13 BEST Long Beach Beaches In 2023 (Info + Map)

Looking for the best Long Beach beaches? Check out my list of the top 13 beaches PLUS the best places to stay!  

If you are heading to Long Beach and want to hit the beach, I’ve good news. 

There are plenty of beaches to choose from and I have the top 13 for you!

Long Beach beaches are unique compared to the other beaches in SoCal. 

They are protected by the breakwater protecting the harbor, which means that the water is very calm (good for parents, bad for surfers!)

This makes Long Beach beaches perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, or just playing in the water. 

So, in between hitting up Downtown LBC, Knott’s Berry Farm, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and the Queen Mary, visit one of the many Long Beach beaches for some fun in the sun!

Looking for a place to stay in Long Beach?

Check out the Hyatt Regency Long Beach – winner of a TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice in 2023!

Book the Hyatt Regency here!

13 BEST Long Beach Beaches

Long Beach has a variety of beaches with different vibes, so you’ll be able to find exactly the beach you are looking for. I’ll point out the details of each beach, plus what it’s best for.

So, whether you want a vibrant beach with plenty of activities and amenities, or a quiet spot to read a book while the kids play in the sand, it’s there.

While you’re in Long Beach, head on an Express Taxi to Catalina Island!

Book this highly rated ferry here!

1. Long Beach City Beach

Best for: families, a beach walk/bike

Beach type: long, wide, ocean beach

Amenities:

Parking: parking lot

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguards: Yes, but seasonally

Food nearby: Yes

Activities: Swimming, volleyball courts, paved bike/walking path along the beach

Picnic tables: No

Long Beach City Beach is the main beach of Long Beach. It’s a long, sandy beach, stretching for 4 miles, with calm waters.

The beach is protected from ocean waves by the Long Beach breakwaters, so the water is calm—which makes it great for families! Swimming, boogie boarding, or kite boarding are great activities.

An added bonus is that there are many restaurants and shops nearby on Ocean Blvd too, so you’ll be able to grab a bite or a few drinks after your day in the sun. 

If you just want to enjoy a walk or bike along the beach, there’s a wide paved path that’s popular with bikers, skaters, and walkers.

Address: 1 Junipero Avenue; Long Beach, CA 90803

2. Belmont Shore Beach

Best for: families, a beach walk/bike

Beach type: long, wide, ocean beach

Amenities:

Parking: parking lot

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguards: Yes, but seasonally

Food nearby: Yes

Activities: Swimming, volleyball courts, paved bike/walking path along the beach

Picnic tables: No

Long Beach City Beach is the main beach of Long Beach. It’s a long, sandy beach, stretching for 4 miles, with calm waters.

The beach is protected from ocean waves by the Long Beach breakwaters, so the water is calm—which makes it great for families! Swimming, boogie boarding, or kite boarding are great activities.

An added bonus is that there are many restaurants and shops nearby on Ocean Blvd too, so you’ll be able to grab a bite or a few drinks after your day in the sun. 

If you just want to enjoy a walk or bike along the beach, there’s a wide paved path that’s popular with bikers, skaters, and walkers.

Address: 1 Junipero Avenue; Long Beach, CA 90803

3. Alamitos Beach

Best for: a full-service beach day

Beach type: expansive, ocean beach

Amenities:

Parking: parking lot

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguards: Yes, but seasonally

Food nearby: Yes

Activities: Swimming, volleyball courts

Picnic tables: No

Other: Concession stand, rental shop

Alamitos Beach is the closest and most convenient beach to Downtown Long Beach, within walking distance of many downtown hotels. This beach has everything you’ll need for the day!

The beach is expansive and it’s a great place for laying out, playing volleyball, or swimming. There’s even an inflatable water playground in the ocean!

For even more convenience, a rental shop at the beach entrance if you’d like to rent bikes, roller blades, fishing gear, or beach chairs.

There’s also a variety of restaurants to choose from on Ocean Blvd. and 2nd Street, a short walk away from the beach. 

Address: Alamitos Ave and Ocean Blvd; Long Beach, CA 90803

4. Junipero Beach

Best for: families, a low-key beach day

Beach type: narrow strip of sand, ocean beach

Amenities:

Parking: Parking lot

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguards: Yes, but seasonally

Food nearby: Yes

Activities: Swimming, walking/bike path, basketball courts

Picnic tables: No

Other: Bixby Park nearby has picnic areas and playgrounds

Junipero Beach begins where Alamitos Beach ends so you can walk from one to the other in the same afternoon.

The small stretch of beach is nice for a low-key beach day with the family. If Alamitos Beach is a little too busy, head over to Junipero. 

The parking lot is large and right next to the sand which is good for carrying all the gear from the car.

But even better, the first on-sand (like literally ON the sand) restaurant, Saltwater Deck, is at this beach.  AND added bonus, there’s a playground too! 

Plus, a block away is Bixby Park which hosts yoga classes on a regular basis plus exercising equipment, a big grassy area, and picnic tables.

