Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Long Beach
- Where to Stay in Long Beach
- Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Long Beach
- Safety in Long Beach
- Things to Do in Long Beach
- Visit the Beach
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- Visit San Pedro
- Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
- Queen Mary
- Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
- The Long Beach Museum of Art
- Visit the Shorline Village
- Take a Harbor Cruise
- Go Whale Watching
- Hike in Palos Verdes
- Go Scuba Diving
- Visit Catalina Island
- What and Where to Eat in Long Beach
- General Tips About Visiting Long Beach
- Conclusion
- Los Angeles Blogs
Introduction
Long Beach is one of the most visited parts of Los Angeles due to the number of tourist attractions, its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, and the ease of arriving in the city. There is the stunning Aquarium of the Pacific which is the biggest aquarium in California. There are also engaging museums and pristine beaches. The city offers so much for someone to do that you could fill days with activities. This blog post will cover the history of Long Beach, accommodation, transportation, safety, things to do, what and where to eat, and other general tips while visiting Long Beach.
History of Long Beach
The history of Long Beach began with the Native Americans who first inhabited the area. After the Spanish arrived in the area, they witnessed how the Native Americans used smoke to communicate over large distances, and they nicknamed the “Bay of the Smokes.” In the late 1700s, the land was rewarded to two Spanish soldiers and divided into Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos.
The first homes and schools were built by William Whitmore who then named the area Whitmore City. Soon after the name was changed to Whitmore City, its residents decided to become incorporated into Los Angeles and renamed their city to Long Beach. Soon after Long Beach was incorporated into Los Angeles, there was oil discovered in the area in 1921. This triggered a massive economic boom and helped make Long Beach into the popular port it is today.
Where to Stay in Long Beach
Since Long Beach is the largest city in Los Angeles, it is one of the most popular places in Los Angeles for tourists. Long Beach offers the most amount of accommodation options. The prices can range from ultra-luxury to basic depending on what your budget is. In Long Beach, you will find resorts, hotels, motels, room and apartment rentals, and hostels. All of which will be discussed in detail with specific recommendations below. In no particular order, here are your accommodation options in Long Beach.
Resorts
Long Beach is one of the few cities in L.A. to offer resorts. One of the main differences between resorts and hotels is what both places offer. Resorts act as destinations themselves, offering different amenities such as spas, golf courses, elaborate pool areas, and other activities. Of course, not all resorts have these options, but just some examples of how they differ from hotels.
Generally speaking, most resorts have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00 but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in most cases, it will cost extra and is usually not worth it.
Many resorts also tend to be located in more remote areas, but that doesn’t apply to Los Angeles, since this concrete jungle has buildings almost everywhere except state parks and the mountainous areas. Resorts can be a great option for those with a higher budget who are looking to do some R&R (Rest and Relaxation) on their trip to this popular city.
Almost all resorts have parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. Prices can vary depending on your length of stay and during what time you are visiting, but average prices range from $200.00 to $400.00+ / €183.54 to €369.48+ per night.
Hotels
There are dozens of hotels in Long Beach. Almost all hotels have parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. However, some hotels do charge an additional fee to park your car, so be sure to ask at the front desk, and they will give you a parking hanging tag or sticker for your vehicle (some recommendations are listed below).
Most hotels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in some cases, it will cost extra. Average rates that I’ve seen range from $180.00 to $250.00+ / €165.22 to €229.48+ per night.
Motels
Motels are very common in Canada and the United States. For my readers outside the U.S. and Canada, motels may seem like a weird concept, but let me explain. Motels are very similar to hotels but offer fewer amenities. They are very basic, they have a room with a bed, a desk, and a private bathroom, and sometimes the campus will have a pool that can be closed seasonally.
Sometimes they will have air conditioning and will always have a parking spot but sometimes with limited spaces. Motels are offered all over Long Beach, so make sure they are in safe areas as Long Beach can be a little sketchy at night.
