Long Beach Voyage Tips and guide

Long Beach is a large port city in Los Angeles County in Southern California. Long Beach has some nice people-gathering amenities and genuine tourist attractions, such as a world-class aquarium and the Queen Mary floating museum/hotel. Special events are also held in the city like the annual Long Beach Grand Prix (a premier racing event held on city streets) and the annual Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride event. When compared to other areas like Hollywood, West Hollywood, Santa Monica and West L.A., Long Beach may not always be at the top of someone's tourist visit to the Los Angeles area, but the city draws its fair share of visitors and has proven it can definitely hold its own.

Long Beach is a large coastal and port city in Southern California. It is situated at the very southeastern edge of Los Angeles County, bordering both the city of Los Angeles and Orange County, in a region known as the Gateway Cities.

With a population of 467,000 as of 2020, it is the second-largest city in greater Los Angeles as well as the seventh-largest city in the state of California.

Long Beach is not quite as historic as Pasadena or Old Los Angeles, but it received its share of "the folks" from Iowa. It was incorporated December 13, 1897 and had over 100,000 residents by the late 1920s.

Long Beach is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse cities in America. It has large percentages of Latinos and whites (non-Hispanic), as well as very sizeable percentages of blacks (non-Hispanic) and Asians. Whites disproportionately reside on the shore and East Long Beach, while Latinos, Asians and Black disproportionately reside in North and Downtown Long Beach.

You may hear different people say different things about Long Beach, either wonderful or horrible things. This is because the city has quite a large population, with a density rate greater than that of nearby Los Angeles. Therefore, like other large cities, Long Beach encompasses everything, such as large industrial areas, struggling neighborhoods, quiet middle-class communities and exclusive neighborhoods.

The area code for Long Beach is 562. For emergency services, dial 911 from any phone.

• The high-rise commercial and governmental area of Long Beach, centered on 1st and Pine, is Downtown Long Beach. The convention center, arena, Pike and City Place malls and several hotels are located here.
  • East of Long Beach Blvd in Downtown is the East Village, Long Beach's arts district
  • Shoreline Village, also known as the Rainbow Harbor, is located along Shoreline Drive, the Southernmost part of Downtown. The Aquarium is located there, as is a retail development and a couple of lighthouses
• Beachside east of Redondo is the Belmont Shore. Besides a pier and some of the city's best beaches, there are lots of trendy bars and restaurants along 2nd Street, although this area has had a crime wave in the early 2020s.
• North of the 405 and West of the airport are the Bixby Knolls, California Heights and Los Cerritos neighborhoods. Originally part of Rancho Los Cerritos and centered on an historic 1844 ranch house, the area was bought by the Bixby Company in the late 19th century and became a residential neighborhood in the 1920s.
• The Broadway Corridor, east of downtown between Shoreline and Junipero, is Long Beach's gayborhood.
• Northeast of downtown, the area around Anaheim Street between Atlantic and Junipero Avenues has been designated Cambodia Town, home to the largest Cambodian community in the United States
• The area east of the airport and the traffic circle, north of Cal State Long Beach is Long Beach's Eastside, mostly postwar suburban residential neighborhoods built to serve workers of the Douglas Aircraft plant
  • El Dorado Regional Park is in this area, and the residential neighborhoods surrounding it are referred to as El Dorado Park as well
  • Lakewood Village is around Lakewood Blvd, north of the airport and abutting the city of Lakewood
  • Los Altos is a postwar suburban neighborhood immediately north of the University
  • Between Lakewood Village and Los Altos is the Plaza neighborhood
• East of Alamitos Bay and south of Cal State Long Beach is the SEADIP or Marina area, consisting of fairly new housing developments and a couple of trendy shopping malls

• Naples is located on islands in Alamitos Bay, accessible by 2nd Street. This is a fancy Italian-style neighborhood, complete with canals and gondolas
• North Long Beach is a working-class, residential district of the city, north of Del Amo Blvd and the Union Pacific Railway. It is traditionally the center of Long Beach's African-American community, though has gained a Latino community as well in the early 2020s.
• The Port of Long Beach is west and South of Downtown Long Beach. Much of this district is devoted to heavy container shipping, but the Queen Mary and the cruise terminals are also located there
• Retro Row, also known as the 4th Street Corridor, located on 4th Street east of Walnut Avenue, is known for its trendy clothing boutiques, hipster bars and coffee shops, and theaters. Just south of Retro Row are the Carroll Park and Bluff Heights historic districts
• The Rose Park and Zaferia neighborhoods are located east of Downtown, near Recreation Park along what used to be Pacific Electric's rail line to Newport Beach, developed in the 1920s. They are now increasingly becoming Latino neighborhoods.
• West Long Beach is a working-class, residential and industrial district, west of the 710 Freeway and the Los Angeles
• Between Downtown and the 405, around the Memorial Medical Center and the Willow and PCH A line stations, is the Wrigley neighborhood. This is another one of Long Beach's traditionally African-American neighborhoods; several of its residents have gone on to athletic careers at Poly High and beyond.
• The cities of Signal Hill and Lakewood are separate cities, but are frequently lumped in with Long Beach. The name "Lakewood" has become synonymous with postwar suburbs and shopping malls. Signal Hill used to be known for its oil drilling, but post-1980 growth has turned it into a diverse community of over 11,000 residents.

• Visit Long Beach website

33°47′42″N 118°9′4″W

Map of Long Beach

Out of the five airports in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, Long Beach can easily be reached from three: Long Beach Airport (LGB), within the city; Los Angeles International (LAX), 22 miles (35 km) away; and John Wayne (SNA), 23 miles (37 km) away in Santa Ana. All three lie adjacent to Interstate 405. The other two airport options are Burbank (BUR ^IATA), 37 miles (60 km) away; and Ontario (ONT ^IATA), 53 miles (85 km) away. LGB is the most convenient to use location-wise and, being a smaller airport, provides less hassle; however, LAX offers more frequent service, service from more destinations, and better fares. Long Beach Airport is limited to around 40 daily flights, the vast majority of which are provided by carrier Southwest as of 2020.

• 33.8183-118.14471 Long Beach Airport (LGB  ^IATA). Airport is primarily served by Southwest Airlines from multiple cities across the U.S. It also served by Delta Connection (Salt Lake City) and Hawaiian (Honolulu & Kahului (Maui)).  

Rental cars are available for hire at the airport, which is best for (local/regional) travel in Southern California. Long Beach Yellow Cab ☏ +1 562-435-6111 is another option, approximate fares to downtown hotels $30-40 one-way. Long Beach Transit Route 111 bus (Broadway/Lakewood) connects the airport to downtown Long Beach and to Metro's A Line train at the downtown Transit Mall. It runs south to downtown hourly from LGB. To find the bus stop, follow the taxi signs, walk one block beyond the taxi lineup, and turn right. Be sure to ask if the bus goes downtown, since both northbound and southbound Route 111 buses use this one bus stop at LGB.

• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX ^IATA): is the nearest airport for travel with multiple US and foreign airlines to more destinations in the US and around the world. Travelers can take the 111 bus from LGB to downtown Long Beach Transit Center. Take Metro's "A Line (blue)" train from downtown Long Beach to the Willowbrook/Rosa Parks Station. Transfer to the westbound "C Line (green)" train to the LAX/Aviation Station which is connected to the airline terminals by the "G (Green) Line/Metro C Line" shuttle bus. The LAX Flyaway bus no longer go to Long Beach.
• John Wayne Airport (SNA ^IATA), Santa Ana, Orange County: City buses are limited in getting across longer distances into Orange County as it will require multiple transfers. Renting a car (as you will probably need anyway) or Mickey's Space Ship Shuttle (☏ +1 714-642-5399) are better options in getting into Orange County. This airport and LAX are about equal distances from Long Beach (albeit, in different directions) and although busy, it is somewhat less busier than LAX for a little less airport hassle.

Long Beach is linked via the Metro  A  Line (formerly the Blue Line) to Downtown Los Angeles with connections to Hollywood, Union Station, Universal Studios, Pasadena, and East L.A. among other locations.

Amtrak and Metrolink service Union Station in Downtown Los Angeles. Fare is $1.75 and requires a TAP card, which can be purchased at any Metro station for $1. The A Line goes through some inner city locations (such as Watts and Compton) and there are not dedicated security guards on all the trains, so it may be discomforting to take the A Line late at night.

Carnival Cruise Line has a home port at the new 33.7513-118.18882 Long Beach Cruise Terminal, next to the Queen Mary dock. Cruises return to this port from Baja California and the Mexican Riviera. Others begin or end trips through the Panama Canal destined for or having left major ports in the southern or eastern U.S. In season, some may go to or return from points North, e.g., Alaska. When cruise ships are docked, they receive service from many taxi companies, as well as various shuttle services (noted for LAX above) to and from local airports and select hotels and popular destinations.

A ferry to Catalina Island also operates from Long Beach.

• From the west (LAX, Santa Monica) or from Orange County, take the San Diego (405) freeway. Connect to the southbound Long Beach freeway (710) if your destination is downtown Long Beach. The 405 is the closest freeway to the Long Beach Airport and to the neighborhoods north and east of downtown.
• From the north, the Long Beach freeway (710) runs along the western city boundary, with exits into downtown, and the San Gabriel Freeway (605) along the eastern boundary, past El Dorado Park. The 710 can be quite crowded as it is one of the busiest freight truck corridors in the country, and portions of it fog over.
• From the coastal areas of Orange County, a scenic and convenient route is Pacific Coast Highway (Rte 1), which enters Long Beach from the southeast. PCH also is the best connection to some of the South Bay communities, such as Lomita.
• From central Orange County, take the Garden Grove Freeway (22) to the 405, exiting at the 22/7th Street or one of the 405's other exits in Long Beach.
  • The 7th Street exit from the 405/605 interchange is the most convenient exit to Cal State Long Beach, the Marina, or the Belmont Shore
• From northern Orange County or the Inland Empire, take the Riverside (91) freeway to the 605, Lakewood Blvd, Cherry Avenue, or the 710. The 91 runs along the city's farthest northwestern reaches.
• From San Pedro, take the Vincent Thomas Bridge, which more or less becomes the 710, then take Pico Avenue/Downtown, staying in the left lanes for Downtown Long Beach.

The majority of the intercity bus stations and stops for the greater Los Angeles area are located in "Skid Row" east of downtown Los Angeles, downtown Union Station, El Monte, Huntington Park and/or east L.A. (along Olympic Blvd but can be elsewhere too). To a lesser extent some also have stops in Hollywood and North Hollywood as well. The following offer direct service to Long Beach:

• Flixbus, (bus stop) Long Beach Transit Center at 107 E 1st St (bus will board at the Long Beach Transit Gallery's bus bay A on E 1st St. Look for the silver bus shelter labeled with a gold "A"). Flixbus also have an additional stop at the Greyhound Station (1498 Long Beach Blvd). Check tickets and schedules. (updated Sep 2019)
• Greyhound, Bus station: 1498 Long Beach Blvd, ☏ +1 562-218-3011, toll-free: +1-800-231-2222. Greyhound travel primarily on I-5/405 (San Diego, Oceanside, Santa Ana, Anaheim, Long Beach); I-15/SR-91/I-405 (Long Beach, Santa Ana, Anaheim, San Bernardino Some variations of this route continues from San Bernardino up to Las Vegas); I-110 or 710 (to the downtown Los Angeles Greyhound terminal). Passengers transfer in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Ana, San Bernardino or San Diego to get to additional destinations. It is served by Long Beach Transit #51 bus. (updated Oct 2017)
• Hoang Express, bus stop at ABC Supermarket, 8970 Bolsa Ave, Westminster, ☏ +1 714-839-3500, toll-free: +1-888-834-9336. Travels between SoCal (San Diego, El Monte, Los Angeles, Westminster); northern California (San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland and Sacramento) and Arizona (Phoenix, Chandler and Tempe). They also have additional stops at the Metro Gold Line Chinatown Station near downtown Los Angeles and at Thuan Phat Supermarket at 2650 N Rosemead Blvd in El Monte. $60-65 to Bay Area; $80 to Sacramento. 

There are several ways to get to Long Beach from Orange County if you don't or can't rent a car. The most direct way is to take Orange County Transit Authority's Route 50 bus servicing Katella Avenue, which passes between Disneyland and the Anaheim Convention Center. The western terminus of this route is California State University-Long Beach (CSULB). If you are in the Beach Cities, take Route 1 servicing the Pacific Coast Highway and also terminating at CSULB. Some trips on Route 60 (Westminster Avenue/17th Street) terminate at CSULA.

A car is the most convenient way to get around Long Beach. Most areas of Long Beach have free parking but be aware that much of Downtown Long Beach and the shoreline have pay parking lots. Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National all have car rentals at the Long Beach airport. Enterprise has several other car rental locations around the city; Avis and Thifty have non-airport locations as well.

