Downtown Long Beach
Downtown Long Beach
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
298 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
104
Average
43
Poor
10
Terrible
9
KodoDrummer
Buenos Aires, Argentina64,826 contributions
Aug 2019
I had some relaxing walks through the downtown area. It is not overcrowded with skyscrapers. Many artistically attractive buildings. Lots of hotels, restaurants, bars, and cafes. And yes, bars, bars and more bars. Great for bar hopping.
Written August 10, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P-and-A-Belmont
Belmont Shore, CA144 contributions
May 2016
I am a born and raised local, owning all our homes 4 miles east of Downtown.
In my youth , I was forbidden to ride my bike downtown due to rough and gritty demographics and struggling businesses .It was MUCH more dangerous than now.
Downtown has had a long hard struggle to become "Tourist attractive,"/respectable" and less fear .
Improving Demographics and cost of housing is a plus as is the rising tide of opportunity which can "raise all boats" It is MUCH more pretty now .There are MANY upscale cafes, galleries, hotels, bars etc.
It is a "happening Place", Lots of fun festivals that did not exist years ago.
Some Critics might call this Gentrification but to me as a local , I enjoy seeing my hometown improve and there is enough housing for all demographic levels to reside ..There is plenty for all. However the trend is upscale and more upscale .So Where are the long time Downtowners going? Many are still there.
Middle view :: There is a continued struggle dealing with Poor and Very poor.Think "New Orleans by the Pacific" The Downtown Associates have these great patrols who deal with them but they cannot be everywhere all the time. Crimes of opportunity happen in most large urban cities and despite the ocean close aura, do not be lulled by the beauty, bad people are close and they get around. Our Police do an xlnt job considering the labyrinth -maze of the downtown "quilt"
I am a cyclist who rides downtown from my home 3-5 days per week. I KNOW the routes:
If one is on Bicycle..stay close to the Water..4th street or south. The bike lane system can get you around very well but finding them a challenge despite what brochures promise. Use the bikestation center and make them draw you a map because the Bike advocate map is cryptic.
The Bad : If in the heart of Downtown ;Do NOT walk "above" 4th street after dark .Take Uber, Lyft, cabs or public transport whenever possible..There are many dark places where evil-doers can hide. The Police do a good job & are quick to respond but cannot be everywhere 100% of the time .So one must continue to be vigilant and careful
The most crimes occur: above 7th street from Cherry on the East all the way to the 710 freeway on the West.
As one can see on a map , 7th street is only 3-5 streets north of the Downtown area.
DO NOT walk around staring at Fone-Device..thieves are targeting unsuspecting device users .
Better to stop at a sidewalk or store ,get your bearings and proceed .
Like New Orleans, Long Beach downtown is a FUN Spot It will remind you of The French Quarter or Magazine Street.
Bottom Line : Downtown nicer but there are challenges.
.Be Safe and have fun, 'cause there is much fun to be had.
Bring Plenty of back up power for your devices and try to hang out where the are lot's of smiley people.
The area of 1st St and Linden is a nice village" that locals enjoy also.
In my youth , I was forbidden to ride my bike downtown due to rough and gritty demographics and struggling businesses .It was MUCH more dangerous than now.
Downtown has had a long hard struggle to become "Tourist attractive,"/respectable" and less fear .
Improving Demographics and cost of housing is a plus as is the rising tide of opportunity which can "raise all boats" It is MUCH more pretty now .There are MANY upscale cafes, galleries, hotels, bars etc.
It is a "happening Place", Lots of fun festivals that did not exist years ago.
Some Critics might call this Gentrification but to me as a local , I enjoy seeing my hometown improve and there is enough housing for all demographic levels to reside ..There is plenty for all. However the trend is upscale and more upscale .So Where are the long time Downtowners going? Many are still there.
Middle view :: There is a continued struggle dealing with Poor and Very poor.Think "New Orleans by the Pacific" The Downtown Associates have these great patrols who deal with them but they cannot be everywhere all the time. Crimes of opportunity happen in most large urban cities and despite the ocean close aura, do not be lulled by the beauty, bad people are close and they get around. Our Police do an xlnt job considering the labyrinth -maze of the downtown "quilt"
I am a cyclist who rides downtown from my home 3-5 days per week. I KNOW the routes:
If one is on Bicycle..stay close to the Water..4th street or south. The bike lane system can get you around very well but finding them a challenge despite what brochures promise. Use the bikestation center and make them draw you a map because the Bike advocate map is cryptic.
The Bad : If in the heart of Downtown ;Do NOT walk "above" 4th street after dark .Take Uber, Lyft, cabs or public transport whenever possible..There are many dark places where evil-doers can hide. The Police do a good job & are quick to respond but cannot be everywhere 100% of the time .So one must continue to be vigilant and careful
The most crimes occur: above 7th street from Cherry on the East all the way to the 710 freeway on the West.
As one can see on a map , 7th street is only 3-5 streets north of the Downtown area.
DO NOT walk around staring at Fone-Device..thieves are targeting unsuspecting device users .
Better to stop at a sidewalk or store ,get your bearings and proceed .
