Long Beach is a coastal city in southeastern Los Angeles County, California, and the seventh-largest city in the state with a population of over 450,000. Located about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, it sits on San Pedro Bay and is one of the most important port cities on the Pacific Coast. Its nickname — “The International City” — reflects a diverse, globally connected community shaped by trade, migration, and the ocean.
A City Built on Oil and Trade
Long Beach was incorporated on December 13, 1897, and grew rapidly in the early 20th century after oil was discovered beneath the city in the 1920s. The Long Beach Oil Field was one of the most productive in the world, and oil derricks once dotted the landscape — some still operate today, even beneath buildings and parking lots. The wealth generated by oil helped fund the city’s early infrastructure and civic buildings.
Today, the Port of Long Beach is the second-busiest container port in the United States (after the Port of Los Angeles) and one of the largest in the world. Together, the twin ports of LA and Long Beach handle roughly 40% of all containerized cargo entering the United States. The port is the city’s economic engine, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in logistics, shipping, and manufacturing.
The Queen Mary and Waterfront Attractions
The most iconic landmark in Long Beach is the RMS Queen Mary, the legendary British ocean liner that carried passengers across the Atlantic from 1936 to 1967. During World War II, she served as a troopship, carrying over 800,000 soldiers. Today, she is permanently docked at the Long Beach waterfront as a hotel, museum, and event venue — one of the most unique attractions in Southern California.
The Aquarium of the Pacific, located on the waterfront near the Queen Mary, is the largest aquarium in Southern California. It houses over 11,000 animals representing more than 500 species, with exhibits focused on the Pacific Ocean’s diverse ecosystems — from the kelp forests of California to the coral reefs of the tropical Pacific.
The Lions Lighthouse, a 191-foot Art Deco tower at the entrance to the Long Beach Marina, is another beloved landmark. Built in 1911, it is one of the tallest lighthouses on the West Coast and has become a symbol of the city’s maritime heritage.
The Grand Prix and Events
Long Beach is home to the Grand Prix of Long Beach, an IndyCar street race held annually since 1975. It is the longest-running major street race in North America and draws over 150,000 spectators each year. The race winds through the downtown streets and along the waterfront, bringing international attention to the city every April.
The city also hosts the Long Beach Pride Festival and Parade, one of the largest LGBTQ+ events in the country, attracting over 125,000 attendees annually. The festival celebrates the city’s vibrant and inclusive community, which has one of the largest LGBTQ+ populations in the United States.
Neighbourhoods and Culture
Long Beach is a city of diverse neighbourhoods. Downtown Long Beach features a growing arts district, the Pike Outlets entertainment complex, and a thriving restaurant scene along Pine Avenue. Belmont Shore is a popular beachside neighbourhood with a lively commercial strip along Second Street. Bixby Knolls offers tree-lined streets and historic homes, while Naples is a charming canal district where residents paddle through waterways in gondolas and kayaks.
The city’s cultural diversity is one of its defining characteristics. Long Beach is home to one of the largest Cambodian communities in the world — often called “Little Phnom Penh” — along with significant Latino, Filipino, and African American populations. This diversity is reflected in the city’s food, festivals, and everyday life.
Climate and Geography
Long Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate with over 300 days of sunshine per year. Summers are warm but moderated by ocean breezes, while winters are mild and occasionally rainy. The city covers 78 square miles, with over 35% of its area covered by water — the marina, Los Cerritos Wetlands, and the Pacific coastline define its geography.
The city sits on the Newport-Inglewood Fault, a major earthquake fault that runs through the area. Like much of Southern California, earthquake preparedness is a fact of life, and building codes have been strengthened significantly over the decades.
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