Long Beach Attractions

Experience premiere attractions like the historic RMS Queen Mary and SoCal's biggest aquarium, the Aquarium of the Pacific.

Stroll through art museums, tour a famous battleship, or spend a day on the water – in Long Beach, there's something for every vibe.

AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

Located along the waterfront at Rainbow Harbor, the Aquarium of the Pacific is home to more than 12,000 animals representing hundreds of species. Explore exhibits featuring the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific, the chilly waters of the Northern Pacific and the local wildlife of Southern California and Baja. Touch pools, playful sea otters and sharks make this an amazing adventure for all ages.

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THE BATTLESHIP IOWA MUSEUM

Step aboard the Battleship IOWA (250 S Harbor Blvd) in nearby San Pedro and explore one of the most celebrated warships in American naval history. Known as the “Battleship of Presidents”– it hosted the likes of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan–visitors can tour IOWA’s decks, explore the captain’s quarters, see the enormous gun turrets and discover what life was like for the sailors who called this floating fortress home.

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CATALINA ISLAND

Get on island time with a trip to Catalina Island, located just off Long Beach’s coast. Stroll the picturesque town of Avalon, browse shops, enjoy a meal overlooking the harbor or rent a golf cart to explore scenic viewpoints. For outdoor enthusiasts, snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and ziplining offer plenty of ways to experience the island. Catalina Express (320 Golden Shore) makes getting there easy, with regular departures from Long Beach’s waterfront.

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EARL BURNS MILLER JAPANESE GARDEN

Find a peaceful escape at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, tucked inside Cal State Long Beach (1250 N Bellflower Blvd). Inspired by traditional Japanese gardens, this beautifully landscaped retreat features a koi-filled pond, graceful bridges, stone pathways, waterfalls and carefully pruned trees. Take a leisurely stroll, pause in the tea house or simply enjoy the tranquil surroundings. It's a welcome change of pace and a lovely spot to slow down and recharge.

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HARBOR BREEZE CRUISES

Whale watching is just the beginning with Harbor Breeze Cruises (100 Aquarium Way, Dock #2). Departing from Rainbow Harbor, its narrated excursions venture into the Pacific in search of gray, blue and fin whales, dolphins, sea lions and other marine life. You can also take a 45-minute narrated tour of the bustling Long Beach Harbor, one of the world's busiest ports. For special occasions, Harbor Breeze offers private charters for weddings, celebrations and corporate events.

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LONG BEACH MUSEUM OF ART

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, the Long Beach Museum of Art (2300 E Ocean Blvd) combines art, architecture and spectacular ocean views. The museum features rotating exhibitions of contemporary and historical art, with an emphasis on California artists. After exploring the galleries, head to the museum's oceanfront grounds for a meal or a drink at Claire's at the Museum, a popular spot for brunch with one of the city's prettiest settings.

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MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART

The Museum of Latin American Art (628 Alamitos Ave) is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary Latin American and Latino art. Explore rotating exhibitions featuring paintings, sculpture, photography and multimedia works by established and emerging artists. Outside, the museum's sculpture garden offers another opportunity to experience the art.

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THE QUEEN MARY

Arguably Long Beach's most recognizable landmark, the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy) was launched in 1936 and carried royalty, celebrities and everyday travelers across the Atlantic before serving as a troopship during World War II. Permanently docked in Long Beach since 1967, it welcomes visitors to explore its elegant Art Deco interiors and salons as well as stay overnight in their historic staterooms. Daily tours delve into the ship’s storied past, from its wartime service to its famously haunted reputation.

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RANCHO LOS ALAMITOS HISTORIC RANCH and GARDENS

Rancho Los Alamitos (6400 E Bixby Hill Rd) is a historic ranch that offers a fascinating glimpse into more than 200 years of local history. The property features an adobe ranch house, historic barns, four acres of gardens and a working farm atmosphere that feels worlds away from the surrounding city. Explore exhibits tracing the region's Native American, Spanish, Mexican and American past, then wander the beautiful grounds for a peaceful afternoon escape.

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RANCHO LOS CERRITOS HISTORIC SITE

Rancho Los Cerritos (4600 Virginia Rd.) is a beautifully preserved adobe ranch house surrounded by gardens and shaded lawns. Built in 1844, the historic home tells the story of the people who shaped the region, from its Indigenous roots and Mexican ranching era to the arrival of American settlers. Explore furnished rooms, discover fascinating artifacts and stroll the grounds, where mature trees and tranquil gardens create an inviting retreat into Long Beach's past.

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