Located in southern California, Long Beach is a popular coastal city that sees thousands of tourists visit the area every year. While the city has spent plenty of time in the shadow of Los Angeles, Long Beach has so much to offer for every kind of traveler. Here are a few reasons why you should have Long Beach at the top of your vacation destination list.

Friendly Atmosphere

If you are looking for a friendly city atmosphere, then look no further. Otherwise known as the ‘beach with benefits’, the city of Long Beach has a fantastic shoreline small town culture. The moment you arrive, you will be sure to find friendly locals around who can help you should you get lost. What’s more, many tourists fall so much in love with the city that they decide to call it their forever home. With apartment providers like grandterraceonline.com offering a range of fantastic apartments that include a heated pool and spa with on-site management, it’s easy to see why anyone would make the move.

Convenience of Travel

With several Airports Located Nearby (such as Long Beach Airport which is located three miles northeast of Long Beach’s downtown district), all you need to do is simply hop on a plane, arrive at the airport and you’ll be exploring what Long Beach has to offer in no time at all. There are also two other airports located nearby such as LAX (Los Angeles) and Orange County John Wayne Airport (Santa Ana).

Easy Access

If you do not have a car, no need to worry! There is a Long Beach bus service that provides users with free bus transportation to and from many tourist attractions. As Long Beach is located only 24 miles away from Los Angeles, there are a variety of transport modes that you can use to get to the city such as by airplane, train or bus. Before you visit an attraction, make sure to check bus times and locations to avoid disappointment.

Fantastic Weather

When on vacation, many people want to go somewhere that’s warm and sunny. Long Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate all year round, meaning tourists can expect to bask in the glorious sunshine, no matter what time of year they go. If you want to escape the bleak winter months, Long Beach is the perfect vacation destination. With 287 days of the year being sunny statistically, you are bound to soak up some of the sun when on your travels.

Tasty Cuisine

No matter what type of food you like, you are sure to find it in Long Beach. With a diverse population comes a huge variety of ethnic cuisine, meaning there is always something new to try out. For those who are a bit fussy with their food, you can find traditional American dining establishments too. You can also find a Farmers Market which is open on a Sunday – the market provides tons of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you are on a health kick, you can find Whole Foods located downtown.

Diversity and Culture

Known for its diverse culture, Long Beach is thriving with Latino, Black and Asian communities. What’s more, there is an active LGBTQ population, meaning that Long Beach is one of the most open and supportive destinations in the country for people of every sexual orientation. There is also an annual Lesbian & Gay Pride festival that is held in the city. Being such a welcoming and tolerant environment, it’s easy to see why Long Beach is so popular with tourists.

Stunning Waterfront

When it comes to things to do and see in Long Beach, you really are spoilt for choice. You must take a visit to the seaside where you can explore a variety of white sand beaches. Getting to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and swapping it for the glorious waterfront, you can sunbathe and swim during the day in a peaceful and relaxing environment. Not only can you take advantage of the many public beaches, you are also able to go dolphin and whale watching, and there are boat rides and island getaways that you may be interested in too.

Museums and Entertainment

For those into their history, you will be happy to know that Long Beach has a wide selection of museums to check out. Whether it be a trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Long Beach Museum of Art, you are bound to find a museum perfect for you. Make sure to make a note of opening times before you go.

Amusement Parks

If you’re heading to Long Beach as a family, you must visit some amusement parks. With Disneyland being located only a 20-minute drive away, there are so many fun-filled attractions that can be fun for every age range. Also, Universal Studios Hollywood is only a mere 30 minutes away too, giving you plenty of options to pick from. However, bear in mind that many amusement parks get incredibly busy at the best of times, so it’s wise to arrive as early as you can to avoid long queues.

Thriving Nightlife

For those who are busy during the day, you can expect to find a bustling nightlife scene when in Long Beach, meaning there is always something to do. Whether you go and see a rock n’ roll concert or explore the range of cafés and taverns, there are a wide variety of music establishments that cover every genre you can think of!

Whether you’re heading to Long Beach on your own, with your partner or as a family, there are tons of exciting attractions to check out. With its Mediterranean climate and wide array of restaurants and bars, it’s easy to see why so many people choose Long Beach for their vacation destination.

Before you travel to the port city, you may be able to save some money if you book in advance, so the sooner you book your vacation, the better! There is also a wide selection of hotels and apartments to pick from that suit every kind of budget, meaning you can find somewhere perfect to stay for your trip.