Whether you only have one day or a 3-day weekend, here are the top things to do outdoors in Long Beach this summer to inspire your fabulous staycation.<\/p>\n
The 2020 Outdoor Long Beach Staycation Guide<\/strong><\/h3>\nLong Beach is blessed with diverse districts each serving up a plethora of exciting outdoor activities that are easily walkable<\/a>.\u00a0 Why not familiarize yourself with the plethora of Long Beach walking maps<\/a> spanning the entire city while you\u2019re planning your amazing summer staycation?<\/p>\n*Please ensure to visit each attraction or establishment\u2019s website or social media to review their COVID regulations before you go.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/26101559\/Explore-Downtown-Long-Beach-Nighlife-451x300.jpg\")
Downtown Long Beach (Photo Credit: Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nExplore Downtown Long Beach<\/strong><\/p>\nArt, cuisine, shopping, boutique hotels and more abound within the 1.38 \u201cun square\u201d miles of the city by the ocean. Discover what\u2019s available in this great interactive map<\/a>.<\/p>\nGet to know each of the five districts by downloading any one, or all, of these 2.4 to 3 miles walking loop maps<\/a> for a self-guided walking tour.<\/p>\nIf you prefer your bicycle, downtown Long Beach is very bike friendly<\/a>.\u00a0 Ride your own or rent a bike at Wheel Fun Rentals<\/a>.<\/p>\nGet out of town in town! Transport yourself from Long Beach to distant lands by visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific\u2019s outdoor exhibits<\/a> and natural habitats. \u00a0Reserve your visitation time<\/a> in advance.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/26102051\/Long-Beach-CA-Bicycle-Walking-Path-450x300.jpg\")
Long Beach Walking Path (Photo Credit: Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nStroll the Parks & Beaches<\/strong><\/p>\nNothing says outdoors more in Long Beach than a visit to one its parks or beaches.<\/p>\n
Long Beach Parks<\/p>\n
Cesar E. Chavez Park<\/a> downtown is a 32.9 mile park offering playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic areas and restrooms for the whole family to enjoy.<\/p>\nHilltop Park<\/a>, atop Signal Hill, provides sweeping views of the city and harbor, an idyllic backdrop for the family to partake in barbeque areas and picnic tables.<\/p>\nHow about 150 species of birds, a variety of plant life, and urban wildlife, all within a 100 acre oasis?\u00a0 Then visiting El Dorado Park Nature Center<\/a> should definitely be on your list of outdoor things to do in Long Beach. Ride or walk over two miles of dirt and paved trails around two lakes and lush forested areas. You can\u2019t go wrong in taking the kids.<\/p>\nLong Beach Beaches<\/p>\n
Go fly a kite!\u00a0 Or swim. Or build a sand castle.\u00a0 The sky\u2019s the limit on the white sandy beaches dotting Long Beach.<\/p>\n
Marine Park (Mother\u2019s Beach)<\/a> within Alamitos Bay is a shallow swimming area with gentle waves perfect for families with smaller children. Lifeguards are on site.<\/p>\nDoes your pooch need a little cooling down? Rosie\u2019s Dog Beach<\/a> off Ocean Boulevard is the pet-friendly beach of Long Beach. Granada Beach adjoins Rosie\u2019s offering more areas to relax or play volleyball.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/26105635\/Long-Beach-Gondola-450x300.jpg\")
Long Beach Gondola (Photo Credit: Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSports & Recreation<\/strong><\/p>\nIs your family looking for more things to do outdoors in Long Beach?<\/p>\n
Why not stretch your legs on the way to Granada Beach on the scenic 4.1 mile Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path<\/a>? Starting at Lions Lighthouse in Shoreline Aquatic Park<\/a>, these two 6-foot lanes allow for pedestrians, rollerbladers and bicyclists alike to cruise all the way to Belmont Shores.<\/p>\nWhat would the outdoors in Long Beach be without the water?<\/p>\n
Reserve your family\u2019s spot on Southern California’s premier whale watching and harbor tour company, Harbor Breeze Cruises<\/a> located in Rainbow Harbor<\/a>. You could also spot dolphin, marine birds, sea lions, and harbor seals!<\/p>\nRather just spend time with your family?\u00a0 Be your own captain on a fully-enclosed 21\u2019 boat\u00a0 through London Boat Rentals<\/a> located in Alamitos Bay Landing<\/a>.\u00a0 They also offer waver runners and are pet friendly! Reserve your excursion online.<\/p>\nIf sailing is more your speed, Jolly Sailing<\/a> has been providing exciting, private sailing charters, up to 6 guests at a time, since 2001.<\/p>\nThe Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier<\/a> is another great family spot.\u00a0 Take in the sea breeze while strolling along the 1,800 foot long pier.\u00a0 Like to fish?\u00a0 The pier abides with a bait shop and sport fishing at the end of the pier.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/26110008\/Kayak-Long-Beach-CA-452x300.jpg\")
