Signal Hill is a historic hill located in Long Beach, California. The hill is named for the Signal Station established in 1917 on its summit that used to communicate with ships at the nearby port. The hill boasts panoramic views of the Southern California coastline and is home to several parks and hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy the region's marine life, bird-watching, and botanical gardens at the nearby Aquarium of the Pacific and the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. Signal Hill is also a popular spot for paragliding and hang gliding. Overall, Signal Hill is a must-see destination for its stunning views and recreational activities.
From Long Beach airport, Signal Hill is a short 10-minute drive away. Visitors can also drive from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in about 30 minutes.
The best time to visit Signal Hill is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor activities.
Signal Hill experiences a mild Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. January is the coolest month with average temperature of 59 F (15 C) and August is the warmest month with an average temperature of 78 F (25 C).
Accommodation costs in Long Beach can range from $60 to $200 per night for budget to mid-range hotels. Luxury hotels can cost over $300 per night.
Dining out in Signal Hill can range from affordable fast food to high-end restaurants with seafood, Italian, Mexican, or Asian cuisine. The average cost for a meal at a mid-range restaurant is around $20-25 per person.
Signal Hill is considered a safe destination with low crime rates. Visitors should exercise normal safety precautions like avoiding dark, poorly lit areas at night and keeping valuables out of sight.
Long Beach has a diverse population of nearly 500,000 people with a mixture of ethnicities including Hispanic, African American, Asian, and Caucasian. English is the most commonly spoken language, followed by Spanish and Tagalog.
Some common tourist activities in Signal Hill include hiking the trails, paragliding or hang gliding, visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, and enjoying the views of the coastline and downtown Long Beach.