Motels tend to be cheaper than hotels but do not offer flexible check-in and check-out and tend to have virtually no security. Just like hotels, most motels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. Average prices for motels are $40.00 to $80.00+ / €36.94 to €73.88+ per night. Of course, the prices can depend on the time you are going and for how long, but they are very affordable. Many motels do not have a website, so in this scenario, it is best to utilize sites like Booking.com. Keep in mind that Motels can also be a little run-down and dirty, but not all of them.
Room and House Rentals
Airbnb and Vrbo are popular rental companies and offer guests opportunities to rent private and/or shared spaces for a few days to a few weeks. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, I recommend using Airbnb as they have smaller accommodation options. Both Vrbo and Airbnb may have some options for large groups and families. All rooms and houses offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. I’ve also noticed that since COVID-19, both companies have charged a very high cleaning fee on top of a high fee. Prices are usually a little cheaper than a hotel room at around $200.00 / €185.54.
Costs can vary depending on the time you go and for how long, but the prices range from $100.00 to $200.00+ / €92.77 to €185.54+. I see that most options on both sites have parking options but always double check. Generally speaking, most places have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but it can vary depending on the location.
Normally if you want an early check-in and/or late check-out they can accommodate you without an extra fee. Air conditioning does come in most units (sometimes at an extra fee), so if you come during summer, make sure the accommodation has it. To check out Airbnb’s official website, click here. For Vrbo’s official website, click here.
Hostels
Hostels are relatively new to the United States. They have been very popular around Europe, Asia, and Latin America for years, but are starting to become more popular in the U.S. Hostels have dorms and sometimes private options. Dorms are a shared space where they can have four to eight beds in one room. The price of this lack of privacy is the cheapest accommodation in Los Angeles. I’ve seen beds as low as $28.00 up to $39.00+ / €25.86 to €36.02+ per night. It’s possible that a hostel can have a parking spot, but do not count on it.
Hostels normally have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00. Private rooms in hostels cost about double that of a bed and also have a flexible check-in time. I would compare private rooms at hostels and rooms at hotels to see which prices are better.
Hostels also offer unique tours and activities aimed at increasing guest morale and collaboration. All hostels offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. Hostels are made for cheap, shared living situations and are aimed towards solo travelers and pairs. Hostelworld is a very popular website that can look up hostels in your target area, and you can compare prices. To go to their website, click here. Many hostels do not have websites, so be sure to utilize sites like Hostelworld to find these accommodations.
A worthy mention goes out to the Queen Mary which is a retired cruise liner that is supposedly haunted. One of the most unique places to stay in all of Los Angeles.
Recommendations:
- Terranea Resort ($$$)
- Queen Mary ($$)
- Travelodge by Wyndham Long Beach Convention Center ($$)
- Tower Motel Long Beach ($)
If you want more information about accommodation in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Where to Stay in Los Angeles Guide” blog post.
Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Long Beach
- Arrival
Arriving to Long Beach can be done by four means. You can drive/take a ride-share app, take the L.A. Metro, fly, or take city buses. In general, the best way to get to Long Beach is driving, but taking the metro could work as well, but keep in mind that Long Beach is large with its activities very spread out. So if you use the metro, it can be expensive to get around since the metro is limited.
Driving or taking a ride-share app is very straightforward, as you put your desired destination in your application and drive over. If you drive expect more traffic especially around Downtown Los Angeles since it is so busy. Parking will be discussed in the next section. If you plan on taking the L.A. Metro, there is a light rail that takes you to Long Beach. The light rail is an above-ground tram that takes you from Point A to Point B.
The A Line (blue line) is the one you will be utilizing. The A Line goes from Glendora in northeastern L.A. to Long Beach. It is the longest Metro line in L.A. and can take upwards of 45 minutes to ride it all the way through, so plan accordingly.
There are ten light rail stations in Long Beach. The stations in Long Beach are the Artesia Station, Del Amo Station, Wardlow Station, Wardlow Street Station, Pacific Coast Highway Station, Anaheim Street Station, 5th Street Station, 1st Street Station, Pacific Avenue Station, and the Downtown Long Beach Station. These stations will take you throughout Long Beach but doesn’t stop at all the main tourist attractions.
