Things to do nearLong Beach Airport
Long Beach Airport in Southern California is a compact, passenger-friendly hub known for its open-air terminals, art deco architecture, and easy access to the greater Los Angeles region.
Long Beach Airport has served Southern California since the 1920s, growing from a modest municipal airfield into a beloved regional gateway. Its 1941 terminal, designed in the Streamline Moderne style, remains one of the most photographed airport buildings in the western United States and anchors the airport's identity as a place with genuine architectural character.
The open-air concourses are the airport's most distinctive feature. Instead of sealed indoor corridors, passengers walk across landscaped tarmac-side paths beneath the California sky, a setup that feels more like a resort than a transit hub. The grounds are well maintained, and the overall footprint is compact enough that connections and transfers rarely feel stressful.
Airlines serving Long Beach Airport offer routes throughout the western United States, making it a practical choice for travelers heading to or from the greater Los Angeles area. The airport sits close to major freeways, and downtown Long Beach, with its waterfront, museums, and dining scene, is only minutes away.
For anyone who values a calmer, more manageable travel experience, Long Beach Airport delivers a refreshing alternative to the region's larger terminals, and its historic terminal alone makes the journey feel worthwhile.
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Tips for visiting Long Beach Airport
Arrive at least 75 minutes before domestic departure to allow time for parking and the short walk through the open-air terminal, which can feel slower in rainy weather.
Take a moment to admire the 1941 terminal building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features restored art deco detailing worth a closer look.
Use the cell phone lot on the south side of the airport to avoid circling when picking up arriving passengers.
Rideshare pickup is designated in a specific area outside baggage claim, so confirm the exact spot with your driver before they arrive.
Head into downtown Long Beach after landing for waterfront dining along the Pike and Shoreline Village, both within a ten-minute drive of the airport.
Top tours & experiences near Long Beach Airport
Private Orange County Coast & Disneyland Air Tour
See Orange County’s coast, Disneyland and Long Beach landmarks from the air
30-Minute Helicopter Flight Lesson in Long Beach
Take the controls during an introductory R44 helicopter lesson
Intro R44 Helicopter Flight Lesson in Long Beach
Take the controls of an R44 helicopter with up to two companions along for the ride
Private Los Angeles Helicopter Tour from Long Beach
Private aerial views from Long Beach to Hollywood
15-Minute Helicopter Flight Lesson in Long Beach
Take the controls of a modern Cabri helicopter with expert instruction
Long Beach 30-Minute Helicopter Flight Lesson
Take the Controls in a Cabri G2 Helicopter
60-Minute Helicopter Flight Lesson in Long Beach
Try helicopter controls in a modern Cabri G2 trainer
15-Minute Helicopter Flight Lesson in Long Beach
Take the controls in an introductory R22 helicopter lesson
30-Minute Helicopter Flight Lesson in Long Beach
Take the controls in an introductory R22 helicopter lesson
60-Minute Helicopter Flight Lesson in Long Beach
Take the controls in an introductory Robinson R22 lesson
15-Minute Helicopter Flight Lesson Around Long Beach
Build helicopter control skills in a Robinson R44
Hands-On Intro Flight Lesson Over Long Beach
Get a hands-on taste of piloting with a flight instructor
Cessna 172N Introductory Flight Lesson in Long Beach
Try the controls and discover whether flying is for you