Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach Fan & Track Guide

Jul 15
4 min read

The Ultimate First-Timer's Guide to IMSA's One of two Street Races

If Daytona is about endurance and Sebring is about survival, then Long Beach is all about precision.

The Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach is unlike any other stop on the IMSA calendar. Instead of racing on permanent circuits, the world's fastest sports cars take on a temporary street circuit lined with concrete walls, palm trees, and the beautiful Long Beach waterfront. Mistakes are punished immediately, overtaking opportunities are limited, and qualifying becomes more important than almost any other race of the season.

Whether you're attending for the first time or returning for another unforgettable weekend, here's everything you need to know before heading to Southern California.

Race Overview

Track: Long Beach Street Circuit

Location: Long Beach, California

Race Length: 100 Minutes

Series: IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship

Classes:

• GTP

• GTD

Unlike most IMSA events, Long Beach features only GTP and GTD classes, creating a faster-paced sprint race with no room for mistakes. The 2026 event takes place April 17–19 as part of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend. (IMSA)

Circuit Facts

Track Length: 1.968 miles (3.17 km)

Turns: 11

Surface: Temporary Street Circuit

Direction: Clockwise

Originally opened in 1975, Long Beach has hosted Formula 1, CART, Champ Car, IndyCar and IMSA, making it one of North America's most historic street circuits. (GPLB)

What Makes Long Beach So Special?

Everything happens close.

Unlike Daytona or Sebring, there are:

No grass runoffs.
No gravel traps.
No forgiving mistakes.

Miss the apex...

You're in the wall.

Because of that, qualifying is incredibly important.

Track position often determines the race.

Best Viewing Locations

Turn 1

The fastest corner on the circuit.

Cars approach at nearly 170 mph before diving into the first braking zone.

Expect:

✔ Aggressive overtakes

✔ First-lap drama

✔ Restarts

Fountain Section (Turns 5 & 6)

One of the most technical parts of the circuit.

Drivers attack the curbs while inches away from concrete barriers.

Excellent location for photographers.

Hairpin (Turn 11)

Probably the best overtaking opportunity.

Cars slow dramatically before accelerating onto Shoreline Drive.

Watch for:

Divebomb passes
Late braking
Wheel-to-wheel exits

If you're only choosing one corner...

Choose the Hairpin.

Shoreline Drive

The fastest section of the track.

Prototype cars reach incredible speeds before braking for Turn 1.

This is also one of the easiest places to appreciate just how loud and fast GTP cars really are.

Grandstand 16

Offers one of the best all-around views.

You'll see:

Hairpin
Front straight
Pit exit

Perfect for first-time visitors.

Circuit maps and grandstand locations are available from the event organizers. (GPLB)

Best Photography Locations

📸 Hairpin

📸 Turn 1

📸 Shoreline Drive

📸 Marina backdrop

📸 Convention Center pedestrian bridges

Early morning and golden hour produce spectacular lighting across the harbor.

Don't Miss

Race Start

The entire field charges toward Turn 1 surrounded by skyscrapers.

It's one of IMSA's most dramatic starts.

Qualifying

Because passing is difficult...

Pole position matters more here than almost anywhere else.

Qualifying is worth watching.

Pit Stops

With only a 100-minute race...

Pit strategy becomes incredibly important.

One slow stop can completely change the outcome.

Victory Lane

One of the coolest podium celebrations on the calendar.

The atmosphere feels more like a city festival than a traditional race.

Race Weekend Tips

✔ Arrive early.

Downtown traffic builds quickly on race weekend.

✔ Wear comfortable shoes.

You'll walk much farther than expected.

✔ Bring sunscreen.

California sunshine is stronger than many visitors expect.

✔ Ear protection is still recommended around the GTP cars.

✔ Bring a portable charger.

You'll take hundreds of photos.

Transportation Tips

One of the biggest advantages of Long Beach...

You don't have to drive to the circuit.

Many fans use:

Metro A Line
Ride-share services
Walking from downtown hotels

Parking is available, but using public transportation or staying downtown can save time and reduce stress. (GPLB)

Best Food Around Long Beach

One of the biggest advantages of this race...

You're surrounded by fantastic restaurants.

Some local favorites include:

🍔 The Pike Outlets (multiple dining options)

🐟 Fresh seafood along Shoreline Village

🌮 Authentic Mexican restaurants throughout downtown

☕ Independent coffee shops around Pine Avenue

Unlike many permanent circuits, you're never far from excellent food.

Things To Do Around Long Beach

The Queen Mary

Tour one of the world's most famous ocean liners.

Just minutes from the circuit.

Aquarium of the Pacific

One of California's best aquariums.

Perfect if you're bringing family.

Shoreline Village

Restaurants

Shopping

Waterfront views

Boat tours

Pine Avenue

Downtown nightlife.

Excellent restaurants.

Craft breweries.

Live music.

Naples Island

Take a gondola ride or enjoy a peaceful walk through one of Long Beach's most scenic neighborhoods.

Best Hotels

If possible...

Stay downtown.

Walking to the circuit is one of Long Beach's biggest advantages.

Popular areas include:

Downtown Long Beach
Shoreline
The Pike
Convention Center District

Book early—rooms near the circuit often sell out well in advance of race weekend. (Visit Long Beach)

First-Time Fan Tips

Unlike Daytona or Sebring...

Long Beach is compact.

Walk the circuit.

Watch from multiple grandstands.

Explore the fan zone.

Take advantage of being able to leave the circuit for lunch and return later.

Very few motorsport events offer that flexibility.

Why Fans Love Long Beach

Long Beach combines:

World-class racing
Ocean views
Downtown nightlife
Great restaurants
Family activities
Incredible accessibility

It feels more like a city festival than a traditional race weekend.

That's why it remains one of the most popular stops on the IMSA calendar.

First Sector Recommendation

If you're visiting Long Beach for the first time, make a full weekend of it. Arrive on Friday to watch practice and qualifying, spend Saturday enjoying one of North America's best street races, then use Sunday to experience the rest of the Grand Prix festivities. Between the racing, waterfront atmosphere, and downtown entertainment, Long Beach delivers one of the most unique race weekends in all of motorsport.