Living in Long Beach, CA is a dream come true for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Famed for a pristine, four-mile coastline fronting the Pacific, this Southern California city brings you a host of water-based activities that you’ll definitely enjoy.
If you’re looking for things to do in Long Beach, CA, check out these water-based activities.
Kite surfing
Also known as kite boarding, this water activity is similar to surfing except that the board gets pulled along by a gliding parachute. The flat waves of Long Beach and a crowd of supportive kite surfers make it an excellent training spot for beginners.
You’re bound to see dozens of colorful parachutes, or kites, dotting the sky above the ocean on any given weekend.
For rental equipment and advanced lessons, head over to the Belmont Kite Zone, a special area designated for kite surfing.
Windsurfing
The sheltered waters of Long Beach make it the perfect spot for windsurfing in the area, though you’ll also find plenty of windsurfing enthusiasts out in Cabrillo Beach in neighboring San Pedro. But why venture out when you can stay close to home? If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent equipment and take lessons at Long Beach Windsurf Center.
Hydrobiking
You’ll find plenty of hydrobikes around Little Naples Island and Alamitos Bay. These nifty water vehicles let you explore the water and admire the scenery while staying high and dry. But be prepared to expend some energy – you need to pedal a hydrobike much like a traditional bicycle, so you’ll get a good workout while out on the water.
Wave running
Hop on a wave runner – better known by the brand name of Jet Ski – and make waves in the ocean. Fast, loud, and fun, wave running is a popular activity in Long Beach, as it requires less strength and stamina than kayaking and pedal boating. It’s a great option for those who want to venture further out into the water in as little time as possible.
Single and double wave runners are available for rent along the coastline.
Jet-boarding
Fly 30 feet above the Pacific propelled by water hoses and wave runners for the ultimate Long Beach experience. Similar to a JetPack, but with water jets blasting from beneath your feet instead of a backpack, jet board flight lets you learn several techniques, including the famous Dolphin Dive, under the guidance of experienced jet boarders in the city.
This high-powered water activity caters to adrenaline junkies and those who want to experience the Pacific like never before.
Kayaking
If you’re new to ocean kayaking, you’ve come to the right place – the calm waters surrounding Long Beach are perfect for beginners. The canal at Little Naples Island presents an opportunity to those who want to learn kayaking in a safe and picturesque environment, while some of the more adventurous and experienced kayakers can explore Alamitos Bay.
You’ll find several rentals and shops along the coastline for all your kayaking needs.
Paddle boarding
For something more relaxed, why not try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP)? Long Beach is known for its flat and calm waters, making it the perfect spot to take out your board and paddle towards the horizon. If you don’t have a board, you’ll find many rentals along the coastline, while several companies including Kayaks on the Water offer lessons to SUP beginners.
Scuba diving
Long Beach is an excellent jump-off point to several diving sites, including shipwrecks ad scenic Catalina Island. Divers can sign up for a scheduled dive or hire a private charter to explore the city’s underwater secrets.
Diving destinations south of Long Beach include Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Corona del Mar, while Palos Verdes to the west harbors many artificial reefs, rock piles, and shipwrecks.
Sport fishing
Anglers will find several companies offering half-day, full-day, and overnight charters for deep sea fishing trips off Long Beach. The waters surrounding the city are teeming with over 30 species of gamefish, including halibut, red snapper, tuna, whitefish, sand bass, calico bass, and more. Anglers can also look forward to catching trophy fish like giant yellow tail that can weigh up to 40 pounds and white sea bass as heavy as 60 pounds.
Some of the most luxurious charters have indoor kitchens, fish tracking systems, and the capacity to carry huge amounts of bait fish.
Enjoy these water-based activities year round. Let me, Michael Thue, help you find the perfect Long Beach, CA home. You can send me a message here.
You can also reach me at 562.299.3583 and Michael(at)SoCalTopHomes(dotted)com.