toyota grand prix of long beach

I have to preface this that I work as a volunteer for this event. Maybe TripAdvisor will strike this because of that. I am writing this as an overview of experiences friends and family have had and not as a promotional sales piece.I am 50 years old and have lived in the LA/LB area since I was 8 years old. As a kid I went with my dad a few times to the Long Beach Grand Prix, we watched from the, then, uncovered bridge overcrossings or through holes in the fences. I always loved the rush, vibrating noise, and excitement. After growing up through college and moving out on my own from Redondo Beach to Long Beach I live just 4 1/2 blocks from the actual race course. Finally ten years ago I first volunteered and have been there ever since. I guess TripAdvisor can kill this since I 'technically' work for them, and gee, it's just about 6 weeks before the 2015 edition. I just want to say some highlights, things to do, and yeah some downs.Maybe I am now an officially uniformed and headset wearing member of the staff but I am a volunteer and not paid by them whatever they give me.First off the entirety of Long Beach where the entire race and all of its festivities take place is quite small, fly into Long Beach Airport, it services greatly JetBlue, Alaska, AmericaWest, and others. Many times it can cost more than taking a shuttle from LAX which has every airline in the world, so figure out shuttle costs. After airlines it's hotels. Too be very near there is the Westin, Hyatt, Renaissance, even though the Hilton is the official hotel of the Grand has there are also the Courtyard, Westin Premiere and some others. Basically if you are here in downtown Long Beach you are a roughly 15 minute walk from the hotel to your entrance into the event. The main event is Fri-Sat-Sun. Fri is all trials and qualifying, Sat has a few concluding events, and obviously Sun is the main day. Getting in, there are four main entrances based on your seating location, I have to agree it can be confusing so just ask official people where to go. It gets somewhat crazy a few hours before the main event so be sure anyone you ask is wearing an official RED jacket, which is the official uniform of the staff which knows how to direct you. Not some stranger, or a security member, look for a RED JACKET, they are all over. I have to agree, and hoping no one I work for sees this, it is quite confusing to get to where you want to go to. I guess I have it easy as I can go anywhere, but I love seeing everyone have a great time. I remember a couple years ago a lot of people were rushing through right where our offices are and where we cart drivers in and out for press conferences. There were a few young kids wondering and one of the top five drivers was there, embraced them and took pictures with them and then with their parents. This is a family event. I haven't even talked about the zip line, interactive events, and all the other stuff available for everyone. And myself and everyone else in a uniform is only concerned to make this an enjoyable event for anyone, singles, couples, families w/ children. Let me know anything you want by requesting more info. I'll appreciate it.

The Grand Prix of Long Beach should be a must-see event for all racing fans. Try and get bleacher seats near the start/finish line. There are tv monitors across the way so that you can catch the action that is not in front of you. Great food and drink choices throughout the venue. Try the King Taco truck for a breakfast burrito. Go to the Convention Center and walk through all of the displays and vendors. On Friday, the pit areas are generally open to the public.

I have attended this race every year since moving to LB in 1990. We live super close to the race track and we look forward to the street closures and when they start setting up the grandstands. This is the start of outdoor events near the water! We look forward to the races every year and it gets better and better. Back in the day, we used to sit on the hill at Victory park, located on Linden/Ocean....car hoods and car parts used to fly up there and we would scramble and run away, lol...now it's just a sliver of a park with high-rise condos. When I worked at the Hyatt LB across the street (now called the Pike) it was a parking lot full of parties, driver trailers, tobacco booths and Toyota Grand Prix souvenirs. We used to sign up for everything when cruising these booths and lucked out when Marlboro used to provide us with free annual 3 day tickets but those days are long gone. We love watching all the races and for there's lots to choose from. The celebrity race is a hit or miss, Wanda Sykes was a trooper and even though she was the slowest, she finished the race in one piece. The most exciting races are the Tudor Sportscar championship and the Pirelli World challenge because there are Corvettes, Bentleys, Mustangs, BMWs, etc competing on the streets of Long Beach. The night drifting event was also lots of fun but bring a mask or something to cover your nose and face from inhaling the smoke from the cars. You don't really need to purchase reserved seats as there are lots of viewing options to choose from. Sometimes its boring to commit to one seat. Lots of overpass bridges over the racetrack and the walkway by the Hyatt hotel is super popular and offers many views. If you do purchase seats, the best racing/crash action is next to Turn #1. We also like to hang out with friends at the Sgt Peppers, Island burgers or the Auld Dubliner. Make sure you get your hand stamped to get back in because some parts of the Pike are blocked off. KDB recently closed so this area is a little desolate, empty storefronts for years. I wish they would put in some decent clothing and retail shops. Lots of older men wearing race shirts from years' past. You know, the one looking for a way younger woman. The weather is usually in the 70s-80s. Dress light, wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of cash to buy snacks or beverages. Check out the fancy cars inside the convention center, outdoor beer garden parties, food trucks...I would say it's fun for everyone except for super young children with new ears and little legs. Tons of walking involved. Bring bottled water to stay hydrated, sunscreen and earplugs to save your hearing because it's super loud all weekend long. There's some strange folks with yellow religious signs on Ocean/Long Beach Blvd-every year, it's the same scene-----they do their thing and us party folks will enjoy doing OUR thing.

