Easy Day Trips from Long Beach

Long Beach, California is located on the beautiful Pacific Coast, in the heart of Southern California. Long Beach is near many of the top Southern California attractions and places to see. The popular attractions of the Los Angeles/Hollywood area are only a short drive away, with downtown Los Angeles located a mere twenty miles north of Long Beach. The possibilities for easy day trips from the Long Beach area are numerous, and with the several nearby beaches and local attractions, visitors to Long Beach are sure to find several potential day trip options to suit their interests.

1. Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the easiest day trip locations for travelers to Long Beach. Visitors to Long Beach can reach the Aquarium of the Pacific by heading towards the Long Beach shore. This day trip can be both educational and enjoyable for both children and adults. The Aquarium of the Pacific is open from 9am until 6 pm daily, with special extended hours on Sundays during the summer months, closing at 10 pm. Discount tickets are available for military personnel, and the Aquarium of the Pacific also offers a AAA discount on tickets at 10% off regular rates.

Ticket prices for the Aquarium of the Pacific are $20.95 for adults, $11.95 for children 3-11, and $17.95 for seniors 62 years old and up. Parking fees are only $7 for the day. More information can be provided about this Southern California marine aquarium, by phoning (562) 590-3100.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, California, 90802. Driving directions from other locations in Long Beach are fairly simple, and the Aquarium of the Pacific can be reached by heading from Ocean Boulevard to South Pine Avenue, turning west on Shoreline Drive.

2. Queen Mary

Those who are looking for a more historical attraction to visit while in the Long Beach area may want to consider a day trip to the Queen Mary. The Queen Mary is located at the Long Beach Harbor at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, California, 90802. This Long Beach historical attraction can be easily reached by taking the 710 Freeway to the south end exit near the harbor.

The Queen Mary offers guests a chance to take guided or self-guided tours aboard the famous Queen Mary ocean liner, also known for being a WWII troopship. The basic rate for a self-guided tour of the Queen Mary falls under General Admission, at $24.95 for adults, $21.95 for seniors, and $12.95 for children 5-11 years of age. The First Class Package, which includes a guided tour of the Queen Mary and additional perks has tickets available at $32.95 for adults, $28.95 for seniors, and $15.95 for children 5-11 years old. Adventurous visitors who want to have a unique experience can book a night aboard the Queen Mary for an additional cost.

For more information about planning a visit to the Queen Mary, please visit the official website, www.queenmary.com, for additional ticket and restaurant information, or phone (800) 437-2934. A special discount package is available for a combo ticket with the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific.

3. Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure

One of the most popular attractions in Southern California is located just a short drive away from Long Beach. Visitors who want to experience the magic of Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure can plan a day trip from Long Beach to Anaheim, California, where both Disney attractions are located. Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure are classic California attractions, and both offer a different experience for visitors. The original Disneyland Resort was started by Walt Disney in 1955, and includes all the well-known Disney attractions. Disney's California Adventure also offers guests a unique attraction experience by using a California theme as the basis for many of its attractions.

Tickets for a one-day pass at Disneyland or Disney's California Adventure are $66 for adults and $56 for children 3-9 years of age. A one-day pass will only grant access to one of the parks, and a hopper pass must be purchased for guests who want to include both park visits in their day trip. A park hopper pass is offered at the rate of $91 for adults and $81 for children, and a two-day hopper for both parks costs $132 for adults and $112 for children. Disneyland offers discount passes for multi-day tickets, generally for 3 or more days.

Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure are located at 1313 Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim, California, 92803. For advanced tickets, please call (714) 781-4400. Additional information regarding Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure can be found online at www.disneyland.com.

To reach Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure from Long Beach, follow the I-5 North to the Harbor Boulevard or Disneyland exits. Parking is available by following the signs towards the parks.

4. Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is another popular day trip from Long Beach. This popular Southern California attraction is located in Universal City, California, just south of North Hollywood. The drive from Long Beach should be under an hour, depending on traffic. Universal Studios Hollywood offers visitors both themed attractions and thrills, as well as an excellent shopping, dining, and entertainment area, City Walk. City Walk is located in the Universal Studios Hollywood area, but it is free to visit Universal City Walk, and there are many restaurant and entertainment options here for guests who want something to do after a day at Universal Studios Hollywood.

Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood cost $64.99 for adults and $54.99 for children. The official website has a current 2 days for 1 offer which will get visitors two days of fun for the one day price. Universal Studios Hollywood also offers a special Front of the Line pass for guests who want to experience the attractions without waiting in lines. There is a fee for the pass, but many guests will appreciate this purchase during busier times of the year.

To reach Universal Studios Hollywood from Long Beach, follow the 710 to the I-5 North and exit at the 105 Hollywood Freeway North until reaching the Universal Studios Boulevard Exit. Parking is available at $12 per day. A Metro Rail also runs from Long Beach to Universal Studios Hollywood. For more information about visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, call (818) 622-3801.

Universal Studios Hollywood is located at 70 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, 91608.

5. Six Flags Magic Mountain

Thrill seekers visiting the Long Beach area may want to take the slightly longer drive for a day trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain, located in Valencia, California. Six Flags Magic Mountain is one of the many Six Flags theme parks located in the United States. This thrill park features a number of popular daredevil rollercoasters such as Scream, Goliath, Viper, and X2. Six Flags Magic Mountain also features children's attractions and rides geared toward less adventurous visitors.

Tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain cost $59.99 for adults and $29.99 for children. Parking at Six Flags Magic Mountain will cost visitors $15. The park is open daily from 10:30 am until 10 pm during the summer months, and hours vary seasonally. For more information about visiting Six Flags Magic Mountain, please call (661) 255-4100.

To reach Six Flags Magic Mountain, a Los Angeles area attraction, follow the I-5 North to the Magic Mountain exit. Six Flags Magic Mountain is located at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, California, 91355.

6. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor

Visitors who want a cool break after visiting Six Flags Magic Mountain, may want to stop next door at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor, a 22-acre waterpark. Six Flags Hurricane Harbor features several different types of water attractions, including waterslides, a wave pool, a 1300 foor river, and a children's water attraction area. Tickets for Six Flags Hurricane Harbor cost $29.99 for adults and $20.99 for children. A two-park combo ticket for both Six Flags Magic Mountain and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is available for $69.99 for adults.

Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is located next to Six Flags Magic Mountain, and can be reached by following the directions to Six Flags Magic Mountain and corresponding exits.