Long Beach (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Long Beach?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: A solo guest can kayak Alamitos Bay, jog the 4.5-mile beach path, and explore safe, walkable Retro Row shops, with hostels, buses, and bike rentals widely available.
![Driving Downtown Long Beach | Los Angeles, California USA [4K UHD 60fps]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3dmC_pGfn8I/hqdefault.jpg)
Positives:
- Safe solo routes: Marked pedestrian and bike paths along the shore make solo exploration easy.
- Compact layout: Major attractions are within a few miles, so rideshares or bikes cover ground quickly.
Challenges:
- Evening transport: Public transit frequency drops after 9 PM; schedule rideshares in advance.
- Sun exposure: Coastal sun can be strong; wear sunscreen and a hat on outdoor paths.
What is Long Beach?
- A coastal municipality in southern Los Angeles County, California, ranking as the state’s seventh-largest city
- Home to the Port of Long Beach, one of the world’s busiest container ports and a key hub of maritime commerce
- Spans roughly 50 square miles of urban landscape, integrating historic downtown districts, industrial waterfront, and diverse residential communities
What is so special about Long Beach for solo trip?
- Explore marine life at the Aquarium of the Pacific
- Tour the historic Queen Mary with a ghost-adventure twist
- Paddle calm bay channels around Naples Island
- Cycle or walk the scenic 4.5-mile coastal path
- Discover vintage shops and indie cinema on Retro Row
Recommended visit duration: 0.5-1 day
Why 0.5-1 day visit duration is ideal for solo trip: You can visit the Aquarium, tour the Queen Mary and paddle or bike along the coast in half to one day.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Long Beach
Aquarium of the Pacific:
See nautilus, sharks and endangered penguins in themed habitats.
Tip: Buy timed-entry tickets online and arrive at opening to join feedings.
Historic Queen Mary:
Explore the retired ocean liner turned museum and hotel.
Tip: Book a guided ghost tour at dusk for an atmospheric solo experience.
Kayaking on Alamitos Bay:
Paddle quiet channels around Naples Island.
Tip: Rent from Kayaks on the Water; choose a morning slot for calm waters.
Shoreline Pedestrian/Bike Path:
Walk or cycle 4.5 miles from downtown to Belmont Shore.
Tip: Use the dedicated lanes and refill your water bottle at park stations.
Retro Row on 4th Street:
Browse vintage vinyl and mid-century shops, then catch an indie film.
Tip: Check Art Theatre showtimes and carry small bills for purchases.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Long Beach
- Buy tickets online: Secure timed-entry for the aquarium and Queen Mary to avoid lines.
- Use bike-share: Grab a dockless bike to move faster along the shoreline without rental hassle.
When is the best time to visit Long Beach (Los Angeles, United States)?
Spring and fall bring mild temps and fewer crowds for biking or paddleboarding. Summer evenings light up the Pike Ferris wheel. Winter rarely cancels harbor tours.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Aquarium of the Pacific admission | USD 36 |
| Queen Mary standard tour | USD 38 |
| Kayak rental (1 hr) | USD 25 |
| Coffee at a café | USD 5 |
| Total Estimated | USD 104 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Long Beach
Address: Long Beach, CA, USA
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