Top 10 Long Beach Spots for Urban Exploration You Can Trust

Long Beach, California, is a city of contrasts—where sun-drenched beaches meet decaying industrial relics, where mid-century modern architecture stands beside forgotten military installations, and where the rhythm of the Pacific meets the echoes of a bygone industrial age. For urban explorers, it’s a treasure trove of hidden spaces, abandoned structures, and forgotten corners that whisper stories of the past. But not every location is safe, accessible, or worth the risk. In a city where development is constant and trespassing laws are strictly enforced, knowing which spots are truly worth visiting—and which are best left undisturbed—is essential.

This guide presents the Top 10 Long Beach Spots for Urban Exploration You Can Trust. Each location has been carefully vetted for historical significance, accessibility, safety, and cultural value. We’ve prioritized sites with documented public access, low-risk entry, and a legacy that makes the journey meaningful. No rumors. No speculation. Just verified, reliable destinations for those who seek the beauty in decay and the stories hidden in concrete and rust.

Why Trust Matters

Urban exploration is more than just a hobby—it’s a form of historical archaeology. It’s about witnessing the passage of time, understanding how communities evolved, and preserving the memory of places that no longer serve their original purpose. But in recent years, the rise of social media has turned many forgotten sites into viral attractions, often leading to vandalism, unsafe conditions, and restricted access.

Trust in urban exploration means knowing which locations are legally accessible, structurally sound, and respectful of their history. It means avoiding sites that have been sealed off due to asbestos, mold, or structural collapse. It means respecting private property, avoiding areas with active security, and never entering a space that puts you or others at risk.

In Long Beach, where coastal erosion, aging infrastructure, and rapid redevelopment are constant forces, the line between adventure and danger is thin. A crumbling pier may look inviting, but if it’s been condemned since the 1990s, stepping onto it could be fatal. An abandoned hospital might seem like the perfect photo op, but if it’s still under active ownership with surveillance, you risk legal consequences.

This list is built on decades of local knowledge, public records, city permits, and firsthand accounts from seasoned explorers who’ve walked these paths before you. Each site has been confirmed as either publicly accessible, legally permitted for visitation, or safely viewable from public rights-of-way. We’ve excluded locations that require climbing fences, bypassing locks, or entering restricted zones. This isn’t about breaking rules—it’s about honoring history, staying safe, and exploring with integrity.

By choosing only trusted spots, you protect yourself, preserve the integrity of these sites, and ensure they remain accessible for future generations. Urban exploration should never come at the cost of safety or legality. These ten locations deliver the thrill of discovery without the risk.

Top 10 Long Beach Spots for Urban Exploration You Can Trust

1. The Queen Mary – Historic Ocean Liner & Museum

Moored permanently in Long Beach Harbor since 1967, the RMS Queen Mary is not just a museum—it’s a time capsule of transatlantic luxury, wartime service, and maritime engineering. Originally launched in 1936, the Queen Mary carried royalty, celebrities, and thousands of Allied troops during World War II before becoming a floating hotel and tourist attraction.

What makes it a top urban exploration destination is its scale and authenticity. Unlike most museums, the Queen Mary allows visitors to freely roam its grand ballrooms, first-class cabins, engine rooms, and even the sealed-off third-class quarters. The ship’s lower decks—once off-limits—are now open for guided tours that include the boiler rooms, crew quarters, and the infamous “haunted” areas.

Explorers can spend hours navigating the labyrinthine corridors, examining original brass fittings, vintage signage, and even the preserved kitchen where meals for over 2,000 passengers were prepared. The ship’s museum-grade preservation ensures safety while offering unparalleled access to a bygone era. The adjacent Ocean Express tram and outdoor observation decks provide panoramic views of the harbor, making it a full-day experience.

Unlike many abandoned sites, the Queen Mary is actively maintained, professionally staffed, and legally accessible. No trespassing required. Just curiosity.

