Explore Long Beach: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Planning a trip to Long Beach and wondering how to get a feel for the city without the rush of a group tour? This self-guided audio experience offers a relaxed way to explore at your own pace, with plenty of fascinating stops along the way. For just over $15, you’ll get access to a vibrantly narrated tour that guides you through some of the city’s most iconic sights, from historic ships to lively arts districts.

What makes this experience appealing? First, it’s incredibly flexible—you decide when to start, pause, or skip ahead. Plus, the tour covers a good mix of attractions, giving you both cultural insight and visual treats. That said, it’s worth noting that this tour is only available in English, so non-English speakers might need to look elsewhere. This is perfect for travelers who enjoy wandering on their own and want to avoid the constraints of scheduled group tours.

One potential consideration? Since it’s a self-guided audio tour, you need to download the files beforehand and have your own device. If you’re not comfortable with tech or prefer a physical guide, this might feel a bit less personable. But if independence and flexible timing are right up your alley, then this tour could be a real winner—especially for those eager to explore Long Beach’s highlights without rush.

This experience really suits travelers who appreciate a relaxed, informative walk and enjoy learning about a city through its landmarks and stories. Whether you’re visiting solo, as a couple, or with a friend, it’s a great way to get oriented and stay engaged in your own rhythm.

Key Points

• Flexible and self-paced exploration lets you control your own schedule.
• Affordable price point offers a lot of value for the price.
• Covers major sights like the Queen Mary, Aquarium, and the Grand Prix.
• Requires download and setup beforehand; no physical guide included.
• Only available in English, so non-English speakers might need alternatives.
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness who enjoy walking and exploring independently.

What to Expect from the Tour in Detail

This self-guided audio tour is designed to be a leisurely way to see Long Beach’s highlights, perfect for a couple of hours of sightseeing. The entire experience is around 2 to 3 hours long, but since it’s self-paced, you can take longer or shorter depending on your interests and energy levels.

Starting Point: The Queen Mary

Your journey begins at the Queen Mary, a ship with a storied past that docked here in 1967 after its final voyage from Southampton. You can explore the ship’s exhibits free of charge, making this an accessible and intriguing first stop. We loved the way the narrator brings the vessel’s history to life, giving you a sense of its grandeur and significance in Long Beach’s maritime story.

Inside the Submarine Scorpion

Next, you can descend into the Submarine Scorpion, a genuine Cold War vessel. Although the tour doesn’t include admission tickets for this stop, exploring its torpedo rooms, crew quarters, and complex array of valves and pipes offers a glimpse into submarine life. The enclosed, cramped environment provides a tangible sense of the challenges faced by submariners. Many visitors find this stop particularly interesting for its authentic military history.

Aquarium of the Pacific

The Aquarium of the Pacific is Southern California’s largest aquarium and a highlight for all ages. While the tour notes that admission isn’t included, you might find the walk through Rainbow Harbor to be visually stunning. The aquarium’s exhibits feature over 11,000 animals, making it a vibrant stop that adds a splash of marine life to your adventure.

The Pike Outlets & Shoreline Village

For a taste of local history and lively shopping, the Pike Outlets and Shoreline Village are perfect. The Pike’s story of former glory and decline adds depth to your walk, while Shoreline Village offers a charming waterfront stroll with plenty of places to eat and shop. Both areas are free to explore and provide lively vistas of the harbor.

The Grand Prix & Port of Long Beach

Motorsport fans will enjoy the Acura Grand Prix, a key event that boosted local tourism and business. Nearby, the Port of Long Beach reveals its importance as one of the USA’s busiest ports, giving you insight into the city’s vital role in global trade. These stops are especially interesting if you have a curiosity about industry and commerce.

Arts and Culture

The Long Beach East Village Arts District and the Museum of Latin American Art showcase the area’s cultural diversity. The arts district is characterized by vibrant murals, studios, and eclectic architecture, while the museum offers a focused look at Latin American art and culture. Both are free to explore and add a creative touch to your day.

Additional Stops: Grissom Island & the Convention Center

The Grissom Island shows the industrial side of Long Beach, used for oil excavation, while the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center offers modern architecture and space for events. These stops are quick but add context to the city’s multifaceted identity.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Since this is a self-guided tour, you’ll need to download the audio files and the GPS map before starting. The tour begins around 9:00 am, but you can pick your own start time if preferred. The tour is designed for moderate physical activity, involving walking around various sites, so comfortable shoes are a good idea.

The experience is limited to English, which might be a consideration if you’re traveling with non-English speakers. The tour doesn’t include admission fees for the attractions like the submarine or aquarium, so plan your budget accordingly if you want to go inside these sites.

The tour is hosted by Citywalksz Ltd and is capped at 50 travelers, meaning it’s not overcrowded and allows for a personalized experience. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, offering some peace of mind if your plans change last minute.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

While the tour currently has no reviews, the detailed itinerary and features suggest it’s a well-rounded way to see Long Beach independently. Its focus on iconic sights and cultural districts indicates that travelers who enjoy walking, exploring at their own pace, and learning stories behind landmarks will find it worthwhile.

The Sum Up

This self-guided audio tour of Long Beach offers an affordable, flexible way to experience many of the city’s key attractions. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer setting their own pace and enjoy a mix of history, culture, and urban scenery. For those comfortable with tech and looking to avoid crowded tour groups, it’s a practical and engaging option.

The tour shines in its coverage of major sights like the Queen Mary, Aquarium, and arts districts, and the narration promises to bring these places to life. However, keep in mind that it’s only in English and doesn’t include entry to some attractions, so planning ahead is helpful.

If you’re visiting Long Beach for a day or two and want a guided feel without the group, this tour could be a perfect fit. It’s especially good for curious travelers who like to carve out their own adventure and enjoy a mix of history, industry, and local culture—all at a price that won’t break the bank.

FAQs

• Does this tour include admission fees? No, the tour does not include admission tickets for attractions such as the submarine or aquarium. These are paid separately if you choose to visit inside.

• What device do I need? You can use your own smartphone or MP3 player to listen to the audio files; no physical guide is provided.

• Is this suitable for children? The tour is designed for general audiences and involves walking and listening, so it may be suitable for older children, but no specific mention of family-friendliness is made.

• Can I start the tour at any time? Yes, you can begin the tour at your convenience from 9:00 am, as the experience is self-paced.

• What language is the tour in? The tour is only available in English.

• How long does the tour take? The approximate duration is 2 to 3 hours, but you can pause and take longer if you wish.

• Is transportation included? No, you’ll need to plan your own transportation between sites. The tour is designed for exploration on foot.

• Are there any age restrictions? No specific restrictions are listed, but moderate physical activity and walking are involved.

• What are the meeting points? The tour starts at The Queen Mary and ends at the Port of Long Beach, but since it’s self-guided, you can choose your own route.

• Is there a group size limit? Yes, the maximum number of travelers is 50, ensuring a less crowded experience.

If you’re looking for a flexible, budget-friendly way to get to know Long Beach, this self-guided audio tour hits many of the right notes. Just remember to download everything beforehand, plan some time for exploration, and enjoy discovering this lively Californian waterfront city at your own rhythm.