Book Flights to Long Beach, California
Long Beach -- California's seventh largest city, 30 km south of downtown Los Angeles -- has a distinct character that separates it from the LA sprawl: the RMS Queen Mary moored permanently in its harbor, the Aquarium of the Pacific on Rainbow Harbor, the Port of Long Beach (one of the world's busiest container ports), and the Museum of Latin American Art (the only such museum in the US). Long Beach Airport is one of the most convenient airports in the greater Los Angeles area -- small, efficiently run, and dominated by Southwest Airlines.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) is served by Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. FareOptic compares all carriers to find the cheapest LGB fare.
Cheap Flight Deals to Long Beach
*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
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Why Visit Long Beach, California?
RMS Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Museum of Latin American Art, East Village Arts District, harbor waterfront, Catalina Island ferry
RMS Queen Mary
Historic Ocean Liner Permanently Moored in Long Beach Harbor -- Museum and HotelThe RMS Queen Mary -- launched in 1934 by Cunard White Star Line, retired from transatlantic service in 1967, and permanently moored in Long Beach Harbor since 1967 -- is one of the most significant historic ships in the world. The Queen Mary made 1,001 transatlantic crossings, carried 810,000 troops as a troop transport during World War II (her speed and evasiveness earned her the nickname 'The Grey Ghost'), and set the transatlantic speed record on multiple occasions. The ship is now a hotel, museum, and event venue permanently moored at Pier J.
The Queen Mary as a WWII Troop Transport
The Queen Mary's WWII service (1940-1946) was extraordinary: stripped of her luxurious fittings, painted grey, and refitted to carry up to 15,000 troops per voyage (nearly 5 times her designed passenger capacity), she transported approximately 810,000 military personnel over 6 years. Winston Churchill called her -- along with her sister RMS Queen Elizabeth -- one of the two ships that shortened the war by a year. In July 1943, she carried 16,683 American soldiers from New York to Scotland -- a world record for the most people transported on a single voyage that still stands. German U-boats were specifically ordered to target her; a £250,000 reward was offered for her sinking (equivalent to approximately £10 million today). She was never hit.
Aquarium of the Pacific
One of the US's Largest Aquariums -- Shark Lagoon, Tropical Pacific GalleryThe Aquarium of the Pacific -- on Rainbow Harbor in downtown Long Beach -- is one of the largest aquariums in the United States: 11,000+ animals representing 500 species in 50 exhibits, including the Shark Lagoon (the largest outdoor shark exhibit in the US, with 150+ sharks and rays), the Tropical Pacific Gallery, the Southern California-Baja Gallery, and the Northern Pacific Gallery. The aquarium is one of the most visited cultural institutions in California, drawing approximately 1.5 million visitors annually.
Shark Lagoon -- 150+ Sharks You Can Touch
The Shark Lagoon at the Aquarium of the Pacific -- the largest outdoor shark exhibit in the US -- allows visitors to touch zebra sharks, epaulette sharks, and bamboo sharks in the touch pools. The deeper pools contain nurse sharks, sandtiger sharks, and various ray species. The exhibit's educational mission focuses on shark conservation: the aquarium has been particularly active in opposing shark fin soup demand and advocating for sustainable fisheries. The broader Aquarium of the Pacific is a significant marine conservation institution -- participating in breeding programs for endangered species and releasing rehabilitated sea lions and other marine mammals.
Long Beach Waterfront and Shoreline Village
3 Miles of Harbor Waterfront -- Restaurants, Marina, and Rainbow HarborLong Beach's downtown waterfront -- stretching 5 km along Rainbow Harbor and Queensway Bay -- is one of Southern California's most pleasant urban harbor settings: a palm-lined promenade connecting Shoreline Village (a Victorian-themed waterfront shopping and dining complex), the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Convention Center, and the permanently moored Queen Mary. The harbor is home to a working marina, sport fishing boats, harbor cruise vessels, and the spectacular views of the Vincent Thomas Bridge (the green suspension bridge connecting Long Beach to Terminal Island).
Long Beach as a Major Port City
The Port of Long Beach -- together with the adjacent Port of Los Angeles -- forms the San Pedro Bay Port Complex, the busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere and the 8th busiest in the world. Approximately 40% of all containerized imports entering the United States pass through the San Pedro Bay complex. The COVID-19 pandemic (2021-2022) created historic congestion at the port: at peak (October 2021), 111 container ships waited at anchor off Long Beach and Los Angeles, unable to berth -- a visible symbol of global supply chain disruption. The port handles approximately 9 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent units) annually.
Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA)
Only US Museum Dedicated to Latin American Contemporary ArtThe Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood of Long Beach is the only museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary Latin American art. The collection spans work from across Latin America, the Caribbean, and US Latino artists, with strengths in Mexican, Argentine, and Cuban contemporary art. The museum's sculpture garden and exterior murals are notable public art installations in their own right.