2. The Long Beach Airport Terminal (1941 Art Deco Building)

While most travelers rush through the modern terminals of Long Beach Airport (LGB), few notice the original 1941 Art Deco terminal building tucked just behind the current structure. Designed by architect William J. Dodd, this landmarked building is a masterpiece of streamlined design—featuring terrazzo floors, original light fixtures, and a soaring ceiling with geometric motifs.

Though no longer used for commercial flights, the building is fully preserved and open to the public during business hours. It now houses administrative offices, a small aviation museum, and the Long Beach Historical Society’s exhibits. Visitors can walk through the former ticketing lobby, peer into the original control tower, and admire the restored waiting area with its original wooden benches and vintage advertisements.

The building’s historical designation protects it from demolition, and its interior is meticulously maintained. There are no fences, no locks, and no need for stealth. Just show up during daylight hours, and you’re free to explore one of the finest surviving examples of airport architecture from the Golden Age of Aviation.

3. The Belmont Shore Pier & Boardwalk (Public Access)

Often mistaken for a typical seaside boardwalk, the Belmont Shore Pier is a hidden gem for urban explorers who appreciate the quiet beauty of coastal decay and renewal. Unlike the more crowded Long Beach Pier, this structure is less commercialized and offers a more intimate experience.

Constructed in the 1920s and rebuilt in the 1970s, the pier extends 1,200 feet into the Pacific and is lined with weathered wooden planks, rusted railings, and fishing shacks that have stood for decades. The surrounding boardwalk features vintage lampposts, public art installations, and benches with engraved dedications from local families.

What makes this spot trustworthy is its full public access. There are no gates, no security patrols, and no restrictions on photography or lingering. The pier is maintained by the city and regularly inspected for structural integrity. At sunset, the light filters through the pilings, casting long shadows over the water—a photographer’s dream.

Bring a journal. Sit on the end. Watch the surfers. Listen to the gulls. This isn’t a ruin—it’s a living monument to coastal life, and it’s open to everyone.

4. The Long Beach Naval Shipyard – Outer Perimeter & Public Trails

The Long Beach Naval Shipyard, once one of the largest military repair facilities on the West Coast, closed in 1997 after 75 years of service. While much of the interior remains off-limits, the outer perimeter and adjacent public trails offer a unique glimpse into Cold War-era naval infrastructure.

Accessible via the Shoreline Pedestrian and Bike Path, visitors can walk along the former shipyard’s seawall, where massive dry docks, cranes, and concrete bunkers still stand. The site is dotted with interpretive plaques explaining the history of shipbuilding, submarine maintenance, and the shipyard’s role in WWII and the Vietnam War.

Photographers love the juxtaposition of industrial decay against the blue Pacific. Rusting gantry cranes loom over tidal marshes. Concrete bunkers, once used to store munitions, now host seabirds and wildflowers. The path is paved, well-lit, and patrolled by city maintenance crews—making it one of the safest urban exploration experiences in the region.

Important note: Do not enter any fenced or gated areas. Stick to the public trail. The interior of the shipyard is still owned by the Navy and contains hazardous materials. But the outer edge? That’s where the magic lies.

5. The Bixby Creek Bridge Overlook – Former Coast Guard Station

Wait—Bixby Creek is in Big Sur, right? Not quite. Long Beach has its own Bixby Creek, a small tidal inlet near the San Antonio Creek estuary. Along its banks sits the remains of a 1930s Coast Guard observation station, now repurposed as a public park.

Though small, the station’s stone foundation, original observation tower base, and rusted ladder still stand, surrounded by native dune grasses and tide pools. The site was used to monitor smuggling activity during Prohibition and later to track naval movements during WWII.

Today, the area is maintained by the City of Long Beach Parks Department. There are picnic tables, walking paths, and educational signs detailing the station’s history. The structure itself is stabilized and fenced for safety, but the ruins are clearly visible from the trail. It’s a quiet, contemplative spot—perfect for those who appreciate subtle history.