Enjoy an afternoon on the water kayaking in Long Beach (Photo Credit: Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nRather get your heart pumping? Try kayaking or paddle boarding the calm waterways among the non-stinging \u201cmoon jellies\u201d with Kayaks On the Water<\/a>. They provide safety reviews and paddle boarding instruction, lessons and trips.<\/p>\nGet your adrenaline rush with SoCal Kitesurfing<\/a>\u2019s kite surfing and kite boarding.\u00a0 Offering beginner, intermediate and private lessons, SoCal Kitesurfing is always putting your safety first.<\/p>\nHow about a romantic outdoor StayCay? Gondola Getaway<\/a> has been gliding passengers amongst the Naples Canals since 1981 on the largest U.S. gondola fleet. Bring a bottle of wine, sit back and relax as your gondolier rows you into the sunset to end a perfect outdoor day in Long Beach.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/26110927\/PowWow-Long-Beach-Mural-381x300.jpg\")
Pow! Wow! Long Beach mural by artist Kevin Lyons (Photo Credit: Brandon Shigeta)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nArts and Culture\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\nYou don\u2019t have to wait for POW! WOW! Long Beach<\/a> to see hip street art.\u00a0 Explore the over 50 diverse and colorful art murals yourself! Use the online mural map<\/a> for a self-guided tour of Long Beach\u2019s amazing public space art, an outdoor activity unique to Long Beach.<\/p>\nIf you appreciate history, visit Rancho Los Cerritos<\/a>\u2019 lush gardens on the grounds of this well-preserved 19th century ranch, or see Rancho Los Alamitos<\/a>\u2019 barnyard animals and historic gardens. They are both an educational experience your kids will enjoy.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/26111633\/Belmont-Shore-Shopping-Long-Beach-1-730x398.jpg\")
Belmont Shore welcomes you for shopping and dining. (Photo by Thomas R. Cordova)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nShopping<\/strong><\/p>\nNeed a shopping fix?\u00a0 Long Beach is blessed with a variety of unique outdoor shopping opportunities making Long Beach a shopper\u2019s paradise no matter what your style.<\/p>\n
Stroll around the East Village<\/a> for indie boutique shops catering to art, music and book lovers, foodies, clothing and outdoor enthusiasts.<\/p>\nLike hip vintage? Take a walk on the 4th Street Retro Row<\/a> side offering more than 100 independently operated businesses for a truly unique shopping experience.<\/p>\nYou will definitely want to check out the Belmont Shore district\u2019s multitude of shops that are intermingled within its classic 2nd Street dining scene.<\/p>\n
Downtown\u2019s Waterfront district is where you\u2019ll find more mainstream shopping but without the mainstream feel. \u00a0Pike Outlets<\/a>\u2019 expansive outdoor mall is set in an amusement park setting crowned with a Ferris wheel and carousel. Stay up to date<\/a> with store and dining listings.<\/p>\nWant to shop on the waterfront? Shoreline Village<\/a> is not to be missed! Shopping, dining, watercraft and bike rentals, and more all are nestled in a quaint Cape Cod village for the quintessential outdoor shopping experience in Long Beach.<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re a bartering pro, there\u2019s nothing like outdoor shopping over 800 vendors at the Long Beach Antique Market<\/a>, happening every third Sunday.\u00a0 It\u2019s no wonder the LBAM has been dubbed one of the Top 10 Flea Markets in the U.S.<\/p>\nWhat would a California city be with a Farmer\u2019s Market?\u00a0 Well, Long Beach has eight! The classic California outdoor shopping experience, Long Beach Fresh<\/a> guides you to the freshest of the fresh while you get fresh air.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/26114251\/Long-Beach-Nighlife-450x300.jpg\")
