The 11 Best Beaches in Long Beach, California: A Complete Roundup
Want to know all the best beaches in Long Beach? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Long Beach is an absolutely beautiful coastal city in Southern California, just south of Los Angeles (heads up: “just south” means about an hour’s drive in Cali traffic time).
As a city with nature, city, great eats, and everything in between, Long Beach truly has something for everyone and is a popular destination for both tourists and locals alike.
Long Beach is home to a diverse range of cultures, excellent restaurants, and amazing nightlife.
You can stroll along the beautiful waterfront right off Ocean Boulevard, take a bike ride on the beach path, explore the many fun things to do in Downtown Long Beach or catch a concert at the iconic Queen Mary.
But as the name implies, one of the best attractions in Long Beach is, well, its many beautiful beaches, with warm weather and soft sandy beaches and beach vibes to match.
We’re sharing all the best beaches in Long Beach with the help of our friend Pierre from Wayfare With Pierre.
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The Best Beaches in Long Beach
You can easily take a quick joyride along Ocean Boulevard and get a nice view of the countless beaches in Long Beach that Long Beach residents and visitors have come to love.
With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide which one to visit.
In this post, we’ll take a look at the best beaches in Long Beach, California and what makes each one unique.
Grab your sunscreen!
1. Belmont Shore Beach
Belmont Shore Beach is a ridiculously gorgeous sandy beach in Long Beach, California.
Known for its clear blue waters and crazy beautiful sunset view, Belmont Shore Beach is easily one of the best beaches in Long Beach to choose from.
The main beach at Belmont Shore Beach itself is lined with a boardwalk, perfect for a leisurely stroll, and there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops nearby to explore.
The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is warm, and the water is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
Parking at Belmont Pier itself can be a challenge, so arrive early or consider using public transportation to get there.
Beach chairs, umbrellas, and towels can be rented from nearby vendors, so you don’t have to worry about carrying them along for the ride.
There are also plenty of water activities available, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, which are perfect for adventure-seekers.
2. Alamitos Beach
There’s no doubt about it: Alamitos Beach is one of the most popular Long Beach beaches, if not the most popular.
Alamitos Beach is yet another stunning stretch of sand located in the heart of Long Beach, California.
As you step onto the warm sand, you’ll be greeted by crazy good views of the Pacific Ocean, with its crystal-clear waters and waves crashing gently against the shore.
And with the iconic Queen Mary in the distance, the scenery is truly Instagram-worthy.
Alamitos Beach has a number of beach day activities.
Whether you’re looking to relax in the sun, build sandcastles with the kids, or hit the waves on your surfboard, this beach has it all.
And with its gentle surf, it’s the perfect place for beginners to learn how to surf or paddle board.
Whenever you’re ready to take a break from the sun, there are tons of local amenities in the area to keep you comfortable, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas.
Since Alamitos Beach is dog-friendly, you can bring your furry friend along for some fun in the sun as well!
In fact, Alamitos Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Long Beach for dog lovers.
3. Colorado Lagoon Park
Colorado Lagoon Park is one of the smaller, more intimate beach options you’ll find in Long Beach.
This sandy beach is a hidden gem that’s perfect for those looking for a more casual getaway for lounging and getting away from the hustle and bustle that Long Beach often brings.
There are plenty of trees for shade, as well as picnic areas and playground equipment.
This quiet and tranquil beach is situated on, well, a lagoon, making Colorado Lagoon Park the perfect spot for swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, and even fishing.
The clear blue waters and soft sand make it an ideal destination for a day out with family and friends.
If you’re planning a visit to Colorado Lagoon Park, be sure to pack some sunscreen and bring some quick snacks and water, as there aren’t many amenities available on the beach.
Also, the beach is fairly small, so it can get crowded on weekends and holidays.
But if you get there early, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a spot to lay out your towel.
Additionally, there is a parking lot nearby, but it can fill up quickly, so make sure you arrive early to secure your spot.
Overall, Colorado Lagoon Beach is an absolutely beautiful beach that’s perfect for anyone seeking a peaceful beach day in Long Beach.