Latin American Art in Context
Latin American modernism developed largely in parallel to European and North American modernism -- but with distinct political and social dimensions that European movements often lacked. The Mexican muralism movement (Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros -- los Tres Grandes) was the most influential public art movement of the 20th century, directly influencing American Social Realism and the Works Progress Administration murals of the New Deal era. Argentina's concrete art movement (the Buenos Aires Arte Concreto-Invención group, 1945-) anticipated aspects of Minimalism by a decade. MOLAA's collection contextualizes these movements alongside contemporary Latin American artists who engage with issues of migration, identity, and political memory.
East Village Arts District
Long Beach's Creative Core -- Galleries, Murals, Independent DiningThe East Village Arts District -- Long Beach's most creative neighborhood, centered on East Broadway and East 4th Street in the historic downtown -- is one of the most vibrant arts districts in the Los Angeles region: independent galleries, artist studios, murals covering building facades, and a concentration of distinctive independent restaurants and bars unusual for a city in Los Angeles County. The monthly Art Walk and regular gallery openings make East Village a genuine community arts hub rather than a gentrified arts-in-name-only neighborhood.
Long Beach as the Second City of Los Angeles County
Long Beach (population ~470,000) is the second largest city in Los Angeles County and the seventh largest in California -- larger than many American cities that receive more national attention. Long Beach has cultivated a distinct identity separate from the Los Angeles sprawl: the Port of Long Beach, a strong civic arts scene, a large and politically active LGBTQ+ community, and a historically significant Southeast Asian community (the largest Cambodian-American community in the US is in Long Beach's Cambodia Town neighborhood). Long Beach hosted the Formula E electric car racing circuit and the Toyota Grand Prix (IndyCar) on a street circuit through the downtown waterfront.
How to Find Cheap Flights to Long Beach
LGB Is Smaller and Less Congested Than LAX -- Worth Paying a Small Premium
Long Beach Airport (LGB) has no jet bridges, open-air terminals, and typically clears security in 10-15 minutes even during busy periods. The airport is 20 minutes from downtown Long Beach with easy parking. LAX has more carriers and destinations but is notorious for congestion, long security lines, and difficult ground transportation. For routes served by LGB carriers (Southwest, Alaska), LGB is often worth paying $20-40 more.
Southwest Dominates LGB -- Check Southwest Directly
Southwest Airlines operates the majority of LGB flights and does not appear on most third-party booking sites. Always check southwest.com directly alongside FareOptic for LGB routes. Southwest's no-bag-fee policy (two free checked bags per passenger) makes the total cost competitive even when the base fare appears higher than competitors.
Visit March-May or October-November for Best Weather
Long Beach's Mediterranean climate means mild temperatures year-round (18-26°C), but June through mid-August brings 'June Gloom' -- morning marine layer clouds that typically burn off by noon. March through May and October through November have the clearest skies and most consistent sunshine. December through February is mild and clear, with occasional Santa Ana wind events (hot, dry offshore winds).
Toyota Grand Prix Circuit -- Avoid April Race Weekend If You Dislike Crowds
The Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (IndyCar) runs on a street circuit through the downtown waterfront each April. Race weekend transforms the downtown area: hotels sell out months ahead, prices triple, and the waterfront street circuit closes major roads. If you're visiting Long Beach, book around race weekend (early April) unless IndyCar is your goal.
Airlines Serving Long Beach (LGB)
Southwest Airlines
Dominant Carrier at LGB -- No Bag Fees, Western US NetworkSouthwest Airlines is the primary carrier at Long Beach Airport, connecting LGB to San Francisco (SFO/OAK), Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), Denver (DEN), Chicago Midway (MDW), Oakland (OAK), Sacramento (SMF), Portland (PDX), Seattle (SEA), and other Southwest cities. Southwest's no-bag-fee policy and competitive fares make it the first-choice carrier for most LGB routes.
Key Routes
LGB to San Francisco SFO; LGB to Las Vegas LAS; LGB to Phoenix PHX; LGB to Denver DEN; LGB to Chicago Midway MDW; LGB to Oakland OAK; LGB to Sacramento SMF; LGB to Seattle SEA; LGB to Portland PDX; no bag fees on any route
Alaska Airlines
Seattle and Pacific Northwest NonstopsAlaska Airlines connects Long Beach to Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) and other Pacific Northwest destinations. Alaska's Mileage Plan is one of the most valuable frequent flyer programs in the US, earning miles on partner airlines including American, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Japan Airlines. Alaska's Seattle hub provides strong connections to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
Key Routes
LGB to Seattle SEA (2h 30m nonstop); LGB to Portland PDX; connections via SEA to Alaska, Hawaii, and international destinations; Alaska Mileage Plan miles earn on all routes
Delta Air Lines
Atlanta and Salt Lake City Hub ConnectionsDelta Air Lines connects Long Beach to Atlanta (ATL) and Salt Lake City (SLC), providing access to Delta's full domestic and international network. The nearby Los Angeles International Airport (LAX, 20 miles west) offers substantially more Delta service; LGB is often preferred for its smaller size and easier parking/transit. Delta One business class is available via LAX on long-haul routes.
