The Los Angeles Chapter of REFORMA is excited to host RNC VIII in Long Beach, CA, under the theme “Moving Forward Together: Empowering the Latino Community.” Make plans to join us on September 18-21, 2025”
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is located on the Pacific Coast in Southern California, approximately 25 miles south of Los Angeles. It is the seventh largest city in California with a population of over 470,000, and is one of the most diverse and walkable cities in the nation.
Long Beach, a city rich in history and diversity, boasts an eclectic and dynamic mix of neighborhoods. According to 2020 Census data, 47% of Long Beach residents identify as Latinx or Hispanic, primarily residing in central, west and north areas of the city. Long Beach is also notable for Cambodia Town, a neighborhood which boasts the largest population of Cambodians outside of Cambodia.
Long Beach is one of the “Gayest Cities in America” according to The Advocate and the city earned a perfect score of 100 +11 bonus points on the 2021 Human Rights Campaign Municipal Equality Index. The Long Beach community is committed to supporting its LGBTQ+ residents, with an annual Pride Festival, as well as The Center which provides health, legal, and social services to residents who identify as LGBTQ+. Along the Broadway Corridor Long Beach boasts a variety of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops which are LGBTQ+ owned and operated, affectionately known as the “gayborhood,” a landmark of Long Beach nightlife.
Long Beach is a refreshing mix of urban sophistication with the atmosphere of a beach resort. Offering affordable, big city amenities alongside the visitor friendly charm of a small town, visitors will find first-class accommodations, shopping, dining, and notable attractions such as The Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, seaside sightseeing along picturesque bays and 5 ½ miles of sandy beachfront.
Situated conveniently between Orange County/Anaheim and Los Angeles, Long Beach also offers a great value as a base for seeing the rest of Southern California. The award-winning Long Beach Airport (LGB) was named the third easiest and most convenient airport in the country.
Long Beach Airport (LGB)
Fun Facts about Long Beach
On average, the city has 345 days of sunshine each year, and the temperatures are 74 degrees Fahrenheit.
Long Beach is considered one of the most walkable cities in the U.S.
Within eight blocks of Downtown Long Beach, there are over 125 restaurants where visitors can eat.
The parks in Long Beach are some of the best in the nation and consistently winners of the Gold Medal Award from the National Association for Excellence in Parks and Recreation Management. The Long Beach Public Library is a 2017 Recipient of National Medal for Museum and Library Service.
Long Beach was originally named “Wilmore City,” but because of its long, wide beaches it was renamed “Long Beach” in 1888.
The original Queen Mary has been docked as the historic centerpiece of Long Beach harbor since 1967. It is now out of commission and has been transformed as an exclusive club and restaurant, and occasionally hosts concerts too.
The eye-catching large white dome next to the Queen Mary stands 115 feet high and 400 feet wide and is the world’s largest, free-span aluminum geodesic structure. It was specifically designed to house Howard Hughes’ giant flying boat, the Spruce Goose. The Spruce Goose is no longer located within the dome, which now serves as the Long Beach Cruise Terminal at the Queen Mary.
Long Beach has been named as one of the best cities for young people to live. 17% of the people living in Long Beach are between the ages of 25 and 34.
Long Beach is a popular location for filming television and movies, including features such as Iron Man, Knight and Day, Transformers 2 and 3 and the latest Star Trek movie. Located less than 30 miles from Hollywood production studios, the city has been the backdrop for several TV shows, including Miami for Dexter and CSI Miami. NCIS: Los Angeles, True Blood and Criminal Minds have also been filmed.
Long Beach is the childhood home of famous athletes and celebrities including tennis legend Billie Jean King and baseball hall-of-famer Tony Gwynn, actor Nicolas Cage, actress Cameron Diaz, actress Bo Derek, singer Jenny Rivera, comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and rapper Snoop Dogg.