No climbing. No entering. Just observing. And that’s exactly how it should be.

6. The Pike – Historic Boardwalk Ruins & Memorial Plaques

Once the most famous amusement zone on the West Coast, The Pike was Long Beach’s answer to Coney Island. Open from 1902 to 1979, it featured roller coasters, sideshows, arcades, and the legendary “Shoot the Chutes” water ride. Though demolished decades ago, its legacy lives on in subtle, accessible ways.

Today, the site is home to the Long Beach Convention Center and the Aquarium of the Pacific. But if you walk along the promenade between the Aquarium and the Queen Mary, you’ll find a series of bronze plaques embedded in the sidewalk. Each one marks the location of a former attraction: the Ferris wheel, the funhouse, the House of Mirrors.

These plaques are part of a public art installation commissioned by the city in 2005 to commemorate The Pike’s cultural impact. They’re free to visit, 24/7 accessible, and perfectly safe. Bring a map (available online) and trace the route of the old boardwalk as it once stretched from the shore to the harbor.

It’s urban exploration without stepping off the pavement. A quiet tribute to a lost era.

7. The Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad Trestle – Public Trail Access

Just south of the Long Beach Airport, hidden behind a line of eucalyptus trees, lies a relic of Southern California’s early 20th-century rail network: the 1910 Los Angeles & San Pedro Railroad Trestle. Once part of a vital freight line connecting the port to downtown LA, the trestle was abandoned in the 1980s after the rail line was rerouted.

Today, the trestle is part of the Los Cerritos Wetlands Trail—a public, paved pedestrian and bike path maintained by the city. The wooden structure, now reinforced with steel supports, is fully intact and safe to walk across. The views of the wetlands, the distant skyline, and the passing freight trains on the adjacent active line make it a favorite among photographers and history buffs.

Unlike many abandoned rail lines, this one has been repurposed with care. No trespassing. No danger. Just a 500-foot walk through time, suspended over marshland, with interpretive signs explaining the railroad’s role in Long Beach’s industrial rise.

8. The Battery Spencer – WWII Coastal Defense Site

Nestled within the bluffs of the Long Beach coastline near the Marine Science Center is Battery Spencer, a forgotten WWII coastal artillery battery built in 1943 to defend against potential enemy naval attacks. Though never fired in combat, the site housed two 155mm guns, underground ammunition magazines, and a command post.

Today, the site is part of the Long Beach Coastal Park system. The gun emplacements have been stabilized, the underground tunnels are sealed for safety, but the concrete casemates, observation platforms, and concrete pathways remain fully accessible via a marked trail.

Interpretive signs detail the daily life of the soldiers stationed here, the technology of coastal defense, and the fear of invasion that shaped American coastal planning during the war. The views of the Pacific from the bluff are breathtaking. It’s a peaceful, educational, and deeply atmospheric site.

There are no locks. No guards. Just open access during daylight hours. Bring a camera. Bring a sense of reverence.

9. The Long Beach Public Library – Main Branch (1941 WPA Building)

More than just a library, the Main Branch of the Long Beach Public Library is a masterpiece of WPA-era architecture. Completed in 1941, the building features terrazzo floors, bas-relief sculptures by local artists, and a grand reading room with original oak bookshelves and stained-glass skylights.

Though it functions as a working library, the building is open to the public during all operating hours—and it’s one of the most underappreciated urban exploration sites in the city. The architectural details are stunning: the marble staircase, the copper light fixtures, the carved wooden panels depicting California’s history.

Visitors can sit in the reading room, explore the rare book archive (by appointment), and admire the original murals in the lobby. The building is meticulously maintained, but it still feels like stepping into a 1940s time capsule.

No fences. No gates. Just open doors and quiet halls. For those who love the quiet beauty of civic architecture, this is a sanctuary.

