A guide to Long Beach's top spots: Aquariums, gondolas, and more

While Long Beach sits inside Los Angeles County lines, it has its own distinct vibe that often feels more in tune with the OC suburbs just south. But with LA rent prices going through the roof (surprise, surprise) and the improving Metro now running all the way to downtown LBC, this chill beach town is about to have a major moment. Here are the top things to check out when you visit:

Long Beach is jam-packed with activities, beach or no beach. It's best known for the Queen Mary - an elegant 1930s cruise ship turned swanky hotel in the '60s. The Art Deco interiors are impeccably preserved, making you feel like a million bucks strolling past the wood paneling and glass details (no one will judge if you wear a gown to breakfast).

You can take tours focused on the ship's celebrity guests like Princess Diana or opt for an elegant afternoon tea served in cups adorned with the Queen Mary's signature rose pattern. Even if you don't stay overnight, it's a must-see.

While LA has Venice, Long Beach has its own posh waterfront community - Naples. These residential canals give off major Italian riviera vibes, especially at night when you can take a real gondola ride complete with singing gondoliers (often local college kids rocking the classic striped shirt). Book a sunset cruise with Gondola Getaway for blankets, wine, and all the dreamy canal views.

For a more hands-on water experience, the massive Aquarium of the Pacific has over 11,000 marine animals focused on the Pacific Ocean ecosystem. It's not just a basic aquarium - they offer photo contests, movie screenings, day camps, animal encounters, and much more. You're just as likely to see couples on dates as kids on field trips.

Inland, Long Beach cultivates a thriving arts scene led by the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) - the only museum dedicated to modern/contemporary Latin American art in the U.S. Though small, it's packed with striking works, and the sculpture garden feels transported from a sunny Mexican hacienda.

The East Village Arts District is a street art haven - use the Long Beach Art Walk map to locate the latest vibrant murals. This area also has fantastic local shopping compared to LA's Rodeo Drive scene. Stop into Berlin Bistro for SoCal favorites like avocado toast and an Impossible Burger, or fuel up early at The Breakfast Bar with healthy-ish diner classics like wheatberry "naked" cakes.

Nightlife centers around places like Beer Belly, which slings craft brews and cult-favorite duck fat fries alongside fried chicken. The laid-back vibe is miles away from LA's bottle service madness.

Hotel Maya mixes Latin flair with a casual beach town feel through bright colors and succulent plants in every room for a taste of SoCal cool without the big price tag. With ample outdoor lounge areas, it's the perfect place to spend an afternoon poolside with a magazine and margarita.

If you want to go all-out on luxury, Terranea is an eco-resort about 17 miles west of Rancho Palos Verdes. Indulge in world-class golf, the award-winning spa's circadian-based treatments, and that signature sunny SoCal weather.

Many come to SoCal for Disneyland, but the old-school vibes of Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park make for a fun side trip about 20 miles away. Beyond roller coasters, they have a waterpark, gold panning at their replica ghost town, and the legendary Mrs. Knott's restaurant.

You can also easily ferry to Catalina Island from Long Beach for a day of golf cart cruising and seaside chilling in Avalon, LA's southernmost city, but a world away from the freeways and crowds.