Everyone knows that the Long Beach nightlife scene is where fun sparks in SoCal! As night falls on Long Beach, this vibrant city is filled with lively crowds hungry for live music, spacious dance floors, bar hopping, and views of the city skyline in a picturesque setting. Warm nights make this a must-visit destination for partying the night away any time of year!
The best thing about planning a memorable night in Long Beach is that you don’t have to commit to just one great local bar. Long Beach is overflowing with after-dark attractions that are easy to reach by foot or the Long Beach Trolley. Bounce from spot to spot while enjoying the juxtaposition of the neon lights on signage along the waterfront promenade and the grey, moody waters of the Pacific Ocean under the moonlight.
A tour we think you'll love
Where should the itinerary for a night out in Long Beach start? Here’s a rundown of seven things to do in Long Beach at night.
1) Embrace The SoCal Spirit By Taking A 420 Tour
Nothing lights up a fun night in Long Beach like a weed tour! Yes, the Los Angeles area is home to world-class 420 tours that bring guests to dispensaries, fun events, and iconic landmarks from cannabis culture.
You don’t need to “know a guy” to get the best weed experience in Long Beach. Just book a professional bus tour with Nug Hunt. Our expertly curated 420 bus tour experiences in the L.A. area include:
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Tour of the “Friday” movie set that whips around to Craig’s house, Ms. Parker’s House, Nipsey Square Memorial, the Kobe Mural, the Staples Center, the Grammys Museum, Grand Central Market, and more
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A stoner-friendly “dab and paint” class in downtown Los Angeles
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A winery and grow facility tour that brings you from a legacy winery to a boutique cannabis grow spot
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A nighttime “infused” karaoke brunch experience
Perfect for groups of all sizes, our cannabis-inspired guided and private tours bring you to the hottest spots in Southern California in style on a luxurious 420-friendly bus. Plan an unforgettable night by booking your spot on a Nug Hunt tour today!
2) Discover The Spookier Side Of Long Beach Nightlife On The Queen Mary
Was that thud you just heard starboard rowdy marine life or an entity from beyond? The answer will be yours to decide as you explore paranormal hot zones during a Queen Mary Haunted Tour!
While the Queen Mary is a favorite attraction for history buffs, the ship’s dark reputation also attracts ghost hunters and paranormal seekers from around the world.
During a tour, guests will hear stories about the ship’s eerie apparitions over the years. Visitors have reported catching glimpses of everything from a lady dressed in white to children laughing in the pool. Technically, the ship’s haunted tours are only offered during the day. However, the last one-hour tour of the evening begins at 6:30 p.m. That means you’ll be out just in time to start your night out in Long Beach with a chill down your spine!
In fact, you can even saunter over to the Observation Bar on the ship after the last tour of the evening. Open nightly until 10:30 p.m., the Observation Bar is a 1930s-style lounge featuring original artwork, artisan cocktails, and live music.
Planning your visit: The only thing scarier than encountering a ghost on the Queen Mary is realizing that the tour is all booked up! Be sure to grab your tickets online ahead of time.
3) Paint The Town With Nightlife Fun In The East Village Arts District
If you love “indie” bars, you’ll enjoy a fun evening spent exploring the hidden gems on the East Village Arts District bar scene. The rundown of wine bars and cantinas in the East Village includes:
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Mezcalero Long Beach (rooftop bar)
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House of Hayden
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The Blind Donkey
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Rosemallows
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Congregation Ale House (craft beers)
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V Room
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The Blind Donkey
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Cider & Sounds
As the art epicenter in Long Beach, this East Village neighborhood also hosts plenty of events! Be sure to check the events calendar for open mic events, comedy shows, workshops, and more.
4) Enjoy An Upscale Dinner On Belmont Shore In Long Beach, CA
With its gorgeous beaches and lagoons, Belmont Shore is regarded as a classic Southern California beach community. While people come during the day for boutique shopping, sunbathing, and boardwalk strolls, those hoping to extend a perfect beach day at Belmont Shore Beach into a great evening know to stay around for dinner!
If you’d love to see sunset views of Belmont Shores and Alamitos Bay along the Long Beach waterfront, a spot called The Boathouse on the Bay is just perfect for celebrating over dinner and drinks with friends! Other high-end Belmont Shore restaurants to consider include Open Sesame Grill, Ammatoli, and Nick’s on 2nd.
5) Visit A Wine Bar On Retro Row
Long Beach’s Retro Row is a stretch of 4th Street found between Cherry and Junipero. As the city’s epicenter for diversity and free thinking, this “anything goes” neighborhood offers a welcoming atmosphere for first-time visitors in search of great drinks, live music performances, and other fun things to do in Long Beach at night.
The “cool” vibes of Retro Row make this the best spot for enjoying casual conversation at a wine bar. Luckily, a spot called Vine takes care of that. Nestled right in the heart of Retro Row, this wine bar offers live music every single night. You can also nibble on small plates that have been carefully curated to complement the wine menu.
6) Attend An Event At The Richard And Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center
This is one of the things to do in Long Beach at night that requires a little bit of planning! Located on the campus of California State University, this theater hosts film screenings, musical performances, forums, and other events for the public. Recent headliners have included Charo, Branford Marsalis, the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra, and Lucie Arnaz!
If you love a night out that stimulates the mind, be sure to check the current season’s calendar to book tickets to one of this theater’s incredible events.
7) Take A Spin On The Long Beach Ferris Wheel
No list of fun things to do in Long Beach at night is complete without the Long Beach Ferris Wheel! Located in downtown Long Beach near the Long Beach waterfront, this colorful attraction gives riders views of the harbor, a nearby lighthouse, and the Queen Mary!
Don’t miss the chance to see Long Beach from above! Be sure to board before the wheel closes at 8 p.m.
Planning The Ultimate Southern California Getaway 100% Your Way
The fun is only just the beginning once you start planning an amazing night out in downtown Long Beach! The best way to truly make the most of a Long Beach getaway is to dip into Hollywood for a bit to indulge your 420-friendly side.
Let us help you make the most of your smooth Los Angeles vacation when you book your spot on one of our in-demand weed tours today!