Long Beach Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Long Beach Travel & Tourism, Free Long Beach Travel Guide Online
Long Beach Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Long Beach Travel & Tourism, Free Long Beach Travel Guide OnlineLong Beach, California's fifth largest city, is located just 21 miles south of Los Angeles, at the southern end of Los Angeles County. Long Beach offers all the amenities of a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city, while retaining the charm and tranquility of a seaside community. Visitors seeking the California dream of beach, sun and ocean need look no further. Long Beach is the perfect spot for people who enjoy the sun. Sea kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and jet-skiing are popular year round. Early in the year, whale watchers observe the migrating California Gray Whale, and year-round harbor cruises entertain young and old . The city's well-designed beachside bike path is ideal for in-line skating, jogging, bicycling, or a quiet walk.
Long Beach became popular in the late 19th century as a seaside resort. Long Beach Harbor and the neighboring Port of Los Angeles are two of the busiest shipping centers on the Pacific Coast. The entire area is rich in petroleum resources, both on land and offshore. California State University, Long Beach, is home to 27,000 students. Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center at Ocean and Long Beach boulevards encompasses the Long Beach Arena, Terrace Theater and Center Theater, where concerts, plays, trade shows and sporting events are held. Boat cruises to Catalina Island leave from near the Queen Mary and from downtown. Long Beach AquaBus and AquaLink provide regularly scheduled service to Long Beach's major attractions such as the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific daily from mid-June to mid-September, and Friday through Sunday the balance of the year. The roar of Grand Prix race cars echoes through the city streets in early April during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Most Saturday mornings, the Long Beach Heritage Society conducts narrated two hour walking tours: of the downtown area the first and third Saturdays of the month, and of the East Village, (which is being developed as an arts district), the second and fourth Saturdays. Nearby, eclectic boutiques welcome shoppers seeking rare treasures, and international cuisine is served alfresco. Along the waterfront, more than 12,000 marine animals welcome you and your friends to their aquarium home The Queen's Marketplace, near Pier J, is an open-air mall designed to resemble an old English village. Shoreline Village, at the foot of Pine Street, is a harbor side shopping center with specialty shops, restaurants, a restored Looff carousel, and occasional live boardwalk entertainment. Bring along a good book you've been wanting to read. Get ready to stretch out, relax, and watch the waves of the Pacific Ocean roll gently toward shore. Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the beach, the roar of world-class stock cars racing in the shadow of glittering skyscrapers, a picnic at one of the many local parks, or a concert under the moonlit sky, Long Beach is a perfect vacation getaway. You can even experience a serenade by gondoliers rowing an authentic gondola in the Venetian style on a cruise through local canals. Ocean breezes waft gently off the Pacific along a stretch of coastal paradise, while in the distance, a tall ship sets sail.. These sights and many more await the visitor to romantic Long Beach. Time to pack! Long Beach Attractions: Long Beach Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Long Beach Travel & Tourism, Free Long Beach Travel Guide OnlineAquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, California 562-590-3100 Open Daily 9am-6pm Admission Charged This is the only aquarium in the world to focus on the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can enjoy 550 species, 17 living habitats and 30 exhibits which take them on a journey throughout the Pacific Ocean's three regions: Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific. With its sweeping, curving, wave-like architecture, the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific is designed to emulate the ocean. Over 12,000 creatures are on view at this fascinating, state-of-the-art aquarium, which re-creates three different ecosystems and brings visitors face to face with sharks, sea lions, eels and other residents of giant tanks.
Museum of Latin American Art
628 Alamitos Ave. Long Beach, California 90802 562-437-1689 Hours: Tuesdays – Friday, 11:30am – 7:00pm, Saturday 11:00am – 7:00pm, Sunday 11:00am – 6:00pm. Admission Charged Known as MoLAA, this combination museum and cultural center is devoted exclusively to contemporary Latin American art, including paintings, lithographs and sculptures. It also offers shows, classes, wine tastings, an open-air market, gift shop, and a restaurant. Long Beach Museum of Art 2300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90803 562-439-2119 Galleries &Store Tuesday - Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission Charged Located high on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, this museum complex features the historic Elizabeth Milbank Anderson summer home and carriage house, both built in 1912, plus magnificent gardens, a permanent collection of European and California art, and a two-story gallery with changing exhibits.
Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway Long Beach, CA 90802 (800) 437-2934 (Phone) (562) 435-3511 The ship's hours are 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. with extended hours for restaurants & lounges. First Class Passage ticket includes Ghosts & Legends show, admission to the adjoining exhibit of a Russian Cold War submarine, two Guided Tours and all exhibit areas. Casual to elegant dining General admission passport includes the Ghosts and Legends and self-guided Shipwalk tour. Behind the Scenes Guided Tour and World War II Tour and First Class Passage package also available. The Queen Mary was already an icon before arriving at its permanent home in Long Beach. "The grandest ocean liner ever built" was hostess to the rich and famous during the 1930s and considered by many as the only civilized way to travel. World War II saw the Queen Mary's conversion to a troop ship know as the "Grey Ghost", carrying up to 15,000 troops at one time. She later carried more than 22,000 war brides and children to the United States and Canada. After her arrival in Long Beach in December of 1967, she was removed from British registry and ownership turned over to the City of Long Beach. Her operation, maintenance and preservation are entrusted to the non-profit RMS Foundation.
Soviet Foxtrot Submarine ( code name Scorpion) 1126 Queens Hwy. Long Beach, California 90802 562-432-3316 Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged Admission includes a short film. The submarine is open 10:00 am to 6:00 pm daily. The Soviet Foxtrot submarine, code name Scorpion, is on display just outside the Queen Mary. Touring the sub gives an idea of what life was like in close quarters. Steep ladders, small hatches, narrow corridors and lowered ceilings created an atmosphere much like an obstacle course. Imagine 78 crew sharing two showers and three toilets for up to three months at sea!
Whale Watching From December to early April, take a cruise to spot gray whales on their yearly migration. You may see the whales "spy hopping," poking their heads above the water a bit, or "breaching," a spectacular display as the whales propel themselves out of the water and fall back with a big splash. Bring your binoculars. Rancho Los Cerritos Historic Site 4600 Virginia Road Long Beach, California 90807 562-570-1755 Open to the public Wednesday - Sunday from 1 -- 5 (except on major holidays). Admission Free Rancho Los Cerritos was originally a Spanish land grant of 27,000 acres, but is still impressive at its present size of 4.7 acres. The complex includes an 1844 Monterey-Colonial two story adobe house (combining both Mexican and American architectural styles )and historic gardens. behave fun taking "Tea with Margaret Bixby." You'll enjoy a Victorian tea and find out about 19th century ranch life from "Margaret Bixby" in a living history presentation. The Pyramid 1250 Bellflower Blvd. California State University Long Beach Long Beach, California 90840 562-985-4949 Admission Free to View This imposing edifice on the campus of California State University Long Beach, is one of only three pyramid-shaped buildings in the U.S. It is used for various functions including sporting events, conferences, weddings and filming for movies and commercials.
Rancho Los Alamitos 6400 Bixby Hill Road Long Beach, California 90815 562-431-3541 Call for days and hours of operation Admission Free This historic site was part of a massive Spanish land grant in 1784 and today serves as a living history museum comprised of six agricultural buildings, working blacksmith shop, magnificent gardens and a rambling adobe ranch house built in 1800. California State University Long Beach 1250 Bellflower Blvd. Long Beach, California 90840 562-985-4111 Call for additional information Long Beach Arena 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, California 90802 562-436-3661 Call for additional information Admission Free to View Used for conventions, exhibits and special events, this large arena offers 46,000 square feet of exhibit space plus seating for more than 13,500 people. Naples Island 5437 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, California 562-433-9595 Call for schedule of departures Admission Charged for Trip A peninsula on the southern most tip of Long Beach. Naples was patterned after the Italian city of the same name (with canals). Authentic gondolas glide along the waterways while spectators watch from the waterfront sidewalks. Signal Hill Farmers Market 2701 Walnut Ave. Long Beach, California 90806 866-466-3834 Call for days and hours of operation Admission Free Weekly open-air market situated on a scenic grassy field features fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh herbs, , cut flowers, live orchids, farm fresh products, and baked goods.
Gondola Getaway 5437 E Ocean Blvd Long Beach, California 562-433-9595 Call for additional information Admission Charged A romantic one-hour Alamitos Bay cruise on an authentic Italian gondola, complete with gondolier (who will croon upon request) and complimentary food basket.