Dining and nightlife in Long Beach (Photo Credit: Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDining & Nightlife<\/strong><\/p>\nAll of those outdoor activities can build up an appetite! Scope out the multitude of dining options, from casual coffee spots to fine cuisine to nightlife fun, serving outdoors to expand on those oh-so-fabulous things to do outdoors in Long Beach on your staycation.<\/p>\n
It Starts on 2nd Street<\/p>\n
George\u2019s Greek Caf\u00e9<\/a> is the Greek food go-to in Long Beach with unbeatable happy hour drinks and food specials. Known for great food, ambience and generous portions, it\u2019s no wonder George\u2019s a local favorite.<\/p>\nLinger on Open Sesame<\/a>\u2019s patio with sumptuous, Lebanese cuisine. Half off select wines are served on Mondays and Wednesdays.\u00a0 Can you beat it?<\/p>\nDon\u2019t miss Legend\u2019s Sports Bar<\/a> serving up the classic burger and legendary Bloody Mary in its open air dining setting.<\/p>\nFind more Belmont Shore<\/a> outdoor establishments.<\/p>\n4th Street Retro Row<\/p>\n
After scoring your vintage clothes swing by Lola\u2019s Mexican Cuisine<\/a>\u2019s outdoor patio to sip a chilly margarita that compliments your seasonal, fresh Mexican dish and family recipe green salsa.<\/p>\nFind more 4th Street<\/a> outdoor establishments.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/img.lbpost.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/26115039\/Open-Air-Dining-Experiences-Long-Beach-450x300.jpg\")
Open air dining experiences in Long Beach (Photo Credit: Long Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nDowntown<\/p>\n
The Auld Dubliner<\/a>\u2019s classic pub food and ales are rockin\u2019 on the patio. Check out their patio schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\nLa Traviata<\/a> has your award winning Nuevo Italian dishes and wines for your romantic night out.\u00a0 Enjoy live music while you dine on the patio at the historic Willmore Building, which is also pet friendly.<\/p>\nDon\u2019t forget Hamburger Mary\u2019s<\/a> outdoor patio for the best burgers in town or an after dinner drink at The Blind Donkey<\/a>.<\/p>\nPop by Romeo Chocolates<\/a> on northern Pine Avenue<\/a> for their special wines and delectable desserts to take with you on your gondola ride. While you\u2019re there, learn how to eat a chocolate<\/a> from the master.<\/p>\nFind more Downtown<\/a> outdoor establishments.<\/p>\nBixby Knolls<\/p>\n
The “Allery” Art Alley on Burlinghall and Atlantic is being shared by E J’s Pub<\/a> and Dutch\u2019s Brewhouse<\/a> for outdoor service of their bar fare and fine brews.<\/p>\nDerrick’s on Atlantic<\/a> is also taking it outside for you to enjoy their delicious smoked meats and fine steaks, as well as Rasselbock<\/a> and the Willmore Wine Bar<\/a>.<\/p>\nSteelCraft<\/a> has eight vendors serving up whatever your taste de jour is in an outdoor, communal dining space. Live music to dine by can be heard on weekends. Check out SteelCraft<\/a>\u2019s calendar and vendors.<\/p>\nFind more Bixby Knolls<\/a> outdoor establishments.<\/p>\nZaferia<\/p>\n
Start your outdoor day right with breakfast and coffee outside at the favorite neighborhood caf\u00e9, The Crooked Duck<\/a>.<\/p>\nWant good bar food and salads in a lively atmosphere or savory meats at a classic chophouse? \u00a0Roundin\u2019 3rd<\/a>\u00a0 and The Hideaway<\/a> got you covered with their shared outdoor dining space!<\/p>\nFor DJ music, tropical concoctions in a Tiki bar setting, check out the Bamboo Club<\/a> for late evening fun.<\/p>\n
*Please ensure to visit each attraction or establishment\u2019s website or social media to review their COVID regulations before you go.<\/p>\n Explore Downtown Long Beach<\/strong><\/p>\n Art, cuisine, shopping, boutique hotels and more abound within the 1.38 \u201cun square\u201d miles of the city by the ocean. Discover what\u2019s available in this great interactive map<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get to know each of the five districts by downloading any one, or all, of these 2.4 to 3 miles walking loop maps<\/a> for a self-guided walking tour.<\/p>\n If you prefer your bicycle, downtown Long Beach is very bike friendly<\/a>.\u00a0 Ride your own or rent a bike at Wheel Fun Rentals<\/a>.<\/p>\n Get out of town in town! Transport yourself from Long Beach to distant lands by visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific\u2019s outdoor exhibits<\/a> and natural habitats. \u00a0Reserve your visitation time<\/a> in advance.<\/p>\n Stroll the Parks & Beaches<\/strong><\/p>\n Nothing says outdoors more in Long Beach than a visit to one its parks or beaches.