California Long Beach
Moving to Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California, is a vibrant coastal city offering the perfect balance of relaxed beach living and urban sophistication. Located along the Pacific Ocean in Southern California, Long Beach is known for its scenic waterfront, diverse culture, and lively arts and entertainment scene. With a strong sense of community and a variety of distinct neighborhoods, it appeals to young professionals, families, and retirees looking for a dynamic and welcoming place to call home.
The local economy is powered by key industries including shipping, aerospace, healthcare, and tourism. As home to one of the busiest ports in the world—the Port of Long Beach—the city plays a vital role in global trade. Long Beach also hosts respected institutions like California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), and several hospitals and research centers, creating a range of career opportunities.
Long Beach offers something for everyone, from its iconic Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific to beautiful beaches and miles of bike paths. Residents enjoy outdoor activities in parks like El Dorado Regional Park or along the Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath. Whether you're taking in a performance at the Long Beach Performing Arts Center, exploring local galleries and shops, or enjoying a diverse culinary scene, Long Beach delivers a high quality of life in a scenic, coastal setting.
Long Beach by the numbers
City population
City Rank of Cost of living vs. national average
Median home price
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Discover Long Beach: Top Attractions and Things to Do
Local Experiences
Local Experiences
Long Beach, California, is a lively coastal city known for its stunning waterfront, eclectic neighborhoods, and rich cultural landscape. Whether you're strolling along the beach, dining on fresh seafood, or exploring the city’s unique attractions, Long Beach offers memorable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Downtown Long Beach
Downtown Long Beach is the city’s energetic core, blending beachside charm with urban sophistication. The area features an array of restaurants, breweries, art galleries, and boutique shops—all within walking distance of the waterfront. The Pine Avenue and East Village Arts District offer vibrant nightlife and local art, while The Pike Outlets provide shopping and entertainment. Regular events like the Long Beach Grand Prix and Taste of Downtown bring the community together for unforgettable celebrations.
The Queen Mary
Permanently docked in Long Beach Harbor, The Queen Mary is a legendary ocean liner turned hotel and museum. Guests can take historical tours, learn about the ship’s storied past, or experience ghost tours for a spookier side of its history. Its art deco interiors and panoramic views of the city skyline make it a can’t-miss destination for history buffs and curious explorers alike.
El Dorado Regional Park
For those craving nature, El Dorado Regional Park provides an expansive outdoor escape with over 800 acres of trails, lakes, archery ranges, and picnic areas. Whether you’re kayaking, birdwatching, or enjoying a peaceful walk under mature trees, the park offers a serene retreat from the city’s bustle. Seasonal events and community activities also make it a local favorite.
Sports and Recreation
Sport and Recreation
Long Beach, California, is a vibrant hub for sports and outdoor recreation, offering something for athletes, fans, and nature lovers alike. Whether you're catching a game, joining a local league, or soaking up the sunshine in one of the city’s many parks and beaches, Long Beach promotes an active, outdoor lifestyle all year round.
Youth Sports
The City of Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine runs a wide variety of youth sports programs throughout the year. Kids can participate in basketball, soccer, flag football, baseball, volleyball, and more—each designed to promote physical fitness, teamwork, and confidence. With well-maintained facilities and enthusiastic coaching, these programs are a great way for young athletes to get involved and grow within their community.
College & Professional Sports
While Long Beach doesn’t host major league teams, it boasts a strong sports culture driven by its collegiate programs and proximity to professional teams in Los Angeles.
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Long Beach State Athletics (The Beach): Long Beach State University’s NCAA Division I teams—especially in volleyball, baseball, and basketball—are a major source of local pride. The school’s men’s volleyball team is a national powerhouse, and Blair Field hosts competitive college baseball just minutes from downtown.
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Nearby Professional Teams: Just a short drive away, residents can catch games from the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), Dodgers (MLB), Rams and Chargers (NFL), Kings (NHL), and Galaxy (MLS). Long Beach offers easy access to Southern California’s major sports scene without the hustle of living in the city center.
Outdoor Recreation
With its mild climate and coastal setting, Long Beach is a paradise for outdoor activities and water sports:
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Beaches & Water Sports: The city's coastline is perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, and sailing. Alamitos Bay and Marine Stadium are hotspots for aquatic recreation, and there’s even a dedicated rowing community with regular events.