Like New Orleans, Long Beach downtown is a FUN Spot It will remind you of The French Quarter or Magazine Street.
Bottom Line : Downtown nicer but there are challenges.
.Be Safe and have fun, 'cause there is much fun to be had.
Bring Plenty of back up power for your devices and try to hang out where the are lot's of smiley people.
The area of 1st St and Linden is a nice village" that locals enjoy also.
Written May 20, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
1akamai
Los Angeles, CA195 contributions
Oct 2016 • Family
Downtown Long Beach is always happening, some event or concert or convention is always poppin' up.
Pine Ave north of Ocean Blvd has all the eateries you could ever want. Asian, Greek, Spanish, Mexican, Latin American, Argentenian, Japanese, Irish, Seafood, Italian...
Sketchy corner on Pine and Broadway because of the 7-Eleven.. Make sure you always watch your surroundings here and watch your purses/bags. Homeless people are all over the place now that they closed down the Lincoln park near City hall. Just keep an eye out and don't let your guard down.
Pine Ave north of Ocean Blvd has all the eateries you could ever want. Asian, Greek, Spanish, Mexican, Latin American, Argentenian, Japanese, Irish, Seafood, Italian...
Sketchy corner on Pine and Broadway because of the 7-Eleven.. Make sure you always watch your surroundings here and watch your purses/bags. Homeless people are all over the place now that they closed down the Lincoln park near City hall. Just keep an eye out and don't let your guard down.
Written January 1, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy C
Kenansville, North Carolina, United States67 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Beach was flat, trashy. Water was murky. Wouldn't want to get in it. Nice paved walking and biking trail. Unfriendly lifeguard. Decent public bathroom.
Written July 9, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DonaldYokum
Ventura, CA742 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
Did a tour of the City with friends that I worked with here thirty years ago; I must say that their redevelopment plan seems to have worked well, the downtown area is lovely and vibrant, with lots of attractive shops and good looking restaurants. They've managed to retain the best of the old buildings while adding new structures that blend well with the older architecture. You get the feeling of an open, airy city that would be a pleasure to go for a long walk in. Ocean Avenue is a delight to the eye, from start to finish. We all wished that it had been so welcoming back when we worked there!
Written February 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah F
Columbia, South Carolina13 contributions
Oct 2014 • Friends
I loved the transportation in downtown LB! There is a FREE bus that drives around a set area and I used that to get a feel for the city. The Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific were both on the route as well as many hotels and restaurants.
Written October 18, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wilbur24795
Florence, AL183 contributions
Sep 2014 • Business
There are some neat little restuarants and shops, but stray one road to far and you will feel like you are in a very rough part of town and for good reason. I was not a fan of the area while taking a jog during the day and certainly didn't feel comfortable going here at night. Avoid. Take a short drive to Belmont Shore or Seal Beach for much better areas.
Written October 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The World is My Oyster
Orlando, FL19,589 contributions
Mar 2019 • Business
Spent 3 days there on a conference and really enjoyed the laid back and chilled atmosphere. There are plenty of restaurants and shops all around and the pier area is really neat.
Written March 3, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
USN_Seabee_Wife
Chehalis, WA612 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Stay safe and be cautious when walking alone at night.
Downtown Long Beach is rich in architectural history, unique shops and restaurants, and relaxing open spaces. Whether you desire an evening stroll along yacht filled Rainbow Harbor or prefer to gaze upon the historic art deco landmarks of the East Village, Downtown Long Beach is easily accessible by foot or public transportation and you avoid the high parking fees.
The streets of DTLB are an art lovers paradise, with over 50 murals by local and world-renowned street artists. Over the past four years Pow! Wow! Long Beach, an annual art event, has brought dozens of murals to Long Beach creating a walkable, bikeable public art experience unlike anything else in the country.
If you prefer to join a guided walking tour, Long Beach Heritage offers Downtown walking tours the 3rd Saturday of every month. You’ll visit architectural gems from post-modern to the Art Deco style. To learn more and/or to make a reservation, visit the Long Beach Heritage website.
Downtown Long Beach is rich in architectural history, unique shops and restaurants, and relaxing open spaces. Whether you desire an evening stroll along yacht filled Rainbow Harbor or prefer to gaze upon the historic art deco landmarks of the East Village, Downtown Long Beach is easily accessible by foot or public transportation and you avoid the high parking fees.
The streets of DTLB are an art lovers paradise, with over 50 murals by local and world-renowned street artists. Over the past four years Pow! Wow! Long Beach, an annual art event, has brought dozens of murals to Long Beach creating a walkable, bikeable public art experience unlike anything else in the country.
If you prefer to join a guided walking tour, Long Beach Heritage offers Downtown walking tours the 3rd Saturday of every month. You’ll visit architectural gems from post-modern to the Art Deco style. To learn more and/or to make a reservation, visit the Long Beach Heritage website.
Written February 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
townieconcierge
Long Beach, CA7 contributions
Oct 2018 • Family
Downtown Long Beach has so much going on right now, there's lots of high-rises going up and lots of construction. Always watch your belongings because now that they tore down the park by City hall (new glass towers on Ocean Blvd) the homeless population has swelled and gone amok in this city.