Shoreline Pedestrian/Bicycle Path Alamitos Avenue to 54th Place Long Beach, California Biking trail; Jogging path/track Pine Avenue Between Ocean Blvd. and 3rd Ave. Long Beach, California Open Daily Admission Free Shop in the daytime or party at night within this trendy retail and restaurant district, with historicbuildings, shops and eateries. A sizzling nightlife takes over when the sun goes down. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden 562-985-8885 Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. 3:30 p.m.,Sunday: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Holiday and Seasonal Closures: Winter: Mid December to the end of January Spring Break: The week before Easter Summer Holidays: The Fourth of July Fall: Thanksgiving Day through the following Sunday Admission Charged. However, there is no fee to visit the garden unless a public program is offered that day.On the Cal State University Long Beach campus, you'll find the quiet beauty of this large Japanese Garden. Enter through a tile roof gate modeled after one in Kyoto, Japan to another world. Explore a three-tiered Buddhist pagoda, wander the path in the White Birch Woods, and don't miss the ceremonial teahouse where you pass through the sliding shoji doors into another world. There's also a wonderful koi pond, bonsai gardens, waterfalls, and a "zigzag bridge": built to ward off evil spirits that, legend holds, can travel only in straight lines. Shoreline Village 419 Shoreline Drive Long Beach, California 90802 562-435-2668 Call for days and hours of operation Quirky shops, souvenir stores and restaurants line this popular waterfront boardwalk, which also features a carousel and fun zone for kids, live entertainment, beautiful views of the city, and dynamite sunsets.
Californian 419 Shoreline Village Drive at Pine Avenue Long Beach, California 800-432-2201 Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged This 145-foot replica of the C.W. Lawrence is California's "Official Tallship." Long Beach Waterfront 54th Place and Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, California Admission Free Enjoy a scenic bike ride along the trail East 4th Street Long Beach, California Admission Free Shoppers looking to buy vintage clothes, furniture and other memorabilia from the 1950s up through the '70s will enjoy the many shops that span more than two-blocks on this popular, busy street.
El Dorado Regional Park
7500 East Spring Street Long Beach, California 310-570-1771 Open Daily from 7am – dusk Admission Charged There are 3 fishing lakes, with pedal boats, and ducks that love to be fed. There is an archery range (you must bring your own equipment) a model glider field, a Frisbee golf course (byo), playgrounds, and bike trails (byo). Steam train rides. Long Beach Events: Long Beach Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Long Beach Travel & Tourism, Free Long Beach Travel Guide OnlineAntique & Collectible Market 323-655-5703 Long Beach Veterans Stadium located at Lakewood Blvd. and Conant Street near the Long Beach Airport. Held the 3rd Sunday of Every month Admission Charged The Long Beach Outdoor Antique & Collectable Market offers over 800 Dealers with a huge selection of antiques, collectibles and home furnishings at bargain prices April Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach 3000 Pacific Ave. Long Beach, California United States 882-88-SPEED Call for days and hours of operation Admission Charged The annual race is billed as the largest sport special event of the West Coast, roaring engines, 180pmh speeds, and perfect weather, make for a fun filled day. May Long Beach Community Band Classics Concert Lakewood First Baptist Church 5336 East Arbor Road Long Beach, California 562-403-2923 Call for exact dates and hours of operation Admission Charged The annual spring concert features the Shoreline Concert Band. June Bixby Knolls Street Fair Atlantic Ave between Carson and Bixby Long Beach Admission if Free The Annual Bixby Knolls Street Fair takes place on Atlantic Avenue, the District's central commercial corridor, which is closed to traffic for several blocks to allow arts and crafts vendors, local business people and food purveyors to set up booths and boutiques in the street. The Fair is a free open-air festival that is attended by over 10,000 local residents and visitors who come to enjoy the free, family-oriented fun that includes shopping, food, kids' activities and all sorts of live entertainment on the outdoor stage and on the street. Long Beach Bayou Festival Long Beach Queen Mary Events Park 1126 Queens Hwy Long Beach, CA 90802 562-435-3511 Call for additional information Admission Charged The Long Beach Bayou Festival is a three-day celebration that brings together authentic Louisiana music, food, shopping, arts, crafts and dancing. There are