Top 18 photo spots in Long Beach
Long Beach, California, offers a variety of stunning "photo spots" for photography enthusiasts. From the picturesque coastline at Bluff Park to the historic Queen Mary ship, there's no shortage of unique and beautiful backdrops. Don't forget to capture the vibrant street art in the East Village Arts District or the colorful flowers at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. With so many "photo spots in Long Beach" to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect setting for your next photo shoot.
- 1. Queen Mary Photo Op
- 2. Hilltop Park
- 3. Colorado Lagoon
- 4. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
- 5. Bluff Park
- 6. Bixby Park
- 7. 360 PHOTO - Google Virtual Tours
- 8. Lions Lighthouse
- 9. King Kong Studio & 1hr Photo
- 10. El Dorado East Regional Park
- 11. f/8 Studios Long Beach
- 12. Blossom Blue Photography
- 13. Zoom Theory Photography
- 14. Rainbow Lagoon Park
- 15. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
- 16. Dominguez Gap Wetlands
- 17. Alamitos Park
- 18. Long Beach Sign
1. Queen Mary Photo Op
Haunted Encounters Experience

The Queen Mary, located in Long Beach, offers stunning views of the city skyline from its deck, making it a popular spot for visitors to take photos. In fact, it's one of the most popular Instagram spots in all of Los Angeles County. Visitors can take photos of the legendary vessel from afar or grab plenty of selfies while on board.
Not only is the Queen Mary a great spot for taking photos, but it's also a historic landmark. The ship has a rich history, having served as a transatlantic ocean liner during the 1930s and 1940s before being converted into a military transport during World War II. Today, the ship serves as a hotel and museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its fascinating past. Whether you're looking to take the perfect Instagram shot or learn about maritime history, the Queen Mary is definitely worth a visit.
2. Hilltop Park
Historic oil mining site

Hilltop Park is a local attraction known for its stunning views, especially of Catalina Island to the west and the LA skyline to the east. The park's design includes a smoke signal in the center, a nod to the history that inspired the city's name.
The smoke signal in the park's center serves as a reminder of the area's past, and the views from the park are truly breathtaking. On a clear day, particularly after a rainstorm, visitors can see for miles, taking in the beauty of Catalina Island and the LA skyline.
3. Colorado Lagoon
Historic recreation area

A beautiful lagoon, open to the public, offers a great spot for taking photos, especially at sunset. Visitors can capture stunning images of the lagoon, which has a small beach area. Photography enthusiasts will enjoy the picturesque scenery, which includes a bridge and surrounding nature, providing a hidden gem of a backdrop.
According to Tony F., the lagoon is a wonderful location for photography, particularly during the golden hour of sunset. Sarah L. agrees, noting that the bridge and natural surroundings create breathtaking backdrops, making it an ideal spot for photographers looking for a hidden gem to capture. Overall, the lagoon's beauty and tranquility make it a perfect destination for anyone looking to capture stunning photos.
4. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Tranquil oasis in urban setting

Cal State U's Long Beach campus is home to a beautiful place that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The garden is a serene spot, boasting a koi pond filled with vibrant fish. Visitors are encouraged to bring change to feed the hungry koi, who eagerly eat as if they haven't been fed in days. The fish are particularly entertaining to watch near the shallow shore area, where they seem to try to get out of the water to snatch the food.
The koi pond is surrounded by a small garden, providing a peaceful retreat in the midst of the campus. The garden's admission includes fish food, allowing visitors to feed the gorgeous, inquisitive koi. Benches and tables are scattered throughout the garden, inviting visitors to sit and relax while taking in the tranquility of the surroundings. Contemplative music plays in the background, adding to the peaceful atmosphere and making it an ideal spot to unwind for a while.
5. Bluff Park
Whale watching spot

The location offers stunning views of the white sand and the Pacific Ocean on one side, while the other side is lined with luxurious mansions on Ocean Blvd. It is a wonderful place to enjoy the ocean view, with boats anchored and people moving along the bike path or walkway. The scenic spot is generally easy to reach, with available parking spaces on Ocean Blvd.
Visitors can take in the beautiful ocean view, with boats lined up and people walking or biking along the path. The area is surrounded by stunning mansions on one side and the white sandy beach on the Pacific Ocean on the other. Parking is usually accessible on Ocean Blvd, making it a convenient location to visit and enjoy the outdoors.
6. Bixby Park
Free entrance, dog-friendly

