Long Beach Spring Break 2026

MAKE THE MOST OF SPRING BREAK IN LONG BEACH

A SoCal beach city with eclectic neighborhoods to explore, an exciting restaurant scene, world-class attractions and museums, fun outdoor activities, and easy access to nearby theme parks and Catalina Island—Long Beach makes a perfect homebase for families on Spring Break.

QUEEN MARY

With guided tours that highlight both the history and hauntings of this iconic ocean liner, plus a variety of bars and restaurants and a packed special events calendar, there is plenty to explore on the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy). Get the best bang for your buck with the new Queen Mary/Aquarium of the Pacific combo ticket, allowing you to visit both attractions at a discounted ticket price. Enjoy live music in the Observation Bar on weeknights, and treat the family to Royal Sunday Brunch in the Grand Salon.

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AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

A must-visit for ocean lovers, the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) is home to thousands of marine animals, from playful sea otters to majestic sharks. Its new Stars of the Sea exhibits showcase an array of these amazing animals, from the venomous crown-of-thorns to the highly endangered sunflower sea star. Arrive when the doors open at 9 AM to explore before the crowds roll in, and download the free app to see interactive maps and show schedules. Afterward, enjoy a meal with a waterfront view at one of the nearby restaurants, including P.F. Chang’s (340 S Pine Ave).

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WHALE WATCHING

Set sail with Harbor Breeze Cruises (100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2) for an unforgettable whale-watching experience. Spring is prime time to catch a glimpse of migrating gray whales, while blue whale sightings also start ramping up. Keep an eye out for pods of dolphins, sea lions, even the occasional orca! Every cruise features an Aquarium of the Pacific educator on board, adding a fascinating layer of context, knowledge and insight to the adventure. For the best value, opt for an Aquarium and whale-watching combo ticket.

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WATERFRONT ADVENTURES

Soak up the sun and take in Long Beach’s scenic waterfront from the water. Rent a kayak, stand-up paddleboard or Duffy boat for a leisurely cruise. Want something a little different? Long Beach Waterbikes (164 N Marina Dr) offers a unique way to explore while getting in some cardio. For a more laid-back ride, book a cruise on an authentic Venetian gondola with Gondola Getaway (5437 E Ocean Blvd) and drift through the picturesque canals of Naples Island, perhaps with a glass of wine in hand. Impress the kids with a pizza cruise aboard a gondola for a meal they’ll never forget.

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Arts & Culture

Absorb Long Beach’s creative scene with a visit to one–or all–of its renowned art museums. The Long Beach Museum of Art (2300 E Ocean Blvd) features stunning oceanfront views alongside an impressive collection of contemporary works. Over at the Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave), Latin American and Latino art takes center stage, while the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (695 Alamitos Ave) across the street highlights the cultural richness of the Pacific Islands. The Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum (1250 Bellflower Blvd) on the campus of Cal State Long Beach offers free admission, a fun Loud Hour event on April 9 from 4 to 5 PM, and Community Day on April 11 from 10 AM to 2 PM with free tours and art-making activities for all ages. See Kleefeld's calendar for details.

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Outdoor Activities

Breathe in the fresh air and stretch your legs on one of Long Beach’s many scenic trails. At El Dorado Nature Center (7550 E Spring St), you’ll find peaceful walking paths, lakes, and an unexpected cast of locals—including turtles basking in the sun. For prime bird-watching, head to DeForest Wetlands (6255 De Forest Ave), a hidden oasis in the city. If you’re a history buff, explore the beautifully preserved grounds of Rancho Los Alamitos (6400 E Bixby Hill Rd) or Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd), where you can step back in time through historic gardens and Spanish-style architecture.

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Other Spring Break Events

Easter Events and Brunches in Long Beach, CA – 2026 Learn More
Free Things to Do in Long Beach Today Learn More
LBC Beach Guide Learn More
Creative Playgrounds in Long Beach Learn More
About the Author
Claire Atkinson
Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for over 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.
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