If you want to use the L.A. Metro, the first thing you will need to get is a TAP Card. The TAP Card is required to ride the L.A. Metro. You can either download the TAP L.A. application here or purchase one at any of the metro stations. Once you have a physical or digital card, just put your card or phone on top of the device and “tap” to pay for the fare. The price is $1.75 / €1.61 for a two-hour ride. Reloading the TAP Card or the Tap LA app is very easy and can be done online.
Once you are on the metro, find your way to the A Line, as that one gets you to Long Beach. Once you arrive, you will tap once more. The main hours of operation of the L.A. Metro are from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. / 05:00–00:00 but can differ.
The next method is by flying. Long Beach does have an airport but only for certain domestic flights. The Long Beach Airport is located in the middle of Long Beach. It is a much calmer airport when compared to LAX, and it’s a very uncommon airport for people to use. It’s one of the easiest to access in all of L.A. but flights are typically rare and a little more expensive.
The last option is the city buses, and they should just be voided unless you are with a local. Although affordable, the buses are raw, dirty, and unpredictable. Drive or use the L.A. Metro. To learn how to use the Los Angeles metro, click here to go to the “Arrival and Transportation Within Los Angeles” blog post.
- Parking
Although Long Beach is not as expensive for parking as other parts of L.A., free parking is still very rare. When seeing the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Queen Mary, parking will come with a price tag. It is possible to find free parking further away, but please be aware of street signs and metered parking. Those “we will tow you” signs are not for decoration.
It is possible that you can reduce the parking rates or even get them waved if they offer parking validation. What is parking validation? Parking validation is the process of getting your parking receipt stamped or marked, indicating you did something within that facility that made your parking valid. This can be visiting a museum, watching a movie, eating at an establishment, or purchasing something from a shop. If you need to double-check, just ask a worker if they validate parking. They will either say yes they will validate it once the requirement has been met. If they say no, they can direct you to the nearest location that validates.
- Transportation Within Long Beach
The distance between some of the attractions in Long Beach will definitely warrant a car. Driving is the easiest way to get around. Avoid driving during rush hour (6:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. / 06:00–10:30 and from 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. / 15:00–18:30) which is the busiest time for driving usually resulting in traffic.
You could always take a ride-share app if needed which can be a bit cheaper but keep in mind that a driver can always choose to not take you if they don’t want to wait in traffic. You can also use the L.A. Metro since there are two stations, but only two of the stations are located near major tourist attractions. Again, there are public city buses, but I don’t recommend you take them. Drive or take a ride-share app like Uber or Lyft and if not that, then use the L.A. Metro.
Safety in Long Beach
I have found Long Beach to be safer than I had initially expected. And after talking to locals and researching online, I found Long Beach is pretty safe. Long Beach is sandwiched between Seal Beach in Orange County to the east, San Pedro to the west, and the vast Pacific Ocean to the south. Just as in any other city Long Beach does have its share of problems but not to the severity of other areas. There can be homeless to be found in the area so be mindful, and in general, I don’t recommend you walk alone at night, especially if you are a woman.
Crimes of opportunity can occur here. What is a crime of opportunity? Crimes of opportunity are not pre-planned crimes, but rather when the perpetrator sees someone mess up and allows them to commit the crime. Even though smaller crimes like pickpocketing and car break-ins are still low, do not give anyone the chance to do so and keep aware of your surroundings. Long Beach has its own fire and police departments so you will be perfectly fine visiting. If you want more information about safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Safety in Los Angeles: Complete Guide” blog post.
Things to Do in Long Beach
Did I mention that Long Beach is the largest city in Los Angeles? With a city as large as this, it should be no surprise that there is much to do. From the relaxing Pacific Ocean to museums, and California’s largest aquarium there is so much to do. In no particular order, these are the top things I recommend you do in and around Long Beach.
Visit the Beach
Beach is in the name so of course there are beaches! Long Beach has three main beaches with them being Alamitos Beach, Junipero Beach, and Long Beach City Beach. These beaches are a great place to relax, listen to the sound of the Pacific crashing into Long Beach, and feel the warm California sun on your skin. Be aware of the possible dangers while on the beach (Discussed below). And remember that the water off the coast of California is pretty cold, averaging around 53? / 12? but can go up to ~ 60? / 15? from summer to early fall.
Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is such an amazing institution in L.A. It is the largest aquarium in California occupying more than 360,000 square feet / 33,445 square meters and houses over 500 species of marine life. There are birds, penguins, sea otters, and sea lions for you to see and learn about. I liked the focus on California’s marine life as it is located in California. The kelp forests are an amazing ecosystem and deserve more attention. Be aware if you visit on weekdays from late January to Late June and from August to early December as there is a HIGH chance there will be a lot of children due to school trips.
Visit San Pedro
Across from the Vincent Thomas Bridge, lies a smaller city located south of Long Beach called San Pedro. San Pedro offers a more quiet atmosphere with informative museums, a small aquarium, and great restaurants. Located a short 10-minute drive it can be a great day trip from Long Beach especially if you are staying in Long Beach.
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
The Museum of Latin American Art is an amazing art museum. It features Latino artists and showcases their heritage, imagination, and experiences. There are large halls to showcase said art and a sizable sculpture garden outside. There are signs directing you to the sculpture garden since it can be a bit confusing to get there. Once you exit the building in the back, make an immediate right and walk all the way down the narrow hall. Although it could use a touch-up, the sculpture garden was good and the overall museum was great showcasing various artists with a large focus on Brazil when I was there.
Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is the most popular attraction in Long Beach. The Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner and she is a beast. She is 1,019.5 feet / 310.7 meters long and weighs 81,960 tons / 17,200.2 tonnes. The Queen Mary is larger than the infamous R.M.S. Titanic and is permanently stationed in Long Beach. Seeing this massive ship in person is impressive.
As impressive as the Queen Mary is from the outside, where she shines is on the inside. Walking inside this historic ship transports you back to the 1960s. One of the biggest draws this ship has on travelers is the rumor that the ship is haunted. There is even a nighttime haunted tour called the “Paranormal Ship Walk” you can do for $75.00 / €69.97 and runs for about two hours.
Speaking of tours, you will need to pay to enter the ship. You can pay $45.00 / €41.97 to enter, but it’s worth it just to pick a tour alongside it. They offer different tours depending on the events and holidays. Alongside the tours, the Queen Mary also has a restaurant and a hotel. So if staying in supposed haunted ships is on your bucket list, look no further.
Just as in everywhere in L.A., you also have to pay for parking with rates ranging from $0.00 / €0.00 (for parking less than 20 minutes) to $25.00 / €23.31 (daily maximum).
Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
This ranch is a true hidden gem to visit. Located in the southeast corner of Long Beach lies the Los Alamitos Ranch. This is a well-preserved ranch that has so much history and is so engaging for all ages. There are well-manicured gardens, live animals, barns, and an old adobe house you can tour. The animals rotate but when I was there, there were two horses and a donkey. One of the horses is named Preston (a docent told me he is always there and was born on the ranch!).
The house was originally constructed around 1804 and was made out of adobe. It has since undergone many transformations into the humble mansion it is now. The only way to see the house is through a docent-led tour, but they are free. In fact, everything with this ranch and museum is free, including parking! This is well worth a visit.
The Long Beach Museum of Art
The Long Beach Museum of Art is located across from the Long Beach City Beach. It is a rather small museum and features two floors of art exhibits. The first floor contains a smaller art exhibition room and a gift shop, while the second floor contains a larger exhibition hall. There is also a restaurant with an absolutely beautiful view of the Pacific Island and Ed White Memorial Island.
Parking is free, however, I could not find their parking lot. I drove around a couple of times but their designated parking lot eluded me. Luckily, the nearby streets had a large amount of parking with a short 5-minute walk.
Visit the Shorline Village
The Shoreline Village is located across the way from the Aquarium of the Pacific and offers amazing views and fabulous photo ops. There are colored houses that resemble a rainbow to make for a pleasant walk and are ideal for your next Instagram picture. Alongside the beautiful architecture, there are good shopping and even better restaurants. After a day at the aquarium, this is a great place to walk and relax.