Address: 1 Junipero Ave, Long Beach, CA

5. Alamitos Bay Beach (or Bayshore Beach)

Best for: getting in or on the water, outdoor activities

Beach condition: narrow strip, bay beach

Amenities:

Parking: Free street parking, parking lot

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: No

Lifeguards: Yes, but seasonally

Food nearby: Yes

Activities: Swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, basketball court, handball court, inflatable playground

Picnic tables: No

Other: Rental shop

Alamitos Bay Beach is a protected beach on the bay. It’s the local’s favorite spot for swimming due to the calm and clear waters.

Because it’s a sheltered bay, this is also a great place for kayaking or paddleboarding. There are spots to rent kayaks and paddleboards nearby too.

For some action for the kids, there’s an inflatable obstacle course in the water and a playground, Bayshore Playground, walking distance from the beach. 

Note that during the summer, Bay Shore Ave is closed to provide a safe environment for the beach goers.  

Address: 5415 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803

6. Mother’s Beach

Best for: families with little kids

Beach type: broad and sandy, bay beach

Amenities:

Parking: Parking lot, street parking

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguards: Yes, but seasonally

Food nearby: Yes

Activities: Swimming, volleyball, grassy area

Picnic tables: Yes

Other: Playground, concession stand

Mother’s Beach is perfect for families looking for a fun beach day (could you tell by the name of the beach??)

It’s located at the southern end of Alamitos Bay below Marine Stadium, and it’s packed with things to do. 

In addition to the protected swimming area, there’s a large playground, a big grassy area, a concession stand, and picnic tables.

The beach is broad and wide, and the water is calm and clear. So, kids can have a blast swimming here safely. The calm waters are also perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding too! 

Address: 5839 Appian Way;  Long Beach, CA 90803

7. Alamitos Park Beach

Best for: a quiet beach visit

Beach type: wide, ocean beach

Amenities:

Parking: Parking lot

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguards: Yes

Food nearby: Yes

Activities: Swimming, fishing

Picnic tables: Yes

Other: Grassy area, small playground

Alamitos Park Beach is a wide sandy spot on the southern tip of the Long Beach peninsula. It’s unique to the other Long Beach beaches because there’s a huge rock jetty that serve as a breakwater.

Unlike some of the other beaches on this list, this beach isn’t bustling. This is the spot you go to if you want a quiet, relaxing beach day.

 It’s next to Alamitos Park so there’s a small grassy area with a couple of picnic tables.

Locals love the beauty of this beach. It’s a great place to watch the sunset, view boats sailing by into the marina, or just to enjoy the beautiful views across the water. You might even spot fishermen on the jetty.

Address: 72nd Place and, E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90803

8. Granada Beach

Best for: a fun beach day, playing volleyball

Beach condition: wide and sandy, ocean beach

Amenities:

Parking: Parking lot, street parking

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguards: Yes, but seasonally

Food nearby: Yes

Activities: Swimming, volleyball, walking/biking trail, kite flying

Picnic tables: No

Other: Boat launch

Located in the bustling Belmont Shore area, and actually a part of Belmont Shore Beach, Granada Beach is a popular spot because there’s a variety of things you can do there.

The beach is huge, and you can lay out, go swimming, play volleyball at one of the many nets, or watch the kites flying in the air on the breezy shoreline. 

There’s also a launch for boats and jet skis nearby. Since the water is calm, you’ll see kayakers and paddleboarders in the water too.  

Granada Beach is also the site of many popular beach events, like a summer beach movie series! 

Address: 4120 Ocean Blvd.; Long Beach, CA 90803

9. Peninsula Beach

Best for: a low-key beach day

Beach type: wide sandy beach, ocean beach

Amenities:

Parking: Parking lot, street parking

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: No

Lifeguards: Yes

Food nearby:

Activities: Swimming

Picnic tables: No

Peninsula Beach is a wide sandy beach right next to Alamitos Park Beach on the southern tip of the Long Beach peninsula.

It’s backed by a boardwalk called Seaside Walk in a quiet, family-centric neighborhood. This makes it great for families or anyone that wants a quiet beach day.

 Since it’s right next to Alamitos Park Beach, the nearby jetties make sure the water is calm. So, in addition to swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding are both a great idea here.

Address: E Seaside Walk between 55th Pl and 69th Pl; Long Beach, CA 90803

10. Colorado Lagoon Park

Best for: families with small kids

Beach type: small, sandy, lagoon beach

Amenities:

Parking: Parking lot, street parking

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguards: Yes, but seasonally

Food nearby: No

Activities: Swimming

Picnic tables: Yes

Other: BBQs, grassy area, playground, pier for jumping

Referred to as a hidden gem, Colorado Lagoon Park is an inland saltwater lagoon with small sandy beaches. It’s north of all the other Long Beach beaches, surrounded by parks.

It has beautiful views, relaxing vibes, and everything you need for a fun family beach day.

Calm waters, soft sand, picnic tables, grassy areas with shade trees—and added bonuses of a playground for toddlers, AND a pier older kids can jump off into the water.  

