16 Of The Best Tours In Long Beach

Long Beach stands out as a lively, waterfront city packed with unique ways to explore both its scenic coastline and vibrant urban life. Unlike many spots, Long Beach offers private yacht cruises that let you soak in the city lights from the water, or get close to sea lions and dolphins on guided Jetski Coastal Tours. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or craving an active adventure, there’s plenty here to keep you engaged. The city’s marinas, beaches, and scenic cliffs set the perfect backdrop for memorable outings.

If you’re someone who appreciates authentic experiences, the range runs from relaxing boat trips to energetic bike rides through local parks. The list below highlights 16 of the best tours in Long Beach, each offering a different way to see and enjoy all this city has to offer. Whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or friends, you’ll find something that suits your style.

1. Long Beach: Private Night Yacht Cruise With City Lights

Taking the top spot, this private yacht cruise offers a chance to see Long Beach from a luxurious perspective. It’s a perfect choice for couples or small groups wanting an intimate experience. The cruise lasts about an hour, and you can enjoy spectacular views of the cityscape illuminated at night, with water reflections adding to the magic. Bring your own drinks and snacks to celebrate a special event or just relax with friends. The boat is equipped with Bluetooth speakers, making it easy to set your own playlist.

What makes this tour stand out is its personalized setting, calm waters, and the chance to spot sea life—sometimes dolphins or sea lions will make an appearance. Since reviews consistently rate it 5/5, it’s clear that visitors love the romantic atmosphere and the flexibility of a private cruise. This is ideal for those who value privacy, stunning scenery, and a relaxed vibe.

Bottom Line: Perfect for romantic evenings or small celebrations, this cruise offers exclusive access to Long Beach’s shimmering cityscape.

2. Guided Two hours Jetski Coastal Tour

For a high-energy, up-close experience of California’s coast, this jetski tour is unbeatable. Starting from Long Beach marina, you’ll zip along the coastline from Palos Verdes to Huntington Pier. The tour lasts about 2 hours, and you’ll often see dolphins and other marine life along the way. It’s a guided tour, so safety and navigation are taken care of, but you’ll still get plenty of thrill from riding your own jetski.

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers who want to see the coast from the water at speed. It’s also a chance to get close to nature without leaving the shore—dolphins often put on a show, and the coastline scenery is dramatic. The reviews highlight how fun and close to the water this experience is, with some calling it “the perfect jetski experience close to shore.”

Bottom Line: Great for active travelers seeking fun and marine wildlife sightings on a guided jetski ride along beautiful California coastlines.

3. City Tour of Los Angeles from Long Beach and San Pedro Cruise Terminals

This full-day LA city tour covers the highlights—from the Hollywood Sign to downtown Los Angeles—making it ideal for first-timers or those with limited time. Starting from Long Beach or San Pedro cruise terminals, you’ll be driven through LA’s most iconic locations, including Rodeo Drive and Hollywood Boulevard. The tour includes free time for exploration, shopping, and photos, so you can get a real feel for the city.

Guests praise the guide’s knowledge and friendliness. The tour includes comprehensive sightseeing, with stops like the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum and Griffith Observatory. It’s a good value for those wanting to see many LA sights in one day without worrying about navigating busy streets themselves.

Bottom Line: Perfect for cruise passengers or visitors who want a full overview of LA’s must-see sites with minimal hassle.

4. LA: Birthday Special Private Yacht

Celebrating a birthday or special occasion? This private yacht experience includes cake and a banner, with space for 1-6 people. You can bring your own food and drinks and enjoy a 2-hour cruise past Long Beach’s iconic sights. The itinerary includes passing by the Queen Mary, watching sea lions and seals play, and cruising along the beach. You’ll also get to see the lighthouse and explore the waterfront shops and restaurants from the water.

Guests have described this tour as memorable and fun, particularly for small groups or family celebrations. It’s an affordable way to add a special touch to your time in Long Beach, especially since it includes the option of bringing your own playlist via Bluetooth.

