Lions Lighthouse is a 65-foot decorative lighthouse at 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, on the Shoreline Marina peninsula in downtown Long Beach. Funded by the Downtown Long Beach Lions Clubs and first illuminated in 2000, it promotes the Lions’ work supporting people with blindness and visual impairment. Travelers come for its harborfront setting, close-up views of Rainbow Harbor and the RMS Queen Mary, and an easy stop beside the Aquarium of the Pacific.
What to Expect at Lions Lighthouse
This is a civic landmark rather than a working visitor-center lighthouse: there are no interior tours, stairs to climb, museum galleries, or admission desk. The experience is outdoors and self-guided. Follow the paved waterfront promenade around the small point for changing angles on the white cylindrical tower, its lantern, the marina slips, harbor excursion boats, and the broad channel toward the Queen Mary.
The lighthouse is part of the walkable Shoreline Aquatic Park and Rainbow Harbor waterfront, where the skyline of downtown Long Beach meets the water. Its purpose gives the stop more context than a photo opportunity; the tower was created by local Lions Clubs to call attention to sight and blindness services. Visit in the morning for a quieter promenade and clean light across the harbor, or near dusk when the tower’s illumination and the nearby waterfront lights become part of the scene.
- 65-foot tower: A 2000-built, decorative lighthouse and recognizable marker on the Shoreline Marina edge.
- Lions mission: The project was funded by Downtown Long Beach Lions Clubs to raise awareness of vision-related services.
- Rainbow Harbor outlook: Look across the marina, passing harbor craft, and downtown’s waterfront skyline.
- Queen Mary view: The retired ocean liner is visible across the water from the peninsula.
- Waterfront walk: Pair the photo stop with the paved paths of Shoreline Aquatic Park and the Aquarium district.
Lions Lighthouse at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 200 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Downtown waterfront, Shoreline Marina and Rainbow Harbor |
| Operating Hours | Daily, 5 a.m.–10 p.m. for Shoreline Aquatic Park; exterior viewing only |
| Admission / Price Range | Free to view; no ticket or reservation required |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 45 minutes, longer with the waterfront walk |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Metro A Line: Downtown Long Beach Station, about 0.6 mile away; paid parking is available in the Aquarium Way waterfront area |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine; +1 562-570-4950 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Arrive early, especially on weekends and school-holiday afternoons, when the Aquarium district and waterfront parking draw heavy traffic. The Metro A Line terminates at Downtown Long Beach; from there, it is a roughly 10-to-15-minute walk south through downtown toward Aquarium Way. Drivers can use the paid parking facilities around the Aquarium of the Pacific and Shoreline Village, then continue on foot along the harbor. There is no need to reserve a lighthouse visit.
The landmark sits beside broad paved paths that are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, and its exterior can be appreciated entirely from ground level. The tower itself is not open to the public, so there is no elevator, interior restroom, or seating inside; use facilities at neighboring public attractions and waterfront businesses. Within a short walk, combine it with Shoreline Aquatic Park, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and Shoreline Village’s harborfront shops and casual restaurants. The Pike Outlets and Pine Avenue dining corridor are also nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lions Lighthouse open, and when should I go?
The lighthouse is viewed from the grounds of Shoreline Aquatic Park, which are open daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. Go early for a calmer waterfront walk, or visit near dusk for harbor lights and views toward the Queen Mary.
Is there an admission fee or a reservation requirement?
Viewing Lions Lighthouse is free, and reservations are not required. Budget separately for nearby paid parking, Aquarium admission, dining, or harbor activities if you add them to the outing.
How long should I budget for Lions Lighthouse?
Allow 30 to 45 minutes for photographs, the interpretive context, and a loop along the immediate waterfront. Plan one to two hours if you continue through Shoreline Aquatic Park, Shoreline Village, or the Aquarium district.
Is Lions Lighthouse accessible and suitable for children?
Yes. Families, strollers, and wheelchair users can enjoy the ground-level exterior from the paved harbor promenade. There is no public access inside the lighthouse, making this best treated as a short outdoor sightseeing stop rather than a climb or indoor attraction.
When planning your Long Beach travel guide or browsing verified attractions in Long Beach, pair this stop with standout local spots including Best Western Plus Hotel at the Convention Center, Hotel Mai Downtown Long Beach, Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum, and ShoreLine Aquatic Park (nearby).
