Long Beach packs several excellent tour options into its compact coastal setting. Small-group 8-hour excursions give visitors time to properly experience the city’s highlights without feeling rushed. For cruise passengers, comprehensive city tours hit all the essential stops while revealing local secrets most travelers miss.
We particularly love the glass-bottom boat eco-tours for their up-close views of marine life and the craft cocktail experiences that showcase the city’s emerging drink scene. Private tours, while pricier, offer the flexibility many travelers prefer.
Let’s explore the very best tours Long Beach has to offer.
Key Points
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The Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tours offer an 8-hour shared tour that covers popular landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach, with knowledgeable guides and air-conditioned transportation.
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The Cruise Passenger Tours provide a full-day city tour starting from the Long Beach and San Pedro cruise terminals, covering major attractions and hidden gems like Marlon Brando’s acting school.
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The Ports of Call Tours offer a comprehensive sightseeing experience for cruise passengers, including local taxes, lunch, and museum entrance fees, though timing and highway travel have received mixed reviews.
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The Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour in Long Beach harbor provides a family-friendly 1-hour tour to explore marine life, though there are some critiques on visibility and noise levels.
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The Private San Diego Scenic and Landmarks Tour combines shopping and scenic attractions, with hassle-free round-trip transfers and accessibility considerations for collapsible wheelchairs and scooters.
For those looking to experience the iconic sights of Los Angeles, the Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour from Long Beach offers a rundown. This tour takes visitors on a journey through key landmarks, including the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
With a maximum group size of 14 people, the tour provides an intimate and personalized experience. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who receive praise for their engagement and expertise. Guests have the opportunity to explore these famous destinations at their own pace, with ample time for photos and sightseeing.
The round-trip transportation from Long Beach hotels in an air-conditioned van ensures a comfortable and convenient experience.
While the tour has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, with a 4.4-star rating from 308 reviews, there have been some isolated complaints about specific guide performance and communication issues.
Read our full review: Shared 8-Hour Los Angeles City Sightseeing Tour From Long Beach Review
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City Tour of Los Angeles From Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals
What better way for cruise ship passengers to experience the highlights of Los Angeles than the City Tour of Los Angeles From Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals? This full-day tour covers the city’s popular attractions and hidden gems, including the iconic Hollywood Sign and Marlon Brando’s acting school.
The tour is an ideal choice for travelers short on time, as it allows them to see multiple landmarks in a single day.
The tour departs from the San Pedro and Long Beach cruise terminals at 9:00 AM, and drop-off options include LAX, the cruise ship, and nearby hotels. Transportation is provided by an air-conditioned mini or large bus with a maximum capacity of 55 travelers.
The tour includes round-trip transfers, a professional guide, and a ticket for Angels Flight, but food and drink aren’t included.
While the tour has received an overall rating of 4.2 out of 95 reviews, some guests have expressed disappointment with the limited time spent at certain attractions.
However, the tour still provides a convenient way for cruise ship passengers to make the most of their time in Los Angeles.
Read our full review: City Tour of Los Angeles From Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals Review
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Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours
Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours offers a full-day sightseeing experience for cruise passengers. The tour covers major attractions, including Downtown Los Angeles, TCL Chinese Theater, Hollywood Boulevard, Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign.
Travelers can take photos at the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the tour emphasizes seeing diverse neighborhoods and iconic sites in one day.
The tour includes pickup from San Pedro and Long Beach Cruise Terminals at 9:00 am and drop-off options at LAX, the ship, or hotels in Long Beach/San Pedro. With a maximum of 55 travelers, the tour includes local taxes, lunch, and entrance fees to museums.
While not wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible and offers infant seats.
The tour has received mixed feedback, with an overall rating of 3.8 based on 13 reviews. Positive experiences include knowledgeable guides, engaging storytelling, and the comprehensive nature of the tour.
Negative feedback covers excessive highway time, dissatisfaction with specific stops, and concerns about timing and logistics.
Read our full review: Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours Review
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Los Angeles Highlights Tour From Long Beach
Seeking a more intimate and focused Los Angeles experience? Consider the half-day Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Long Beach. This small-group tour (max 14 participants) takes you to the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Hollywood Sign to Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
The tour covers a lot of ground, with stops at the LA Memorial Coliseum, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sunset Plaza, and more. You’ll explore filming locations and have ample time to wander popular destinations like the Dolby Theatre and TCL Chinese Theatre.
The knowledgeable guide provides context, while the relaxed pace allows you to soak it all in. Transportation is comfortable, with hotel pickup and drop-off in an air-conditioned van. However, the tour isn’t wheelchair-accessible.
Read our full review: Los Angeles Highlights Tour From Long Beach Review
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Long Beach Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour
Situated within the Long Beach Port, the Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the harbor’s shallow water habitat.
The 1-hour tour takes guests on a glass-bottom boat, allowing them to observe sea lions, seals, and the iconic Queen Mary up close. With a maximum capacity of 45 travelers, the family-friendly experience is accessible to all ages, though infants must sit on laps.
Priced at €29.30 per person, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option. While not wheelchair accessible, the boat is stroller-friendly and welcomes service animals.
