01
Best overall pick
Long Beach City Beach
Long Beach Shoreline • Classic Urban Oceanfront • Best All-Around Option
A broad, walkable stretch of sand with bike paths, mellow waves, and big-sky views just minutes downhill from Signal Hill.
Running below Bluff Park and along Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach City Beach is the go-to spot when you want a straightforward day on the sand without a long drive. The paved path makes it easy to walk, run, or bike between different access points, and there are scattered restrooms and parking along the bluff. Thanks to the offshore breakwater, the surf usually stays manageable, which is ideal for casual swimmers and anyone who prefers calmer water over pounding waves.
02
Closest to downtown
Alamitos Beach
Downtown Waterfront • Central City Beach • Best For Car-Free Visits
Downtown’s main stretch of sand, with volleyball courts, a wide path, and easy access to restaurants, bars, and hotels nearby.
Alamitos Beach sits between downtown Long Beach and the start of the shoreline neighborhoods, making it an easy pick if you’re already in the city center. It’s a flat, open beach with plenty of room to spread out, plus courts and a broad path that tie into the larger coastal bike system. From here you can walk to Shoreline Village or up to Pine Avenue for food and drinks, so it’s especially convenient for visitors staying downtown or anyone arriving via transit or rideshare.
03
Social scene pick
Belmont Shore Beach
Belmont Shore • Lively Neighborhood Beachfront • Best For People-Watching
A wide, active beach backed by Belmont Shore’s 2nd Street, where the sand, pier, and neighborhood cafes all blend into one long day out.
Belmont Shore Beach brings together locals walking dogs, beach volleyball games, casual surfers, and people cruising the bike path. The nearby Belmont Veterans Memorial Pier offers fishing and big views, while 2nd Street just a few blocks inland is packed with coffee spots, brunch patios, and low-key bars. Parking can fill quickly on weekends and summer afternoons, so plan to arrive earlier if you want an easy spot and a less hectic feel on the sand.
04
Top family choice
Mother’s Beach (Marine Park)
Naples / Alamitos Bay • Sheltered Bay Beach • Best For Kids And Beginners
Shallow, protected water, a small sandy shoreline, and a playground make this one of the easiest beach days for families near Signal Hill.
Tucked into Alamitos Bay, Mother’s Beach faces the harbor instead of the open ocean, so the water stays calm and the waves are minimal. Parents appreciate the gradual entry, seasonal lifeguards, and nearby playground, while the grassy areas and picnic tables give you a break from the sand. There’s a pay lot close to the beach, and the compact layout makes it simple to keep an eye on kids without feeling like you’re chasing them across a huge stretch of shoreline.
05
Quiet escape
Long Beach Peninsula Beach
Long Beach Peninsula • Quiet Residential Shoreline • Great For Quiet Sunsets
A narrow oceanfront strip at the tip of the peninsula, popular with locals who want waves, sea breeze, and sunset views without big crowds.
Peninsula Beach feels far removed from downtown even though it’s only a few miles away, thanks to its residential setting and limited commercial development. Street parking and a lack of major facilities keep things relatively low-key, making it a good choice for quiet walks, reading on the sand, or watching kites and windsurfers out on the water. Pack what you need—there are fewer restrooms and no boardwalk scene here—but the tradeoff is a more relaxed atmosphere and open horizon views.