The opportunity to see the raw power that these amazing machines have is thrilling. While it's expensive to go to the event and sit in the stands, you ll find plenty of places where you can view and hear the cars within just a few feet from the race fence.

We live near the track so are part of the constant sound of the cars leading up to and the days of the pre-races and the Grand Prix. Lots of people, lots of action, lots of parties, lots of "buzz" to being in Long Beach that weekend. The expo part in the convention center always has great vendors with art, jewelry, photo opportunities, new cars and accessories, you name it. A fun weekend centrally located for Southern Californians.

If possible get the day off and go early on a week day, week ends get pretty crowded.Free tickets to the Grand Prix of Long Beach are always available, just keep an eye out online and try looking at the different sponsor's websites for free tickets.If you arrive around 12 you can find parking a block away for around $20 dollars all day; don't bother parking on the street it's almost impossible.I recommend taking or buying ear plugs because it gets LOUD.Head straight to the expo as early as possible and stock up on T Shirts, Hats, Posters etc all for free and take advantage of as many activities as possible; the earlier you arrive the shorter lines will be and you'll probably find everything available.Walk around the city of Long Beach and enjoy snacks, drinks etc...all while cars fly by at 100+ miles per hour.You're not a race fan? No worries, enjoy: the food, drinks, the city, atmosphere, good looking people and free concerts.Thank me later.

Now only for the rich folks, we locals can not afford the high ticket prices and grandstands. Take a pass.

I worked at Disneyland.What the Grand prix has is a similar style of numerous styles of cars for all sorts of Auto enthusiasts.The new upcoming EV-1 series will be added in 2015 which might attract some big name Formula one drivers and teams..maybe MOET champagne might return .Good food, always sunny skies and reasonable room rates make Long Beach a top spot for all sorts of Car fans

One of the classic auot races and over 40 years of history make this race by the bay a good one to attend and a good line up of supporting events mean very good value for money. Great on site food services and food trucks gave it a real So Cal feel as well.

This was my first Long Beach Grand Prix and it was fantastic. Beautiful weather, great location and great racing. GO!

Attended the Grand Prix, staying at the Hyatt Regency. Posted a separate review on this hotel and rated it very highly. Overall, the event seemed very well organized and would definitely recommend for others in the future. The only negative for me was the hospitality option I chose at a cost of $495 that was hosted on the top floor of the Hyatt where I stayed. Not sure if this option was sponsored by the hotel or by the race itself, but I was not happy with this option. First of all, I quickly realized that the top floor of the hotel was not a good place to view the race, way too high up. The price included a breakfast and lunch buffet on Sat. and Sun., but the Sat. buffet consisted of only cold items, cereals, yogurts, and fresh fruit. No hot items. Considering the high viewing angle and the meager breakfast buffet, I did not return for the rest of the race. Also, the rooftop option is not accessible to anyone with any kind of mobility problems since you access the area by several flights of narrow concrete stairways. It turned out that the view from my room itself was far superior so I spent most of the time there.

We have been going for seven years now to the Grand Prix, and it still amazes me every year. A completely packed racing weekend, with so many activities, vendors, and food choices. The different races are extremely exciting. The teams & drivers are accessible and extremely fan oriented. Have been meeting new fans and friends every year which adds to the excitement & fun!

What's not to like about sun, food, and speed! We go every year and it just keeps getting better. The whole event (Friday to Sunday) offers something for everyone! Go once and you will be hooked!!! Sun & Beach for the beach-comber, restaurants & food trucks for the foodies and of course....speed for the race fans. Give it a try and you'll be a regular like us (21 years and counting).

come for 3 days and enjoy celeb races, bands and more.great for a family get away. must buy parking passes (packed all the time) and if you have the energy visit the local attractions too. recommended MeuterMedia

First time for my wife and I and we had a blast. Plenty of loud race cars circuiting the track, exciting racing action with tons of turns and a couple great straightaway's. Fast paced action almost the entire time.