two live entertainment stages that offer a variety of musical options including Creole zydeco and jazz and blues. Come listen to the music or take some free dancing lessons. September Harvest Festival Long Beach Convention Center 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, California 800-321-1213 Usually held Friday 10am-7pm, Saturday 10am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm. Admission Charged This annual event is America's leading marketplace of handmade art, clothing, gourmet food and thousands of unique items. The Harvest Festivals are a testimony to savvy shoppers who think outside of the mall for solutions to home decorating, wardrobe sprucing, gift giving and jewelry purchasing dilemmas. For those who crave more out of their shopping experience than just purchasing innovative items, the Harvest Festival has an exciting lineup of entertainment throughout the weekend, along with gourmet food sampling and much more. Annual Brazilian Street Carnival and Independence Day Celebration 100 North Promenade, Downtown Long Beach Long Beach, California 562-438-3669 Usually held 10:00am – 10:00pm Admission Charged Downtown Long Beach turns into a Rio Carnival every September with Brazilian bands, food, crafts, and the highlight of the day: a big Rio-style parade. Annual Grecian Festival 562-494-8829 Call for exact dates and additional information Admission Charged This event features authentic Greek food, game booths and entertainment. Long Beach KKJZ Blues Festival Long Beach's North Athletic Field Long Beach, California 562-985-1686 Call for additional information and times Admission Charged KKJZ FM 88.1 presents this famous festival held at Cal State, spotlighting top Blues musicians. Belmont Car Show 562-434-3066 Usually 10:00am – 3:00:pm Admission Charged The largest one-day show on the West Coast. Annual Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival Port's O'Call Village 562-434-3066 Usually held Friday – Sunday, call for exact dates and times Admission Charged The annual Lobster Fest is coming. Get your appetite ready. International Sail & Power Boat Show Long Beach Convention Center and Downtown Marina 714/633-7581 Call for exact dates and hours of operation Admission Charged The Long Beach tradition continues, nearly forty years of boat shows produced by the Southern California Marine Association and presented by the Automobile Club of Southern California. The International Sail and Power Boat Show is the West Coast's largest in-water and indoor boat show featuring hundreds of motor yachts, cruisers, sailboats, fishing boats, performance sport boats, family trailerables, ski boats, pontoons, inflatables and personal watercraft. October Homeworld Fall Show 300 East Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, California 90802 562-436-3661 Call for additional information See everything new at the Fall Home Show Shipwreck Aboard the Queen Mary Long Beach, California 562-435-3511 Call for days and hours of operation A month-long Halloween terror fest featuring haunted mazes aboard the Queen Mary. Long Beach International City Bank Marathon 562-728-8829 Call for exact date and additional information This popular and scenic course runs from the Aquarium along Ocean Blvd. througout Belmont Shore, Naples and back to the downtown area. Events include Marathon & 1/2 Marathon, inline Skating Marathon, Bike Tour, Children's Fun Run. December Christmas Boat Parade Long Beach, California Boat Parade is usually held the second Saturday in December. Boaters may decorate their vessels and enter the parade. This parade attracts large crowds in and around the canals of Naples and it is always great fun. Arts & Entertainment
The Terrace Theater 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, California 90802 562-436-3661 Call for schedule Admission Charged Edison Theatre 213 East Broadway Long Beach, California 90802 562-432-1818 Call for schedule and additional information Admission Charged Sports Skylinks Golf Course 4800 East Wardlow Road Long Beach, California 90808 562-421-3388 Call for tee time and hours of operation Admission Charged Eighteen-hole challenging design is an enjoyable experience for all players, which offers an exciting blend of water hazards, numerous bunkers and excellent fairways and greens. Long Beach Ice Dogs Hockey Club Long Beach Arena 300 E. Ocean Blvd. Long Beach, CA 90802 562.ICE.DOGS (423.3647)
Call for additional information Admission Charged
Long Beach Facts: Long Beach Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Long Beach Travel & Tourism, Free Long Beach Travel Guide Online Long Beach City Facts
Population: 429,400
Elevation: 29 feet
Land area: 50.4 square miles
Location: Located 21 miles south of Los Angeles at the southern tip of L.A. County. It is on San Pedro Bay on the Pacific Ocean.