4. Rosie’s Dog Beach
For dog owners, Rosie’s Dog Beach is easily Long Beach’s best option for you to check out when you’re in town.
This special spot is a roughly two-acre-long stretch of sand where you can let your little fluffy friends off-leash to run and play to their heart’s content.
Rosie’s Dog Beach is one of the only true places in Long Beach where dogs are truly allowed to roam free, making it a hit beach destination for four-legged friends and their owners.
Don’t forget to bring your camera too so you can capture a few Kodak moments of you and your pup having fun in the sun!
5. Mother’s Beach
Mother’s Beach is yet another great hidden gem in Long Beach.
The beach is situated in a sheltered cove in Alamitos Bay, which makes it one of the calmer and more serene beaches in the area to choose from.
With its calm waters, crazy soft sand, and playground area, Mother’s Beach is a popular Long Beach option for families and those with children.
There are also quite a few picnic areas and BBQ pits scattered throughout the area if you’re looking to throw something on the grill with a beautiful view of the beach and the surrounding Long Beach area.
6. Alamitos Bay Beach
If you’re on the hunt for a beach that offers more than just sand and sea, then Alamitos Bay Beach is the perfect hot spot that has just about everything when it comes to outdoor activities.
You can rent a kayak or paddleboard to enjoy the calm waters of Alamitos Bay.
There’s even a bike path that runs alongside the bay in Alamitos Park, serving as a scenic route and recreational fun for those wanting to get their fitness and exploration on two wheels.
Speaking of Alamitos Park, this small city-run area is a great place to relax and soak in the Long Beach vibes, with white sands, picnic tables, and palm trees galore.
This sandy beach is located in the heart of Alamitos Bay and comes with amazing views of the bay and the surrounding area.
But what truly sets this beach apart is its conveniently unique blend of natural beauty and urban amenities.
Don’t forget to bring your appetite to Alamitos Bay Beach as there are tons of great restaurants and cafes right within walking distance.
Whether you’re in the mood for some fresh catch seafood or something else, chances are they have it.
There are also a few shops near Alamitos Bay Beach where you can stock up on snacks, beach gear, or even some Long Beach souvenirs to take home.
7. Shoreline Aquatic Park
Shoreline Aquatic Park is a true hidden gem in Long Beach, California.
Located right along the picturesque waterfront, this park offers a unique beach experience that comes with more than the typical soft sand and sunny weather.
The park is known for its beautiful and relaxing lagoon, which is perfect for paddle boating and relaxing, and its sandy beaches, great for sunbathing or playing a game of beach volleyball at one of the several volleyball courts.
What really sets this park apart from other beaches in Long Beach is its unrivaled views of the downtown Long Beach city skyline, the Queen Mary, and the nearby marina.
There are tons of amenities to keep you nice and comfy, including restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, making it the perfect hang-out spot for a day out with family or friends.
If you’re planning a trip to Shoreline Aquatic Park, parking can be a challenge, so consider using public transportation or arriving early to secure a spot.
And when you’re ready to explore the park, be sure to check out the nearby Aquarium of the Pacific, which features more than 11,000 marine animals from the Pacific Ocean.
This unique attraction is a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life.
👉 Click Here To Book Your Ticket To Aquarium Of The Pacific Today!
8. Marine Stadium Beach
Marine Stadium Beach absolutely deserves a spot on your Long Beach itinerary.
It’s a beautiful spot that’s perfect for relaxing, soaking up some sun rays, and enjoying the ridiculously beautiful views of the area.
If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of some rowers training in the nearby Marine Stadium!
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent kayaks or paddle boards to explore the calm waters of the beach.
Or, if you just want to kick back and relax, grab a good book and enjoy the peaceful vibes of the beach area.
Overall, Marine Stadium Beach is easily one of the top beaches in Long Beach that doesn’t disappoint.
9. Peninsula Beach
Peninsula Beach is a wildly beautiful beach found in the Long Beach neighborhood of Belmont Shore and is famously known for its peaceful vibe, soft white sand, and unrivaled views of the Pacific Ocean.
