Long Beach Family Vacation Ideas

Long Beach is the perfect destination for a family vacation.

Here you can experience it all from a deep-sea adventure at the Aquarium of the Pacific right on the bay and a voyage in time at Rancho Los Alamitos to picturesque tours through the Catalina Island. Here are a few of our top suggestions for family fun while you’re in the city.

1. The Aquarium of the Pacific

Take a journey of discovery through the world's largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Meet more than 11,000 animals in over 50 exhibits as you explore sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Kids will love all of the hands-on features including: Get up-close with a penguin. Touch over 150 sharks in Shark Lagoon. Feed colorful birds in Lorikeet Forest. Touch sea jellies. Check their event calendar for family overnight events & fun festivals!

2. Harbor Breeze Cruise

Southern California's premier whale watching and harbor tour company invites you on an excursion that thousands of happy guests from all throughout the world have experienced. Join Harbor Breeze Cruises on an exciting whale watching journey to view some of the largest mammals on the planet. Our experienced crew and knowledgeable Aquarium of the Pacific educators will guide you on every voyage as we search for all types of awe-inspiring marine life such as Blue Whales, Gray Whales, Dolphins, marine birds, sea lions, and harbor seals. Select the tour length your family can handle & don’t worry, there are snacks for purchase on board!

3. The Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path

With sunny skies and miles of diverse terrain, Long Beach is an ideal place to bicycle. Safe and convenient facilities across the City make cycling fun for families, professional cyclists, and weekend cruisers alike. The Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path is a scenic 3.1-mile bike path with a 17-ft wide concrete trail along the beach, extending from Alamitos Avenue on the west to 54th Place on the east. The path starts at the lighthouse in Shoreline Aquatic Park, juts out and around the Aquarium and the Rainbow Park Lagoon, and then returns to the ocean. Rent a few bikes from our Long Beach Bike Share stations located throughout the city or grab a surrey and split the work!

No matter how you choose to spend your time in Long Beach, you and your family will be sure to have a blast in the city!

4. Rancho Los Alamitos & Rancho Los Cerritos

Rancho Los Alamitos is a fascinating place to explore and learn more about the history of the Southern California and Long Beach region. The site features a charming authentic adobe house, a museum, a historic barn, and four acres of lush gardens. Admission to the site is free, and tours are offered every 30 minutes.

Rancho Los Alamitos holds cultural and educational events throughout the year on topics from agriculture to Native American, Japanese, and Hispanic culture. Be sure to check out their fun and festive Holiday Open House if you happen to be visiting with your family over the holiday season! For more ideas on things to do in Long Beach with kids during the holidays, check out this blog.

Expand your history-centered itinerary with a trip to Rancho Los Cerritos—a picturesque villa-like building that represents an integral piece of southern Californian history. Constructed in the mid-1800s, this impressive building showcases a blend of Spanish and Mexican-American architecture, from its rustic interiors to the stunning gardens. Don't miss a free guided tour of Rancho Los Cerritos, and uncover the rich past of this region through the historic walls of this house.

5. Catalina Island

If you're looking for a day-long adventure during your vacation in Long Beach, we recommend the breathtaking Catalina Island. Embark on a one-hour journey to the Catalina Express to this scenic island, where glimmering waters, stunning trails, and charming beach areas await. Outdoor lovers will enjoy hiking to secret harbors or kayaking across the calm waters. Additional fun activities include ziplining, Segway tours, and parasailing.

6. El Dorado Nature Center

Whether you're scheduling a picnic or looking for the ultimate adventure, El Dorado Park has something for everyone. Special features include a two-mile hiking trail, an archery range, a golf course, and two fishable lakes. Spanning almost 100 acres, there's no shortage of unforgettable experiences at this combined park and nature center. Unwind in a setting of lush greenery, search for wildlife on a stroll, and cycle through gorgeous paths. For more information, check out our guide on El Dorado Park and Nature Center.