7-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary to Long Beach

Friday September 29: Exploring Santa Monica

Start your trip by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Santa Monica Pier. In the morning, take a leisurely stroll along the iconic pier, enjoying the ocean breeze and stunning views. In the afternoon, visit Pacific Park, the amusement park located on the pier, and ride the Ferris wheel for panoramic vistas. As the evening sets in, explore the bustling Third Street Promenade, known for its shopping, dining, and street performers.

• Santa Monica Pier: $5 (estimated cost), 3 hours (estimated time spent)
• Pacific Park: $30 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)
• Third Street Promenade: Free, 2 hours (estimated time spent)

Saturday September 30: Discovering Aquarium of the Pacific

Spend the morning at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, where you can explore diverse marine life exhibits and even touch some of the sea creatures. Afterward, head to Shoreline Village for lunch, enjoying the waterfront dining options. In the afternoon, take a relaxing harbor cruise to admire the picturesque views of the coastline. In the evening, catch a performance at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center.

• Aquarium of the Pacific: $35 (estimated cost), 4 hours (estimated time spent)
• Shoreline Village: $15 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)
• Harbor Cruise: $25 (estimated cost), 1.5 hours (estimated time spent)
• Long Beach Performing Arts Center: Varies (estimated cost), 3 hours (estimated time spent)

Sunday October 1: Relaxing at Belmont Shore Beach

Spend a relaxing morning at Belmont Shore Beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the beautiful coastline. Pack a picnic and have lunch on the beach. In the afternoon, visit the Museum of Latin American Art, which showcases a diverse collection of contemporary Latin American art. End the day with a delicious seafood dinner at one of Long Beach's waterfront restaurants.

• Belmont Shore Beach: Free, 4 hours (estimated time spent)
• Museum of Latin American Art: $10 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)
• Seafood Dinner: $40 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)

Monday October 2: Exploring Catalina Island

Embark on a day trip to Catalina Island. Take an early morning ferry from Long Beach to Avalon, the main town on the island. Enjoy a scenic hike in the Catalina Island Conservancy, where you can admire the island's natural beauty. Spend the afternoon exploring Avalon's charming shops, boutiques, and restaurants. Take the ferry back to Long Beach in the evening.

• Ferry to Catalina Island: $75 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)
• Hiking in Catalina Island Conservancy: Free, 3 hours (estimated time spent)
• Exploring Avalon: Varies (estimated cost), 4 hours (estimated time spent)
• Ferry back to Long Beach: $75 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)

Tuesday October 3: Soaking up the Sun at Naples Island

Start the day by visiting Naples Island, known for its beautiful canals and charming waterfront homes. Take a gondola ride along the canals and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Have lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden for a serene and tranquil experience. End the day with a visit to the Museum of Latin American Art.

• Naples Island: Free, 3 hours (estimated time spent)
• Gondola Ride: $30 (estimated cost), 1 hour (estimated time spent)
• Lunch: $20 (estimated cost), 1 hour (estimated time spent)
• Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden: $10 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)
• Museum of Latin American Art: $10 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)

Wednesday October 4: Exploring Downtown Long Beach

Spend the day exploring the vibrant downtown area of Long Beach. Start with a visit to the Long Beach Museum of Art, which showcases a wide range of contemporary art. Have lunch at one of the trendy restaurants in the East Village Arts District. In the afternoon, take a relaxing walk along the waterfront at Shoreline Aquatic Park. End the day with a visit to the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner turned museum.

• Long Beach Museum of Art: $15 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)
• Lunch in East Village Arts District: $20 (estimated cost), 1.5 hours (estimated time spent)
• Shoreline Aquatic Park: Free, 1.5 hours (estimated time spent)
• Queen Mary: $30 (estimated cost), 3 hours (estimated time spent)

Thursday October 5: Enjoying El Dorado Nature Center

Start the day by visiting the El Dorado Nature Center, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Long Beach. Take a leisurely stroll along the nature trails and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Have a picnic lunch in the park. In the afternoon, visit the Long Beach Museum of Natural History to learn about the region's flora, fauna, and history. End the day with a relaxing walk along the beach at Alamitos Bay.

• El Dorado Nature Center: Free, 3 hours (estimated time spent)
• Picnic Lunch: $15 (estimated cost), 1 hour (estimated time spent)
• Long Beach Museum of Natural History: $10 (estimated cost), 2 hours (estimated time spent)
• Beach walk at Alamitos Bay: Free, 1.5 hours (estimated time spent)

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

One hidden gem in Long Beach is the Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Site, a beautiful Spanish-style ranch that offers guided tours and showcases the region's history. Another local favorite is the Long Beach Antique Market, held on the third Sunday of every month, where you can find unique treasures and vintage items. Both attractions offer a family-friendly experience and are worth exploring during your visit.

For checking hotel and flight prices, please click here.