What nicer place to spend your next RV camping vacation than in a city that offers both historic interest and great places to play outdoors? This Long Beach RV vacation itinerary highlights the outdoor recreation possibilities as well as the fascinating history of this city on the Pacific.
Before we shine a light on special spots to visit in Long Beach, let’s talk about how easy it is to find an RV campsite. From Golden Shores RV Resort, right on the water in downtown Long Beach, to Bolsa Chica State Beach, ten miles away in Huntington Beach, the campsites are both scenic and affordable.
Now that we’ve found a place to camp, let’s talk about how Long Beach RV travelers like to spend their time.
Long Beach Historic Sites
RV visitors to Long Beach will find historic treasures throughout the region. The rich history of the area encompasses Native American inhabitants, Spanish colonization, the years under Mexican rule and California’s entry into the United States.
There are two unique places that span hundreds of years of California’s history within the City of Long Beach. Rancho Los Alamitos, in the gated community of Bixby Hill, includes a nineteenth century adobe ranch house, beautifully landscaped gardens and educational programs that tell the story of the ranch since it was first settled in 1790.
RV camping history buffs will also enjoy a visit to Rancho Los Cerritos, another 19th century ranch that was part of the same enormous Spanish land grant in 1790. The two-story adobe, built in 1844, serves as a museum operated by the City of Long Beach. Both of these historic ranches are well worth spending time getting to know.
One more vintage attraction you’ll not find on any other RV camping journey is the Queen Mary, legendary ocean liner turned lux
ury hotel. Now in permanent residence at the Port of Long Beach, this magnificent vessel offers guided and self-guided tours as well as numerous special events throughout the year.
Long Beach Outdoors
Year-round pleasant weather combined with nearby beaches, trails and natural wonders provides the perfect environment for enjoying the great outdoors. Here are just a few of the outdoor recreation possibilities around Long Beach.
- Long Beach Bike Paths run throughout the city, each one showcasing interesting scenery along the way. The Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path starts in Shoreline Village (an exciting entertainment and outdoor recreation area you’ll also want to visit) and runs for three miles to Alamitos Bay. Another favorite trek is the San Gabriel River Bike Trail, a 28-mile journey that parallels the river, passes through El Dorado Regional Park and leads all the way to Alamitos Bay. Bring your bikes or rent two-wheeled transportation at one of the many area outfitters for a street level view of Long Beach.
- The Beaches of Long Beach. Who would come to Southern California and not visit the beach? Swimming, sea kayaking and people watching are three fun ways for RV vacationers to enjoy the shore. Here are a few beaches you should explore while RV camping in Long Beach:
- Bayshore Beachon Long Island Peninsula
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- Seal Beach, just south of Alamitos Bay
- Sunset Beach between Long Beach and Huntington Beach
- Bolsa Chica State Beach, fifteen minutes south of Long Beach on Pacific Coast Highway
- Torrance Beach, thirty minutes west of Long Beach in Torrance
- Long Beach Area Cruises offer RV travelers a wide range of outdoor experiences. Take the hour-long cruise to Catalina Island to visit the many attractions on the enchanted isle. Many other charter cruise providers call the harbors of Long Beach home, taking passengers whale watching, deep sea fishing or just sight-seeing along the shore. You can even take a gondola cruise through the canals of Naples Island in Alamitos Bay. Don’t miss your chance to see Long Beach by water!
Here’s a bonus tip for RV campers traveling with kids — the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach will enchant young vacationers while teaching them about marine life around the world. It’s consistently rated a top Southern California attraction for families.
RV camping in Long Beach, California will be an experience you’ll long remember. Discover why parking your RV in Long Beach can be the beginning of a great California vacation.