Major east-west streets (starting from the south) are Ocean Blvd, 2nd Street, Broadway, 4th Street, 7th Street, Anaheim Street, Pacific Coast Highway, Willow Street, Spring Street, Wardlow Road, Carson Street, Del Amo Blvd, South Street and Artesia Blvd

Major north-south streets (starting from the west) are Santa Fe Avenue, Pacific Avenue, Long Beach Blvd, Atlantic Avenue, Orange Avenue, Cherry Avenue, Redondo Avenue, Lakewood Blvd, Ximeno Avenue, Bellflower Blvd and Studebaker Road

One of the tricker traffic points in Long Beach is the Los Alamitos Traffic Circle, where Pacific Coast Hwy (SR 1), Lakewood Blvd (SR 19) and several other streets meet at a complicated roundabout.

The free bright red Passport buses serves the Long Beach downtown and waterfront attractions.

• The Passport. A free bus, operated by Long Beach Transit, that connects you to downtown Long Beach's finest attractions and destinations, including the iconic Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Pine Avenue, City Place Mall, The Pike at Rainbow Harbor, Convention Center, Shoreline Village, many downtown hotels and Long Beach Transit's water taxis, the AquaLink and AquaBus. (updated Nov 2020)

There are several transit agencies with bus routes in Long Beach.

• Long Beach Transit (LBT), ☏ +1 562-591-2301. Offers 38 bus routes serving the cities of Long Beach, Lakewood, and Signal Hill. Fare: regular $1.25; seniors (62 and older), Medicare, disabled $0.60; children 4 and under, legally blind, persons in wheelchairs free. Day pass: regular $4; seniors (62 and older), etc. $2.50. Transfers: $0.50. Two bus routes operate with headways under 15 minutes or less: the 51 on Long Beach Blvd and the 61 on Atlantic Blvd. Other corridors with fairly frequently service include Cherry Avenue (21/22), Anaheim Street (41/46), 7th Street (91/92/93/94), Willow Street/Carson Street (101/103), Ocean Blvd/2nd Street/CSULA (121), Pacific Coast Hwy (171/172/173/174/175) and Santa Fe Avenue (191/192). (updated May 2024)
• Metro, ☏ +1 323-466-3876 (GO-METRO). Includes  A  Line (formerly the Blue Line) light rail to downtown Los Angeles and  C  Line (formerly the Green Line). Stops on the A line in Long Beach are at Del Amo Blvd and Santa Fe Avenue, Wardlow Road and Pacific Place, Long Beach Blvd at Willow, Pacific Coast Hwy, Anaheim Street, 5th St. and 1st Street; the Downtown Long Beach Transit Mall at 1st and Pine, and 5th and Pacific. Fare: regular $1.75 (transfers within the MTA system are not free); seniors (62 and older), Medicare, disabled $0.75. Two children under age 5 may travel free with each fare-paying adult. Regular Metro Day Pass: $7, valid on all MTA Bus and rail lines. Transfers to other systems, $0.50. (updated Nov 2020)
• Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), toll-free: +1-800-636-7433. Fare: regular $2; seniors (60 and older); Medicare, disabled $0.75. Day pass: regular $4; seniors (62 and older), etc. $1.50. See the website for multi-day passes. (updated Nov 2020)

• 33.762445-118.1965961 Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, ☏ +1 562-590-3100, fax: +1 562-951-1629, [email protected]. 9AM-6PM daily, except Dec 25 and the weekend of the Grand Prix of Long Beach in April. One of the largest aquariums in the United States, its nearly 1,000 species fill 19 major habitats and 32 focus exhibits and take visitors through three regions of the Pacific Ocean: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific. There is also a Combo package with the Queen Mary. (Pay parking or take Passport C). $19.00.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.752608-118.1903442 Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy, toll-free: +1-877-342-0738. M-Th 10AM-6PM, F-Su 10AM-7PM. The Queen Mary is a historic Cunard White Star ocean liner — a beautiful Art Deco structure and the largest passenger ship ever built — whose past includes being a troop transport in World War II, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Several different tours of the ship are offered including a Ghosts and Legends tour. The Queen Mary also boasts a hotel, several restaurants and bars (a particularly nice one is the Art Deco Bar, where you can get a good cocktail in vintage surroundings and watch the harbor), a shopping promenade and a wedding reception hall. General Admission includes a choice of one of several available tours (you can take a second guided tour for an additional charge), Self-Guided Queen Mary Shipwalk Tour and access to all open exhibit areas. There are several other tour packages including a Combo ticket with the Aquarium of the Pacific. (Pay parking or take Passport C). Adults $27, children (5-11) $17.50.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.7532-118.19133 Russian Foxtrot Submarine: SCORPION, 1126 Queens Hwy (adjacent to the Queen Mary). This former Soviet Union submarine is moored adjacent to the Queen Mary. Due to safety issues with the submarine, visitors are no longer allowed inside but it can be viewed from the dock.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.7853-118.11984 Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, 1250 Bellflower Blvd (on the campus of California State University Long Beach), ☏ +1 562-985-5930, [email protected]. Tu-F 8AM-3:30PM, Su noon-4PM, closed M and Sa. As of Nov 2020, it is closed until further notice. The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a 1.3-acre (0.53 hectares) Japanese garden with a traditional tea house and koi ponds. A self-guided tour book is available for $1. Call to verify hours as university events sometimes require early closures. Tours for groups of 10 or more may be arranged by calling the garden office at ☏ +1 562-985-8420. Take Passport D. Free.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.763543-118.164775 Long Beach Museum of Art, 2300 E Ocean Blvd, ☏ +1 562-439-2119, fax: +1 562-439-3587. Th 11AM-8PM, F-Su 11AM-5PM, closed Jan 1, Jul 4, Thanksgiving, and Dec 25. A small art museum featuring 20th-century art and decorative pieces with a focus on California artists. Take Passport A or D Adults $7, seniors (62+)/students (with ID) $6, children under 12 free. Every Thursday evening from 3PM-8PM free for all ages.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.839745-118.1958626 Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Adobe, 4600 Virginia Rd, ☏ +1 562-570-1755, fax: +1 562 570-1893, [email protected]. W-Su 1PM-5PM except holidays. As of 2020, only outdoor spaces are open, and reservations are recommended. A two-story Monterey-style adobe home built in 1844. A National, State, and Long Beach Historic Landmark, the site includes historic gardens and a research library. Docent-led tours on every hour from 1PM to 4PM. Groups over 10 should reserve two weeks ahead. Special events listed on the website. Free, donations welcomed.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.754542-118.123667 Naples Island (take Ravenna Dr south from 2nd St). A district in the southeast corner of Long Beach featuring canals with million-dollar homes and walkways lining the canals. At Christmas, the residents extravagantly decorate their homes drawing crowds of pedestrians to admire the works of decorating art. Take Passport A or D.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.785172-118.1732338 Long Beach Firefighter's Museum (Old Station 10), 1445 Peterson Ave, [email protected]. W 8AM-noon, 2nd Sa 10AM-3PM. A collection of historic fire equipment ranging from leather water buckets to a 1965 fire engine. Free.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.776952-118.1074079 Rancho Los Alamitos Museum, 6400 E Bixby Hill Rd (enter through the residential security gate at Anaheim and Palo Verde), ☏ +1 562-431-3541, fax: +1 562-430-9694. W-Su 1PM-5PM. As of 2020, only outdoor areas are open. Reservation required. Museum of the old Bixby Farmhouse and gardens. Free.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.774397-118.17987310 Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), 628 Alamitos Ave, ☏ +1 562-437-1689, fax: +1 562-437-7043, [email protected]. W-Th Sa Su 11AM-5PM, F 11AM-9PM. Closed Jan 1, Jul 4, Thanksgiving, Dec 24 and 25. As of 2020, it is temporarily closed. MOLAA is the only museum in the western United States that exclusively features contemporary Latin American art. The museum seeks to educate through the utilization of its permanent collection, traveling exhibitions, and programs. MOLAA is in the newly developing East Village Arts District of Long Beach. Adults $10, seniors and students $7, children under 12 free.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.833823-118.18487911 Historical Society of Long Beach, 3490 Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 562-424-2220. Tu W F 1-5PM, Th 1-7PM, Sa 11AM-5PM. As of 2020, it is temporarily closed. A small exhibit space with rotating exhibits on the history of Long Beach. There is also a publicly accessible research archive at this site.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.79935-118.1651212 Signal Hill Hilltop Park, 2351 Dawson Ave, Signal Hill (drive up Cherry if coming from Pacific Coast Highway and turn right onto Skyline Drive). 6AM-10PM. This park is in the city of Signal Hill which is a small, suburban city within Long Beach. The park features breathtaking views where you can see beaches of Orange County, Queen Mary, Palos Verdes Hills, and even Downtown Los Angeles! There are also walking trails and monuments honoring indigenous folks. Free.  (updated May 2017)