<\/p>\n Long Beach Parks<\/p>\n Cesar E. Chavez Park<\/a> downtown is a 32.9 mile park offering playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic areas and restrooms for the whole family to enjoy.<\/p>\n Hilltop Park<\/a>, atop Signal Hill, provides sweeping views of the city and harbor, an idyllic backdrop for the family to partake in barbeque areas and picnic tables.<\/p>\n How about 150 species of birds, a variety of plant life, and urban wildlife, all within a 100 acre oasis?\u00a0 Then visiting El Dorado Park Nature Center<\/a> should definitely be on your list of outdoor things to do in Long Beach. Ride or walk over two miles of dirt and paved trails around two lakes and lush forested areas. You can\u2019t go wrong in taking the kids.<\/p>\n Long Beach Beaches<\/p>\n Go fly a kite!\u00a0 Or swim. Or build a sand castle.\u00a0 The sky\u2019s the limit on the white sandy beaches dotting Long Beach.<\/p>\n Marine Park (Mother\u2019s Beach)<\/a> within Alamitos Bay is a shallow swimming area with gentle waves perfect for families with smaller children. Lifeguards are on site.<\/p>\n Does your pooch need a little cooling down? Rosie\u2019s Dog Beach<\/a> off Ocean Boulevard is the pet-friendly beach of Long Beach. Granada Beach adjoins Rosie\u2019s offering more areas to relax or play volleyball.<\/p>\n Sports & Recreation<\/strong><\/p>\n Is your family looking for more things to do outdoors in Long Beach?<\/p>\n Why not stretch your legs on the way to Granada Beach on the scenic 4.1 mile Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path<\/a>? Starting at Lions Lighthouse in Shoreline Aquatic Park<\/a>, these two 6-foot lanes allow for pedestrians, rollerbladers and bicyclists alike to cruise all the way to Belmont Shores.<\/p>\n What would the outdoors in Long Beach be without the water?<\/p>\n Reserve your family\u2019s spot on Southern California’s premier whale watching and harbor tour company, Harbor Breeze Cruises<\/a> located in Rainbow Harbor<\/a>. You could also spot dolphin, marine birds, sea lions, and harbor seals!<\/p>\n Rather just spend time with your family?\u00a0 Be your own captain on a fully-enclosed 21\u2019 boat\u00a0 through London Boat Rentals<\/a> located in Alamitos Bay Landing<\/a>.\u00a0 They also offer waver runners and are pet friendly! Reserve your excursion online.<\/p>\n If sailing is more your speed, Jolly Sailing<\/a> has been providing exciting, private sailing charters, up to 6 guests at a time, since 2001.<\/p>\n The Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier<\/a> is another great family spot.\u00a0 Take in the sea breeze while strolling along the 1,800 foot long pier.\u00a0 Like to fish?\u00a0 The pier abides with a bait shop and sport fishing at the end of the pier.<\/p>\n Rather get your heart pumping? Try kayaking or paddle boarding the calm waterways among the non-stinging \u201cmoon jellies\u201d with Kayaks On the Water<\/a>. They provide safety reviews and paddle boarding instruction, lessons and trips.<\/p>\n Get your adrenaline rush with SoCal Kitesurfing<\/a>\u2019s kite surfing and kite boarding.\u00a0 Offering beginner, intermediate and private lessons, SoCal Kitesurfing is always putting your safety first.<\/p>\n How about a romantic outdoor StayCay? Gondola Getaway<\/a> has been gliding passengers amongst the Naples Canals since 1981 on the largest U.S. gondola fleet. Bring a bottle of wine, sit back and relax as your gondolier rows you into the sunset to end a perfect outdoor day in Long Beach.<\/p>\n Arts and Culture\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n You don\u2019t have to wait for POW! WOW! Long Beach<\/a> to see hip street art.\u00a0 Explore the over 50 diverse and colorful art murals yourself! Use the online mural map<\/a> for a self-guided tour of Long Beach\u2019s amazing public space art, an outdoor activity unique to Long Beach.<\/p>\n If you appreciate history, visit Rancho Los Cerritos<\/a>\u2019 lush gardens on the grounds of this well-preserved 19th century ranch, or see Rancho Los Alamitos<\/a>\u2019 barnyard animals and historic gardens. They are both an educational experience your kids will enjoy.<\/p>\n Shopping<\/strong><\/p>\n Need a shopping fix?\u00a0 Long Beach is blessed with a variety of unique outdoor shopping opportunities making Long Beach a shopper\u2019s paradise no matter what your style.<\/p>\n Stroll around the East Village<\/a> for indie boutique shops catering to art, music and book lovers, foodies, clothing and outdoor enthusiasts.