Take a Harbor Cruise
As you make your way to the aquarium or the Shoreline Village, you will see a lot of signs saying “Harbor Tours” or “Harbor Cruise.” These tours take you around the Long Beach coastline and offer a detailed narrative tour of what you will be seeing. The tours last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and cost anywhere from $20.00 – $30.00 / €18.45 – €27.68. These tours can be great to see the Vincent Thomas Bridge that connects Long Beach with San Pedro, Downtown Long Beach, and the beautiful California Marine Life.
Go Whale Watching
Whale watching is exactly what it sounds like. You go out on a boat to view whales out in the open ocean. It can be really fun and is a great thing to do for the whole family. The gray whale season is from November to April. The blue whale season is from April to November. When I went, I saw a couple of gray whales, but I would love to go and see the blue whale. To be able to witness the largest animal that has ever existed would be an awe-inspiring experience.
Alongside the whales, you may also see other whale species (such as fin, humpback, and minke whales), dolphins (such as bottlenose, risso’s, pacific white-sided, and common dolphins), and other aquatic animals such as orcas, seals, and sea lions. A few companies offer whale watching and the price ranges from $50.00 – $70.00 / €46.58 – €65.21.
Hike in Palos Verdes
Palos Verdes is a very affluent part of Los Angeles located to the west of Long Beach. It features rolling hills, scenic landscapes, and one of the best places in all of Los Angeles to catch the sunset. Palos Verdes also has over 76 trails that cover over 476 miles / 766 kilometers. I love to watch the Pacific Ocean crash into the rocky coast. This also makes for a lovely picnic spot.
Go Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is one of the most surreal and adrenaline-filled activities one can do in their lifetime. Scuba diving is not to be confused with snorkeling. Snorkeling only requires fins, a mask, and a snorkel, as you swim at the surface of the water. Whereas scuba diving requires certification(s) and a whole list of equipment.
Getting certified can be an expensive process (depending on where you get it), but it is well worth it. There are many certifications that are offered, but the two most important are the Open Water and Advanced Open Water Diver Certifications. The Open Water Certification allows a diver to dive up to 60 feet / 18 meters and is the first certification you will receive. The Advanced Open Water Diver Certification is the next step that allows you to dive up to 100 feet / 30 meters.
Both certifications listed require a written and oral test and a certain amount of dives to pass. Make sure all courses you plan to take are with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI). Upon completion, you will have a card sent to you via mail that shows all the other diving locations on Earth you are certified.
Many of the diving spots off the coast of Long Beach and L.A. require the Advanced Open Water Diver Certification due to the depth of the ocean. Off the coast of L.A., you can experience diving in the kelp forest, the nearby Catalina Island, or down an oil platform. You can see marine life like sea lions, rays, dolphins, and the Garibaldi (the California state fish).
Visit Catalina Island
Catalina Island is an island off the coast of Los Angeles that offers an island getaway from the hustle and bustle of L.A. There is a nice museum, beautiful hiking trails, resorts, and so much to do in this little oasis. The ferry leaves from Long Beach to Avalon (Catalina Island) every day. Catalina Island is best if you stay on the island for a day or two, but it can be very expensive. The ride lasts for about an hour and can get very choppy so pack some anti-nausea or motion sickness medicine if that’s an issue. To purchase ferry tickets from Long Beach to Catalina Island, click here.
What and Where to Eat in Long Beach
Long Beach does not run out of places to eat. In terms of eating out, there are a lot of seafood places and so much ethnic food from Chinese to Mexican. This section will not contain popular fast food restaurants like In-N-Out or the Habit Burger. In no particular order, here are a few recommendations that I have eaten at or some of my friends have given great reviews.
The Attic (American and Southern Food)
The Attic serves amazing American-style food with a big emphasis on southern cuisine. For my readers outside the United States, southern cuisine is a cuisine found in the southern portion of the United States. States like Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas (Just to name a few), have their own style of food that, in my opinion, is the best in the country. The gumbo here is so good and worth a try if you like soups.
Parker’s Lighthouse (Seafood)
Parker’s Lighthouse is a delicious seafood restaurant that serves freshly caught fish and yummy scallops. This restaurant is pretty expensive, but if you’re eating seafood in L.A., it should be expected.
