South Bay and Harbor, Los Angeles County
Long Beach, Los Angeles
A waterfront city with a working port and urban beach culture
Long Beach is a large coastal city in southern Los Angeles County, known for its waterfront, the Port of Long Beach, and a vibrant downtown. As the second-largest city in the county, Long Beach combines urban density with beach culture, offering a mix of neighborhoods, a busy harbor, and a growing downtown with restaurants, shops, and residential towers. The city is home to California State University, Long Beach, the Queen Mary, and the Long Beach Grand Prix. Its location on the coast and its role as a major port give it a distinctive character within the region.
History & Local Character
Long Beach was founded in the 1880s as a beach resort town and grew rapidly in the 20th century. The discovery of oil in the 1920s and the development of the port drove decades of growth. The city's naval base, once a major employer, closed in the 1990s, and the city has since focused on downtown redevelopment, tourism, and its growing university.
Neighborhoods & Communities
Downtown Long Beach centers on Pine Avenue and the waterfront, with restaurants, shops, and residential towers. Belmont Shore and Naples offer waterfront living along canals and the bay. The East Side and Bixby Knolls are established residential neighborhoods. The West Side and the area near the port are more industrial, while the Cal State Long Beach area has a college-town atmosphere.
Housing & Real Estate
Long Beach offers a range of housing, from downtown condos and apartments to single-family homes in established neighborhoods. Prices are high but generally more moderate than the Westside of Los Angeles. The waterfront areas of Belmont Shore and Naples command premium prices. New residential construction downtown has added modern apartment options.
Restaurants & Shopping
Long Beach's dining scene is diverse and growing, with a concentration of restaurants along Pine Avenue downtown, on Second Street in Belmont Shore, and in the East Village Arts District. The city offers seafood, Cambodian, Mexican, and American options, reflecting its diverse population. The waterfront areas offer waterside dining with harbor views.
Schools & Education
Long Beach Unified School District is one of the largest districts in the state, known for its innovative school choice programs. California State University, Long Beach is a major university in the city, and Long Beach City College provides community college education. The district has received recognition for its efforts to improve outcomes across diverse student populations.
Parks & Recreation
Long Beach offers several miles of beaches along the coast, including the Belmont Shore beach and the Long Beach Marina. The city maintains numerous neighborhood parks, the El Dorado Nature Center, and the Shoreline Aquatic Park along the waterfront. The Long Beach Greenbelt and the beach bike path provide recreation along the coast.
Transportation & Accessibility
Long Beach is connected by the 710, 405, and 605 freeways. The LA Metro Blue Line light rail connects downtown Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles. The city operates Long Beach Transit buses, and the Port of Long Beach is one of the busiest seaports in the world. Long Beach Airport offers limited commercial flights.
Local Businesses
Long Beach's economy is anchored by the port, international trade, healthcare, education, and tourism. The city supports a strong small business community of restaurants, retail shops, and professional services, particularly downtown and in the Belmont Shore commercial district.
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Nearby Attractions
- The Queen Mary
- Aquarium of the Pacific
- Belmont Shore beach
- Cal State Long Beach campus
Advantages & Considerations
Advantages
- Waterfront location with beaches and marina
- More affordable than Westside Los Angeles
- Metro rail connection to downtown LA
- Growing downtown with restaurants and residential options
Considerations
- Traffic on the 710 and 405 freeways
- Some areas near the port are industrial
- Air quality can be affected by port activity
- Beach areas can be crowded in summer
Long Beach FAQs
Is Long Beach part of Los Angeles County?
Yes. Long Beach is an incorporated city within Los Angeles County, and it is the second-largest city in the county after Los Angeles.
Can you take a train from Long Beach to Los Angeles?
Yes. The LA Metro Blue Line light rail connects downtown Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles, providing a transit option between the two cities.
Does Long Beach have a beach?
Yes. Long Beach has several miles of beaches along its waterfront, including the Belmont Shore beach and the Shoreline Aquatic Park area.