• 33.76-118.1531 Long Beach City Beach (Ocean Blvd between Alamitos Avenue & 72nd Place), ☏ +1 562-594-0951. Dawn-10PM. Long Beach's beach stretches four miles between Alamitos Avenue and 72nd place. A portion of beach where dogs are permitted is Rosie's Dog Beach. At Grand Avenue is the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier. There are access points every few blocks, and parking lots at Junipero, Termino, Granada, La Verne and 72nd Place. Concrete bike and skating lanes run along the beach. Water is usually fine for surfing or swimming. Lifeguard services are limited, and no lifeguard is guaranteed outside of peak hours or specialized, supervised areas. Beach is free, parking is $2-16.  (updated Feb 2026)
  • 33.757-118.1482 Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier.  
  • 33.755-118.143 Rosie's Dog Beach.  

• 33.753312-118.1307064 Gondola Getaway, 5437 E Ocean Blvd, ☏ +1 562-433-9595, [email protected]. 11AM-11PM daily, closed holidays. Romantic gondola boat ride along the canals in Naples. Make reservations at least one day in advance (3 weeks is recommended). Reservation office hours 10AM-5PM daily. 1 to 6 people: 2 passengers: $100, plus $20 for each additional person up to 6; 7 to 10 people: $350.00 for up to 10-guests.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.7636-118.19965 Catalina Express, 320 Golden Shore (downtown Long Beach), ☏ +1 562-485-3200, toll-free: +1-800-612-1212, [email protected]. Daily departures, varies with season. Boat service to Catalina Island. Reservations are recommended. Note that each passenger is allowed 2 pieces of luggage, no larger than 37x23x23 inches (94x58x58 cm) and weighing no more than 50 pounds (22 kg) each as well as one carry-on bag. Round trip fares: adults $74.50, seniors (55+) $67.50, children (2-11) $59, infants (under 2) $6. Bikes and surfboards $7.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.7862-118.11446 Long Beach State Athletics (49er's), 1250 Bellflower Blvd, ☏ +1 562-985-4949. The 49ers compete in NCAA Division 1 collegiate sports, including baseball (the "Dirtbags"), softball, basketball, volleyball, water polo, and women's soccer and tennis. Venues include Blair Field and the blue Walter Pyramid, one of three true pyramids in the United States.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.758-118.14567 Belmont Plaza Pool, 4000 E Olympic Plaza Dr (At the foot of Termino Ave, near the Belmont Shore pier), ☏ +1 562-570-1805. Hours vary depending on age and activity. See web site for schedule.. The pool building is being rebuilt. A temporary outdoor pool has been erected nearby. Parking metered, 8AM-6PM, $1/hour. As of 2020, reservations are required and only lap swimming is allowed. Adults $4, seniors (50 and over) $3, and youth (17 and under) $1.  (updated Nov 2020)
• 33.7653-118.18948 Long Beach Performing Arts Center (includes the Terrace Theatre), 300 Ocean Blvd, ☏ +1 562-436-3661, fax: +1 562-436-9491. Performances of International City Theatre, Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, and other events.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.804-118.09599 El Dorado Park West, 2800 Studebaker Rd, ☏ +1 562-570-3225, [email protected]. Info Desk: M-F 9AM-7PM, Sa noon-4PM, closed Su. Free to the public portion of El Dorado with Youth Recreation and Senior Center.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.8192-118.086310 El Dorado East Regional Park, 7550 E Spring St, ☏ +1 562-570-1771, [email protected]. 7AM-dusk, closed on Christmas. Very large recreation park with bike paths, playgrounds, and ponds. M-Th $5, F $6, Sa Su $7, holidays $8.  (updated Feb 2016)
  • 33.8095-118.086911 El Dorado Park Nature Center, 7550 E Spring St (in El Dorado East Regional Park), ☏ +1 562-570-1745, [email protected]. Trails: Tu-Su 8AM-5PM; museum: Tu-Su 8:30AM-4PM. The Nature Center is a large forested park with trails, a museum, two lakes and native California wildlife. See website for special monthly events. See El Dorado East Regional Park for admission.  (updated Feb 2016)

Long Beach is a very golf-friendly city, home to several golf courses.