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Biking & Running: The Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path runs along the coast and connects neighborhoods to the waterfront, ideal for cyclists, joggers, and walkers. You'll also find trails at El Dorado Park, Heartwell Park, and DeForest Wetlands.
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Golf: Long Beach is home to several public golf courses, including Recreation Park Golf Course (also known as “Big Rec”), El Dorado Park Golf Course, and Skylinks Golf Course, each offering well-kept greens and scenic settings for golfers of all skill levels.
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Skate Parks & Courts: The city also features a range of facilities for basketball, tennis, and skateboarding, including Cherry Skatepark, which is well-known in the skating community.
Adventures
Adventures
Long Beach, California, is the perfect launchpad for exciting adventures—on land, sea, and everywhere in between. With its year-round sunshine, scenic coastline, and eclectic urban landscape, the city invites thrill-seekers, nature lovers, and culture explorers to discover something new every day. Whether you’re paddling through calm bays, biking along oceanfront trails, or diving into the local art scene, adventure is never far away in Long Beach.
Surrounded by water and anchored in maritime tradition, Long Beach is a haven for aquatic exploration:
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Alamitos Bay & Naples Canals: Rent a kayak, paddleboard, or electric Duffy boat and cruise through the charming, Venice-like canals of Naples Island. It’s a peaceful yet scenic way to experience Long Beach’s unique waterfront neighborhoods.
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Whale Watching & Harbor Cruises: From Rainbow Harbor, set sail on a whale-watching excursion or harbor tour. Seasonal migrations bring gray whales, blue whales, and dolphins close to shore, offering unforgettable marine wildlife encounters.
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Scuba Diving & Jet Skiing: For more adrenaline-pumping fun, try jet skiing in Long Beach Harbor or take a scuba diving trip to explore nearby shipwrecks and marine sanctuaries off the coast of Catalina Island.
Coastal Adventures
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Shoreline Bike Path: This scenic, 3.1-mile oceanfront path stretches from Alamitos Beach to Belmont Shore and is ideal for biking, rollerblading, or a relaxed seaside stroll. Rent a beach cruiser or electric bike and soak in the salty breeze as you explore the coast.
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Beach Bonfires at Granada Beach: For a classic SoCal experience, head to Granada Beach, where you can enjoy volleyball by day and cozy up by a beach bonfire at night. It’s one of the few beaches in L.A. County where fires are permitted.
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Kitesurfing & Windsurfing: Try your hand at high-energy water sports in areas like Belmont Shore or Marine Stadium. Equipment rentals and lessons are available for beginners looking to learn something new.
Seasonal Events
Seasonal Events
Long Beach, California, comes alive year-round with an exciting lineup of seasonal events that reflect its coastal charm, cultural diversity, and strong sense of community. From food festivals and art walks to holiday parades and beachfront concerts, Long Beach offers unforgettable experiences for both locals and visitors no matter the season.
Long Beach Grand Prix – Spring
Every April, the streets of downtown Long Beach transform into a high-speed racetrack for the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, one of the most popular IndyCar races in the country. Beyond the roar of engines, the weekend is packed with concerts, food vendors, family activities, and exotic car showcases. It's a thrilling kickoff to the spring season and a must-see for motorsport fans.
Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach
Moonlight Movies on the Beach – Summer
During the warmer months, locals flock to Moonlight Movies on the Beach, a beloved summer tradition. Held on the sand at Granada Beach and other seaside spots, these free outdoor movie nights feature family-friendly classics, food trucks, and the unique experience of watching a film with the ocean breeze in your hair.
Long Beach International Tamales Festival – Fall
Every December, food lovers gather for the Long Beach International Tamales Festival at the Scottish Rite Event Center. Guests can taste a wide variety of tamales from local vendors, enjoy live music, cultural performances, and holiday-themed activities. It's a flavorful way to celebrate the holidays and the city's strong Latin American heritage.
Community Resources
Long Beach, California, offers residents and visitors access to a wide range of healthcare services, providing high-quality care across multiple specialties. With a variety of hospitals, medical centers, and specialized treatment facilities, Long Beach ensures that individuals of all ages and needs have access to top-tier health services.
Major Hospitals and Medical Centers:
Long Beach Medical Center (MemorialCare)
Long Beach Medical Center, part of the MemorialCare Health System, is a leading provider of healthcare in the region. This hospital offers comprehensive services, including emergency care, cancer treatment, heart care, neurology, orthopedics, and women’s health services. It is known for its advanced technology and compassionate care, making it a cornerstone of medical care in Long Beach.
