Visitor Guide

Plan your Long Beach Games trip

Getting here, getting around, where to stay, what to do between sessions — and everything to pack.

Getting here

Arriving in Long Beach

By air

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is the closest and easiest. LAX is about 20 miles away, and John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County is another option.

By rail

The Metro A Line runs between downtown Los Angeles and downtown Long Beach — ideal if you also have tickets for events in LA.

By car

The I-405, I-710 and I-110 freeways all serve Long Beach. Expect heavy traffic and Games-time road closures; reserve parking in advance where you can.

Getting around

Moving between venues

  • Walk the waterfront — downtown, the Arena and Alamitos Beach are close together.
  • Bike the beach path — the shoreline path runs along the coast toward Belmont Shore.
  • Ride Long Beach Transit — local buses connect downtown with Belmont Shore and Marine Stadium.
  • Take the Metro A Line — for trips to and from Los Angeles venues.
  • Leave early — security screening takes longer than you think.
DowntownLong Beach Airport (LGB)Metro A Line to LALong Beach ArenaAlamitos Beach StadiumBelmont Shore & PierMarine StadiumQueen MaryAquariumNaplesSchematic, not to scale. Aquatics Center, Shooting Hall and Climbing Theater locations: see LA28.

Where to stay

Neighborhoods to consider

Rooms will fill fast for Games time — book early and choose flexible cancellation.

Downtown

Walk to the Arena, waterfront and Metro A Line. The most hotel choices, plus nightlife around Pine Avenue.

Best for first-timers

Alamitos Beach & Bluff Park

Residential streets and ocean bluffs right by the beach volleyball stadium.

Beach lovers

Belmont Shore

Lively 2nd Street with shops and restaurants, steps from the sand and the pier.

Water-sports fans

Naples

Canal-side homes and gondola rides, next door to Marine Stadium.

Rowing & canoe fans

Downtown & waterfront hotels

Well-known options include the Hyatt Regency Long Beach, The Westin Long Beach, Renaissance Long Beach and the Hotel Queen Mary aboard the historic ship. Check each hotel directly for Games-time rates.

Other options

Hotels near Long Beach Airport often cost less, and short-term rentals are common in Belmont Shore and Bluff Park. Always check local rules and cancellation terms before booking.

Between sessions

Things to do in Long Beach

Aquarium of the Pacific

One of the largest aquariums in the U.S., right on the downtown waterfront — great for families on a hot afternoon.

The Queen Mary

The historic ocean liner permanently docked in Long Beach — tour the ship or stay aboard.

Naples canals

Stroll or take a gondola ride through the canals of Naples, right next to Marine Stadium.

Shoreline Village & Rainbow Harbor

Waterfront shops, restaurants and harbor views an easy walk from downtown.

Belmont Shore & 2nd Street

Boutiques, cafés and restaurants a block from the beach and the pier.

Retro Row on 4th Street

Vintage stores, independent shops and coffee spots with plenty of local character.

Sample plans

Three ways to spend a Games day

Beach day

  1. Morning session at Alamitos Beach Stadium
  2. Lunch along the waterfront
  3. Bike the beach path to Belmont Shore
  4. Sunset on the pier

Water & history

  1. Rowing or canoe finals at Marine Stadium
  2. Gondola ride through Naples
  3. Dinner on 2nd Street
  4. Evening walk by Alamitos Bay

Downtown double

  1. Handball at Long Beach Arena
  2. Aquarium of the Pacific
  3. Evening session at the Aquatics Center
  4. Late bite around Pine Avenue

Weather

What to expect

MonthTypical dayTypical nightRain
JulyWarm, often low-to-mid 80s °F (about 27–29 °C)Mid-60s °F (about 18 °C)Very rare
AugustWarm, often mid-80s °F (about 29 °C)High-60s °F (about 19–20 °C)Very rare

Coastal mornings are often grey and cool (the “marine layer”) before the sun breaks through. Typical conditions only — check the forecast before you travel.

Packing

Packing checklist

  • Your LA28 tickets on your phone, plus a power bank if allowed
  • Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
  • Refillable water bottle (check venue rules)
  • A light jacket for cool mornings and evenings
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A small bag that meets venue bag policies

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Only through the official LA28 website, la28.org. Be cautious of third-party sites and social media sellers.

If most of your sessions are in Long Beach, staying locally saves hours of travel. If you are splitting time, stay near the Metro A Line so you can reach both.

Not necessarily. Downtown and the waterfront are walkable and bike-friendly, and light rail connects to Los Angeles. Expect road closures and limited parking near venues.

Plan to arrive well before your session starts. Security screening at major events can take a long time, especially at peak hours.

Very. Beaches, the Aquarium of the Pacific, parks and the waterfront make it easy to fill days between sessions.

July and August are usually warm and dry, with cooler, sometimes cloudy mornings near the coast.

Some open-water racing off Belmont Shore may be visible from the beach, and many public spaces are expected to show the Games. Official fan zones will be announced by the organizers.

No. This is an independent visitor guide. For official information, visit la28.org and longbeach.gov/2028games.