Like many of the other beaches on this list, Long Beach Peninsula Beach offers many things to do, whether you’re wanting to grub or relax in the sun.
There are several restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the Peninsula neighborhood, so you can easily grab a bite to eat or a nice cocktail or three.
If you’re in the mood to get active, you can rent a bike to take on one of the many biking paths, rent out some stand-up paddleboards, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk.
All in all, Peninsula Beach is truly a great spot to relax, soak up some sun, and enjoy the beauty that only Long Beach’s SoCal coast can offer.
10. Granada Beach
If you’re a beachgoer planning a trip to Long Beach, then you’d be missing out if Granada Beach wasn’t on your itinerary.
This IG-worthy beach can be found in the Alamitos Bay area and offers tons of activities for visitors and locals of all ages.
Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk or want to flex your competitive spirit with some beach volleyball, Granada Beach has got you covered.
You can also rent kayaks and paddleboards to explore the bay, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the sun.
And if you get hungry, there are lots of nearby food options just a short walk away, where you can grab a bite to eat.
Aroma Di Roma is an absolute gem of a restaurant nearby!
11. Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier
Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is definitely worth a visit in Long Beach, especially if wanting to add catching fish to your itinerary.
This historic pier stretches out into the ocean and gives an unrivaled view of the coastline and surrounding Long Beach area.
Whether you’re an avid angler or just looking to relax and enjoy the views, the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier is perfect for just about everyone.
You can fish for many species such as halibut, bonito, and mackerel, or simply take a relaxing walk along the pier and watch the waves.
The pier is also just a short distance away from Belmont Shore, which can be easily accessed via a short walk.
You can grab a bite to eat, go shopping, visit a Long Beach rooftop bar, and much more in this area.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about the beaches in Long Beach.
✔ Does Long Beach have nice beaches?
Absolutely!
If the above list of best beaches in Long Beach isn’t enough to convince you, then you just have to see them for yourself.
Whether you’re looking for a quiet spot to chill out and vibe or a lively beach to socialize and get into some active fun, Long Beach truly has a beach for anyone and everyone.
✔ What is the most popular beach in Long Beach?
While all the beaches are amazing in their own unique ways, the most popular beach in Long Beach is easily Long Beach City Beach, which is also known as Alamitos Park or Alamitos Beach.
This beach is located near the Long Beach downtown area and offers a bunch of fun things to do, from swimming to volleyball courts and everything in between.
✔ What is the nicest part of Long Beach?
This one is more of a matter of personal preference.
However, some of the most popular neighborhoods in Long Beach include Belmont Shore, Naples Island, and Bixby Knolls.
But no matter where you go in Long Beach, each area offers its own unique blend of charm, culture, entertainment, and more.
✔ What is the safest beach in Long Beach CA?
Long Beach is well-known for its safe and family-friendly beaches, but if you’re looking for a beach with lifeguards and other safety features, then your best bet would most likely be Belmont Shore Beach.
This beach is frequently patrolled by lifeguards and has several safety measures in place to ensure the safety of beachgoers.
Conclusion: Best Beaches in Long Beach, California
All in all, Long Beach truly offers some of the most amazing beaches in Southern California, let alone all of the West Coast.
Whether you’re a beach bum, a sun-seeker, an angler, or an adventure lover, there’s truly a beach in Long Beach that will be perfect for you.
From the lively and bustling Long Beach City Beach to the peaceful and picturesque Granada Beach and Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier, Long Beach has a beach that will have you considering a move to the city.
So why not plan a trip to Long Beach and bask in its sandy shores?
With the famously perfect SoCal weather, vibrant culture, and endless activities, Long Beach is the perfect place to unwind, soak up the sun, and make new memories with new and old friends alike.
So pack your beach bag and get ready to have the time of your life at one of Long Beach’s best beaches!
About the Author
Pierre aka Wayfare With Pierre is an avid digital nomad, photographer, coffee connoisseur, and travel blogger at wayfarewithpierre.com who’s passionate about exploring the world and the many cultures it has to offer.
From travel hacks to digital nomad & remote work tips, Pierre shares many helpful tips and guides to help you on the journey ahead.
