A One-Day Itinerary to Explore the Best of Long Beach, California

• The Queen Mary (9:00am) - Once a luxurious cruise liner, now a floating museum and a piece of history. Hop on aboard and explore the ship's extravagant interior, visit the engine room, and hear stories of the famous passengers who sailed on this vessel.
• Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific (11:00am) - Get up close and personal with marine life from all over the world at this fascinating aquarium - from jellyfish to sharks, and even a giant octopus, there's something for everyone to see. Don't miss the interactive Lorikeet Forest exhibit where you can feed colorful birds nectar from a cup.
• Shoreline Village (1:00pm) - Stroll down this charming waterfront village packed with unique shops, restaurants, street performers, and an old-fashioned carousel. Take a break for lunch at Parkers' Lighthouse, a seafood restaurant that offers stunning views of the harbor.
• The Pike Outlets (3:00pm) - Shop, dine or just enjoy the lively atmosphere of this bustling shopping mall, built on the site of the old amusement park that was a hotspot attraction in the early 20th century. Or, if you're adventurous, take a ride on the Ferris wheel and enjoy stunning panoramic views of Long Beach.
• El Dorado Nature Center (5:30pm) - Get away from the city and enjoy peace and quiet at this hidden gem, a sanctuary for over 150 species of plants and animals. Stroll along the hiking trails, observe wildlife, or rent a kayak and paddle through the lakes.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• The Queen Mary (2 hours, $30 per adult)
• Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific (2 hours, $30 per adult)
• Shoreline Village (2 hours, lunch for two $50)
• The Pike Outlets (2 hours, shopping costs vary)
• El Dorado Nature Center (2.5 hours, free admission)
Total Estimated Costs: $140

Transportation:

Long Beach has an efficient public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and a free shuttle service called Passport, that takes visitors to popular tourist spots. Expect to spend around $20-$30 on transportation for the day, including taxi and ride-sharing services.

Useful Tips:

If you have more time, make sure to explore the Museum of Latin American Art, the Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens, and the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. If you have less time or prefer something more relaxing, sunbathe at the beach or rent a bike and ride the bike trails along the coast.