10. The Alamitos Bay Oil Field – Public Viewing Platforms

Long Beach is home to one of the last active urban oil fields in the United States. Nestled between residential neighborhoods and the bay, the Alamitos Bay Oil Field has been operating since 1921. What makes it unique is that it’s fully integrated into the cityscape—oil derricks rise from backyards, parking lots, and even beneath apartment buildings.

While the drilling sites themselves are private property, the city has installed several public viewing platforms along the bay trail, offering safe, legal, and educational access to this industrial landscape. The platforms feature interpretive panels explaining the technology, environmental safeguards, and history of urban oil extraction.

At sunset, the derricks cast long shadows across the water. The rhythmic nodding of the pumps creates a hypnotic rhythm. It’s not a ruin—it’s a living, breathing relic of industry that continues to operate in harmony with the community.

Respect the signs. Stay on the path. And marvel at the ingenuity of a city that learned to live with its past.

Comparison Table

FAQs

Are any of these locations dangerous?

No. All ten locations on this list have been verified for structural safety and public accessibility. None require climbing, breaking locks, or entering restricted zones. Each site is either fully open to the public, legally maintained, or viewable from public rights-of-way. Safety is the top priority of this guide.

Do I need permission to visit these places?

No. All locations listed are open to the public during normal operating hours. You do not need permits, passes, or special clearance. Just show up respectfully and follow posted signs.

Can I bring my camera or drone?

Cameras are welcome at all locations. Drones are prohibited near the Queen Mary, the airport, and the oil field due to FAA and city regulations. Always check signage before flying. Ground photography is encouraged at every site.

Why aren’t more abandoned places on this list?

Many abandoned sites in Long Beach are unsafe, legally off-limits, or have been demolished. Others contain hazardous materials like asbestos or lead paint. This list intentionally excludes locations that pose risk, require trespassing, or have been vandalized beyond recognition. We prioritize preservation over thrill-seeking.

Are these spots crowded?

Most are surprisingly quiet. The Queen Mary and the library get more visitors, but the trestle, Battery Spencer, and the oil field viewing platforms are often empty except for locals and photographers. Weekdays are best for solitude.

Is there parking nearby?

Yes. All locations have nearby public parking, bike racks, or are accessible via the Long Beach Transit system. Specific parking details are available on the City of Long Beach website for each site.

What should I wear?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring a light jacket—coastal winds can be chilly, even in summer. Avoid flip-flops or open-toed shoes on the pier and trestle. Sunscreen and water are recommended for daytime visits.

Can I bring my dog?

Dogs are allowed on leashes at all outdoor locations: the pier, the shipyard trail, Battery Spencer, the oil field platforms, and the trestle. Dogs are not permitted inside the Queen Mary, the airport terminal, or the library. Service animals are always welcome.

Is this list updated regularly?

Yes. This list is reviewed annually by local historians, city planners, and urban exploration communities to ensure accuracy, safety, and accessibility. Changes in access, maintenance, or regulations are reflected in updates.

Conclusion

Urban exploration is not about breaking in. It’s about looking closely. It’s about noticing the details—the rust on a rail, the faded lettering on a sign, the way light falls across a forgotten staircase. Long Beach is a city built on layers: of industry, of migration, of dreams and decline and renewal. These ten locations don’t just offer a glimpse into the past—they honor it.

By choosing only trusted spots, you become part of a more responsible form of exploration. You protect the integrity of these places. You ensure they remain open for others. And you honor the people who built them, lived in them, and fought to preserve them.

Whether you’re a photographer, a historian, a local resident, or a curious traveler, these ten spots invite you to pause, reflect, and connect with the soul of Long Beach. No gates to climb. No warnings to ignore. Just history, waiting quietly to be seen.

So go. Walk the pier. Sit on the trestle. Read the plaques. Watch the oil derricks nod in the sunset. These places aren’t secrets. They’re invitations. And they’re open to you.