The Long Beach Grand Prix
America’s Greatest Street Race — A First-Timer’s Guide
Held each spring on the streets of downtown Long Beach, California, the Long Beach Grand Prix blends world-class motorsport with Southern California atmosphere. Palm trees line the circuit; The Pacific Ocean sits just beyond the barriers; And race cars thunder down Shoreline Drive.
Since its debut in 1975, the Long Beach Grand Prix has become the second-longest running major open-wheel race in the United States, behind only the Indianapolis 500.
Unlike many major racing events, Long Beach allows fans to experience multiple vantage points, explore the paddock, and enjoy a full weekend of racing — all within a compact and scenic setting.
The Track: Fast, Tight, and Iconic
The Long Beach Street Circuit is a 1.968-mile temporary street circuit winding through downtown Long Beach.
Highlights include:
Shoreline Drive
One of the fastest sections of any street circuit, where cars reach speeds approaching 180 mph.
Turn 1
Heavy braking and frequent overtaking.
The Fountain Hairpin
One of the most iconic corners in North American racing — tight, technical, and perfect for photography.
Oceanfront Sections
High-speed street racing with waterfront views like Long Beach.
The Full Weekend: More Than Just Sunday
The Long Beach Grand Prix is truly a three-day motorsport festival.
Friday
IndyCar Practice
IMSA Practice
Support Race Sessions
Paddock Access Opportunities
Friday is the best day for:
Exploring the circuit
Photography
Learning the layout
Saturday — One of the Best Days of Racing
Saturday is often one of the best days of the weekend, featuring:
IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Race
IndyCar Practice
IndyCar Qualifying
Stadium Super Trucks
Historic Sports Cars
Saturday is also a great day to explore the circuit with smaller crowds and excellent access.
Sunday — The Main Event
Saturday is fantastic — especially for IMSA fans — but Sunday is when the Long Beach Grand Prix transforms from a great race weekend into something truly special.
My biggest advice: Arrive early. Earlier than you think you need to.
Sunday morning at Long Beach is one of the most enjoyable parts of the entire weekend. The crowds haven’t fully built yet, the air is still cool, coming off the harbor, and you can walk the circuit, visit the paddock, and soak in the atmosphere before everything ramps up.
Some of the best Sunday experiences happen before the race even begins:
Walking the waterfront as the grandstands begin to fill
Watching teams prepare cars in the paddock
Hearing IndyCars fire up for the first time
Finding your seat early and watching the crowd build
Long Beach is uniquely compact, which makes race day especially enjoyable. You can move around easily, explore different vantage points, and still get back to your seat well before the green flag.
Another tip: Plan your movement before the IndyCar race starts.
Once the crowd fills in, navigating the circuit becomes much slower. If you want to explore merchandise, food, or paddock access, do it early.
And when race time approaches, the atmosphere noticeably shifts. The pre-race ceremonies begin, the crowd grows louder, and the anticipation builds in a way that’s hard to describe — but easy to feel.
Then the engines fire — The sound echoes off the buildings, the cars roll onto the grid, and suddenly you understand why Long Beach has earned its reputation as America’s Greatest Street Race.
Best First-Timer Strategy
If it’s your first Long Beach Grand Prix, consider attending all three days, or at least both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday
Smaller crowds
IMSA race
IndyCar qualifying
Easier circuit access
Sunday
IndyCar main event
Full Grand Prix atmosphere
Ceremonies and traditions
Attending both days gives you the complete Long Beach experience.
Where to Sit
The compact street circuit and multiple vantage points make The Long Beach Grand Prix one of the most spectator-friendly races in North America.
Best Options:
Shoreline Drive Grandstands
Fastest section and great overtaking
Fountain Hairpin
Iconic corner and great photography
Grandstand 26
Great overall visibility and race flow
Grandstand 30
Strong race-day viewing and atmosphere
For 2026, I’ll be experiencing two different perspectives:
Saturday: Grandstand 26 (IMSA Focus)
Sunday: Grandstand 30 (IndyCar Race Day + C300 Club)
I also purchased IndyCar paddock passes for both days, which I highly recommend. Paddock access allows you to:
See cars up close
Watch teams prepare
Experience the behind-the-scenes atmosphere
Potentially see drivers and crews preparing for sessions
Note - Another advantage of Long Beach is that you can still walk around even with reserved seating.
Best Value Tickets
Long Beach offers some of the best value tickets in major motorsport:
Saturday Tickets
Lower cost and excellent racing
General Admission
Flexible viewing and exploration
Mid-Track Grandstands
Good value with strong visibility
Adding paddock passes can significantly enhance the experience and are often worth the upgrade.
VIP & Premium Experiences
The Long Beach Grand Prix has a wide range of premium hospitality experiences available.
C300 Club (Committee of 300)
The C300 Club is one of the most popular hospitality options at Long Beach — and one I’ll be experiencing for the first time this year.
Club C300 typically includes:
Garden-style hospitality setting
Catered breakfast and lunch
Reserved grandstand seating
Closed-circuit race coverage
Live entertainment
No-host bar
Comfortable seating and shade
One of the biggest advantages is having a home base during the day — somewhere to relax, recharge, and enjoy the atmosphere between race sessions.
