Your guide to Long Beach

This once gritty industrial town at the mouth of the Los Angeles River has transformed into one of Southern California’s hottest creative hubs. Long Beach blends a glittering coastline with a compact downtown full of urban amenities. Explore everything from maritime history and sandy beaches to the city’s blossoming food and drink scene. Still got energy to burn? Disneyland is only a short drive away. Our Long Beach travel guide covers it all.

Long Beach: Know before you go

LanguageEnglish
CurrencyUnited States dollar ($)
Time zoneUTC-8 (PST) and UTC-7 (PDT)
High seasonJune - August
Low seasonJanuary - February

The best neighbourhoods in Long Beach

Downtown

Downtown is where to stay in Long Beach if you want to be near top attractions like the Queen Mary ocean liner and the city’s best shops and eateries. Pine Avenue, known locally as ‘Restaurant Row,’ has dining options for all tastes and budgets. And you’ll also find the best selection of hotels here.

Good for: Attractions, dining, hotels

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Belmont Shore

For a Southern California seaside feel, make Belmont Shore your base. This pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood puts you within walking distance of Long Beach’s best sandy shores. Try out water sports like windsurfing or browse the speciality shops along 2nd Street. Many of the retailers are also open during the evening so you can devote your day to the outdoors and shop at night.

Good for: Beaches, restaurants, shopping

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Naples

Originally built to replicate the Italian city, this neighbourhood set over three islands is famously referred to as California’s ‘Little Italy.’ Despite its tranquil location, there’s still easy access to Long Beach’s shops, restaurants and nightlife. Stroll pretty walkways, visit sandy beaches or take gondola rides along the waterways. Boat and kayak rentals are also popular here.

Good for: Beaches, boating, quiet setting

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FAQs about visiting Long Beach

The official currency in Long Beach is the United States dollar (USD). It's wise to have a little cash while in Long Beach, but digital payments and credit cards are generally accepted.
The cost of your city break in Long Beach will differ depending on factors like where you're travelling from, the time of year, and your chosen hotel. Long Beach flights and hotels usually cost more during peak times, but you can save money by booking in the off-peak months.
English is widely spoken here. Brush up on a few local phrases during your city break in Long Beach and you'll easily fit in.
Organise your Long Beach trip for January and you'll be there when conditions are at their coolest. 7ºC (45ºF) is as cold as the city gets.
With temperatures peaking at 29ºC (84ºF), August is the hottest month in Long Beach.
If the plan for your trip to Long Beach is to simply relax on the sand, a short break of three to four days is enough. But if you want to take day trips to places like Catalina Island or Disneyland (just 30 minutes away), a week would be ideal.
Long Beach is a safe city to visit. Petty crimes like street theft and pickpocketing are not common. It’s still best to keep an eye on your personal belongings and avoid poorly lit or deserted areas. Exercise normal safety precautions and you’ll have a worry-free trip to Long Beach.
You'll have a hard time running out of things to do in Long Beach. From Queen Mary to The Queen Mary and more, this city is as worth a visit as it gets.
With around 70 millimetres of rainfall, December is the rainiest month. If you're visiting Long Beach then, it's a good idea to have a few indoor activities in mind. Eat at one of the city's top restaurants, chill at a cosy cafe, or hit the shops for some retail therapy.
Long Beach is a fantastic year-round destination. But May to September is generally the most popular time to visit as the weather is warm and ocean temperatures are higher. Book your flights and hotels in Long Beach for autumn if you prefer fewer crowds.