Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Long Beach?

Long Beach is centrally located in the heart of Southern California. Long Beach is approximately 25 miles south of the city of Los Angeles, on the Pacific Ocean.

How big is the city of Long Beach?

Long Beach is 50 square miles in area and is home to more than 466,000 people, making it the 7th largest city in the state of California.

Is there a beach in Long Beach?

Of course! Long Beach was originally named “Wilmore City”, but because of its long, wide beaches it was renamed “Long Beach” in 1888. Long Beach is bordered by 5 1/2 miles of clean, sandy beaches for you to enjoy. Walk, run, bike or blade on our smooth, fully paved bike path that spans the length of the beach from Downtown to Belmont Shore. Or enjoy an array of watersports such as swimming, sailing, kayaking or jet skiing. You can access the beach in the Belmont Shore / Alamitos Bay area of Long Beach, or from Downtown’s marina green park or bluff park.

Has Long Beach ever been featured in any movies?

“Lights, Camera, Action!” is frequently heard in Long Beach.

With its sparkling waterfront, diverse architecture and film-friendly weather, Long Beach has been a popular location for filming television and movies, including recent features: Iron Man, Knight and Day, Transformers 2 and 3 and the latest Star Trek movie.

Located less than 30 miles from Hollywood production studios, Long Beach has been the backdrop for several TV shows, including Miami for Dexter and CSI Miami. NCIS: Los Angeles, True Blood and Criminal Minds. It’s not uncommon to see camera crews in Belmont Shore, Alamitos Bay Marina and on Shoreline Drive for coastal stand-in locations and downtown Long Beach’s East Village Arts District or Third, Cedar and Pine Avenues for urban settings.

Does the Queen Mary Ocean Liner ever leave port?

The Queen Mary has been docked as the historic centerpiece of Long Beach Harbor since 1967. Although it is still afloat and even moves up and down with the tides, it no longer functions as a passenger ship.

What kind of climate can I expect while visiting Long Beach?

The temperature averages 74 degrees Fahrenheit year round with about 345 average days of sunshine.

Does the Aquarium have any dolphins or whales?

The Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific is home to only two whales... full-scale replicas of the world’s largest mammal, the Blue Whale, which hang in the Aquarium’s main hall. Although the Aquarium is currently not home to live whales or dolphins, over 12,000 other marine animals do call it home. Its residents include seals, sea lions, bat rays, sharks, bass, sea dragons, and much, much more. Don’t miss the “Lorikeets” exhibit where these birds will feed right out of your hand!

Is there any free public transportation available in Long Beach?

Yes! Catch the convenient red Passport shuttle, which runs approximately every 15 minutes. It's free in the Downtown area and can transport you to all of the must-see Long Beach attractions, including the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village and Pine Avenue. For only $1.25, Long Beach Transit continues your journey to the attractions of Belmont Shore, Alamitos Bay and Cal State Long Beach. During summer months, the AquaBus is also available to transport you between selected sites in Rainbow Harbor. Also during the summer, you can hop aboard the new AquaLink catamaran for a swift journey to Alamitos Bay. If you have additional questions, friendly transit advisors are available by phone at (562) 591-2301. Or visit the Transit Information Center on First Street and Promenade.

Is the Queen Mary really haunted?

It’s true that several people have claimed to encounter strange and unusual sites while on the Queen Mary. With almost seventy years of history as a luxury liner, WWII troop-ship, and now hotel and attraction, the Queen Mary has several stories within her steel walls. It has been told that wet footprints are commonly found near what was once used as the first class swimming pool. Odd because that pool has been dry for decades. There is also the occasional sighting of a long-ago worker who was crushed in one of the Queen Mary’s watertight doors. Fact or fable? Explore the Queen Mary and decide for yourself.

What is the large white dome that is located next to the Queen Mary?

The dome, at 115 feet high and 400 feet wide, is definitely an eyecatcher. It is the world's largest, free-span aluminum geodesic structure and was specifically designed to house Howard Hughes' giant flying boat, the Spruce Goose. The Spruce Goose is no longer located within the dome, which now serves as the Long Beach Cruise Terminal at the Queen Mary. Carnival Cruise Lines has 2 cruise ships home-ported in Long Beach.

What is your complete mailing address?

Long Beach Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 301 East Ocean Boulevard, Suite 1900, Long Beach, CA 90802 (562) 436-3645

How can I inquire about and/or confirm a flight, a reservation, destinations, and/or airline fares for LGB?

For any information regarding the airlines that service LGB, please contact the respective airline at its toll free number. Southwest Airlines (800) 435-9792, Hawaiian Airlines (800) 367-5320, Delta Airlines (800) 221-1212

What can I expect to pay for transportation to the airport from Downtown Long Beach?

To Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Cab: $60 one way; Shuttle: $17 To Orange County/John Wayne Airport (SNA) Cab: $50 one way; Shuttle: $35 To Long Beach Airport (LGB) Cab: $17 one way; Shuttle: $18

Please contact local transportation providers for rates from airports to Downtown Long Beach.

I plan on driving while in Long Beach. Will I need a car seat for my young children?

California law requires all children under two years old to ride in a rear-facing car seat, unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds OR is 40 or more inches tall.

Children under the age of 8 are required to be secured in a car or booster seat. Children who are 8 years old OR at least 4’9” may be secured by a booster seat, but at minimum wear a seat belt.