TEN REASONS TO VISIT LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
By Sarojni Mehta-Lissak
As fall fades with the changing leaves and winter descends on the 50 great
states of America, there are those who seek the cold, crisp slopes and those
who seek the warmth of a Mediterranean climate. If you enjoy sunny weather,
mild temperatures and sights galore, then it¹s time to visit Long Beach,
California! Winter is a great season to explore the city¹s many interesting
places.
Long Beach is a thriving coastal city with a population of nearly half a
million people. It is known for its international port, historical
landmarks, tourist attractions and multitude of nationalities. These all
contribute to Long Beach¹s unique flavor. It is also the home of a state
university, community college, performing arts center and a convenient
airport with flights arriving from destinations all around the country.
As a great city for tourists, Long Beach boasts a wealth of interesting
spots for the whole family to enjoy. And to make your visit even easier,
take the free Passport shuttle service with various stops in popular areas.
Here is a list of 10 highly recommended places to visit on your trip to this
part of sunny, Southern California:
1. Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific/Rainbow Harbor. Set in Rainbow
Harbor, the Aquarium of the Pacific has an impressive array of almost 1,000
species of marine life. Enjoy a self-guided tour through 3 regions (Southern
California/Baja, Tropic Pacific and Northern Pacific) and 19 habitats.
Tours and food available.
www.aquariumofthepacific.org
2. Belmont Shore ("Second St."). This is the place to go if you enjoy a
pulsating, trendy spot with stores galore, restaurants and an up-close feel
for the beach crowd in Long Beach. A pedestrian and pooch-friendly strip!
www. belmontshore.org
3. East Village Arts District. This area in downtown Long Beach is where
artists with many talents live and work in their studios. You will find
galleries, bookstores and restaurants. Every second Saturday of the month
the district comes alive with music, demonstrations and shows. Grab a map
and walk the district on a self-guided tour.
www.eastvillageartsdistrict.com
4. Long Beach Museum of Art. Long Beach is proud to have this museum as
part of its historical backdrop. Set on the bluffs overlooking the ocean, this
museum has permanent and rotating exhibits and events such as poetry
readings, musical performances and family art days. There is also a
restaurant on the premises with an expansive view of the Long Beach coast.
www.lbmuseumofart.org
5. Museum of Latin American Art. This museum is one of Long Beach¹s
treasures. It distinguishes itself from other museums by exclusively
showing works from Latin American artists. Visitors can enjoy its permanent
collection and regular rotating exhibits. When you¹re finished with your
visit to the museum, drop by the gift store or have lunch at Viva Café, the
restaurant next door.
www.molaa.org
6. Rancho Los Alamitos.This sprawling historical site conveys the feeling of
"Old California." Once owned by the Bixby family, it is now owned by the
City of Long Beach. Docents provide tours Wednesday through Sunday from
1-5p.m. Enjoy a tour through the main home and then stroll outside through
the beautifully landscaped gardens. This is a must-see historical and
educational stop!
www.rancholosalamitos.com
7. Queen Mary. Step into history with a visit to this grande dame in Long
Beach. Enjoy a tour, choose from a variety of restaurants or stay aboard
ship at the Queen Mary hotel. Great views of the Long Beach harbor.
www.queenmary.com
8. Shoreline Village. A waterfront spot with shops, restaurants and views of
the nearby Rainbow Harbor. Take a stroll up and down the boardwalk or sit
and enjoy an ice cream cone overlooking the water. This is also the place
to take a harbor cruise.
www.shorelinevillage.com
9. Long Beach Bike Path. Rent a surrey, cruiser, scooter or in-line skates and
enjoy a great ride on the fully-paved bike path which stretches more than 5
miles along the coast of Long Beach. This easy ride provides a great look at
why Long Beach is such a favorite destination in Southern California.
www. wheelfunrentals.com
10. Pine Ave./The Pike--Stroll north of Ocean Blvd. on Pine Ave. and enjoy the
hum of the Long Beach Downtown area which comes alive at night. Here you
will find restaurants, movie theaters, music venues and an eclectic mix of
stores. Next, travel south of Ocean Blvd. and you will arrive at the Pike, which
resides near the Long Beach Convention Center. Catch a movie, have a
leisurely meal in one of the restaurants, then enjoy a view of Rainbow Harbor.
www.visitlongbeach.com
Though there are many more sights to see in Long Beach, this list is a great
start for your trip to one of Southern California¹s greatest destinations.
Enjoy all it has to offer and remember, no parkas needed!
