10 Fun Things to do for Free in Long Beach

Long Beach is a vibrant coastal city full of activity. From the sandy beaches to the downtown eateries, the city is always bustling with fun. But if you’re looking for activities that won’t break the bank, don’t worry! There are plenty of free things to do in Long Beach. Here are 10 of the best activities that won’t cost you a penny.

1. Enjoy a Day at the Beach

Long Beach is home to miles of beautiful beaches, and it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunny day. Hang out on the sand, swim in the ocean, or just soak up the sun. There are plenty of beach activities to enjoy, and all of them are free.

You can also explore the many tide pools at the city’s beaches. These are great for kids, and they offer a unique way to explore the ocean’s many creatures. Be sure to bring a camera along, as you’re sure to find some interesting things in the tide pools.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also go for a long walk along the beach. Long Beach has miles of shoreline, so there’s plenty of room to explore.

2. Visit the Queen Mary

The Queen Mary is a legendary ocean liner docked in Long Beach. The ship is now a floating museum, and it’s the perfect place to explore the city’s nautical history. You can take a self-guided tour of the ship, which is completely free.

If you’re feeling brave, you can also explore the Queen Mary’s haunted decks. The ship is said to be haunted by many of its former passengers, and there are plenty of spooky stories to explore. Just make sure to bring a flashlight!

You can also take a free tour of the Queen Mary’s engine room and boiler room. Here, you’ll get a glimpse of the inner workings of the ship and learn about its long history.

3. Explore the Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a great place to explore the city’s ocean life. The aquarium is home to over 11,000 animals, including sharks, penguins, and sea turtles. You can explore the many exhibits, which are all completely free.

The aquarium also has a variety of interactive activities. You can feed the fish, take a virtual dive, or even take a scuba diving class. All of these activities are free with admission.

The aquarium also holds free events throughout the year. You can attend lectures, art classes, and even movie nights. Be sure to check the aquarium’s website for a full list of events.

4. Take a Hike at El Dorado Park

El Dorado Park is a great place to explore Long Beach’s natural beauty. The park has miles of trails, perfect for a relaxing hike. You can even bring your bike or rollerblades and explore the trails that way.

El Dorado Park also has plenty of wildlife to explore. You can watch for birds, squirrels, and other animals as you explore the park. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot a coyote or two!

El Dorado Park is also home to many cultural events. The park holds free concerts, art shows, and even movie nights throughout the year. Be sure to check the park’s website for a full listing of events.

5. Visit the Long Beach Museum of Art

The Long Beach Museum of Art is a great place to explore the city’s vibrant art scene. The museum has a variety of permanent and rotating exhibits, all of which are free to explore.

The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. You can attend workshops, lectures, and even film screenings. All of these events are free with museum admission.

The museum also has a great gift shop, where you can find all sorts of unique items. All of the items in the shop are made by local artists, so it’s a great way to support the city’s art scene.

6. Attend a Performance at the Long Beach Playhouse

The Long Beach Playhouse is a great place to enjoy live theater. The playhouse hosts a variety of professional and amateur performances, all of which are free to attend.

The playhouse also holds a variety of special events throughout the year. You can attend lectures, improv nights, and even open-mic nights. All of these events are free with admission.

The playhouse also has a great café, where you can grab a bite to eat before or after the show. The café serves a variety of sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

7. Explore the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

The Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is a great place to explore the city’s culture. The garden is home to a variety of plants and trees, as well as a waterfall, a koi pond, and a tea house.

The garden also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. You can attend lectures, workshops, and even tea ceremonies. All of these events are free with admission.

The garden also has a great gift shop, where you can find all sorts of unique items. All of the items in the shop are made by local artists, so it’s a great way to support the city’s culture.

8. Go Kayaking in the Marina

Long Beach is home to many marinas, and it’s the perfect place to go kayaking. You can rent a kayak from many of the marinas, and they are usually very affordable. Or, if you don’t want to rent a kayak, you can always bring your own.

The marinas are also great for fishing. You can bring your own gear, or rent it from one of the marinas. Either way, you’re sure to have a great time fishing in the marinas.

The marinas also have plenty of wildlife to explore. You can watch for seabirds, dolphins, and other animals as you explore the marinas. Just be sure to bring a camera!

9. Take a Stroll Through Bluff Park

Bluff Park is a great place to explore Long Beach’s natural beauty. The park has miles of trails, perfect for a relaxing walk. You can also bring your bike or rollerblades and explore the trails that way.

Bluff Park also has plenty of wildlife to explore. You can watch for birds, squirrels, and other animals as you explore the park. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot a whale or two!

Bluff Park also has a variety of cultural events throughout the year. The park holds free concerts, art shows, and even movie nights. Be sure to check the park’s website for a full list of events.

10. Explore the Long Beach Harbor

The Long Beach Harbor is a great place to explore the city’s maritime history. You can take a walk along the docks and watch the boats come and go. You can also explore the harbor’s many shops and restaurants, all of which are free to explore.

The harbor also has many educational activities. You can visit the Maritime Museum, which is free to explore. You can also take a free tour of the harbor, which will give you a unique look at the city’s history.

The harbor also has plenty of wildlife to explore. You can watch for seabirds, dolphins, and other animals as you explore the harbor. Just be sure to bring a camera!

Long Beach is full of fun activities that won’t cost you a penny. From exploring the beaches to visiting the harbor, there’s plenty to do in the city. So grab your friends and family and get ready for a day of fun in Long Beach!

Summary

Long Beach is full of activities for all ages, and many of them are completely free! From exploring the beaches to visiting the Harbor, there’s something for everyone. You can explore the city’s many cultural attractions, like the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Long Beach Museum of Art. You can also explore the city’s natural beauty, like El Dorado Park and Bluff Park. So grab your friends and family and get ready for a day of free fun in Long Beach!