Long Beach Amphitheater Parking

1051 Queens Highway, Long Beach, California 90802

NOTICE: Traffic in Long Beach by the Long Beach Amphitheater can get busier at times of the major events. We typically recommend allowing extra time to arrive, park and walk to the venues entrance.

The Long Beach Amphitheater, located at 1051 Queens Highway in Long Beach, California, is part of the Queen Mary Events Park, a popular venue for concerts, festivals, and outdoor events. Parking can be challenging during peak times due to its waterfront location near the historic Queen Mary ship. This guide covers on-site options, fees, nearby lots, street parking, and essential tips to help you navigate efficiently.

On-Site Parking Options

The primary on-site parking is the Queen Mary Lot, an open-air surface lot adjacent to the venue at 1126 Queens Highway. It offers convenient access to the amphitheater, with spaces for standard vehicles and some accessibility spots. Rates are tiered: free for the first 0-20 minutes, $10 for 21-59 minutes, and a daily maximum of $25. For restaurant visitors at the Queen Mary, validation reduces the fee to $10. Overnight parking for hotel guests is $30 per night. During special events, rates may increase, and preferred parking passes (often $20-$40) might be required for on-site access, with general attendees directed off-site. Valet parking is available at the Queen Mary hotel entrance for added convenience, though it’s pricier (typically $35+). The lot holds several hundred spaces but fills quickly for large events; arrive at least an hour early.

Nearby Parking Lots

If on-site spots are full, several nearby lots provide alternatives within a 1-2 mile radius. The Long Beach Convention Center Arena Garage (300 E Ocean Blvd) offers 1,460 spaces at $15 for events, about a 20-minute walk or short shuttle ride away. The Cruise Terminal Parking Garage charges a flat daily rate of $23 and is ideal for all-day events. Apps like SpotHero or ParkWhiz list options such as the Seaside Way Lot (143 E Seaside Way), starting at $8 for daily parking, with reservations recommended to guarantee a spot. Downtown Long Beach garages, like those near Pine Avenue, average $10-$20 per day and connect via free shuttles.

Street Parking Options

Street parking is available in the surrounding Waterfront district, including along Queens Highway and nearby Ocean Boulevard. Meters cost $1-$2 per hour, with a two-hour limit in most areas; use the Passport Parking app for easy payments and extensions. Smart meters offer the first 15 minutes free – press the green button to activate. However, availability is limited, and restrictions apply during events or peak hours (e.g., no parking 2-6 AM for cleaning). Enforcement is strict, with tickets up to $70 for violations. Free street spots exist farther out in residential areas like Alamitos Beach, but expect a 15-30 minute walk.

General Parking Tips

Plan ahead by checking event-specific parking info on the Queen Mary website or apps like SpotHero for real-time availability and pre-booking to save up to 50%. Consider eco-friendly alternatives: park at Metro A Line stations (Willow or Wardlow) for $1.25 fare and ride to downtown, then hop on the free Passport bus (every 15 minutes weekends) to the venue. Rideshares like Uber drop off directly but surge during exits. Arrive early to avoid traffic on the 710 Freeway, and note that cash, cards, and contactless payments are accepted at most lots. For accessibility, request ADA spots in advance. Always read signs to avoid towing, and for sold-out events, off-site shuttles are often provided.