One of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States, Long Beach is a vibrant port with neighbourhoods ranging from upmarket residences to former industrial estates. It’s home to a world-class aquarium and fascinating museum ships, together with a range of must-see waterfront attractions.

Things to do

Long Beach is home to the Museum of Latin American Art, which houses prominent works by Frida Kahlo, Dario Escobar and Flavio Garciandia. Wander through the on-site Sculpture Garden, renowned for its decorative wall niches inspired by Latin American courtyards.

Don’t miss a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific, home to almost 1,000 different marine species. Go on a journey through the Tropical Pacific, the Northern Pacific and the waters of Southern California/Baja, with the opportunity to get up close to giant octopus, southern sea otters and tiger sharks.

For a taste of Japan in the heart of Southern California, wander around the beautiful Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. It was inspired by the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo and features a traditional tea house, koi ponds and a charming zig-zag bridge.

Interested in old war ships? Join a haunted ghost tour on the Queen Mary, a historic ocean liner that served as a troop transporter during World War II. You can also tour the narrow passageways and hatches of the Cold War Soviet submarine known as the “Russian” that is moored alongside it.

Getting around

Los Angeles International Airport is around 30 minutes’drive north-west of Long Beach. The city is connected to Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood by regular metro train services, while The Passport bus service offers connections to most of the shopping areas and visitor attractions.