Summary
Long Beach, CA beaches offer unique features compared to many other Southern California beaches. The harbor is protected by a breakwater, resulting in minimal surfable waves, making these beaches ideal for families and non-swimmers. Activities like windsurfing, kiteboarding, kayaking, and fishing are popular here.
However, the calm waters do mean there is less natural wave action to cleanse the shoreline of pollutants coming from the LA River. Thanks to booms and filters implemented at the river’s mouth, contamination concerns have greatly improved, but it remains wise to check water quality reports prior to swimming.
In addition to river runoff, beachgoers may notice a black film of petroleum on the sand due to oil drilling from offshore oil islands. Although somewhat obscured by concrete structures, these platforms are still operational.
On clearer days, visitors can glimpse Catalina Island, easily accessible via ferry.
Another aspect distinguishing Long Beach beaches is their south-facing orientation, which requires heading south to reach them. Heading west will lead you towards the Port of Long Beach. Due to this orientation, sunsets during summer occur behind downtown, contrasting with winter evenings when the sun sets directly over the beach and the bluff.
Beach Path and Rentals
Separate paths for biking/skating and pedestrians traverse the coast from Downtown Long Beach to Peninsula Beach, where a boardwalk continues in front of residences. Seasonal bike rentals are available at various locations, and multiple Long Beach Bikeshare hubs allow for convenient rentals. Reservations can be made online or through the mobile app, with bikes returned to any hub or a public bike rack for an additional fee.
Alamitos Beach
Alamitos Beach is the nearest beach from Downtown Long Beach, making it accessible for guests staying at local hotels and attending events at the Long Beach Convention Center. Biking or walking via the bike path from Shoreline Village or Rainbow Harbor is also a pleasant option. The beach resides along Long Beach Bay and derives its name from Alamitos Avenue, which leads into it. Confusingly, Alamitos Bay is situated around the Peninsula, lined with additional beaches.
Junipero Beach
Junipero Beach is part of Alamitos Beach, starting from the Junipero Avenue parking lot and extending eastward to the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier. Often referred to as Cherry Beach, the name “Junipero” may be pronounced variously by locals, but it remains a charming destination.
Belmont Shore Beach
The stretch from the Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier to the Long Beach Peninsula is collectively referred to as Belmont Shore Beach. Although adjacent to the Belmont Shore neighborhood, it comprises various beach segments with distinct characteristics.
Granada Beach and Rosie’s Dog Beach
Granada Beach spans the area of the Belmont Shore Beach, specifically at the eastern end near the small boat launch ramp. The designation of “Rosie’s Dog Beach” comes from community efforts, allowing dogs in specific areas of the beach, marked clearly for responsible pet owners.
Peninsula Beach
Peninsula Beach in Belmont Shore extends from 54th Place, where the bike path concludes, to the breakwater at Alamitos Bay Channel. Visitors enjoy a picturesque view of Seal Beach across the channel and River, particularly popular for its kiteboarding opportunities.
Horny Corner – Bayshore Beach
West Bayshore Beach, or Horny Corner, is known for its lively summer beach parties. Also historically regarded as a singles beach, it remains a popular spot for socializing while restrictions against alcohol and other activities keep the atmosphere welcoming and enjoyable for families.
Mother’s Beach
Located in Alamitos Bay, Mother’s Beach (also referred to as Marine Park Beach) provides a safe swimming area for families, equipped with a playground that enhances its appeal to parents with young children.
Marine Stadium Beach
Marine Stadium Beach serves as a hub for rowing competitions and boat races, providing an adjacent sandy area for those who wish to lounge while enjoying the aquatic activities.
Colorado Lagoon Beach
Colorido Lagoon is a unique habitat with a shallow sandy area, ideal for family-friendly activities like swimming and picnicking, while promoting wildlife observation within its wetlands.
Beach Rules and Regulations
The following regulations are enforced at all Long Beach beaches:
- No smoking
- No alcohol
- No nude (or topless for women) sunbathing
- No pets of any kind (except Rosie’s Dog Beach)
- No driving on the beach
- No camping or sleeping
- No fires or barbecues (except where provided)
- No fireworks
- No amplified music
- No littering
In the areas around Bluff Park, Seaside Walk, and Bayshore Walk, additional prohibitions include:
- No bicycling
- No skateboarding
- No roller skating
- No dogs off leash