Roscoe’s (Chicken & Waffles)
Roscoe’s is an institution in Los Angeles and one of the most popular restaurants in the city. Roscoe’s is known for one thing, chicken and waffles. This place has the most succulent waffles paired with whipped butter and crispy fried chicken. Roscoe’s is a must-try on your visit to L.A.
The Modern Kitchen + Bar (American)
The Modern Kitchen + Bar is located near the Long Beach Airport and serves delicious American food. All of their ingredients are so fresh, and they pride themselves on how they are locally sourced.
General Tips About Visiting Long Beach
Long Beach is such a large and famous part of L.A. that it does come with its own set of tips. The area is home to notable sights and institutions, vibrant energy and so much to do. However, some things need to be addressed. In no particular order, here are some tips about visiting Long Beach.
Visiting the Beach
The beaches are part of the reason why many people come to Los Angeles. It is a fun place to go walk around, lay on the sand while taking in the sun, eat some good food, and just people watch. Notice how I didn’t say swim? That is because the water off the coast of Los Angeles (all of California, really) is cold. The temperature in the water is around 53? / 12? but can go up to ~ 60? / 15? from summer to early fall. It is worth mentioning that the water is safe to swim in, and many people do, but it is cold. I would make sure you don’t swim near the drain as the water tends to be less clean in those areas.
If you go to the beach from May to August, I would highly advise you to get there early. The beach is a very popular location for both tourists and locals to escape the sun and cool off with the cool ocean breeze. Spots can fill up quickly, and it can get a bit competitive to find a place to lay out your beach towel. Although there are not too many thieves on the beaches, you should have someone from your party stay with your belongings to ensure they are not taken.
Be Mindful Of Events And Conventions
Long Beach is one of the most popular areas for conventions and major events. When that happens, the entire city becomes much more expensive (in terms of accommodation) and busy. It’s not uncommon for traffic to occur around the city and restaurants to become crowded. Be mindful of events or conventions in the area and plan accordingly.
The Homeless
Unfortunately, Los Angeles is going through a homeless crisis at the current moment. I’m not going to discuss why, but I mention it because you will see it on your trip to Long Beach. You may see many makeshift shelters and tents where the homeless sleep. These shelters can be found in downtown or around the beaches. They also panhandle a lot, and it is not uncommon for many homeless people to have dogs. I always advise if you want to give them something, give them something that is not straight money. Food, water, or even dog food are good options since you don’t know what that money will be used for.
Some people who live on the streets are addicts and/or mentally unstable individuals, and although they keep to themselves on most occasions, they can cause some trouble and discomfort. It is not uncommon to hear them yell into the sky, or move erratically, so just ignore their shouts and if they make you uncomfortable, walk to the other side of the street or turn around. Not all homeless are bad people. I have noticed an improvement in homelessness in the area. However, I think it is just preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games that will take place in Los Angeles. So hopefully, the improvement stays.
Watch Out For the Gulls
Gulls or colloquially called seagulls are seabirds native to southern California. They can be a menace as they tend to scavenge off of our food. I have personally seen seagulls snatch people’s food right out of their hands while they are eating. They are not aggressive but can be very ambitious with how they obtain their next meal. If there is a colony of gulls above your head don’t look up. You never know when they may need to void their bowls.
Drinking
With the number of bars that Long Beach has, drinking is something you may encounter and may partake in. So why is this on the list? Well, the drinking age in the United States is 21 years old. NO exceptions will be made. I do understand that much of the world has a drinking age of 19 years old or younger (if drinking is legal), but the United States has stood strong at keeping it at 21. If you’re under this age and look under the age of ~45 years old, you will be asked to show your ID. It is U.S. law and heavily enforced in California. You also cannot walk around in public with alcohol, which can result in a ticket or worse. Keep your drinks at the bar and in the establishment.
DO NOT drive under the influence of anything (alcohol, marijuana, etc.). This is called a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and it is a big deal in the United States. You can get a fine of up to $1,000.00 / €927.07, suspension of your license, and possibly jail time. If you are drinking, use a ride-share app or have a designated driver (dd) ready to take you home. Lastly, you cannot walk around the city or drive with open bottles of alcohol. If you are drinking, keep it in the building or at the bar.