Key Routes
LGB to Atlanta ATL (4h 30m nonstop); LGB to Salt Lake City SLC; connections via ATL and SLC to all Delta domestic and international routes
Los Angeles International (LAX) -- 20 Miles West
LAX Offers More Carriers and Destinations -- 20-Minute Drive from LGBLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) -- 30 km west of Long Beach -- is one of the world's busiest airports, offering nonstop service to virtually every major US city and many international destinations on all major carriers. LGB is preferred for shorter routes served by Southwest and Alaska; LAX is better for international travel, transcontinental business class, and routes not served by LGB's carriers.
Key Routes
LAX nonstop to 90+ US and international destinations; all major US and international carriers represented; international terminals for overseas travel; compare LGB vs. LAX fares on FareOptic before booking
Things to Do in Long Beach, California
Essential Info for Your Long Beach Trip
State
California (CA)
Currency
USD — US Dollar
Time Zone
PST (UTC-8) / PDT (UTC-7) in summer
Airport Code
LGB — Long Beach Airport (5 km northeast of downtown Long Beach)
Population
~470,000 city; part of 13 million Los Angeles metro area
Top Attractions
RMS Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, MOLAA, Rainbow Harbor waterfront, East Village Arts District, Catalina Island ferry
Emergency Number
911
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions on Travel to Long Beach
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Long Beach, California
What airport serves Long Beach, California?
Long Beach Airport (IATA: LGB), officially John Wayne Airport of Long Beach, serves Long Beach and the southeastern Los Angeles region, located approximately 5 km northeast of downtown Long Beach. LGB is served primarily by Southwest Airlines (the dominant carrier) and Alaska Airlines, with some Delta service. The airport is known for its small size, efficient security, and open-air Spanish Colonial terminal building. Los Angeles International (LAX, 30 km west) provides significantly more carrier options.
What is Long Beach, California known for?
Long Beach is known for the RMS Queen Mary (a 1934 Cunard ocean liner permanently moored in the harbor), the Aquarium of the Pacific (one of the US's largest), the Port of Long Beach (one of the world's busiest container ports), the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA), and the Toyota Grand Prix IndyCar race (on a downtown street circuit each April). Long Beach is also home to the largest Cambodian-American community in the United States and a vibrant East Village Arts District.
How far is Long Beach from Los Angeles?
Long Beach is approximately 30 km (20 miles) south of downtown Los Angeles. The Metro A Line (Blue Line) light rail connects downtown Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles in approximately 60 minutes (with no traffic). By car, the drive takes 30-60 minutes depending on traffic (I-110 or I-405). Long Beach is also 25 miles south of Hollywood and 20 miles southeast of LAX.
Can I take a ferry to Catalina Island from Long Beach?
Yes. Catalina Express ferry service operates daily from the Long Beach Catalina Terminal (at the southern end of the downtown waterfront, adjacent to the Queen Mary) to Avalon, Catalina Island. The crossing takes approximately 75 minutes. Catalina Island offers hiking, snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, and the charming town of Avalon. Day trips from Long Beach are popular; accommodation is available for overnight stays.
Is Long Beach a good base for visiting Los Angeles attractions?
Yes. Long Beach is an excellent base for Los Angeles-area travel, particularly for visitors who prefer a quieter, smaller-city atmosphere than the LA urban core. The Metro A Line (Blue Line) provides car-free access to downtown Los Angeles in 60 minutes. Getty Center, LACMA, Hollywood, Santa Monica, and Universal Studios are accessible by Metro or car. Long Beach hotels are often 20-40% cheaper than equivalent-quality LA hotels. The Queen Mary and Aquarium of the Pacific provide additional attractions that LA proper does not have.
What is the best way to get from Long Beach Airport to downtown Long Beach?
The most practical options are rideshare (Uber/Lyft, approximately $15-25 to downtown, 10-15 minutes), taxi (approximately $25-35), or the Long Beach Transit shuttle bus (Route 111, connects LGB to the downtown transit center). The Metro A Line (Blue Line) station at downtown Long Beach is not directly accessible from LGB without a transfer; rideshare is faster and more convenient for most visitors. Rental cars are available at LGB for travelers needing ground transportation beyond downtown.
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