<\/p>\n Like hip vintage? Take a walk on the 4th Street Retro Row<\/a> side offering more than 100 independently operated businesses for a truly unique shopping experience.<\/p>\n You will definitely want to check out the Belmont Shore district\u2019s multitude of shops that are intermingled within its classic 2nd Street dining scene.<\/p>\n Downtown\u2019s Waterfront district is where you\u2019ll find more mainstream shopping but without the mainstream feel. \u00a0Pike Outlets<\/a>\u2019 expansive outdoor mall is set in an amusement park setting crowned with a Ferris wheel and carousel. Stay up to date<\/a> with store and dining listings.<\/p>\n Want to shop on the waterfront? Shoreline Village<\/a> is not to be missed! Shopping, dining, watercraft and bike rentals, and more all are nestled in a quaint Cape Cod village for the quintessential outdoor shopping experience in Long Beach.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a bartering pro, there\u2019s nothing like outdoor shopping over 800 vendors at the Long Beach Antique Market<\/a>, happening every third Sunday.\u00a0 It\u2019s no wonder the LBAM has been dubbed one of the Top 10 Flea Markets in the U.S.<\/p>\n What would a California city be with a Farmer\u2019s Market?\u00a0 Well, Long Beach has eight! The classic California outdoor shopping experience, Long Beach Fresh<\/a> guides you to the freshest of the fresh while you get fresh air.<\/p>\n Dining & Nightlife<\/strong><\/p>\n All of those outdoor activities can build up an appetite! Scope out the multitude of dining options, from casual coffee spots to fine cuisine to nightlife fun, serving outdoors to expand on those oh-so-fabulous things to do outdoors in Long Beach on your staycation.<\/p>\n It Starts on 2nd Street<\/p>\n George\u2019s Greek Caf\u00e9<\/a> is the Greek food go-to in Long Beach with unbeatable happy hour drinks and food specials. Known for great food, ambience and generous portions, it\u2019s no wonder George\u2019s a local favorite.<\/p>\n Linger on Open Sesame<\/a>\u2019s patio with sumptuous, Lebanese cuisine. Half off select wines are served on Mondays and Wednesdays.\u00a0 Can you beat it?<\/p>\n Don\u2019t miss Legend\u2019s Sports Bar<\/a> serving up the classic burger and legendary Bloody Mary in its open air dining setting.<\/p>\n Find more Belmont Shore<\/a> outdoor establishments.<\/p>\n 4th Street Retro Row<\/p>\n After scoring your vintage clothes swing by Lola\u2019s Mexican Cuisine<\/a>\u2019s outdoor patio to sip a chilly margarita that compliments your seasonal, fresh Mexican dish and family recipe green salsa.<\/p>\n Find more 4th Street<\/a> outdoor establishments.<\/p>\n Downtown<\/p>\n The Auld Dubliner<\/a>\u2019s classic pub food and ales are rockin\u2019 on the patio. Check out their patio schedule<\/a>.<\/p>\n La Traviata<\/a> has your award winning Nuevo Italian dishes and wines for your romantic night out.\u00a0 Enjoy live music while you dine on the patio at the historic Willmore Building, which is also pet friendly.<\/p>\n Don\u2019t forget Hamburger Mary\u2019s<\/a> outdoor patio for the best burgers in town or an after dinner drink at The Blind Donkey<\/a>.<\/p>\n Pop by Romeo Chocolates<\/a> on northern Pine Avenue<\/a> for their special wines and delectable desserts to take with you on your gondola ride. While you\u2019re there, learn how to eat a chocolate<\/a> from the master.<\/p>\n Find more Downtown<\/a> outdoor establishments.<\/p>\n Bixby Knolls<\/p>\n The “Allery” Art Alley on Burlinghall and Atlantic is being shared by E J’s Pub<\/a> and Dutch\u2019s Brewhouse<\/a> for outdoor service of their bar fare and fine brews.<\/p>\n Derrick’s on Atlantic<\/a> is also taking it outside for you to enjoy their delicious smoked meats and fine steaks, as well as Rasselbock<\/a> and the Willmore Wine Bar<\/a>.<\/p>\n SteelCraft<\/a> has eight vendors serving up whatever your taste de jour is in an outdoor, communal dining space. Live music to dine by can be heard on weekends. Check out SteelCraft<\/a>\u2019s calendar and vendors.<\/p>\n Find more Bixby Knolls<\/a> outdoor establishments.<\/p>\n Zaferia<\/p>\n Start your outdoor day right with breakfast and coffee outside at the favorite neighborhood caf\u00e9, The Crooked Duck<\/a>.<\/p>\n Want good bar food and salads in a lively atmosphere or savory meats at a classic chophouse? \u00a0Roundin\u2019 3rd<\/a>\u00a0 and The Hideaway<\/a> got you covered with their shared outdoor dining space!<\/p>\n For DJ music, tropical concoctions in a Tiki bar setting, check out the Bamboo Club<\/a> for late evening fun.<\/p>\n