For more information:
Long Beach Airport: www.lgb.org
For Long Beach accommodations: www.visitlongbeach.com
By Sarojni Mehta-Lissak
As fall fades with the changing leaves and winter descends on the 50 great
states of America, there are those who seek the cold, crisp slopes and those
who seek the warmth of a Mediterranean climate. If you enjoy sunny weather,
mild temperatures and sights galore, then it¹s time to visit Long Beach,
California! Winter is a great season to explore the city¹s many interesting
places.
Long Beach is a thriving coastal city with a population of nearly half a
million people. It is known for its international port, historical
landmarks, tourist attractions and multitude of nationalities. These all
contribute to Long Beach¹s unique flavor. It is also the home of a state
university, community college, performing arts center and a convenient
airport with flights arriving from destinations all around the country.
As a great city for tourists, Long Beach boasts a wealth of interesting
spots for the whole family to enjoy. And to make your visit even easier,
take the free Passport shuttle service with various stops in popular areas.
Here is a list of 10 highly recommended places to visit on your trip to this
part of sunny, Southern California:
1. Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific/Rainbow Harbor. Set in Rainbow
Harbor, the Aquarium of the Pacific has an impressive array of almost 1,000
species of marine life. Enjoy a self-guided tour through 3 regions (Southern
California/Baja, Tropic Pacific and Northern Pacific) and 19 habitats.
Tours and food available.
www.aquariumofthepacific.org
2. Belmont Shore ("Second St."). This is the place to go if you enjoy a
pulsating, trendy spot with stores galore, restaurants and an up-close feel
for the beach crowd in Long Beach. A pedestrian and pooch-friendly strip!
www. belmontshore.org
3. East Village Arts District. This area in downtown Long Beach is where
artists with many talents live and work in their studios. You will find
galleries, bookstores and restaurants. Every second Saturday of the month
the district comes alive with music, demonstrations and shows. Grab a map
and walk the district on a self-guided tour.
www.eastvillageartsdistrict.com
4. Long Beach Museum of Art. Long Beach is proud to have this museum as
part of its historical backdrop. Set on the bluffs overlooking the ocean, this
museum has permanent and rotating exhibits and events such as poetry
readings, musical performances and family art days. There is also a
restaurant on the premises with an expansive view of the Long Beach coast.
www.lbmuseumofart.org
5. Museum of Latin American Art. This museum is one of Long Beach¹s
treasures. It distinguishes itself from other museums by exclusively
showing works from Latin American artists. Visitors can enjoy its permanent
collection and regular rotating exhibits. When you¹re finished with your
visit to the museum, drop by the gift store or have lunch at Viva Café, the
restaurant next door.
www.molaa.org
6. Rancho Los Alamitos.This sprawling historical site conveys the feeling of
"Old California." Once owned by the Bixby family, it is now owned by the
City of Long Beach. Docents provide tours Wednesday through Sunday from
1-5p.m. Enjoy a tour through the main home and then stroll outside through
the beautifully landscaped gardens. This is a must-see historical and
educational stop!
www.rancholosalamitos.com
7. Queen Mary. Step into history with a visit to this grande dame in Long
Beach. Enjoy a tour, choose from a variety of restaurants or stay aboard
ship at the Queen Mary hotel. Great views of the Long Beach harbor.
www.queenmary.com
8. Shoreline Village. A waterfront spot with shops, restaurants and views of
the nearby Rainbow Harbor. Take a stroll up and down the boardwalk or sit
and enjoy an ice cream cone overlooking the water. This is also the place
to take a harbor cruise.
www.shorelinevillage.com
9. Long Beach Bike Path. Rent a surrey, cruiser, scooter or in-line skates and
enjoy a great ride on the fully-paved bike path which stretches more than 5
miles along the coast of Long Beach. This easy ride provides a great look at
why Long Beach is such a favorite destination in Southern California.
www. wheelfunrentals.com
10. Pine Ave./The Pike--Stroll north of Ocean Blvd. on Pine Ave. and enjoy the
hum of the Long Beach Downtown area which comes alive at night. Here you
will find restaurants, movie theaters, music venues and an eclectic mix of
stores. Next, travel south of Ocean Blvd. and you will arrive at the Pike, which
resides near the Long Beach Convention Center. Catch a movie, have a
leisurely meal in one of the restaurants, then enjoy a view of Rainbow Harbor.
www.visitlongbeach.com
Though there are many more sights to see in Long Beach, this list is a great
start for your trip to one of Southern California¹s greatest destinations.
Enjoy all it has to offer and remember, no parkas needed!
For more information:
Long Beach Airport: www.lgb.org
For Long Beach accommodations: www.visitlongbeach.com
FAMILY TRAVEL FUN.COM
TEN REASONS TO VISIT LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA
TEN REASONS TO VISIT LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA
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