Long Beach Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Long Beach
Situated along the picturesque coast of Southern California, Long Beach is a thriving metropolis that effortlessly blends urban excitement with coastal charm. The extensive stretch of sandy shores lining its coastline makes it an ideal destination for beach lovers and sunseekers alike.
Indigenous people had lived in the area for over 10,000 years before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. By 1805, however, the once-dominant Tongva people had severely declined in population due to forced relocation (for Christian conversion and hard labor), causing high mortality.
In 1843, Juan Temple established the Los Cerritos Ranch House, now an iconic National Historic Landmark, which was pivotal during the Mexican–American War. After the US conquest of California, Rancho Los Cerritos was sold and partially bought by a Los Angeles syndicate called the “Long Beach Land and Water Company”. This led to the community name of Long Beach.
Officially incorporated as a city in 1897, Long Beach grew as a seaside resort with light agricultural uses. Pine Avenue became the center of a large shopping district lined with trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The discovery of oil fields in the region in the 1920s-1930s propelled Long Beach to become a major oil producer. As a port city, it had ties with the US Navy before World War II and during the war played a role in the Battle of Los Angeles. During and after the war, the city's population grew substantially with workers being needed for wartime manufacturing.
One of Long Beach's notable attractions is the Pike at Rainbow Harbor, a lively waterfront destination, brimming with attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues. Nearby, the Aquarium of the Pacific invites visitors to explore the wonders of the ocean through interactive exhibits and marine life displays. Shoreline Village, with its charming boardwalk and waterfront shops, is the perfect place to stroll and breathe in the sea breeze while admiring stunning views of the harbor.
Long Beach is equally suited for those looking to soak up the sun on the beach, explore history, or indulge in world-class entertainment. Luckily, you can discover the magic of this vibrant coastal city on your own – with the help of our self-guided tour – and create memories that will last you a lifetime.
Indigenous people had lived in the area for over 10,000 years before the arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century. By 1805, however, the once-dominant Tongva people had severely declined in population due to forced relocation (for Christian conversion and hard labor), causing high mortality.
In 1843, Juan Temple established the Los Cerritos Ranch House, now an iconic National Historic Landmark, which was pivotal during the Mexican–American War. After the US conquest of California, Rancho Los Cerritos was sold and partially bought by a Los Angeles syndicate called the “Long Beach Land and Water Company”. This led to the community name of Long Beach.
Officially incorporated as a city in 1897, Long Beach grew as a seaside resort with light agricultural uses. Pine Avenue became the center of a large shopping district lined with trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The discovery of oil fields in the region in the 1920s-1930s propelled Long Beach to become a major oil producer. As a port city, it had ties with the US Navy before World War II and during the war played a role in the Battle of Los Angeles. During and after the war, the city's population grew substantially with workers being needed for wartime manufacturing.
One of Long Beach's notable attractions is the Pike at Rainbow Harbor, a lively waterfront destination, brimming with attractions, dining options, and entertainment venues. Nearby, the Aquarium of the Pacific invites visitors to explore the wonders of the ocean through interactive exhibits and marine life displays. Shoreline Village, with its charming boardwalk and waterfront shops, is the perfect place to stroll and breathe in the sea breeze while admiring stunning views of the harbor.
Long Beach is equally suited for those looking to soak up the sun on the beach, explore history, or indulge in world-class entertainment. Luckily, you can discover the magic of this vibrant coastal city on your own – with the help of our self-guided tour – and create memories that will last you a lifetime.
How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Long Beach Introduction Walking Tour Map
Guide Name: Long Beach Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: USA » Long Beach (See other walking tours in Long Beach)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Author: leticia
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
Guide Location: USA » Long Beach (See other walking tours in Long Beach)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Author: leticia
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
- Pine Avenue
- Dr. Rowan Building
- Breakers Hotel
- Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
- The Pike at Rainbow Harbor
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- Shoreline Village
1) Pine Avenue (must see)
Going down Pine Avenue is an exciting way to experience both the old and new in Long Beach. If you're in search of excellent dining and entertainment options, this street is very much the place to be.
The historical buildings date back to the 1920s and 1930s, sharing space with modern office buildings. These buildings are so well-preserved that nothing will seem out of place.
One of the major highlights of this street has been its three-block-long New Year's Eve party over the past several years. Extended LA Metro light rail and Long Beach Transit bus hours provide safe transportation for everyone after a night of partying.