The tour includes landing and facility fees, as well as snacks, and is conveniently located near public transportation.
Despite an overall rating of 4.0 from 35 reviews, some guests have critiqued the limited marine life viewing, noise levels, and seating visibility. Suggestions for improvement include enhancing the educational content and increasing the time spent observing the local wildlife.
Read our full review: Long Beach Glass Bottom Boat Eco-Tour Review
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East Village Craft Cocktail Tour
What makes the East Village Craft Cocktail Tour a must-try experience in Long Beach? Priced at $81.03 per person, this 4:30 PM tour takes you on a journey through the city’s thriving craft cocktail scene in the East Village Arts District.
Over the course of the 2-3 hour experience, you’ll visit four top cocktail spots, enjoying beverages and tapas without the hassle of reservations or cash. Along the way, your local guide with cocktail expertise will share insights into the area’s famous filming locations, such as La La Land.
The tour includes maps, coupons, and city recommendations, as well as a Beach City Food Tours gift and a walking guide. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour does offer restrooms and seating at all stops.
With a maximum group size of 8 travelers, this experience provides an intimate and personalized way to explore Long Beach’s vibrant craft cocktail culture.
Read our full review: East Village Craft Cocktail Tour Review
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Downtown LA Lights: Your Private Sunset and Night Helicopter Tour
Rather than exploring the city’s vibrant craft cocktail scene, adventurous travelers can now soar above Long Beach’s twinkling skyline on the Downtown LA Lights: Your Private Sunset and Night Helicopter Tour.
This 30-minute private helicopter sightseeing flight departs from the Santa Monica airport, offering aerial views of iconic LA landmarks like the Getty Museum, Hollywood Sign, and Griffith Observatory. Passengers will feel like Hollywood VIPs as they take in the breathtaking sunset and nighttime vistas of downtown’s glittering skyscrapers.
With a minimum of 2 people per booking, this experience is priced from €263.66 per person, though the cost varies by group size. Travelers can easily access the meeting point at the Long Beach airport, where staff will assist with parking.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, infants are welcome to join on laps. Passengers should note the 300 lb weight limit per person and 580 lb group limit.
Read our full review: Downtown LA Lights: Your Private Sunset and Night Helicopter Tour Review
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Long Beach Fitness Tour
Though the bustling city of Long Beach offers a wealth of cultural attractions, the Long Beach Fitness Tour provides an exhilarating way for active travelers to explore the area. This private tour takes participants on an e-bike adventure, allowing them to take in the sights while getting a heart-pumping workout.
With the tour meeting and ending at 5518 E Britton Dr, you will have the opportunity to rent e-bikes and receive instruction before setting off. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.
And while it’s not located directly near public transportation, the meeting point is still conveniently situated.
Unfortunately, the Long Beach Fitness Tour has received poor reviews, with an overall rating of just 1 out of 5 stars across various platforms. Travelers should keep this in mind when considering this activity.
For those seeking a more positive fitness-focused experience in Long Beach, other tour options may be preferable.
Read our full review: Long Beach Fitness Tour Review
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Los Angeles Highlights Tour From Seal Beach and Sunset Beach
The Los Angeles Highlights Tour from Seal Beach and Sunset Beach offers visitors an immersive experience exploring the iconic sights and landmarks of the City of Angels.
This 8-11 hour tour takes a maximum of 14 travelers to key attractions like Downtown Los Angeles, the Sunset Strip, Hollywood Sign, TCL Chinese Theatre, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach. Led by a professional guide, the tour provides insights into the history and significance of these famous locales.
Pickup and drop-off are conveniently provided from Seal Beach or Sunset Beach hotels, with transportation by air-conditioned van.
While food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included, the tour does cover hotel transfers and guide services. However, reviews are mixed, with some praising the knowledgeable guide but criticizing the driver’s attitude and tour duration.
Infant seats are required, and the tour is stroller accessible, though not wheelchair friendly.
Read our full review: Los Angeles Highlights Tour From Seal Beach and Sunset Beach Review
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Private San Diego Scenic, and Landmarks Tour From Los Angeles
Combining the best of San Diego’s shopping and scenic attractions, the Private San Diego Scenic and Landmarks Tour from Los Angeles offers a personalized full-day experience for groups.
The tour includes visits to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, Seaport Village, Balboa Park, La Jolla, and the USS Midway Museum. With hassle-free round-trip transfers from anywhere in San Diego, the tour provides a seamless way to explore the city’s top sights.
Guests can expect a personalized experience limited to their group, along with a luggage allowance of one checked bag and one carry-on per person. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, collapsible wheelchairs and scooters are permitted with an assistant.
Customers can expect a 5-star rated experience, with feedback valued for improving services. The tour is priced from $449 per person, with the final cost varying based on group size.
Read our full review: Private San Diego Scenic, and Landmarks Tour From Los Angeles Review
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Recap
Long Beach offers a variety of sightseeing tours that showcase the best of Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. From city tours and boat rides to helicopter excursions, visitors can explore the region’s top attractions and landmarks. With so many options, there’s a tour to suit every interest and budget, allowing travelers to make the most of their time in this vibrant coastal city.