About Long Beach
Long Beach is not a neighborhood of LA — it is its own city of 470,000 people, 25 miles south of DTLA, with its own downtown, port, airport (LGB), and culture. Many international visitors overlook it, which means better value on hotels and fewer crowds.
For the 2028 Olympics, Long Beach hosts Long Beach Arena (combat sports) and El Dorado Park (Archery). It is reachable from DTLA via Metro A Line (Blue) in about 55–65 min.
Highlights
- Long Beach waterfront — Rainbow Harbor, the RMS Queen Mary (historic ship hotel)
- Downtown Long Beach — 4th Street (Retro Row), dining, bars, music venues
- East Village Arts District — galleries, independent restaurants
- Long Beach Airport (LGB) — smaller, easier, and less busy than LAX
Getting There
Metro A Line (Blue) terminates at Downtown Long Beach — about 55–65 min from 7th/Metro Center in DTLA. Long Beach Airport (LGB) has direct flights from many US cities and some international destinations — worth checking as an LAX alternative.
Where to Eat in Long Beach
- 4th Street Retro Row — the best restaurant and bar strip; indie and eclectic
- Beachwood BBQ & Brewing — craft beer destination, 4th Street
- James Republic — upscale California cuisine, Pine Ave
- Lola's Mexican Cuisine — great margaritas and food, 4th Street
- Open Sesame — Lebanese, award-winning, Broadway