Things to Do in Long Beach CA
Long Beach’s diverse culture, natural beauty and proximity to the Pacific Ocean make for an interesting and exciting destination. The Aquarium of the Pacific highlights the life beneath the waves with nearly 20 aquatic life exhibits, interactive displays, high-tech demonstrations, informational classes, the list continues.
The Queen Mary survives as an oceanliner whose first voyage took place in 1934, its last in 1967. It remains an important part of history – it played a role in World War II as a troopship. The ship has since been transformed into a tourist hot spot with guided tours, shops, restaurants and nightclubs. Visitors can even sleep onboard in an original first- class stateroom.
Disneyland Park and Resort is a wonderland for both kids and adults, featuring theme parks, hotels, dining, shopping and much more. Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park is a fantastical theme park bursting with rides, attractions, exciting shows and restaurants. Universal Studios Hollywood brings the movies to life with heart-thumping rides, studio tours, a movie theater, live concerts, shopping, restaurants and so much more. Six Flags Magic Mountain is packed with rides, games and other assorted entertainment all over its 260 acres.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden is located on the picturesque campus of California State University, Long Beach. The garden is accentuated with distinctive plant life, stunning flowers, abundant bamboo, intriguing statues and pagodas, a wooden bridge and a traditional Japanese teahouse.
Rancho Los Alamitos Historic Ranch and Gardens and Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site reflect the history of the area and provide a beautiful tribute to the influences that shaped Long Beach. The Wayfarers Chapel, located in Ranchos Palos Verdes, provokes awe and serenity with its glass walls and ceiling, giving the feeling that it is not an enclosed space, but open to the natural surroundings.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Glide through the waves of Long Beach on shiny new water skis, a sporty wave runner, speedboat, slick surfboard or kayak. All kinds of water sports offer relaxation and adventure. Navigating a sailboat out of a marina for a quiet ride along the water is a respite from the bustle of everyday life. A trip in a gondola or riverboat infuses romance into the air. Hop aboard a grand yacht or classic tall ship for a rare sea encounter.
The Port of Long Beach offers free cruises to explore the scenery. Pierpoint Landing is a great spot to charter a boat or set out for some sports fishing. The Long Beach Marina, Downtown Shoreline Marina and the Alamitos Bay Marina all provide ample opportunities for fun in the ocean. Ride along on a segway or scooter for a tour of the city. Pedal through town on a surrey or bicycle.
Pools in the area include the Belmont Plaza Pool, Martin Luther King, Jr. Park Pool and the Silverado Park Pool. The Leeway Sailing and Aquatics Center offers classes in a multitude of water sports and the Peter Archer Rowing Center provides instruction on the art of rowing. Long Beach Marine Stadium is a great spot to strap on some skis and zip along the waves.
El Dorado Park and Nature Center is a place to explore and be enriched. Walking trails, informative classes and other activities make it an exciting destination. Spend the day at one of the many parks, golf courses and athletic facilities.
Arts and Entertainment in Long Beach
Long Beach is a virtual bazaar of things to see and do. Musicians jam out at numerous venues. Enjoy a delicious dinner while being whisked away by the bluesy sounds of jazz at the Backstage Jazz and Blues Supper Club. Or attend the Rainbow/Long Beach Jazz Festival and enjoy a full three days of food, music and art enveloped by a gorgeous setting.
Every season at the All American Melodrama Theater and Music Hall features comedic and dramatic performance arts shows, hysterical improvisational comedy and musical concerts to entice patrons to come back again and again. Killer Entertainment presents murder mystery dinner shows jam-packed with intrigue and surprise conclusions. California Reparatory Company, International City Theatre and the Long Beach Playhouse wow audiences year after year with poignant performances. Broadway travels across country to Musical Theatre West.
The Carpenter Performing Arts Center at California State University, Long Beach has quite a varied lineup of performers. Everything from ballet and dance theater to symphony concerts and children’s programs, the choices never end. Be sure to get a seat in the front row for the myriad of musical acts, special appearances by comedians, storytellers and an assortment of other celebrities.
Check out inspiring displays of visual art at The Getty Center Los Angeles, the Museum of Latin American Art, the Long Beach Museum of Art and the University Art Museum at California State University, Long Beach.
While walking along the streets of the city, view the collection of wall murals. What was once an eyesore now showcases the beauty and talent of the people in the community. These brightly colored, beautifully painted murals display the culture, identity and ideals of the community in a way that everyone can share in and admire.
Riveting professional sports teams put on a great show at every gaming event. The Dodgers and Angels have Major League Baseball covered; the Lakers and the Clippers dominate the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League scores a goal with the Kings and Mighty Ducks. The Long Beach Grand Prix has been causing hearts to race for about 30 years.
Catalina Island is an all-encompassing destination. Visitors can escape to this very un-deserted island and participate in water activities or relax on the beach. Shopping and entertainment abound. Sophisticated accommodations make for a relaxing, luxurious stay.
Take a risk at one of several area casinos including the Crystal Casino and Hotel, Hawaiian Gardens Casino and San Miguel Indian Bingo and Casino.