Weather:
| | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Averagetemp.(°F) | 57.0 | 58.3 | 59.7 | 63.0 | 65.9 | 69.8 | 73.7 | 75.0 | 73.4 | 68.6 | 61.8 | 57.1 | | Hightemperature(°F) | 68.0 | 68.5 | 68.9 | 72.7 | 74.0 | 78.3 | 82.9 | 84.5 | 83.1 | 78.9 | 73.4 | 68.8 | | Lowtemperature(°F) | 46.0 | 48.1 | 50.4 | 53.2 | 57.7 | 61.2 | 64.5 | 65.5 | 63.6 | 58.3 | 50.1 | 45.3 | | Precipitation(in) | 3.0 | 3.0 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 1.8 | Climate:
| | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Dayswithprecip. | 6 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | | Windspeed(mph) | 5.2 | 6.0 | 6.7 | 7.4 | 7.1 | 7.0 | 6.8 | 6.6 | 6.2 | 5.6 | 5.2 | 5.0 | | Morninghumidity(%) | 76 | 78 | 80 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 83 | 81 | 79 | 77 | | Afternoonhumidity(%) | 53 | 54 | 55 | 51 | 55 | 56 | 54 | 53 | 54 | 54 | 53 | 52 | | Sunshine(%) | 71 | 71 | 71 | 69 | 61 | 60 | 69 | 71 | 70 | 69 | 75 | 72 | | Daysclearofclouds | 12 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 10 | 12 | 18 | 19 | 15 | 13 | 13 | 13 | | Partlycloudydays | 8 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 8 | | Cloudydays | 11 | 11 | 11 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | | Snowfall(in) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Local Seasons:
Enjoy a cool ocean breeze with nearly 345 days of sunshine every year. Summer temperatures range in the comfortable range of 70-80 degrees F, and winter temperatures are quite enjoyable at 55-65 degrees F, making Long Beach the ultimate year-round vacation destination. You can expect the summer to be the most crowded with tourists visiting many of the local and nearby attractions, enjoying the beach, and "star watching". The fall becomes a little less crowded with a slight change in the temperature but not the activity. The fall in Long Beach is a peak time for events, including the annual Lobster Festival. Spring brings more of the same and is the perfect time for a romantic stroll on the beach. Whatever the time of year, the weather in Long Beach is beautiful! Getting There:
By Car
Getting to and around Long Beach is easy! To get to Long Beach take the 405 south from Los Angeles or take the 405 north from Orange County. Then take the 710 south and Long Beach is located at the end of the 710 freeway. By Air
Long Beach Airport 4100 Donald Douglas Drive Long Beach, California 90809 562-570-2600 This is the most convenient airport for air travel into the Los Angeles/ Orange County area. Offering several daily flights on many of the largest airlines as well as regional carriers, Long Beach airport is the "plane easy" way to travel. These alternative area airports offer hundreds of flights into and out of the area and are only a quick 25 minutes from Long Beach. Los Angeles International (LAX) 1 World Way Los Angeles, California 310-646-5252 Santa Ana/Orange County (SNA)) 18601 Airport Way, SantaAna,CA92707 949-252-5200 Car Rental:
All of the major car rental companies are available at or near all three airports. Getting Around:
By Car
To access over 5 1/2 miles of beach is easy. Let's start at the heart of Long Beach. You can access the beach by going to Marina Green Park off of Shoreline Drive, or continue driving to Bluff Park at the corner of Ocean Blvd. and Junipero Avenue or proceed on Ocean Blvd. towards the peninsula and park in one of many parking lots available for the beachgoer. By shuttle
Long Beach Transit 1963 E. Anaheim Street Long Beach, CA 90813 562-591-8753 It is possible to conquer Long Beach without a car. Catch the convenient Passport shuttle, which runs approximately every 5-10 minutes. It's free in the Downtown area and transports visitors to all of the must-see Long Beach attractions, including the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, Shoreline Village, and Pine Avenue. Take advantage of the city's bright red Passport Shuttle, a "free" transportation system that offers service to major Long Beach attractions. The new Purple Pine Avenue Link is also a "free" service from downtown to the Convention Center, Shoreline Village and the Aquarium of the Pacific. Or, let the Passport Tour D'Art whisk you quickly to downtown's cultural spots. By Water Taxi
Long Beach Transit and Catalina Express 562-591-2301 Service frequency is every 90 minutes Hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 5:40 p.m. Fares Charged Or visit us at the Transit Information Center on First Street and Promenade You can hop on board the Aquabus between the downtown waterfront attractions such as the Aquarium of The Pacific and the Queen Mary. For a high-speed trip to the south end of Long Beach, you can catch the Aqualink, the link between downtown and Alamitos Bay. The AquaBus is the red 40-foot harbor shuttle in Queensway Bay connecting the Queen Mary / Catalina Express, the Coast Hotel, Catalina Landing, The Aquarium of the Pacific, Pine Avenue Circle at the Pike, and Shoreline Village. Service frequency is hourly and hours of operation are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children 2 years and under ride free. National Holidays