• 33.798-118.09812 El Dorado Park Golf Club, 2400 Studebaker Rd, ☏ +1 562-430-5411, [email protected]. Sunrise-sunset daily. An 18-hole course designed by Ted Robinson, Sr. with challenging water hazards and mature tree-lined fairways. Call for current rates.  
• 33.7803-118.135613 Recreation Park 18 Golf Course, 5001 Deukmejian Dr, ☏ +1 562-494-5000. Daybreak-9PM daily. An 18-hole layout designed by Billy Bell with rolling terrain and various types of trees lining the fairways. Non-resident: M-F $34, Sa Su and holidays $45.  
• 33.775-118.134114 Recreation Park 9 Golf Course, 5000 E 7th St, ☏ +1 562-438-4012. A nine-hole executive course. Call for current rates.  
• 33.8182-118.138115 Skylinks Golf Course, 4800 E Wardlow Rd, ☏ +1 562-421-3388. 6AM-9:30PM daily. A championship 18-hole Scottish links style course with hilly lies on either side of the fairway. The course was redesigned by Cal Olsen in 2004. Call for current rates.  
• 33.8318-118.102816 Heartwell Golf Course, 6700 E Carson St, ☏ +1 562-421-8855. 18-hole Par 3 course designed by William F. Bell. 18 holes: M-F $14, Sa Su and holidays $16; 9-holes: M-F $10, after noon Sa Su and holidays $11.  

• Long Beach Grand Prix, Downtown, ☏ +1 562-981-2600, [email protected]. April. A weekend-long event culminating in Indycar racing on a 2-mile (3-km) track through the streets of downtown. Held every April. Celebrities races are among the events. 
• Gay Pride Festival, Rainbow Harbor and the Marina Green, ☏ +1 562-987-9191, [email protected]. Held every May, the festival celebrates gay, lesbian, and transgender lifestyles through music, stage performances, and a parade. 
• Long Beach Seafood Festival (Shoreline Aquatic Park). A foray into seafood cuisine, with entertainment. 
• Grecian Festival, ☏ +1 562-494-8929. Labor Day weekend. Greek food and entertainment. 
• Long Beach Triathlon, ☏ +1 714-978-1528. A 1/2-mile (800 m) swim, 11-mile (18 km) bike ride, 3-mile (5 km) run race along the oceanfront of Long Beach. September. 
• Long Beach International Marathon, ☏ +1 562-728-8829. Scenic marathon along the shores of Long Beach. October. 
• Belmont Car Show. The largest one-day car show on the West Coast. Held in September 
• Haute Dog Easter Parade. Annual parade featuring dogs in costume. 
• Sidwalk Chalk Art and Poetry Contest.  
• 33.804552-118.17890817 Historical Cemetery Tour, 1095 E Willow Rd. October 31 9AM-2:30PM. The Historical Society of Long Beach puts on an annual tour of the historic Sunnyside Cemetery with actors telling stories as figures from Long Beach's past. Tickets are required and go on sale starting in September. Adult $20, 5-18 $8, 4 and under $1.  (updated Feb 2016)

Long Beach is home to two major learning facilities, a California State University campus and a Community Junior College.

• 33.8277-118.12521 California State University Long Beach (CSULB), 1250 Bellflower Blvd, ☏ +1 562-985-4111. CSULB offer a wide range of bachelor's degrees, as well as master's degrees in Anthropology, Fine Arts, Business, and Science. One of the specialities of the campus is International Business.  
• Long Beach City College (LBCC), ☏ +1 562-938-4111. LBCC is a two-year transfer or AA-degree school, including a highly regarded nursing program. The school has two campuses, one focusing on traditional education, the other on vocational training.  
  • 33.83279-118.134782 LBCC Liberal Arts Campus, 4901 E Carson St.  
  • 33.79048-118.173793 LBCC Pacific Coast Campus, 1305 E Pacific Coast Hwy.  

• 33.757222-118.1369441 Belmont Shore (Pedestrian district, 2nd St in Belmont Shore). Bars, restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and national store outlets such as the Gap, Banana Republic, Buffalo Exchange and Vans. Take Passport A or D.  
• 33.765199-118.1941052 The Pike Outlets, 95 S Pine Ave, toll-free: +1-877-225-5337. M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa 10AM-9PM, Su 10AM-7PM. Built up outlet shopping complex on the harbor with movie theater, comedy club, Ferris wheel, food court, etc.  
• East 4th, Between Cherry St and Junipero along 4th St. Home to independent retro and hipster bookstores, clothing shops, furniture shops, and an independent movie theater, the Art Theatre. Check out La Bomba for its extensive selection (including a literal mountain of clothes in the back of the store that you literally dig through.) Take Passport B. 
• 33.80424-118.197973 Magnolia and Willow; antique and vintage, 490 W Willow St (at Magnolia). M-Sa 11AM-6PM, Su noon-5PM. A mall of antique and vintage dealers. With a showroom over 2,500 sq. feet (230 m2) and over 20 dealers, you are bound to find a treasure.  
• 33.79751-118.12314 Los Altos Shopping Center (Bellflower and Stearns, Los Altos neighborhood), ☏ +1 562-430-4134. Stores include Target, Trader Joe's, Big Lots, Rite Aid, Golden Spoon Yogurt, Sears, Bristol Farms gourmet food store AM-10PM, includes cafe, Thursday wine tastings 5:30-7:30PM, $23), TJ Maxx, Baja Fresh Mexican Food, See's Candy(across Bellflower). Close to the Passport bus route D to Cal State and downtown Long Beach.  
• 33.76061-118.190325 Shoreline Village, 429-P Shoreline Village Dr (located at the south end of I-710, east of the Aquarium), ☏ +1 562-435-2668. Retail store hours are 10AM-9PM daily; summer retail hours are 10AM-10PM daily. Restaurant hours vary. Shoreline Village is a family friendly waterfront shopping, dining and entertainment center that overlooks beautiful Rainbow Harbor. Take Passport C.  
• 33.76886-118.184456 Vons, 600 E Broadway, ☏ +1 562-491-1210. M-F 9AM-9PM, Sa Su 9AM-5PM. Large chain supermarket in downtown with a pharmacy which sells alcohol.  (updated Jan 2017)

Formerly known as "Iowa by the Sea", but now populated by a diverse community, Long Beach has a full range of dining options.

• 33.762061-118.1931351 Gladstone's Long Beach, 330 S Pine Ave (at Shoreline Dr), ☏ +1 562-432-8588, fax: +1 562 432-8589. Su-Th 11AM-10PM, F Sa 11AM-11PM. Seafood dining along the Long Beach waterfront.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.824019-118.1851872 Jongewaard's Bake-n-Broil, 3697 Atlantic Ave (Bixby Knolls neighborhood), ☏ +1 562-595-0396. M-F 6:30AM-9PM, Sa 7AM-9PM, Su 7AM-8:30PM. A local secret known for homebaked pies, desserts, soups, and comfort food. Inexpensive (and popular so expect a wait).  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.759914-118.1917423 Parkers' Lighthouse, 435-A Shoreline Village Dr (in Shoreline Village within landmark lighthouse), ☏ +1 562-432-6500, fax: +1 562 436-3551, [email protected]. M-F 11AM-3PM, 5-10PM; Sa Su 11AM-3PM, 4-10PM. Contemporary seafood restaurant with shoreline view of the Queen Mary.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.819865-118.1847654 Polly's Bakery Cafe (Bixby Knolls location), 3490 Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 562-595-5651. 6:30AM-9:30PM daily. Local chain known for site-baked pies especially fresh strawberry and ollalieberry in season. Roast turkey and chicken dinners. Inexpensive.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.761442-118.190085 Yard House Long Beach, 401 Shoreline Village Dr (located in Shoreline Village), ☏ +1 562-628-0455. Su-Th 11AM-midnight, F Sa 11AM-1:20AM. Chain restaurant with extensive menu and large selection of draft beer.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.771607-118.1882586 Higher Taste, Plant-Based (Ahimsa Vegan Cafe), 340 1/2 E 4th St, ☏ +1 562-435-7115. Noon-8PM daily. Ahimsa is a vegan/vegetarian/raw cafe.  