Special events that the city hosts throughout the year, including food festivals, provide the perfect enticement for visitors. Whenever you decide to visit, there are plenty of outdoor dining options that you can try.
Regardless of whether you're in search of the latest dining experiences or ready to check out the local nightclub scene, Pine Street will provide plenty of excitement for you to enjoy.
The historical buildings date back to the 1920s and 1930s, sharing space with modern office buildings. These buildings are so well-preserved that nothing will seem out of place.
One of the major highlights of this street has been its three-block-long New Year's Eve party over the past several years. Extended LA Metro light rail and Long Beach Transit bus hours provide safe transportation for everyone after a night of partying.
Special events that the city hosts throughout the year, including food festivals, provide the perfect enticement for visitors. Whenever you decide to visit, there are plenty of outdoor dining options that you can try.
Regardless of whether you're in search of the latest dining experiences or ready to check out the local nightclub scene, Pine Street will provide plenty of excitement for you to enjoy.
2) Dr. Rowan Building
The Dr. Rowan Building takes its name from the first tenant, a dentist named Dr. Rowan, who practiced during the 1930s. This building's architect, Charles W. Pettifer, constructed the building for the Bank of Italy in 1930.
Today, this building stands out as one of the city's most-recognized landmarks. The Art Deco style that was popular at the time of the building's construction helps make the location stand out as an architectural marvel.
Geometric and naturalistic designs, true to the Art Deco style, blend together seamlessly. The ornamentation is multicolored, and the tiles are of the original terra cotta material, which are stunning examples of how distinct this building's style is.
This building is still in use today for commercial purposes. The ground floor is host to several office spaces, as well as retailers.
Today, this building stands out as one of the city's most-recognized landmarks. The Art Deco style that was popular at the time of the building's construction helps make the location stand out as an architectural marvel.
Geometric and naturalistic designs, true to the Art Deco style, blend together seamlessly. The ornamentation is multicolored, and the tiles are of the original terra cotta material, which are stunning examples of how distinct this building's style is.
This building is still in use today for commercial purposes. The ground floor is host to several office spaces, as well as retailers.
3) Breakers Hotel
Breakers Hotel is one of Long Beach's most iconic hotels. This building dates back to 1926, when it opened as a resort spa. The 14-story building enjoys Long Beach Historic Landmark status.
In the years immediately following the hotel's opening, the Breakers featured many of the top vaudeville artists of the time as entertainers, as well as a dining room seating 500, a Turkish bath, a rooftop garden, and a barbershop and coffeeshop.
Between 1929 and 1961, the Breakers changed hands and underwent financial issues that led to closure in 1964. Between 1967 and 1982, the hotel served as a retirement community, reverting to hotel use from 1986 to 1987 and serving as retirement housing again from 1997 to 2015. In 1989, the hotel received its Historic Landmark status.
In 1997, the Sky Room, with its 360-degree view, was restored and reopened. The Sky Room Orchestra, a jazz and swing band, has performed at this location, and the Sky Room has had a restaurant.
The Breakers changed ownership in 2017. There are plans underway to restore the building to a 185-room boutique hotel. This building offers excellent photo opportunities.
In the years immediately following the hotel's opening, the Breakers featured many of the top vaudeville artists of the time as entertainers, as well as a dining room seating 500, a Turkish bath, a rooftop garden, and a barbershop and coffeeshop.
Between 1929 and 1961, the Breakers changed hands and underwent financial issues that led to closure in 1964. Between 1967 and 1982, the hotel served as a retirement community, reverting to hotel use from 1986 to 1987 and serving as retirement housing again from 1997 to 2015. In 1989, the hotel received its Historic Landmark status.
In 1997, the Sky Room, with its 360-degree view, was restored and reopened. The Sky Room Orchestra, a jazz and swing band, has performed at this location, and the Sky Room has had a restaurant.
The Breakers changed ownership in 2017. There are plans underway to restore the building to a 185-room boutique hotel. This building offers excellent photo opportunities.
4) Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
The Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center is Long Beach's go-to location for conventions, tradeshows, and other special events. This convention center also includes the Long Beach Arena and the Long Beach Performing arts Center, with three theaters.
One feature that stands out is the mural on the arena's exterior wall created by Wyland's Whaling Walls. Grey whales and other marine life types that live off Long Beach's coast are a part of this mural that spans 116,000 square feet along the arena's wall.
