Affordable Summer Fun in Long Beach

Perhaps the only word as magical as “summer” is “free, and in Long Beach, you don’t have to spend a dime to make some unforgettable memories. Whether enjoying a movie under the stars, taking in live music at a local park, or simply soaking up the sun with your family, there’s something for everyone. From beachfront bike rides to kid-friendly shores and art-filled afternoons, here’s your guide to some of the best free things to do in Long Beach this summer.

MOVIE SCREENINGS

Moonlight Movies on the Beach, hosts screenings at Granada Beach in Belmont Shore including a popular “Grease” sing-a-long August 5. All movies start at 8 PM and there will be local food trucks and a kettle corn vendor. Movies in the Park, put on by the Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine Department, shows movies in parks throughout the city all summer. Movies begin at 6 PM, each featuring its own dress-up theme.

Credit: Richard Grant

MUNICIPAL BAND CONCERTS

Long Beach Municipal Band is celebrating its 116th year with more than 20 themed performances at five city parks over six weeks, beginning with “Wild, Wild West” (June 24-27) and concluding with pops concert “Symphonic Popcorn” (July 29-Aug 1). Performances are free and take place at local parks all over the city at 6:30 PM. There are also free live music events at 2ND & PCH, Shoreline Village, and other locations throughout the city. Read about dates and locations in this round up.

KID FRIENDLY BEACHES

Mother’s Beach (5839 Appian Way) and Colorado Lagoon (5119 E Colorado St) feature calm waters and fun playgrounds if the kids need a break from getting wet. Junipero Beach is also an ideal spot for a family beach day. There’s a large playground located next to Saltwater Deck (2630 E Ocean Blvd), which serves breakfast and lunch, as well as sport courts where they can roller skate and play basketball.

TAKE A FREE RIDE

There are four major bike paths in Long Beach that are separated from roads, making for a relaxing, traffic-free ride. These are located on the beach between Alamitos Bay and Shoreline Village, along the Los Angeles and San Gabriel Rivers, and in El Dorado and Heartwell parks. For an interactive map of bike paths, visit the City’s Go Active LB website. And for more suggestions on biking around Long Beach, check out our blog post.

BEAUTY COST NOTHING

The Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave) has free admission every Sunday, allowing guests to enjoy its collection of Latin American art and sculpture. The Long Beach Museum of Art (2300 E Ocean Blvd) provides free access to its artwork and ocean views on the first and final Thursdays of June, July and August. On the campus of Cal State Long Beach, the Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum (1250 N Bellflower Blvd) is always free, as is the tranquil Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, which requires a no-cost reservation.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.