• 33.766684-118.1178597 Enrique's, 6210 E Pacific Coast Hwy, ☏ +1 562-498-3622. Su-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-10PM. In addition to the usual combination plates, menu includes specialties such as pork shank, stuffed pasilla chiles, and bread pudding. Very popular, be prepared to wait. Offers takeout.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.758951-118.1323678 Taco Surf, 5316½ E 2nd St, ☏ +1 562-434-8646, [email protected]. Bar and taqueria.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.809889-118.1335639 Baja Sonora (Clark location), 2940 Clark Ave, ☏ +1 562-421-5120, fax: +1 562-421-0562, [email protected]. 10:30AM-9PM.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.772104-118.15472410 Hole Mole, 421 Obispo Ave, ☏ +1 562-439-2555. 9AM-10PM. Also at 1327 E 4th St and 5209 E Pacific Coast Hwy. Fish tacos, breakfast burritos.  (updated Feb 2016)

• 33.796327-118.12283811 The Deli News, 5555 E Stearns St, ☏ +1 562-598-2123, [email protected]. M-F 10AM-9PM, Sa 11AM-8PM, Su closed. Very small place with inexpensive pizza and Italian dishes. Charming and friendly owners.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.76525-118.1569612 La Parolaccia Osteria, 2945 E Broadway, ☏ +1 562-438-1235. Authentic Italian food.  (updated Nov 2021)

• 33.789681-118.15387713 Sophy's Thai & Cambodian, 3240 E Pacific Coast Hwy, ☏ +1 562-494-1763. 9AM-10PM. Small place with Thai and Cambodian dishes.  (updated Feb 2016)

• 33.762073-118.19289214 Tokyo Wako Long Beach, 310 S Pine Ave, ☏ +1 562-435-7600, [email protected]. M–F 11:30AM-2PM, 5-10PM; Sa noon-3PM, 3-10PM; Su noon-3PM, 3PM-9:30PM. Japanese steak house and sushi.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.83232-118.18527815 Sushi West So. California, 4105 Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 562-424-5004, [email protected]. M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa Su 11:30AM-9PM. Small, quaint place with a friendly atmosphere. Great for quick-order sushi & sashimi. The parking lot is shared with next-door Trader Joe's, so parking may be hard to find at times. Visa & Mastercard purchases are $10 minimum without tax. $5-12.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.818598-118.18546516 Bamboo Teri House, 3391 Atlantic Ave, ☏ +1 562-595-6049, fax: +1 562 424-8804, [email protected]. M-F 11AM-9PM, Sa noon-9PM, Su noon-8PM. Nice sit-down restaurant with take-out and online ordering. Great teriyaki sauce! Delivery to local businesses only.  (updated Feb 2016)

• 33.818343-118.07108117 Benley, A Vietnamese Kitchen, 8191 E Wardlow Rd (at Norwalk Blvd), ☏ +1 562-596-8130. M-Th 11AM-9PM, F Sa 11AM-9:30PM, Su closed. Chic and casual tiny neighborhood cafe in a strip mall. Excellent pho, shaken beef, buttermilk panna cotta with Key Lime anglaise, cassava cake. Free corkage. $11-30.  (updated Feb 2016)

• 33.758977-118.1324218 George's Greek Cafe, 5316 2nd St, ☏ +1 562-433-1755. Friendly Greek restaurant. The house specialty is the lamb chops, but there are fish and vegetarian options, and a selection of Greek wines. Indoor and outdoor seating.  (updated Feb 2016)

• 33.767984-118.18758719 Creme De La Crepe, 400 E 1st St (at Elm), ☏ +1 562-437-2222. 8AM-10PM. Picture a Paris street cafe, add sunshine and cool breeze and what you get is "la creme de la crepe..." Authentic French cafe serving breakfast, lunch and diner daily. Award winner every year since 2005 and now recommended by Sunset Magazine, et voila! $8-24.  (updated Feb 2016)

• 33.756978-118.12470420 Michael's on Naples, 5620 E 2nd St (ocean side of 2nd St), ☏ +1 562-439-7080. Su-Th 5-10PM, F Sa 5-11PM. White cloth Italian with award winning wine list, rooftop lounge, brickoven pizzeria next door. $50-70.  (updated Feb 2016)
• 33.76701-118.18604421 555 East American Steakhouse, 555 E Ocean Blvd (Downtown Long Beach), ☏ +1 562-437-0626, [email protected]. Lunch: M-F 11:30AM-3PM; dinner: Tu-Th 5:30-10PM, F Sa 5:30-11PM, Su M 4-9PM. Prime steakhouse $50-75.  (updated Feb 2016)

• Sir Winston's (entrance is on the ocean side of the Sun Deck), ☏ +1 562-499-1657. Tu-Su 5:30–10PM. Features Continental and California cuisine. Smart-casual attire required and reservations are highly recommended. Due to the historic nature of the ship, Sir Winston's is located in an area that is only accessible by stairs. Accommodations will be made for guests with special needs. $31-78. (updated Feb 2016)
• Champagne Sunday Brunch ("R" Deck), ☏ +1 562-499-1606. Su 9:30AM-2PM. Includes a Carving and Entree Station with a selection of cooked meats; an Oriental Station with stir-fry; a Pasta Station with a selection of gourmet pastas and sauces; a Dessert Station with such delectables as chocolate covered strawberries; and a Mexican Station featuring foods from south of the border. There is a special buffet island just for children. Adults $55.95, children (4-11) $24.95 (Tax and gratuity is additional. Holiday pricing is higher.). (updated Feb 2016)
• Chelsea Chowder House & Bar (Shore side of Promenade Deck), ☏ +1 562-499-1685. Daily 5-10PM. Seafood specialties $24.50-47.00. 
• Observation Bar (Forward section of the Promenade Deck.), ☏ +1 562-499-1740. Su–Th 11:30AM–midnight, F Sa 11:30AM–2AM. Hand crafted cocktails in the former First-Class Lounge which is lined with Art Deco tables, chairs and decor. (updated Feb 2016)

