Free and Fun Things to do in Long Beach

From movies in the park to an amazing selection of outdoor festivals, there are so many fun things to do in Long Beach! What’s the best part? Most of them are totally free. Unlike last year, things are beginning to open back up again! Here are our picks for the top free activities in Long Beach.

Head to the Beach

When in doubt, spend a day in the sand! Depending on your mood, there’s plenty of beach variety here in Long Beach. If you’re not a fan of waves, Mother’s Beach or Bayshore Beach on Alamitos Bay may be the best option for you – both are popular spots for families to hang out and play beach sports. Check out Rosie’s Dog Beach if you’re bringing your furry friend along.

Movies in the Park

When summer rolls around again, watch movies under the stars for the ultimate family fun time! Long Beach Parks, Recreation, and Marine manages Movies in the Park.  From June to August, family-friendly movies will be premiered on inflatable screens at parks throughout Long Beach. Bring your own blankets, lawn chairs, and your favorite snacks.

Fourth Fridays on 4th Street’s Retro Row

Have you ever strolled down 4th Street Retro Row? It’s lined with awesome shops and delicious food. Retro Row is so popular that the community comes together to host a super fun dining and shopping experience on the 4th Friday of each month. There’s usually live music and dancing, shops extend their hours, and sometimes even offer discounted merchandise. Learn more here!

Naples Island Canals

Naples Island is one of the most beautiful areas of Long Beach, California. It’s the perfect spot to walk around on a sunny day and watch the boats go by or admire the gorgeous, stately homes along the water. Mother’s Beach at Marine Park is also on Naples Island and offers plenty to do for the whole family. There’s a playground, beach volleyball courts, and a lovely area for picnicking!

Farmers Markets

Long Beach is home to many fun and unique Farmer’s Markets. They are also all on different days so if for some reason you can’t make the weekday Farmer’s Markets, you can attend the weekend ones! Check out the locations and hours here.

Yoga on the Bluff

Practice relaxation and mindfulness for free on the Bluff! Yogalution believes that everyone should have access to yoga, regardless of their financial circumstances. They offer free, daily yoga sessions at 11am on the corner of Ocean Blvd and Junipero Avenue.

Other Free Things to Do

  • Visit your local library and enjoy turning the pages of an actual book. Additionally, many of the libraries have free book clubs, storytime, and special events.
  • Visit California State University at Long Beach. There are always activities on campus including athletic events, free music, lectures, and even a poet’s lounge. There is also the University Art Museum which always has rotating exhibits.
  • El Dorado Nature Center is always free and has 105 acres to explore. It provides a sanctuary for wildlife. Furthermore, if you’re looking for some exercise, there are two miles of dirt trails and a quarter-mile paved trail. They wind around two lakes, a stream, and forested areas. There is also a visitor’s center with displays, books, and gifts.
  • Rancho Los Cerritos has the option to reserve a free tour of the Monterey-style ranch house. On the tour, you can learn about the ways of life during the 1800s.
  • The Museum of Latin American Art is the only museum in the United States dedicated to modern and contemporary Latin American Art. You can book a free, virtual tour HERE.
  • Rancho Los Alamitos was once the sacred Tongva Village of Povuu’ngna. It was the traditional birthplace of the native people of the Los Angeles Basin. They have free self and guided tours of the ranch house, gardens, and barn areas.

Free Events and Beyond

While these are just some of the free events in Long Beach right now, it’s possible more will pop up as COVID regulations continue to become less strict. Below are some more great resources for updates on Long Beach events.

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About the Author

Shannon Jones has been selling real estate since 1998 and specializes in listing and marketing homes. She has consistently been one of the top Realtors in the Long Beach area. Prior to her award-winning career in real estate with the Shannon jones Team, Shannon has had successful careers in journalism and public relations. She holds a bachelors degree from UC Irvine and a masters degree from UC Berkeley. Shannon holds E-Pro, CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert), and PSC (Pre-Foreclosure Specialist) certifications. Shannon is very personable and maintains a very strong moral compass, always putting the best interest of home buyers/sellers above monetary goals. A California native, Shannon enjoys gardening, travel, reading, cooking and poker when she’s not selling homes MY DESIGNATIONS Lic# 01247705 | CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert) | E-Pro | PSC (Pre-Foreclosure Specialist) MY SERVICE AREAS Anaheim Bellflower Buena Park Carson Cerritos Cypress Downey Fountain Valley Garden Grove Huntington Beach La Palma Lakewood Long Beach Los Alamitos Los Angeles County Norwalk Orange County Rossmoor San Pedro Seal Beach Signal Hill South Bay Westminster

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