The Great Farmers Market takes place every Tuesday afternoon, offering a variety of goods and a lively atmosphere. The market provides a great view and is close to a beach, making it a perfect place to visit in the summer. During this season, visitors can enjoy live music and soak up the sun while looking out at the ocean.
The surrounding area is friendly and inviting, with a park that is pleasant to wander through. There are many excellent dining options nearby, and people-watching is a popular activity, especially on weekends. The skate park stage adds to the entertainment, making the farmers market a well-rounded and enjoyable destination.
7. 360 PHOTO - Google Virtual Tours

8. Lions Lighthouse
Only lighthouse in Southern California open to the public
The "Lions Lighthouse for Sight" is a decorative lighthouse located in Shoreline Marina, Long Beach, California. This ten-story tall structure stands in Rainbow Bay, offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. From the top, you can see the docked Queen Mary line, adding to the attraction of the location.
In addition to the stunning views, the area around the Lions Lighthouse is an ideal place to relax and unwind. It serves as a great spot for various activities such as hanging out, taking a walk, or even going on a first date. Overall, the Lions Lighthouse is one of the nicest spots in Long Beach, offering both scenic beauty and a welcoming atmosphere.
9. King Kong Studio & 1hr Photo

10. El Dorado East Regional Park
scenic views, outdoor activities
Grand Teton National Park is a magnificent destination for photographers, offering stunning views of its natural beauty. The park's picturesque landscapes come to life during sunrise and sunset, making it an ideal location for capturing breathtaking images. Photographers can find great spots along the park's trails, where they can immortalize the stunning scenery of lakes, greenery, and majestic mountains.
As a prime spot for photography, Grand Teton National Park offers an abundance of picturesque opportunities. The park's tranquil lakes, set against the backdrop of lush greenery and towering mountains, create an idyllic setting for photography enthusiasts. The park's natural beauty is a dream come true for photographers, who can capture the essence of this magical place at any time of the day.
11. f/8 Studios Long Beach

12. Blossom Blue Photography

13. Zoom Theory Photography

14. Rainbow Lagoon Park
scenic waterfront views

Rainbow Lagoon Park in Long Beach is a scenic spot where visitors can enjoy the beauty of nature. The park features a large lake, home to elegant swan boats that glide across the water. These boats are particularly breathtaking in the evening when they are illuminated by LED lights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Surrounding the lake, the park is situated in the downtown area of Long Beach, offering stunning views of the city skyline. With 137 photos taken at this location, visitors can capture memories of the picturesque scenery, the swan boats, and the vibrant energy of the city. Whether you're a local or a tourist, Rainbow Lagoon Park is a must-visit destination in Long Beach.
15. Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens
Cultural demonstrations, seasonal gardens

Rancho Los Alamitos is a perfect destination for an afternoon escape, offering a chance to enjoy stunning gardens and learn about the local history. The gardens are a visual delight, full of vibrant colors and carefully planned landscapes that provide beautiful spots for photos.
If you're looking for unique and interesting photo spots, Rancho Los Alamitos is highly recommended. The historic ranch house and gardens offer a one-of-a-kind backdrop that is perfect for photography. The combination of history and beauty makes it an ideal location for any photo shoot.
16. Dominguez Gap Wetlands
Home to over 200 bird species

Dominguez Gap Wetlands Trail is a small, man-made wetlands area located in Long Beach, California, next to the Los Angeles River. The wetlands serve as a flood control zone and have become a popular spot for hiking and enjoying nature. LA County Flood Control District fully repaired the fence along the east side of the water, making it safe and secure for visitors.
The trail is not crowded, and it is dog-friendly, making it an ideal place for a peaceful walk. However, the view can be monotonous, and there is a downside of homeless individuals living by the river, which can make it unsafe to visit after sunset or at night. Despite these issues, the trail is easy to navigate, and the necessary repairs to the fence make it a secure and enjoyable spot for visitors during daylight hours.
17. Alamitos Park
Scenic ocean views

Alamitos Park Beach is an ideal location for photographers, featuring a wide sandy area that provides fantastic views of the ocean. The calm waters and scenic surroundings of the beach make it a perfect spot to take stunning beach photographs.
This beach is a hidden gem for photography enthusiasts, boasting protected waters and a picturesque setting that offers excellent opportunities for capturing beautiful beach scenes. The beach's peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal location for photographers looking to capture the essence of a relaxing day at the beach.
18. Long Beach Sign