New Year's Day: Jan. 1 Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan. President's Day: 3rd Mon. in Feb. Memorial Day: last Mon. in May Independence Day: July 4 Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept. Thanksgiving Day: 4th Thurs. in Nov. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25 New Year's Eve: Dec. 31 Long Beach Kids Activities: Long Beach Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Long Beach Travel & Tourism, Free Long Beach Travel Guide OnlineRainbow Harbor 419 Shoreline Village Drive at Pine Avenue Long Beach, California 800-432-2201 Call for additional information Admission Charged Climb on board the tallship Californian, a full-scale re-creation of the 1848 Revenue Marine Cutter, C.W. Lawrence, one of fastest and grandest cutters on the California coast. Kids jump right into the adventure of clambering around the riggings and exploring below decks. If you really love tall ships, there are day cruises available. Aquarium of the Pacific 100 Aquarium Way Long Beach, California 562-590-3100 Open daily 9:00am – 6:00pm Admission Charged Over 5,500 species, from moon jellies to sharks, in 17 exhibits from the Bering Sea to Southern California to tropical barrier reef environments. The huge, three-story-high tanks are the most popular exhibits, but don't miss the Soft Coral Lagoon's Plexiglass underpass: peer up at tropical fish weaving through the coral and watch divers feeding the fish. Ready for a rest? Have a seat in the theatre, and watch a documentary on sea life. Mothers' Beach At Marina Park (Appian Way) If you have toddlers, head for "Mother's Beach". Lifeguards on duty in summer, sandy beach and gentle waves, barbecue grills, grassy areas, and a whale to climb on that spouts water. El Dorado Regional Park and Nature Center 7500 East Spring Street Long Beach, California 310-570-1771 Open Daily from 7am – dusk Admission Charged There are 3 fishing lakes with pedal boats, and ducks that love to be fed. There is an archery range, (you must bring your own equipment) a model glider field, a Frisbee golf course (byo), playgrounds, and bike trails. Steam train rides too. El Dorado Nature Center Near the El Dorado Regional Park 7500 East Spring Street Long Beach, California 310-570-1771 Open Daily from 7am – dusk Admission Charged The Center has streams and lakes and hiking trails, making it a great place to stretch your legs. The Center is set in a meadow surrounded by trees and is home to everything from turtles to weasels to rabbits. Bicycling and walking are free, but there is a small parking fee. At the Center Museum, children will love the hands-on exhibits and workshops. Rancho Los Alamitos 6400 Bixby Hill Road Long Beach, California 90815 562-431-3541 Open Wednesday through Sunday with tours every half hour Admission Charged The 7 ½ acre ranch has an adobe house built in 1800 and barns with draft horses, goats, sheep, and other farm animals. It is set in four acres of gardens, and has a working blacksmith shop. This is a great way to spend a couple hours watching farming demonstrations (you'll have the opportunity to take part in some yourselves!) pecial events are held all year long. Call for details. Rancho Los Cerritos 4600 Virginia Road Long Beach, California 90805 562-570-1755 Call for additional information Admission Free Originally a Spanish land grant of 27,000 acres; the ranch has shrunk to 4.7 acres. It contains an 1844 Monterey-Colonial adobe house and historic gardens. Have fun taking "Tea with Margaret Bixby." You'll enjoy a Victorian tea and find out about 19th century ranch life from "Margaret Bixby" in a living history presentation. Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden 6300 State University Drive Long Beach, California 90815 562-985-5930 Hours: Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 a.m.- 3:30 p.m., Sunday: 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. Holiday and Seasonal Closures: Winter: Mid December to the end of January; Spring Break: The week before Easter Summer Holidays: The Fourth of July; Fall: Thanksgiving Day through the following Sunday On the Cal State University Long Beach campus, you'll find quiet beauty in this large Japanese Garden. Enter through a tiled roof gate modeled after one in Kyoto, Japan and emerge in another world. Explore a three-tiered Buddhist pagoda, wander the path in the White Birch Woods, and don't miss the ceremonial teahouse where you pass through the sliding shoji doors to more wonders. There's also a wonderful koi pond, bonsai gardens, waterfalls, and a "zigzag bridge" built to ward off evil spirits (which, legend holds, can only travelin straight lines). Queen Mary Seaport At the end of I-710 Long Beach, CA 562-435-3511 Call for additional information Admission Charged One of the main attractions in Long Beach is this huge ocean liner with its opulent public rooms and staterooms. This ship is one of the glories of the 1930s deco design period with gorgeous woods everywhere (even the decks are made of teakwood). Some believe that the ship is haunted! 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