Wildlife While Hiking in Palos Verdes
While hiking some of the hills and beaches in Palos Verdes, you may encounter some of its wildlife. The wildlife is not going to be as abundant as in the Channel Islands or Acadia National Parks, but it is far from barren. This section will go into the flora and fauna that you may encounter hiking near Long Beach.
- Insects
Insects exist everywhere on Earth, except Antarctica. There are three that are best known for their ability to transmit some nasty diseases: fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks. All three are in and/or around Palos Verdes, especially during summer, but the diseases they transmit are not common in the area.
- Rattlesnakes
The most common animal that can cause harm while hiking in Los Angeles in general is rattlesnakes. They are most commonly found in shaded areas. There are seven different species of rattlesnakes in southern California. Although they can be fatal if bitten, the good news is that they have a rattle to let you know you are getting too close. They also hide during the day to avoid the sun. If you are bitten, do not constrict the area or try and suck out the venom.
Remain calm and call 911. Rattlesnakes are not the only snakes in the area but are the only deadly ones in the area. One piece of advice I can give you is to stick to the trails. Rattlesnakes only go on the trail to cross from one side to the other since there is no shade. For more information, click here to go to the official University of California, Davis Health website.
- Coyotes
Coyotes are small canines related to dogs and wolves. They rarely approach, let alone, attack humans. They are often found in groups and can be seen all around the area and around the city. Coyotes do not pose a threat but in some instances, transit rabies, so keep a safe distance and you will be fine.
- Bobcats
Bobcats are a species of feline that resembles a large house cat. They are much bigger than your average house cat and can be territorial, and aggressive. However, they stick to themselves and rarely confront humans. If you see one, clap loudly and create noise to scare them off.
Use AllTrails
AllTrails is a godsend when it comes to hiking. And although Palos Verdes has very straightforward trails, it can still be useful. There is a built-in GPS mechanic that tracks you while you are hiking which is a key feature. They also have an easy-to-use search option to look up trails in Palos Verdes. To visit AllTrails’ official website and download the app for both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, click here.
Ocean Dangers
So many people come to Los Angeles for the beach and surfing culture the city offers. As marvelous and mesmerizing as the ocean is, it comes with its fair share of dangers. The three biggest dangers for tourists on the beach are rip currents, sharks, and jellyfish.
– Rip Currents
What is a rip current? A rip current is a strong channel of water that leads from the shore out to the ocean. They can move faster than an Olympic swimmer and can be there without any observable warnings. If you get caught in a rip current, DO NOT swim against the current as you will drown due to fatigue. Instead, swim perpendicular to the coast and then toward the coast at an angle. For more information on what to do in a rip current, click here to go to the National Weather Service Website for more information.
– Sharks
The second danger is sharks. Sharks strike fear in many people due to many popular movies made right in Los Angeles. Although it can seem intimidating, shark attacks are very rare. Only nine shark attacks have been recorded in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area since 1950. Considering all the swimmers, divers, and surfers that enjoy the Pacific Ocean daily, it’s incredibly unlikely you will encounter a shark. To learn about what to do if bitten by a shark, click here to go to Australia’s website, giving great advice on shark attacks.
– Jellyfish
Jellyfish are fascinating animals, but they are better observed at the Aquarium of the Pacific and not attached to your legs. The jellyfish in Los Angeles are not as abundant or lethal, but they can ruin your vacation. If you get stung, remove all tentacles that are attached to your body. DO NOT rinse with fresh water. Instead, look for a lifeguard as they can have vinegar and saline to neutralize the nematocysts (stinging cells). If you experience any allergic reactions, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. For more information on jellyfish and their stings in Southern California, click here to go to the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s official website.
For more general tips about visiting Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Traveling to Los Angeles General Tips” blog post.
Conclusion
This has been a comprehensive and detailed list of everything regarding Long Beach including where to stay, how to get around, what and where to eat, safety, general tips, and what to do. Have you visited Long Beach? If so, How was your experience? Long Beach is known for hosting many conventions, have you been to one? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.
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