• 33.782901-118.1587191 Joe Jost's, 2803 E Anaheim St, ☏ +1 562-439-5446, [email protected]. M-Sa 10AM-11PM, Su 10AM-9PM. Long Beach Classic--Opened in 1924, one of the oldest family operated taverns in the West. Schooners of draft beer, "Joe's Special" (Polish sausage on rye, with Swiss cheese, mustard, and pickle), fresh roasted peanuts, and pickled eggs. Turn of the century pool tables in the back room. $1.35-4.65 draft beers, $2.65 Special.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.761381-118.1901492 The Yard House, 401 Shoreline Village Dr, ☏ +1 562-628-0455, fax: +1 562 435-5544. Su-Th 11AM-midnight, F Sa 11AM-1:20AM. View of Shoreline Village Marina, dockside seating, eclectic uspcale casual menu, 100+ beers on tap, wine by the glass, specialty martinis. Happy Hour M-F 3-6PM, pints $3.25, martinis $5.25, half-price appetizers. Food: $8.95-30.45.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.769532-118.1926363 Shannon's On Pine, 209 Pine Ave (at Broadway), ☏ +1 562-436-4363, [email protected]. M-F 11:30AM-2AM, Sa Su 9AM-2AM. By far the friendliest bar in Long Beach. Inexpensive, strong drinks, and an excellent selection of alcohol. The food is reasonably priced and excellent. A wide selection of sandwiches, great dinner specials, and $9 bloody mary and omelette on weekends. Cocktails $3.75-6, beer $3.75-5, sandwiches $4-7, dinner $7-11.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.768589-118.1766544 The Sweet Water Saloon, 1201 E Broadway (corner of Orange Av. and Broadway), ☏ +1 562-432-7044. 10AM-2AM daily. Situated in a historic building (opened as the Villa Nova Restaurant in the 1940s), the Sweet Water Saloon is truly a neighborhood bar during the day time, and a party bar at night. Well known for having the coldest beers on the Broadway Corridor, home of the only bar on the strip to offer seasonal beers on tap. Happy Hour 7 days a week, from open until 8PM: $2 draft beers, $3 domestic bottled beers and well cocktails. Wednesday nights are $2 drink days where all well drinks, draft beers, and bottled domestic beers are $2 and free pool in one of the two pool tables. From $2.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.759743-118.1342885 Legends Sports Bar, 5236 E 2nd St, ☏ +1 562-433-5743. M-F 11AM-midnight, Sa Su 9AM-2AM. Check out the ribs  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.759408-118.1483986 Belmont Brewing Co, 25 39th Pl (park in the beach lot by the Belmont Pier. $1 per hour until 6PM each day, and free thereafter.), ☏ +1 562-433-3891, [email protected]. M-F 11:30AM-10PM, Sa Su 10AM-10PM.  (updated Mar 2016)

• 33.7692-118.18641 Broadlind Hotel, 149 Linden Ave, toll-free: +1-833-782-9522, [email protected]. Small historic ApartHotel in Downtown Long Beach $140.  (updated Feb 2026)

Linden Avenue, between Ocean and 3rd, has a lot of hotels.

• 33.7679-118.18572 Courtyard Long Beach Downtown, 500 E 1st St, ☏ +1 562-435-8511, toll-free: +1-800-321-2211, fax: +1 562-901-0296. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. On-site parking for both guests and non-guests, fee:$5/hour, $19 daily. Free high speed Internet. Smoke free hotel and pets are not allowed. $200-240.  
• 33.7678-118.20123 Hilton Long Beach, 701 W Ocean Blvd, ☏ +1 562-983-3400, fax: +1 562-983-1200, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Outdoor heated pool. Pets are allowed. Complimentary health club. $220-260.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.7633-118.1914 Hyatt Regency Long Beach, 200 S Pine Ave, ☏ +1 562-491-1234, fax: +1 562-983-1491. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Full service luxurious hotel with water views from rooms. Pet allowed with $100 fee for up to 6 days. Additional pet fees after first 6 days. $230-430, suites $1,500-3,000.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.7648-118.19485 Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach, 285 Bay St (One block north of Shoreline, adjacent to the Pike Outlets), ☏ +1 562-432-1234. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. 138 rooms and suites. Includes a rooftop pool and bar with 360° panoramic views of Long Beach. Free WiFi. Flatscreen TV in all rooms. $166-347.  (updated Feb 2026)
• 33.7674-118.19176 Marriott Long Beach Downtown, 111 E Ocean Blvd, ☏ +1 562-437-5900, fax: +1 562-499-2509. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. High-speed wireless for a fee. Smoke free hotel. Pets not allowed. Parking fee of $22/day. $350-480.  
• 33.76672-118.19047 Fairmont Breakers Long Beach, 210 E Ocean Blvd, ☏ +1 562-317-1000, [email protected]. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Historic luxury hotel that has recently been restored. Contains a pool, spa and fitness center. The Sky Room fancy restaurant/bar is at the top of this hotel. Pets welcome. $280-400/night.  (updated Feb 2026)
• 33.7682-118.18618 Best Western Plus Hotel at the Convention Center, 517 E 1st St (1st and Linden, one block west of Atlantic, two blocks east of Long Beach), ☏ +1 562-285-0281, toll-free: +1-800-780-7234. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Full breakfast, pool, fitness center. $133-145.  (updated Feb 2026)

• 33.7528-118.18999 Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, toll-free: +1-877-342-0742, [email protected]. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Sleep in one of the Sea Queen's grand first-class staterooms. Non-smoking hotel. Parking is $20/night. $150-235.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.7571-118.198210 Hotel Maya, 700 Queensway Dr, ☏ +1 562-435-7676, fax: +1 562-481-3909. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: 11AM. Rooms featuring balconies and patios with bay or skyline views in a Latin resort theme. A member of the Doubletree hotel group. Pets allowed up to 50 lb (23 kg). $50 non-refundable pet fee. $260-360.  (updated Mar 2016)

• 33.8041-118.146411 Extended Stay America - Long Beach Airport, 4105 E Willow St, ☏ +1 562-989-4601, fax: +1 562-989-4501. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Clean budget hotel suites with fully-equipped kitchens, plenty of work space and amenities you won't find in a typical hotel room. Practical stay for families with kids. Pets are welcome (fees applied). Office Hours 7AM-11PM $100-120.  
• 33.8041-118.141812 Holiday Inn Long Beach Airport, 2640 Lakewood Blvd, ☏ +1 562-597-4401, toll-free: +1-866-375-9947, fax: +1 562-597-0601, [email protected]. Smoke-free accommodation. Overnight parking fee at $9.00 per day. Complimentary wireless high speed Internet access and fitness center. Outdoor heated pool. $170-190.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.8114-118.138613 Long Beach Marriott, 4700 Airport Plaza Dr, ☏ +1 562-425-5210, fax: +1 562-425-2744. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Smoke free hotel. Fee for high speed Internet access. Pets not allowed. $220-310.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.8038-118.144614 Residence Inn Long Beach, 4111 E Willow St, ☏ +1 562-595-0909, toll-free: +1-866-440-5368, fax: +1 562-988-0587. Check-in: 4PM, check-out: noon. Smoke-free hotel. Pets allowed with $100 non-refundable fee. Complimentary Wireless.  