Bottom Line: Ideal for intimate celebrations that combine scenic views, sea life, and personalized touches.

5. Hike and Bike through Orange County

If outdoor adventure appeals more than sitting on a boat, this hike and bike tour explores some of Orange County’s best spots. It mixes nature walks at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve with a bike ride along Huntington Beach Pier. With a focus on local scenery and culture, this 5-7 hour trip is suited for active travelers eager to see wetlands, beaches, and coastal towns.

The tour is praised for its informative narration and personalized pace, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without rushing. It’s perfect if you want a full-day outdoor experience combining wildlife viewing and coastal exploration.

Bottom Line: Great for nature lovers and active explorers who want a balanced day of hiking, biking, and sightseeing.

6. Carnival Cruise Terminal to Long Beach – Arrival Private Transfer

For hassle-free arrivals, this private transfer from Carnival Cruise Terminal to Long Beach is reliable and quick. It’s especially useful if you want to skip the long taxi and shuttle lines. The driver will meet you with a sign and safely escort you to your destination in a clean, comfortable vehicle. It’s a straightforward option for cruise passengers who need to get from port to hotel or airport without stress.

Reviews highlight the professionalism and punctuality of the service. Given the reasonable pricing, it’s a good value for travelers prioritizing comfort and convenience.

Bottom Line: The best choice for cruise arrivals seeking a smooth, private transfer without the hassle.

7. Long Beach Puzzling Adventure

For those who love solving puzzles and exploring on foot, this self-guided mystery adventure is a fun, interactive way to see Long Beach. Using your smartphone, you’ll follow clues through Rainbow Lagoon Park and downtown, solving riddles and completing challenges. It takes about 2 hours but is flexible to your pace.

Guests who enjoy active, game-based sightseeing find this tour engaging and different from standard sightseeing. Plus, it’s a budget-friendly way to explore with up to 12 people.

Bottom Line: Perfect for puzzle lovers, families, or groups seeking a playful way to discover Long Beach.

8. Long Beach Self-Guided Bike Tour

This self-guided bike tour offers a flexible way to explore Long Beach on your own terms. Bikes, helmets, baskets, and locks are provided. You can follow the suggested route along Rainbow Harbor, visit the Pike, or head toward Naples for views you can’t get from a car. It’s a quiet, scenic option for independent explorers.

Reviews mention how much fun visitors had and how easy it was to customize the experience. It’s ideal for those who want a quick, active tour with personalized stops.

Bottom Line: Well-suited for independent travelers who enjoy cycling and want to see Long Beach at their own pace.

9. Private Palos Verdes Tour: Lighthouse, Ocean/City with Dinner

This private tour combines spectacular views of the cliffs and ocean at Palos Verdes with a private estate sunset dinner. Starting with a visit to the lighthouse, you’ll enjoy breathtaking vistas of Catalina Island, then retreat to a home with panoramic city views for a gourmet meal. Private transportation can be arranged for added comfort.

Guests love the personalized experience and stunning scenery. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a mix of sightseeing, beautiful landscapes, and a relaxed dinner in an exclusive setting.

Bottom Line: Best for romantic getaways or small groups seeking scenic beauty paired with fine dining.

10. Jetski Adventure: Guided Trip from Long Beach to Catalina Island

For the thrill-seekers, this jetski trip to Catalina Island is a rare opportunity. Departing from Long Beach, you’ll be guided across the ocean, often spotting dolphins and sea lions en route. Once at Avalon, enjoy free time for activities like parasailing or exploring shops. The 6-hour journey combines adventure, wildlife, and relaxation.

Because it’s dock-to-dock and doesn’t require ocean swimming, it’s accessible but still exhilarating. Reviews mention the dolphin sightings and smooth, guided ride as highlights.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want a combination of high-speed water adventure and free time on Catalina Island.

