downtown and waterfront marina set the standard for “walk-ability.” You will find first-class accommodations, shopping, numerous entertainment options and more than 100 restaurants within an eight-block range. Explore each dynamic locale creating the heart of this city – Pine Avenue, The Pike at Rainbow Harbor and Shoreline Village; each offers a multitude of activities and adds their own distinct, local flavor. Take a harbor cruise alongside breathtaking ocean bays, bike or simply walk the 5 ½ miles of dedicated paths through the sandy beaches. Or enjoy a spectrum of water sports such as swimming, sailing, kayaking, or jet skiing. Long Beach is known for its moderate climate and year-round sunny skies.
The Long Beach Marina truly has one of the great locations in California, if not the United States. Boats are protected by a series of offshore breakwaters and by a natural south-facing bay. Our boating public appreciates rapid access to open water, prevailing winds and close proximity to Catalina Island. Sailing conditions in Long Beach are practically perfect year round. That is why Long Beach has been and continues to be home of the Congressional Cup, Transpac and Olympic trial races.
Don’t miss the world class attractions like the Queen Mary, docked as the historic centerpiece of Long Beach Harbor since 1967. The largest, fastest, most luxurious ocean liner of her time is still afloat and sways with the tides but no longer functions as a passenger ship. However, visitors can regale in the overnight accommodations, fine restaurants, and historical, and sometimes haunted, tours. The Aquarium of the Pacific, featuring more than 12,500 inhabitants of the Pacific Ocean, features undersea galleries and live shows. Long Beach also harbors several eclectic museums including the Long Beach Museum of Art and the Museum of Latin American Art with free admission days each week.
The city’s East Village Arts District includes one-of-a-kind art galleries and shops. In addition, just three miles from downtown is Belmont Shore and 2nd Street, the quintessential beachfront community – Easy to reach by the Long Beach Transit’s Passport Shuttles. Here you will discover trendy shops and terrific restaurants to satisfy any craving. You can even experience the romance of Italy and weave your way around the Naples Island canals in an authentic gondola.
Getting Around
Take advantage of the city’s public transportation services both on land and water! The bright red Passport Shuttle offers service to all must-see Long Beach attractions and is free throughout the downtown area. See their website for a detailed route map and fare details where applicable. You can also hail water taxis, the Aquabus and Aqualink offer services between the Queen Mary and Alamitos Bay Landing. Don’t fear bringing along your bike, all shuttles and water taxis are bicycle friendly.
Also offered is the Bikestation, the first of its kind in the U.S., located at the First Street Transit Mall, and offers attended indoor bicycle parking, (free during regular business hours) as well as professional repair services.