Featured Hotels Near JAAN-2 Gun Battery

Marriott Long Beach Marina is ideal, just 1.5 km from the site with direct access to the waterfront promenade. The hotel features ocean-view rooms, free parking, an indoor pool, and a modern fitness center. Nearby attractions include the Long Beach Aquarium and Marina Square, perfect for a relaxed day trip. Morning walks to the battery offer serene coastal views and historical immersion.

Take Bus Line 10 or use ride-hailing apps like Lyft/Uber—both take about 10 minutes. If driving, head west on Pine Avenue, turn onto Bixby Avenue, and follow signs to the battery entrance. The site has a small parking lot and marked trails. Combine your visit with a bike rental along the coastal path to explore nearby military ruins and scenic overlooks.

This WWII-era coastal defense site is a National Historic Landmark featuring original 16-inch naval gun emplacements, underground magazines, and command bunkers. Interactive touchscreens explain its role in Pacific Theater defense. Guided tours by volunteers are offered every Saturday at 10 AM, detailing wartime operations and post-war decommissioning. Reservations recommended for group visits.

Yes! The northern viewing platform offers panoramic shots of the Pacific Ocean, Long Beach skyline, and the Long Beach Bridge at sunset. The southern rail tracks and rusted gun mounts provide striking industrial contrast—perfect for dramatic black-and-white photography. Bring a tripod for long-exposure shots of waves and evening lights along the coast.

The adjacent Long Beach Promenade features playgrounds, picnic areas, and free restrooms. Rent bicycle pairs and cruise along the seaside trail, passing seal observation points and a working fishing pier. Summer evenings often host outdoor movie screenings with popcorn and drinks sold on-site, creating a relaxed, community atmosphere ideal for families.

Open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, last entry at 5:30 PM. Admission is free, but online registration is encouraged for guided tour slots. Weekends and holidays see higher crowds—visit early. Audio guide rentals ($5/hour) are available in English and Spanish, covering 1943 defense strategy and post-war transformation.

Long Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa is a top choice, just 1.5 km from JAAN-2 Gun Battery, with easy access to the scenic waterfront promenade. The hotel features ocean-view rooms, a 24-hour fitness center, and free parking, making it ideal for visitors exploring military history and coastal scenery.

Another excellent option is Hilton Garden Inn Long Beach, known for its modern design and superior service. Located within a short drive of the historic battery site, it offers complimentary Wi-Fi, breakfast, and convenient access to nearby attractions like the Port of Long Beach and Pacific Science Center—perfect for history enthusiasts and families alike.

The most convenient option is renting an electric scooter or e-bike from downtown Long Beach—just a 15-minute ride to the site. The area features designated parking zones and pedestrian pathways, ideal for walking tours.

For public transit, take Bus Line 10 to the "Marina Park" stop and walk about 10 minutes. Alternatively, guided self-drive tours are popular, offering scenic views of the Pacific coastline and historic installations. Some tour operators also provide historical audio-guided vehicles with commentary and photo stops—perfect for photographers and military history buffs.

JAAN-2 Gun Battery is a National Historic Landmark open to the public, offering guided military equipment tours and WWII-era simulation drills. The site features restored original artillery displays and a historic command center reenactment, providing immersive insight into WWII coastal defense strategies.

Each summer, the site hosts the Veterans Day Commemoration, including military color guard performances, vintage tank exhibitions, and historical lectures. Nearby Long Beach Waterfront Park showcases outdoor historical sculptures blending nature and military heritage—ideal for photography. Some tours also offer 360° VR experiences recreating wartime operations, delivering a high-tech, engaging perspective for history enthusiasts.

Stay in Long Beach’s waterfront district and walk or ride an electric bike along Seaside Avenue to JAAN-2 Gun Battery—about a 20-minute journey. Along the way, pass by the Waterfront Promenade and Aquarium of the Pacific, which can be visited en route.

Plan to visit the battery in the morning, then enjoy afternoon activities like fishing excursions or harbor cruises from the Long Beach Pier. Nearby, a history-themed café offers WWII-style meals and limited-edition memorabilia—perfect for a relaxing break. Some hotels even provide package deals including battery admission and guided tours, saving time and enhancing convenience.