Long Beach is the fifth largest city in California. Nicknamed “The International City”, activities are as diverse as it’s citizens. The first free thing to do in Long Beach is to visit the ocean town’s beach. One might spend a lazy day there. Park your car on a city street, and it does not cost a penny to relax, enjoying the sunshine and cool ocean breeze. Depending on the weather, you might be treated to a breath taking rainbow over the ocean. Long Beach could be called “Rainbow City”; it’s not unusual to see double-rainbows on drizzly days, anywhere in the city.
During wartime breakwaters were built to produce a safe harbor for ships. This means no big waves, making the beach a safe place for young children to frolic in the water. Within this harbor are 4 Islands which are home to oil-drilling wells. Looking at the islands from shore, you will not see any equipment. The oil rigs are covered with facades giving the appearance of buildings. Landscaping includes tall palm trees and other vegetation. From shore they look like tiny island oasis’. After sunset the islands are lit up with multi-colored lights. Especially beautiful is the island waterfall that can be seen up close from the jetty at Alamitos Street and Ocean Blvd.
Tip for Guys: A woman will not think you are cheap if you take her to the beach for a date. Nighttime is a good time for a romantic stroll along the beach. Bring along a picnic dinner and a single rose arriving just before sunset. Forget the wine, alcohol is prohibited and do not get too carried away, the beach closes at 10PM.
Head to the Belmont Shore section of Long Beach for summertime fun. You may have to pay for parking in a lot or on the street due to the popularity of this part of Long Beach’s 8 1/2 mile long beach. If you have a net you can play volleyball anywhere along the beach. In Belmont Shore you can watch a tournament or the people getting ready for one. Belmont Shore’s annual Beach Fest offers Sand Castle contests and Chili contests. Flying kites or motorized airplanes is one of the fun activities you can do for free on the beach. Sometimes it is just fun to watch the action.
You also might enjoy sitting on a bench and watching the skaters. What is fun about that? Have you ever seen someone skate while blowing bubbles? Skaters perfecting their dance-on-skate moves are especially entertaining. The different outfits, or lack of them worn by skaters can be an eye-opening experience. You will not have to wonder why some sing “wish they all could be California girls”. But, I am not just talking about the babes. Perhaps being so close to Tinsel Town, Long Beach people tend to wear outrageous, unique clothing and hats. Worth checking out.
Dog lovers can bring their pet to the beach at Roycroft and Argonne Avenues. Bring your pooper scooper and your dog’s favorite water toy to enjoy the 3 acres of ocean beach reserved for dogs. Dogs are also welcome at Recreation Park located at 4900 E. 7th Street. The park features a fenced in dog park where dogs run free without leashes and socialize with other dogs.
Long Beach is home to 92 city owned parks, so no matter where you go in the city there’s always one nearby. Along with the usual park amenities, El Dorado Park East and West has a 4 mile hiking trail, and wildlife preserve. Bring a Frisbee and you can play a game of Frisbee golf. If you like walking, park in one of the free parking areas and spend a day exploring the park. You’ll see a variety of ducks and geese at the duck pond featuring a shooting water fountain. Playgrounds for children, baseball diamonds, basketball courts and bike trails are, of course, free to use.
Visiting the beach and parks are just a few of the free, fun things to do in Long Beach, California. There are ethnic festivals and parades year round. Antique car shows are always fun. Both events feature free music usually performed by local musicians. I have seen popular artists such as Thelma Houston, the Coasters and Rolls Royce for free in Long Beach. Check out the Grunion Gazette or Press Telegram for weekly listings of free, fun events in Long Beach, California. This is only a sampling of free things to do In Long Beach, California. City taxpayers get a lot for their money and visitors are always welcome.
Online Resources:
Dog Zone Regulations
Long Beach Parks
Gazette Newspapers
Long Beach Press Telegram