• 33.7653-118.115115 Golden Sails Hotel, 6285 E Pacific Coast Hwy, ☏ +1 562-596-1631, toll-free: +1-800-762-5333, fax: +1 562-594-0623. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. $140-160.  
• 33.7902-118.177616 Motel 6 - Long Beach - International City, 1121 E Pacific Coast Hwy, ☏ +1 562-591-3321, fax: +1 562-591-2152. Check-out: 11AM. Free wi-fi. Pets allowed. $65-70.  (updated Mar 2016)

Most areas of Long Beach are fairly safe, even after dark. There are two major areas that are not quite as safe and should be avoided after dark. Caution is called for even during the daytime in these areas.

The first of these areas is in the southwestern portion of the city. This area is bounded, starting from the southeast corner, by Redondo Blvd. and 4th, running north to the Signal Hill border. Along the Signal Hill border north-west to the 405 Freeway, along the freeway to the western border of Long Beach and Wilmington, down to 4th St.

The second and more dangerous of the areas is North Long Beach (north west of the LGB airport). The approximate boundaries of this area are from Del Amo and Cherry, north to the north border of the city, along the north border to the west border and back south to Del Amo. This area, which borders on Compton, has a reputation for gang activity and is one of the more active police and fire districts in the city.

In the early 2020s, there have been nighttime safety concerns about the Belmont Shore area.

Long Beach has its own police department operating from four main stations throughout the city. Police can be reached by dialing 9-1-1 toll-free from any phone. The Long Beach Police now receive 9-1-1 calls directly from cell phones however calling 9-1-1 from a cell phone when near freeways will connect you with the California Highway Patrol. To reach the Long Beach Police directly from a cell phone, ☏ +1 562-435-6711.

• 33.76909-118.19714 South Station, 400 W Broadway.  (updated Jul 2024)
• 33.79129-118.216015 West Station, 1835 Santa Fe Ave.  (updated Jul 2024)
• 33.8445-118.185726 North Station, 4891 Atlantic Ave.  (updated Jul 2024)
• 33.80347-118.147067 East Station, 3800 E Willow St.  (updated Jul 2024)

Long Beach also has its own Class 1 Fire Department. The Class 1 designation indicates that response times to emergencies average 5 minutes or less. To request emergency assistance from the Fire Department, dial 911 toll-free from any phone.

Every fire engine and truck is staffed by fire-fighters with Basic Life Support training. The department also has a number of Advanced Life Support certified Paramedic Ambulances strategically stationed around the city. Fire Department Ambulances are available for emergency medical transport to a hospital, however, be aware that you will be billed for transport.

Long Beach is well-served by hospitals. There are three major hospitals in the city, including two that are trauma centers (Memorial and St. Mary) capable of handling the most critical emergencies. All five of the hospitals listed below have 24-hour emergency rooms.

• 33.8081-118.1864778 Long Beach Memorial Hospital, 2801 Atlantic Ave (ER is located on Columbia Ave., west of Atlantic Blvd.), ☏ +1 562-933-2000. Pediatric emergency services available. Parking is $5/day.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.779936-118.1866279 St. Mary Medical Center, 1050 Linden Ave (entrances to the hospital are on Long Beach Blvd. and 10th St.), ☏ +1 562-491-9000. Pediatric emergency services available. This hospital has an emergency room reservation service. See their website for details.  (updated Mar 2016)
• 33.788453-118.14569610 Community Hospital Long Beach, 1720 Termino Ave, ☏ +1 562-498-1000.  (updated Mar 2016)

While there are three hospitals in the city, they are all south of Interstate 405. In North and East Long Beach, the nearest hospitals are in neighboring cities.

North:

• 33.859777-118.14881811 Lakewood Regional Medical Center, 3700 E South St, Lakewood, ☏ +1 562-531-2550. This hospital has an emergency room reservation service. See their website for details.  (updated Mar 2016)

East:

• 33.803829-118.06685512 Los Alamitos Medical Center, 3751 Katella Ave, Los Alamitos, ☏ +1 562-598-1311. This hospital has an emergency room reservation service. See their website for details.  (updated Mar 2016)

Most of the foreign consulates are in Los Angeles. They are mostly located along Wilshire Blvd in/around the Wilshire neighborhood and West Los Angeles, between Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica. They can also be located in other parts of the Greater Los Angeles area too. The following countries maintain consulates in and around Long Beach:

• Cambodia (Honorary), 3448 E Anaheim St, ☏ +1 562-494-3000, fax: +1 562-494-3007. M-F 10AM-5PM. The consulate offers regular consular services such certification of legal documents, issuance/renewal of passports, issuance of visas and Laissez-Passer or other travel documents. (updated Oct 2017)
• Panama, 111 W Ocean Blvd, Suite #1120, ☏ +1 562-612-4677, +1 562-612-4678. M-F 9:30AM-3PM.  (updated Oct 2017)

• Catalina Island -Catalina Express, (800) 481-3470 - High-speed boat service
• Baja California - Carnival Cruise Lines - Long Beach is the home port for the ships "Ecstasy" and "Elation." Carnival built a terminal next to the Queen Mary. Cruises leave from this port to Baja and the Mexican Riviera.
• Los Angeles - Metro Blue Line - (800) 371-5465 - travels to downtown Los Angeles. Additionally, transferring to the Red Line will lead you to Hollywood.
• Disneyland - Travel east on Willow Street until it crosses into Orange County and becomes Katella Avenue - will be to the left side of the road.

West LA ← Carson ←	N  S	→ Seal Beach → Irvine
Whittier ← Lakewood ←	N  S	→ END
East LA ← Compton ←	N  S	→ END
Santa Monica ← Torrance ←	N  S	→ Seal Beach → Dana Point
END ←	W  E	→ Seal Beach → Orange/Santa Ana
Gardena ← Compton ←	W  E	→ Bellflower → Anaheim
Downtown L.A. ← Compton ←	N  S	→ END