Long Beach Medical Center (MemorialCare)
St. Mary Medical Center
Located in the heart of Long Beach, St. Mary Medical Center is a full-service hospital offering comprehensive healthcare, including emergency services, cardiac care, cancer treatment, and women’s health. St. Mary is renowned for its heart center, providing services such as advanced cardiac diagnostics, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
St. Mary Medical Center
UC Irvine Health – Long Beach
UC Irvine Health offers a variety of specialized healthcare services, particularly in the areas of cancer treatment, kidney care, and pediatric services. Located just a short distance from Long Beach, this medical center is part of the renowned UC Irvine Health system, offering access to cutting-edge medical research and clinical trials.
Long Beach, California, is home to a robust and diverse educational system, offering top-notch learning opportunities from kindergarten through higher education. With a mix of excellent public schools, respected private institutions, and proximity to renowned colleges and universities, Long Beach creates an environment that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and a love of learning.
K-12 Schools:
Public Schools
Long Beach is served by the Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD), one of the largest and most highly regarded school districts in California. Known for its strong academic programs, commitment to arts and music education, and diverse extracurricular activities, LBUSD is dedicated to providing a well-rounded education for all students. Notable schools include:
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Long Beach Polytechnic High School (Poly) – A renowned high school with a focus on college preparation, career readiness, and specialized programs in the arts, science, and technology.
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Wilson High School – Known for its academic rigor and wide array of AP (Advanced Placement) courses, Wilson is one of the top public high schools in the area.
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Millikan High School – A school with strong programs in both academics and athletics, Millikan is recognized for its commitment to preparing students for higher education and the workforce.
Private Schools:
Long Beach also offers a range of highly regarded private schools, which provide smaller class sizes, specialized curricula, and a nurturing environment. Notable private institutions include:
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St. Anthony High School – A private Catholic high school known for its strong academic programs, athletics, and commitment to community service.
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Polytechnic School – A prestigious private school that offers an excellent college-preparatory curriculum along with programs in arts and technology.
Colleges:
Long Beach is also home to several respected higher education institutions, making it a prime destination for students seeking undergraduate and graduate degrees:
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California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) – One of the largest and most respected universities in the California State University system, CSULB offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as engineering, business, arts, and health sciences. The university is known for its diverse student body and commitment to research and innovation.
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Long Beach City College (LBCC) – A highly regarded community college offering affordable education with strong programs in nursing, business, and technology. LBCC provides pathways for students to transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce with specialized skills.
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University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) – Just a short drive from Long Beach, UC Irvine is one of the top public universities in the U.S., offering strong programs in engineering, social sciences, humanities, and healthcare.
Long Beach, California, provides reliable utilities and essential government services that help maintain the city's high quality of life. From dependable water and sewer systems to efficient energy services, Long Beach ensures that residents and businesses have access to the resources they need for daily living. Here is an overview of key services and agencies that keep Long Beach running smoothly.
Utilities:
Water and sewer services in Long Beach are provided by the Long Beach Water Department. The city is known for its sustainable water practices, including water conservation initiatives, recycling programs, and efficient water delivery systems. The department ensures high-quality drinking water, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management, focusing on reliability and environmental stewardship. Long Beach Water is committed to sustainability, with educational programs aimed at promoting water-saving habits among residents and businesses.
Electricity and Gas
Electricity in Long Beach is primarily provided by Southern California Edison (SCE), which offers reliable service, energy efficiency programs, and tools for reporting and tracking power outages. The utility company encourages sustainable energy usage with rebates for energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy programs.
Natural gas service in Long Beach is provided by Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas). The company ensures safe and efficient natural gas delivery to both residential and commercial properties. SoCalGas also supports energy-saving initiatives and helps customers reduce their carbon footprint through incentives for using energy-efficient appliances and systems.
Government Agencies:
Long Beach operates under a strong local government structure with a City Council-Mayor system. The Mayor of Long Beach serves as the head of the city's executive branch, working closely with the City Council to oversee public services, economic development, and policy initiatives. The city's government is committed to maintaining public safety, supporting education, fostering economic growth, and promoting environmental sustainability.
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This city guide is provided as a service by Atlas Van Lines.