Long Beach Travel Tips

Here are some tips to make your trip to Long beach a successful and memorable one.

1. Long Beach is a diverse city, both ethnically and economically.  Some of the wealthiest areas in LA County are located within city limits, but so are many of the most troubled neighborhoods.  There is truth behind both the positive and negative stereotypes of Long Beach.  It is unfair to discount the entire city because of a few troubled neighborhoods.  But at the same time, it is important to be aware of the geography of Long Beach. 


2. Hotels in Long Beach are generally cheaper than those nearer to LA’s major tourist sites.  If you want to stay in Long Beach but still want to venture into Hollywood and its environs, the Metro Blue Line will take you from Long Beach to Downtown LA. 


3. Make eating part of your trip.  Long Beach is an ethnically diverse city.  Italian, Mexican, French, Southeast Asian and soul food are all part of the city’s menu of cuisines. 


4. If you plan to visit the Queen Mary or the Aquarium of the Pacific, consider getting a package pass that will allow you to see both of these sites in one visit.  Also keep in mind that they are located in a busy part of the city.  The only place to park is in a pay lot.  That said, if you are going to visit one “touristy” area in Long Beach, the Aquarium and Queen Mary is your best choice. 


5. Like the rest of the LA Country area, Long Beach is best negotiated by car.  The bus system is rather cheap and there are regularly serviced routes to major tourist areas.  Parking is free in most parts of Long Beach but you can expect to pay if you are parking downtown or near the coastline. 


6. There are special events held throughout the year.  Open-wheel racing fans will be happy to see the CART series come to the streets of Long Beach each April.  This is a big event because it is one of the only true street races in the US.  The Long Beach Sea Festival takes place throughout the summer and includes various events having to do with the beach and Pacific Ocean.


7. Long Beach has a bit of a reputation for being dangerous.  The only truly dangerous neighborhoods are in North Long Beach.  There are no tourist sites in this area and few restaurants or businesses that tourists might want to visit.

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