The area outside the arena offers green space with a pond, walking path, and benches. If you're looking for an excellent vantage point for taking pictures, this area is one of the best to consider using.
Regardless of whether you are attending an event here, you will be impressed by the size of the complex. The modern design and architecture highlight its importance as a venue.
One feature that stands out is the mural on the arena's exterior wall created by Wyland's Whaling Walls. Grey whales and other marine life types that live off Long Beach's coast are a part of this mural that spans 116,000 square feet along the arena's wall.
The area outside the arena offers green space with a pond, walking path, and benches. If you're looking for an excellent vantage point for taking pictures, this area is one of the best to consider using.
Regardless of whether you are attending an event here, you will be impressed by the size of the complex. The modern design and architecture highlight its importance as a venue.
5) The Pike at Rainbow Harbor (must see)
The Pike at Rainbow Harbor boasts a convenient location near the Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. In this area, guests will find restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. The Pike offers over 344,000 square feet of space.
Two of the most popular attractions in this area include a Ferris wheel and a carousel, dating back to when the area was part of an amusement park. A Cinemark movie theater lets you catch all the latest movies, with the type of modern sound and picture quality you've come to expect.
The selection of restaurants at The Pike includes a mixture of fast-casual and quick-serve foods. California Pizza Kitchen, Hooters, and P.F. Chang's are a few places where you can get quick bites to eat.
If you want a full-service option, options include Chili's Grill & Bar and Outback Steakhouse. The Pike has a Cold Stone Creamery location for ice cream and a Starbuck's for all your favorite coffee drinks.
The shopping options here include outlet locations perfect for discounts, like Express Factory Outlet, Levi's Outlet, and Restoration Hardware Outlet. Stores that offer the most popular name-brands include Columbia Sportswear, H & M, and Sunglass Hut.
When you're visiting The Pike, regardless of whether you choose to spend much time taking in the shopping and dining, you will be seeing a place that is great for people-watching.
Stopping by The Pike while walking through Long Beach is ideal for snacks and meals, as well as shopping for items you can't live without. Any time spent here is worth the effort.
Why You Should Visit:
To be able to eat your fill of whatever food you feel like trying during your visit.
Get designer clothes or accessories, including deeply-discounted items from outlet stores.
Tips:
Take advantage of gift card offers for select merchants that may provide bonus cards for buying multiple gift cards.
Two of the most popular attractions in this area include a Ferris wheel and a carousel, dating back to when the area was part of an amusement park. A Cinemark movie theater lets you catch all the latest movies, with the type of modern sound and picture quality you've come to expect.
The selection of restaurants at The Pike includes a mixture of fast-casual and quick-serve foods. California Pizza Kitchen, Hooters, and P.F. Chang's are a few places where you can get quick bites to eat.
If you want a full-service option, options include Chili's Grill & Bar and Outback Steakhouse. The Pike has a Cold Stone Creamery location for ice cream and a Starbuck's for all your favorite coffee drinks.
The shopping options here include outlet locations perfect for discounts, like Express Factory Outlet, Levi's Outlet, and Restoration Hardware Outlet. Stores that offer the most popular name-brands include Columbia Sportswear, H & M, and Sunglass Hut.
When you're visiting The Pike, regardless of whether you choose to spend much time taking in the shopping and dining, you will be seeing a place that is great for people-watching.
Stopping by The Pike while walking through Long Beach is ideal for snacks and meals, as well as shopping for items you can't live without. Any time spent here is worth the effort.
Why You Should Visit:
To be able to eat your fill of whatever food you feel like trying during your visit.
Get designer clothes or accessories, including deeply-discounted items from outlet stores.
Tips:
Take advantage of gift card offers for select merchants that may provide bonus cards for buying multiple gift cards.
6) Aquarium of the Pacific (must see)
The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best places to encounter unique marine species. One of the things that this location is famous for is its array of animal encounters.
Animals on display in the outdoor area include lorikeets, penguins, sea lions and seals, and sharks. If you enjoy touching some of the animals, you can touch horseshoe crabs, moon jellies, and rays.
The Our Water Future exhibit provides helpful information on what we can do to help safeguard our water supply for future generations. Another excellent part of the aquarium is the Molina Animal Care Center, which allows the public to see how aquatic medicine keeps marine species healthy.
