7 Top Things You Can Do For Free This Weekend In Long Beach

Long Beach is in the southern part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area and was incorporated in 1897. As one of the world's largest shipping ports, it is the United States' second busiest container port. You can view ships in the port as well as on-shore and off-shore oil wells in the Long Beach area. In addition, there are public parks and waterfront activities among the free things to do in Long Beach this weekend.

Naples Island

Inspired by Naples, Italy, Naples Islands in Alamitos Bay are three islands in Long Beach, California, with canals, narrow streets with Italian-style names, walkways, beautiful homes, a water fountain, and gondolas. They were developed in the early 1900s. There is a pier where you can swim, kayak, and paddleboard in the bay. Marine Park or Mother’s Beach on the northeastern side of Naples Island has a swimming area that is safe for families. Besides the beach, Marine Park includes a playground and grassy areas where you can picnic and enjoy the shade. The public restrooms include showers.

Overlook Park

Overlook Park or Naples Plaza offers a view of Naples Bay with areas for picnicking under the palm trees or on one of the benches. Created in 1965, it is at most 15 feet wide and runs along the seawall. However, it is a nice neighborhood park with a view where you can spend a little time outdoors.

Signal Hill Park

Signal Hill Park overlooks Long Beach including the harbor and the airport. From the park, you can see Catalina Island, the Santa Monica Mountains, and downtown Los Angeles. In the center of the park is a symbolic smoke signal that memorializes the use of the hill by the Puvuvitam Indians to send messages to a related tribe on Pimu (Catalina Island). The park also has shadow art frames with signs that tell what the view showcased inside the frame is. In addition, there are photos and signs with bits of history as well as walking paths and picnic tables.

Long Beach Waterfront

Walking along the Long Beach waterfront provides a lot of interesting things to see. Shoreline Aquatic Park has a lighthouse, and Rainbow Lagoon Park features Japanese-style landscaping. On the Rainbow Harbor Esplanade, you can view tall ships, yachts, fixing boats, water taxis, charter ships, and pleasure crafts. The Queen Mary luxury liner also is permanently docked on the Long Beach waterfront.

Rosie's Dog Beach

Rosie's Dog Beach opened in 2003 and is named after a bulldog owned by Justin Rudd, the person responsible for the creation of the dog beach. This is not a fenced, dedicated dog beach. Even though bags are available, you are asked to bring your own. Pooper scoopers also are available. It’s open daily from 6 am to 8 pm.

Rancho Los Cerritos

Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site provides the history and artifacts of the residents on this tract of land from the native Americans to 1955. It offers displays, educational programs, and publications. The museum is open for self-paced tours Wednesday through Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm.

Bixby Park

Bixby Park was established in 1901 from part of Rancho Los Alamitos and was originally Alamitos Park. It was part of the Alamitos Beach Town. Annexed to Long Beach in 1905, it was renamed Bixby Park in 1907. Originally, there was a goldfish and water lily pond, an aviary, monkeys, a fountain, and a concession stand. Basketball courts, tennis courts, a mural of the park, a new stairway, and blufftop seating were added. Bixby Park provides an ocean view, free exercise machines that use your body weight, skateboarding areas, playground, volleyball court, fitness trail, sports field, a stage, grills, a picnic area, and a farmer's market. The park provides youth recreation, a teen center, adult classes, senior fitness classes, and other senior programs. Between September and June, it is opened Monday through Friday from 3 pm to 6 pm. Between June and August, it is opened Monday through Friday from 11 am to 5 pm.



These are just a few of the many things to do this weekend in Long Beach. So, get out and explore Long Beach.