Other than that, there's lots of things to do, festivals, harbor cruises, Aquarium, Queen Mary, The Pike Outlets (needs more shops - like Victoria's secret, makeup, Sephora, kids stores, toy stores, etc...)
The Vons grocery store on 600 E. Broadway is also an interesting experience. Watch your belongings here too. Not the same like it was in 2010. Too many homeless out front, they take over the bus stop and cruise the aisles looking for unsuspecting people to snatch their wallets. This Vons also allows dogs which is a no-no because they are not certified service animal dogs. Too many people that are not native to LB are moving here and don't understand the laws and hygiene. Who wants to shop for groceries and bypass dog pee, dog poo, dog hairs? Outta control. Go to another grocery store outside the downtown area if you can.. Maybe El Super.
Other than that, there's lots of things to do, festivals, harbor cruises, Aquarium, Queen Mary, The Pike Outlets (needs more shops - like Victoria's secret, makeup, Sephora, kids stores, toy stores, etc...)
The Vons grocery store on 600 E. Broadway is also an interesting experience. Watch your belongings here too. Not the same like it was in 2010. Too many homeless out front, they take over the bus stop and cruise the aisles looking for unsuspecting people to snatch their wallets. This Vons also allows dogs which is a no-no because they are not certified service animal dogs. Too many people that are not native to LB are moving here and don't understand the laws and hygiene. Who wants to shop for groceries and bypass dog pee, dog poo, dog hairs? Outta control. Go to another grocery store outside the downtown area if you can.. Maybe El Super.
Written October 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mel
Lincolnshire, UK314 contributions
Hi, i'm from UK.
How many days Adult and Teen require to sight-see Long Beach pls?
Time/ days no problem for us in August '18.
Violette54
Payson, AZ4,179 contributions
I think the way to learn this is to first decide what you want to see and then how much time you want to spend on each place.
check out TA's Lists of Things to Do and See, under Long Beach
380dani
Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP
Vou ficar em long beach e gostaria de ir até hollywood fica longe?
Gostaria de saber se vale apena conhecer a Praia de Malibu e se tem passeios de barco saindo de long beach até Malibu ou Santa Mônica?
Obrigada
Girls strip club
czmgirl
Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico63 contributions
i think are not around long beach
caroleb571
Winter Haven, Florida32 contributions
First time to CA, flying to LAX in March. Going to cruise out of San Pedro. Want to spend a few days locally.
Was thinking of staying in downtown Long Beach, want to see Queen Mary and Iowa. But would like to spend one day in Hollywood. Thinking of getting LA Flyaway from Lax to Long Beach. and for my day in Hollywood Flyaway to LAX- Flyaway Lax to Hollywood, then back again to LB.
Any input would be appreciated, thanks
1akamai
Los Angeles, CA195 contributions
Answer about 'being safe'.....
Sad to say in ALL big cities, there is no such thing as 'being safe'. We live in different times. Locals and visitors need to always watch their surroundings and keep an eye on your purse/wallet.
Long Beach is not as crazy as LA (it's a lot cleaner) but don't get distracted by the cellphone, keep your eyes moving. If you need to ask for help or directions, look for the Downtown guides, dressed in RED. They patrol the downtown area and some are traveling on segways. They are the downtown Long Beach ambassadors and can also escort you to your hotel or where you need to go.
Don't let your guard down while out on the streets, don't flash your cash anywhere, don't wear jewelry, etc...
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Claim your listingDowntown Long Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Downtown Long Beach
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Downtown Long Beach:
- Private Helicopter Tour over Long Beach (From $180.00)
- 3 Hour Sailing Lesson: Rainbow Harbor Long Beach to the Pacific Ocean (From $475.00)
- Private Helicopter Tour of Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles, and Long Beach (From $249.00)
- 3 Hours Private Sailboat Ride with Captain (From $475.00)
- Long Beach Bash, CA Scavenger Hunt (From $27.00)
- Hotels near Downtown Long Beach:
- (0.02 mi) Casita · Retreat to a Private Studio With All the Comforts of Home
- (0.48 mi) The Cove Hotel
- (0.29 mi) Custom designed bedroom and bath. Very private. Easy metro SoFi.. Taylor swift
- (0.37 mi) Ruby Motel
- (1.95 mi) Hotel Royal
- Restaurants near Downtown Long Beach:
- (0.10 mi) I Love Vegan
- (0.10 mi) Joliza's Tacos
- (0.18 mi) The Wicked Wolf
- (0.21 mi) Elephant Thai Kitchen
- (0.21 mi) The Elephant Garden Restaurant
- Attractions near Downtown Long Beach:
- (0.20 mi) Dulceria Candy Spot
- (0.45 mi) Looff's Lite-A-Line
- (2.35 mi) Wheel Fun Rentals - Rainbow Lagoon Swan Boats
- (0.73 mi) Red Line Shuttle
- (0.57 mi) Magnolia and Willow
Downtown Long Beach Information
Excellent Reviews | 132 |
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Very Good Reviews | 104 |
Downtown Long Beach Photos | 169 |