Pit Row Suites
One of the most premium experiences available:
Elevated trackside viewing
Views of pit lane
Indoor lounge areas
Buffet dining
Bar service
TV monitors
This provides one of the closest experiences to professional racing hospitality.
Additional VIP Options
Other premium hospitality areas include:
Pit Lane Club
Seaside Club
Vista Club
Trackside Suites
Private Hospitality Areas
Each offers different viewing locations and levels of comfort.
Where to Stay
Best options:
Staying downtown allows you to walk to the circuit.
Getting There
Best airports:
Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
Once downtown, walking is often easiest.
Where to Eat
Long Beach offers excellent dining options:
Parkers’ Lighthouse
Seafood and harbor views
Yard House
Casual and convenient
Domenico’s (Belmont Shore
If you’re willing to venture about 15–20 minutes from the circuit, Domenico’s on 2nd Street is a Long Beach institution — and one of the best Italian restaurants I’ve experienced anywhere, including Italy. Established in 1954, it’s known for its ground pepperoni pizza, classic pasta dishes, and old-school atmosphere. Worth the short drive.
Race Morning Coffee
Arrive early and grab coffee downtown before heading to the circuit. This also allows time to explore before crowds build.
Recreational Coffee (Top Pick — Closest to Track)
237 Long Beach Blvd, Long Beach
Walking distance to the Long Beach Grand Prix circuit
Frequently voted “Best Coffee Shop in Long Beach”
Trendy but relaxed atmosphere
Great breakfast options and pastries
This is probably the best overall race-morning stop if you’re staying downtown or heading in early.
Rose Park Roasters (Highly Rated Specialty Coffee)
Known for high-quality beans
Strong, rich coffee flavor
Popular with serious coffee enthusiasts
This is one of Long Beach’s most respected specialty coffee roasters with strong reviews for quality and baked goods.
Ground Hideout Coffee (Local Favorite)
Downtown Long Beach (4th & Elm)
Family-owned specialty coffee shop
Beans from premium roasters
Cozy neighborhood atmosphere
This spot is frequently described as a “downtown Long Beach coffee jewel” and a favorite among locals.
Da Vien Coffee (Early Opening — Great for Race Morning)
715 E Anaheim St
Opens early (ideal for race morning)
Known for Vietnamese iced coffee
Good grab-and-go option
If you’re heading in early, this is a strong caffeine stop before gates open.
Onda Coffee (Hidden Gem / Boutique Coffee)
222 E 10th St, Long Beach
Small, specialty coffee shop
Unique Vietnamese-inspired drinks
Perfect if you want something more unique and less crowded before race day.
What to Bring — Long Beach Grand Prix
The Long Beach Grand Prix is one of the most comfortable race weekends in motorsports — but a few smart items can make the experience significantly better.
Ear Protection
Even if you don’t normally use ear protection, it’s worth bringing:
Foam earplugs (easy and compact)
Reusable earplugs
Over-ear protection (especially for kids)
You may not need them all day — but you’ll be glad you have them during longer sessions.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
You will walk more than you expect.
Even though Long Beach is compact compared to many tracks, comfortable shoes make a big difference — especially on Sunday.
Sunglasses & Sunscreen
Southern California sunshine is part of the Long Beach experience — but it can also sneak up on you.
Bring:
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Hat or cap (optional but helpful)
Many grandstands are exposed, and the reflection off the harbor can make it feel warmer than expected.
Small Backpack or Sling Bag
A small bag makes the day easier without being cumbersome.
Portable Phone Charger
You’ll use your phone more than you expect, so a portable charger is one of the most useful items you can bring.
Light Jacket
Long Beach mornings — especially near the water — can be cool.
A lightweight layer is usually enough, and you can store it once temperatures warm up.
Water Bottle
Hydration matters — especially if you’re walking around all day.
Check event rules (usually sealed bottles allowed), but having water on hand makes the day much more comfortable.
Camera (Optional — Your mobile phone is likely more than sufficient)
You don’t need a DSLR. Your mobile phone is likely more than capable of capturing great pictures.
What NOT to Bring
The official Long Beach Grand Prix rules state that the following are not allowed to be brought into the racetrack:
Alcoholic beverages
Banners/signs (except for pennant souvenirs)
Bikes/skateboards/hoverboards
Drones/RC aircraft
Fireworks
Folding stadium seats
Glass bottles & cans
Guns/knives/mace/stun guns
Hand-drawn wagons
Ice chests larger than 14″
Ladders & step stools
Large umbrellas
Lawn furniture
Pets (except service animals; emotional support animals not allowed - see policy below)
Scooters/powered scooters/eBikes/eTrikes
Seat cushions larger than 11” x 14”
Skates & rollerblades
Tripods
Also, there is no smoking/vaping in any grandstand
The Last Lap
The Long Beach Grand Prix is one of the most enjoyable racing weekends in motorsport.
It’s fast.
It’s accessible.
It’s iconic.
If you’re looking for one of the best racing experiences in America, Long Beach may be the perfect place to start.
Because sometimes, the best races aren’t just about speed.
They’re about the experience.
And Long Beach delivers both.
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Upcoming articles will explore iconic racing events around the world — from the Monaco Grand Prix to the Nürburgring and beyond.
Great write up, one of my regrets having grown up in California is that I never went to the LBGP as a kid.