10 Instagram Worthy Spots in Long Beach
There’s always something happening in Long Beach but, let’s be honest, if that something isn’t posted on Instagram, did it really happen? Here’s 10 (plus) ideas of great spots in the LBC to show off on the ‘gram.
QUEEN MARY
One of the most popular Instagram spots in Long Beach and all of Los Angeles County. The Queen Mary allows you to snap photos of the legendary vessel from afar or grab lots of selfies while on board at the great bars, restaurants or fabulous events. Either way, your #QueenMary pic is bound to rack up the likes. You can get a great shot on the bow of the ship!
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
Whether taking boomerangs of jellies or finding Nemos–i.e. clown fish–the Aquarium of the Pacific is a great place to Insta. There are so many eye-catching sights, from sharks to stingrays and, cutest of the cute: otters! Capture your little ones interacting with those adorable creatures, images sure to give the warm fuzzies. Pro tip: Tag your photos with #LoveAOP for a chance to be featured on their Instagram page.
LIONS LIGHTHOUSE
A great gathering place in the city, the Lions Lighthouse For Sight (200 Aquarium Way) is a 10-story structure rising spectacularly from a circled peninsula surrounded by Rainbow Harbor’s shimmering waters. The “faux” lighthouse, since its light is not designed for shipping purposes, is highly photogenic and Instagrammable. In fact, it’s not only one of the city’s top social media spots but a popular place to pop the question.
HILLTOP PARK
Locals will tell you some of the best sunsets are found in the middle of Long Beach, in a little city named Signal Hill at Hilltop Park (2351 Dawson Ave.). This charming plot of green offers panoramic views of the ocean and Catalina as well as, on a clear day, the Hollywood sign. Not surprisingly, Hilltop attracts those looking to utilize the perfect sunset moment as part of their perfect forever-after moment.
FERRIS WHEEL/SWAN BOATS
A favorite of slow shutter-speed fanatics, the Ferris Wheel at the Pike Outlets (95 S. Pine Ave.) is truly a Long Beach icon. This spot is Insta-worthy during the day & night thanks to the recent addition of colorful LED lights! Literally across the street glide the elegant, white Swan Boats on Rainbow Lagoon, an amazing sight any time of day, but especially stunning at night when lit by LEDs of their own.
GONDOLA GETAWAY
From the authentically clad gondoliers–who also sing–to the picturesque bridges of the Naples Canals, a Gondola Getaway cruise is going to give you plenty of potential content. Bring your own drinks–yes, wine–and snacks or order some pizza and pasta from Gondola. Take a a cute smoochy pic with one of the bridges in the background or a beautiful sunset photo with the prow (front) of the boat in the foreground.
LINCOLN PARK PENNY
When this 11-foot-tall, 1,500-pound penny was put into place at Lincoln Park (101 Pacific Ave.) the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Pacific Avenue, it instantly became one of the most popular selfie spots in the city. That wasn’t unexpected, when the shiny one-cent coin–accurate to an amazing degree–was unveiled at the corner of Ocean Boulevard and Pacific Avenue, city officials predicted it would become a social media destination.
MURALS
Murals, many created during Long Beach Walls, are so plentiful In the city–especially Downtown–it’s difficult to go more than a block or before seeing another one. You could cover your Instagram page with all of the different murals you find throughout Long Beach, and TBH we highly recommend that you do. The Arts Council has created this helpful map to locate which murals you’d like to see and selfie.
FOOD WITH A VIEW
At times, it seems food photos were the reason social media was created. Long Beach’s exciting dining scene offers countless possibilities, as do restaurants with amazing views. Ballast Point (110 N. Marina Dr.) and Boathouse on the Bay (190 N. Marina Dr.) offer waterfront sunsets on Alamitos Bay. Claires at the Museum (2300 E. Ocean Blvd.) has panoramic ocean views, while Fuego (700 Queensway Dr.) offers unique views of Rainbow Harbor and Downtown.
HAMBURGER MARY’S RAINBOW WINGS
The standing in front of angel wings shot has become a ubiquitous and necessary shot in anyone’s social quiver. Not surprisingly, Hamburger Mary’s (330 Pine Ave.) well-known for unique experiences and one of the best drag shows around, has put its own spin on the practice with these lovely, rainbow painted wings that anyone would be proud to show off in front of.