You might also see wildlife like egrets, pelicans and small schools of fish!

Address: 5119 East Colorado Street; Long Beach, CA 90814

11. Rosie’s Dog Beach

Best for: a doggie beach day

Beach type: wide and sandy, ocean beach

Amenities:

Parking: Parking lot, street parking

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: Yes

Lifeguards: No

Food nearby: Yes

Activities: Paved walking/biking path, kite flying

Picnic tables: No

Dog owners, this one’s for you! Rosie’s Beach is the only off-leash beach in the city!

The beach is right next to Granada Beach and is huge with soft sand.

The dog-friendly area on the beach is defined by orange, plastic cones. And while dogs are allowed to go leash-less on the beach, they are required to be on one on their way out.

Also, while bags are provided in dispensers, users are highly encouraged to bring their own. 

Address: 5000 E. Ocean Blvd.; Long Beach, CA

12. Shoreline Aquatic Park

Best for: a quiet beach to enjoy the views

Beach condition: sandy and rocky, bay beach

Amenities:

Parking: Parking lot

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: No

Lifeguards: No

Food nearby: Yes

Activities: No

Picnic tables: Yes

Other: Grassy area

Shoreline Aquatic Park is a city park near downtown Long Beach. It’s not the traditional beach vibes—this is more of a tranquil spot to relax.

While the beach itself is serene, it’s near many key attractions.

You can stroll along the boardwalk, visit the central lighthouse, check out the Aquarium of the Pacific, or eat a picnic lunch while enjoying the views of the Queen Mary and Long Beach skyline.

The north side of the park on Rainbow Harbor is sandy, but then it ends at a rocky shoreline.

Not many people get into the water, but you’ll spot people relaxing.  

There’s an amazing whale watching tour that departs in this area!

Buy tickets here!

Address: 308 Golden Shore; Long Beach, CA 90802

13. Marine Stadium Beach

Best for: water sports

Beach type: long strip, sandy, bay beach

Amenities:

Parking: Parking lot, street parking

Restrooms: Yes

Showers: No

Lifeguards: No

Food nearby: No

Activities: Boating, waterskiing, rowing

Picnic tables: No

Other: Boat launch, grassy area

Marine Stadium Beach is the spot for anyone interested in water sports. It’s hosts many water-based events and even two Olympic rowing competitions!

It’s open daily for rowing in the morning and 8am to sunset for water-skiing. Boats can be launched here for a small fee too. 

There isn’t much of a beach (it’s a long strip of sand on the water), and public swimming isn’t allowed.

But there are great events here during the summer, like concerts in the park, movie nights, and Farmer’s Markets.

Address: 5255 Paoli Way; Long Beach, CA 90803

Long Beach Beaches Map

Where to Stay in Long Beach

📍Value Option: The Queen Mary Hotel

The most unique hotel you can stay at, The Queen Mary is a permanently docked ocean liner turned Art Deco hotel. It’s in a great location, has plenty of fun activities onboard, a spa, and multiple restaurants.

Rooms range from standard rooms, family rooms, to suites. 

Book the Queen Mary here!

📍Mid-Range Option: Renaissance Long Beach Hotel

The Renaissance is a hit with guests because of the top location downtown, modern rooms, big pool, and delicious on-site restaurant.

Rooms are standard with one king or two full beds, but there are different types of views you can choose from.

Book the Renaissance here!

📍Luxury Option: Hyatt Regency Long Beach

Winner of a TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice in 2023, the Hyatt will make all types of guests happy. It’s centrally located in downtown, walking distance to the beach, has a pool and on-site dining, and a huge outdoor courtyard.

Rooms range from standard to family suites.

Book the Hyatt Regency here!

FAQs: Long Beach Beaches

Can you swim in the ocean in Long Beach? [H3]

Absolutely, you can swim in the ocean in Long Beach. And you should! Because of the breakwaters, the beaches in Long Beach have calm waters.

The ocean beaches that are great for swimming are Alamitos Beach, Junipero Beach, Long Beach City Beach, and Belmont Shore Beach.

Where is the beach with no waves in Long Beach? [H3]

The bay beaches in Long Beach have little to no waves since they are protected.

The best bay beaches in Long Beach are Mother’s Beach, Alamitos Bay, and Colorado Lagoon Park. 

But because of the breakwaters in Long Beach, all of the beaches have calm waters for the most part!

Does Long Beach have a sandy beach?

Yes, most beaches in Long Beach are sandy. Not only that, but they are broad beaches with plenty of room to spread out. A few of the beaches also have volleyball nets up for visitors.

Wrapping Up: Long Beach Beaches

No matter which beach you choose, you’re sure to have a great time in Long Beach.

Whether you head to Alamitos or Belmont Shore Beaches to enjoy a vibrant, fun beach scene or take the kids to Mother’s Beach or Colorado Lagoon Park, you are sure to have a great time.  

So, pack your sunscreen and your beach toys, and head to the coast for a day of fun in the sun. I hope you have a wonderful time exploring the beaches in Long Beach!