One of the most popular outdoor areas at the aquarium is Harbor Terrace. The moon jelly exhibit is in this area, as well as an amphibious mudskipper exhibit.
Time spent at the aquarium is always an excellent way to learn more about aquatic species.
Animals on display in the outdoor area include lorikeets, penguins, sea lions and seals, and sharks. If you enjoy touching some of the animals, you can touch horseshoe crabs, moon jellies, and rays.
The Our Water Future exhibit provides helpful information on what we can do to help safeguard our water supply for future generations. Another excellent part of the aquarium is the Molina Animal Care Center, which allows the public to see how aquatic medicine keeps marine species healthy.
One of the most popular outdoor areas at the aquarium is Harbor Terrace. The moon jelly exhibit is in this area, as well as an amphibious mudskipper exhibit.
Time spent at the aquarium is always an excellent way to learn more about aquatic species.
7) Shoreline Village (must see)
Shoreline Village offers shopping, dining, and entertainment options, as well as activities. Some of the activities visitors can try include parasailing, sail and powerboat rentals, and going on cruises.
Another unique bit of fun that Shoreline Village offers is the Pelican Pier Pavilion. This area includes a unique carousel, as well as an arcade area with air hockey, skee ball, and video games. There are a lot of great prizes that you can win when playing these games.
Drop by Smile for the Birdie to have your picture taken with exotic birds. One of the best things about visiting with the birds is that you can hold and pat them.
There are ten unique shops that visitors can enjoy. The Beach House offers gift and souvenir items for people who love everything about the beach. Istanbul Home has handcrafted Turkish-style art and accessories, and Pirate's Cove has pirate-related gear and clothing for the whole family.
Restaurant options include a mixture of fine, casual, and snack options. Try steaks and a fine dining experience at Queensview Steakhouse, a relaxed atmosphere at Shenanigan's Irish Pub & Grill, or sweets at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
Why You Should Visit:
Shop at themed stores where you can find all kinds of exciting swag not available anywhere else.
Excellent experience to see and interact with exotic birds outside of a zoo setting.
Tips:
Rent a bike from Wheel Fun Rentals, full of exciting options like tandems, quads, choppers, and surreys.
Another unique bit of fun that Shoreline Village offers is the Pelican Pier Pavilion. This area includes a unique carousel, as well as an arcade area with air hockey, skee ball, and video games. There are a lot of great prizes that you can win when playing these games.
Drop by Smile for the Birdie to have your picture taken with exotic birds. One of the best things about visiting with the birds is that you can hold and pat them.
There are ten unique shops that visitors can enjoy. The Beach House offers gift and souvenir items for people who love everything about the beach. Istanbul Home has handcrafted Turkish-style art and accessories, and Pirate's Cove has pirate-related gear and clothing for the whole family.
Restaurant options include a mixture of fine, casual, and snack options. Try steaks and a fine dining experience at Queensview Steakhouse, a relaxed atmosphere at Shenanigan's Irish Pub & Grill, or sweets at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory.
Why You Should Visit:
Shop at themed stores where you can find all kinds of exciting swag not available anywhere else.
Excellent experience to see and interact with exotic birds outside of a zoo setting.
Tips:
Rent a bike from Wheel Fun Rentals, full of exciting options like tandems, quads, choppers, and surreys.
Walking Tours in Long Beach, California
Create Your Own Walk in Long Beach
Creating your own self-guided walk in Long Beach is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Long Beach Historical Buildings Tour
Apart from its long, wide beaches, the city of Long Beach is famous for its architectural diversity. The downtown area is dotted with buildings of various styles, many of which date back to the turn of the 20th century.
One such gem is the Breakers Hotel, an iconic oceanfront structure from the 1920s. Over the years, this building has hosted a plethora of Hollywood celebrities and dignitaries.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
One such gem is the Breakers Hotel, an iconic oceanfront structure from the 1920s. Over the years, this building has hosted a plethora of Hollywood celebrities and dignitaries.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Long Beach Murals Walking Tour
Famous as a coastal resort, Long Beach, CA, can get pretty hot rather often. Still, despite the heat, quite a lot of people love to explore this city's colorful public art and murals in particular. Over the years, Long Beach has had a great deal of these joyful and inspirational touches added to its landscape.
Perhaps the most notable of them, depicting various pleasant ways of passing... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Perhaps the most notable of them, depicting various pleasant ways of passing... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
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