Long Beach, California

Long Beach, California
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Long_Beach_07.jpg
Author: Christophe Finot


Long Beach is a major city within the Los Angeles metropolitan area. In fact, it is second in population to Los Angeles itself. The city of half a million people (2011 estimate) is the sixth largest city in California.

Seagulls at Long Beach
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Long_Beach_California_Birds.jpg
Author: Jessicacu


Long Beach is located on the southeastern end of Los Angeles County, bordering Orange County. It is 20 miles (32 km) to the south of downtown Los Angeles, and 105 miles (169 km) north of San Diego.

Until the arrival of Europeans, the Long Beach area was inhabited by Native Americans of the Tongva group. The arrival of Europeans caused a sharp decline in their population due to exposure to European diseases and hostility.

Cherry Avenue Lifeguard Station, Long Beach
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cherry_Avenue_Lifeguard_Station.jpg
Author: Los Angeles


In 1784, Long Beach was part of the Spanish Empire. In 1843, Jonathan Temple erected an adobe here known as Los Cerritos Ranch House, which is still standing today as a National Historic Landmark. By the 20th century, Long Beach was gaining popularity as a seaside resort with amusement parks sprouting up to cater to holiday-makers.

The petroleum industry of Long Beach began in 1921, when oil was discovered on Signal Hill, which later split off as a separate city totally surrounded by Long Beach. More discoveries were to follow, including the Wilmington Oil Field, which was at one time the fourth-largest oil field in the United States.

Walter Pyramid athletic facility, Long Beach State University
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Author: Summum


Today Long Beach is a vibrant modern city. It plays a dominant role in the port and maritime industries. The Port of Long Beach is the second busiest container port in the United States, and one of the biggest shipping ports in the world. The city is also the base for offshore petroleum industry as well as a manufacturing base for a wide range of products from automotive to audiovisual.

Visiting Long Beach, California

Long Beach has a local airport, the Long Beach Airport (LGB), but for better connections, use the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), just 25 miles away. To reach Long Beach from Los Angeles, take Interstate 710 (Long Beach Freeway) or Interstate 110 (Harbor Freeway) heading south. Coming from Orange County, take Interstate 405 heading east.

Places of Interest in Long Beach, California

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