11. Los Angeles Ports of Call Tours

This full-day sightseeing tour is perfect for cruise passengers wanting to maximize their time in LA. It covers Downtown LA, Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Beverly Hills, with options for free exploration. The tour includes pickup from Long Beach or San Pedro cruise terminals and drops off at LAX or hotels, making logistics simple.

Guests note the comprehensive itinerary and the opportunity to see LA’s diversity in one day. The guide’s local knowledge keeps the experience lively and informative.

Bottom Line: A fantastic way to see LA’s main attractions when short on time.

12. Farm-to-Table Experience in Long Beach, California

For food lovers, this hands-on cooking class and market tour offers a taste of local ingredients and international flavors. Led by BA, a passionate home cook, the experience includes shopping at a local market and preparing a meal in her home. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.

Reviews praise the personalized, fun atmosphere and the chance to learn new recipes. It’s a great option for those interested in culinary culture and authentic home-cooked meals.

Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies who want a practical, immersive experience with a local chef.

13. Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt: Long Beach Boss Bar Crawl

This interactive bar crawl uses an app to guide you through Long Beach’s nightlife. You’ll visit pubs, clubs, and dive bars, completing fun photo and video challenges. It’s suitable for groups, date nights, or team-building, and you can start whenever you like.

One reviewer notes, “i chose a walking pub crawl with fun video/photo,” demonstrating its lighthearted, engaging nature. It’s an affordable, active way to experience Long Beach after dark.

Bottom Line: Fun for groups wanting to combine sightseeing with socializing and friendly competition.

14. Long Beach Bash, CA Scavenger Hunt

This live, app-based scavenger hunt involves solving challenges and competing on an international leaderboard. It’s an imaginative way to explore Rainbow Lagoon Park and downtown.

Rated lower at 3/5, it still offers fun challenges and interaction with a remote host. It suits those looking for a playful, energetic activity but might not be for those seeking a more structured tour.

Bottom Line: Best for active, competitive groups seeking a unique challenge.

15. Anaheim Resort Low Cost Shared Ride Passenger Transportation

For economical transport, this shared ride shuttle offers reliable transfers between Anaheim or Disneyland Resort and Long Beach. It’s a budget-friendly way to travel, with guaranteed stops and door-to-door service.

While not a tour, it’s useful for travelers planning day trips or airport transfers, ensuring comfort without breaking the bank.

Bottom Line: Good for budget-conscious travelers needing dependable transportation.

16. Carnival Terminal to Long Beach Airport – Departure Private Transfer

Ending on a practical note, this private departure transfer from Long Beach to LGB offers comfort and convenience. It’s a stress-free way to leave after your stay, with professional drivers and flight tracking.

Reviewers appreciate the timeliness and professionalism. It’s ideal for travelers with early flights or tight schedules.

Bottom Line: A reliable choice for smooth, private airport transfers.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Long Beach

Selecting the best experience depends on your interests, budget, and schedule. If you’re after a luxurious, romantic evening, the Private Night Yacht Cruise offers stunning views with privacy. For those craving active fun, the Jetski Coastal Tour or Jetski to Catalina provides adrenaline and marine wildlife encounters.

If you’re pressed for time or want a comprehensive introduction to LA, the City Tour of Los Angeles covers top sights in one day. Food enthusiasts will love the Farm-to-Table experience, while families or groups seeking fun can try the Puzzling Adventure. Budget travelers should consider the shared ride transfers, and night owls might enjoy the Bar Crawl.

When booking, consider seasonality, your fitness level, and how much time you want to spend. Many tours fill quickly, so early booking is wise.

Final Thoughts

Long Beach offers a wealth of touring options, whether you want relaxing boat trips, energetic water adventures, or sightseeing excursions. For couples or small groups, the private yacht cruises and birthday yacht experience are perfect. Active travelers will appreciate the jetski tours, while families or curious explorers might enjoy the scavenger hunts or bike tours.

Whatever your style, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these carefully selected experiences in Long Beach. These tours provide a fantastic way to deepen your appreciation for this diverse coastal city.