Top Long Beach Outdoor Activities

Visit sharks, penguins and puffins with admission to the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, and explore 19 wildlife habitats from every corner of the world’s largest ocean. Slip beneath a full-sized model of a blue whale, and catch the eye of a fierce leopard shark. Travel from a Sea of Cortez kelp forest to the ice-crusted waters off Northern Japan; watch sea horses play in a tropical lagoon, pet a shark in a kid-friendly touch tank and listen to the eerie melodies of an undersea whale song. Keeping our guests and staff safe is our top priority. We are limiting the number of visitors, requiring advance timed reservations, and managing traffic flow to ensure social distancing, requiring face coverings and temperature checks, providing numerous hand-sanitizing stations, and much more.

The Swan Boats on Rainbow Lagoon are one of the hottest new activities in Long Beach's ionic Rainbow Harbor. Don’t miss this unique way to experience the area and all of its beauty. All of our boats come equipped with shaded canopies for maximum comfort. Our large swan boats feature a roomy back seat for those that would like to forego pedaling and would prefer to just enjoy the view. You are welcome to bring food and drinks on-board the swan boats for a floating picnic (no alcohol is permitted).

See the L.A. coast from the sky with an exciting, 15-minute tour from Long Beach on a private helicopter. Swoop above the iconic Queen Mary ocean liner and hover over downtown Long Beach, see the imposing Battleship Iowa that's moored in the city's bustling port. Enjoy seaward views of Catalina Island and the curving Pacific coastline before touching back to earth at the Long Beach helipad.

Beginner to Advanced Sailing Lesson/ Instruction, for Up to 6 Passengers. No Experience Needed, All Ages, Animals/ Pets Allowed

See the L.A. coast from a private helicopter with a 30-minute, narrated flight from Long Beach, and take in California’s most iconic vistas. Watch for surfers as you soar over the breaks at Redondo, Hermosa and Manhattan beaches, then swoop above the exclusive harbor in Marina del Rey. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the slender Santa Monica Pier, see the Los Angeles airport from above, and return to Long Beach past Hawthorne, Torrance and the Galaxy Stadium while enjoying sweeping western panoramas of the Pacific Ocean.

Surfing is a great outdoor travel activity, but even experienced surfers rarely carry boards and wetsuits.  This surf experience solves that problem by including your equipment along with a lesson from a surf instructor. The lesson covers basic etiquette, tides, safety, and techniques, and is offered for surfers of all levels of skill and experience.

We are the top destination for whale watching in Long Beach and Los Angeles. Our custom built high speed vessels can cover waters north to Santa Monica and south to Newport Beach for maximum range coverage resulting in maximum marine life sighting success. Our fleet of state of the art vessels adhere to strict safety codes and regulations, ensuring you and your friends and family enjoy a wonderful experience out on the water. All whale watching excursions embark under the guidance of highly trained captains not only equipped to man your boat, but also to provide informative narration of the wildlife you might encounter. Marine life we encounter includes: Gray Whales (November-April), Blue Whales (may-November), and year-round we can see Humpback Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales, Orcas, Dolphins, Sea Lions, Harbor Seals, rare Marine Birds, and much more!

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

This activity is unique because you are welcome to bring your own alcohol and food. Also, it is a private trip only your group on the boat with the captain.

Experience the vast Pacific Ocean on a private sailboat charter. Bring your own food and drinks, play your favorite tunes, and relax. This adventure includes a USCG Certified Captain who has mastered the art of hospitality. Chances of seeing some sleep seals are high and we have a handful of amenities like pillows, blankets, binoculars, and a Yeti cooler, and table to make sure you have everything you need. Jolly Sailing LB was founded in 2018 to provide the Long Beach area with more access to ocean experiences. Capt. Max Jolly races Lido 14's and Catalina 37' sailboats regularly and was a crew member on the first-place vessel, in the Newport to Ensenada race in 2015. Max earned both his Bachelor's and Master's Degree in Leisure and Recreation Studies. Jolly Sailing's number one priority is safety. We also pride ourselves on providing superb customer service.

Let’s Roam is the #1 app-led scavenger hunt company. Walk to all the best landmarks and hidden gems, answering trivia questions and solving challenges. Work with your team or compete against them, as you learn new facts and create memorable experiences. Let’s Roam Scavenger Hunts are great as an everyday activity, or for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, corporate team building events and more! Each player chooses an interactive role, with challenges varying by person.

Take in Los Angeles’ scenic highlights from the air with a private, 45-minute helicopter tour from Long Beach. Soar over the L.A. harbor and the iconic Queen Mary, and look out towards Catalina Island from the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Fly up the coast past Manhattan Beach and Marina del Rey, bank over Santa Monica pier then head for downtown. See the city’s sports centers and gleaming sky scrapers and take in views of the Hollywood Hills and the San Gabriel Mountains before touching back down in Long Beach.

For a romantic activity perfect for admiring the Rainbow Harbor sunset, just grab your favorite person and pedal out onto Rainbow Lagoon with this swan boat adventure. Book the time that works for you, hop into your novelty vessel, and admire the sights of downtown Long Beach harbor. You can enjoy an onboard picnic, glide across the calm waters, or skip pedaling altogether and relax in the boat's roomy back seat.

Enjoy the culinary delights of downtown Long Beach during this tasting tour. Sample a variety of the city’s best eats as you experience seven or more tastings (and sips) of foods like Greek ‘saganaki’ (flaming cheese), cold-pressed juice, and much more. All tastings and a ‘Long Beach Booklet’ with maps and coupons are included. An upgrade with additional alcohol pairings is also available.