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THINGS
TO DO IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA |
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A
Day in Long Beach California
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In the past,
Long Beach, California, was best known for its rich civilian
and military maritime heritage. But today the city is
an epicenter for arts, culture, and cuisine, all in a
resort-like ocean front atmosphere.
With its moderate climate Long Beach
is enjoyed during any season throughout the year, and
visitors to the area will never be bored with plenty
of indoor and outdoor activities, day, or night, for
all ages.
At the heart of it all is Rainbow Harbor,
an area offering a multitude of activities that are
all within a short walk. And what better way to enjoy
a visit to one of the world's busiest port cities than
to experience it with a stroll along the "boardwalk"
that winds around Shoreline Village, taking you past
a multitude of sea-going vessels, ranging from huge
excursion boats to paddle-wheel riverboats, historic
tall ships and commercial fishing boats.
There is also an amazing coastline-trail
that runs along the shoreline that is ideal for roller
skaters, runners, and walkers. And several places that
rent bicycle, skateboards, and surreys.
Inside Shoreline Village, you can spend
the afternoon strolling along and browsing through the
quirky little souvenir shops, or take a break for lunch
at several restaurants that have large outdoor patios
overlooking the water.
The Village is a kid friendly environment
too – and guests will find the Pelican Pier Carousel
and Arcade with its huge candy shop, a great place to
occupy the little ones. You can
also purchase tickets for harbor cruises, whale watching
excursions, deep sea fishing trips or dinner cruises,
as well as signing up for sailing lessons, or renting
personal watercraft.
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Queen Mary Long Beach |
Just steps
away from Shoreline Village, is The New Pike. Once a playground
for young Navy enlisted men, lined with seedy bars, tattoo
parlors and a Coney Island-esque amusement park and midway,
the old Pike was dismantled in 1979. However, the revitalization
of the area included the reconstruction of the “New
Pike” at Rainbow Harbor, and over the last few years,
has become a major tourist destination with a colorful little
shopping center, as well as a bowling alley, movie theater,
and gigantic Ferris wheel.
Adjacent to the Pike is another must-see attraction right
in Rainbow Harbor--The Aquarium
of the Pacific. Home to more than 12,500 ocean animals,
the Aquarium also features 19 major habitats and 32 focus
exhibits. Visitors, young and old can easily spend a half
a day wandering through the dimly lit hallways lined with
brightly illuminated aquariums filled with fascinating
sea life.
One of the more popular displays at the Aquarium is Shark
Lagoon with its more than 150 sharks.
The lagoon allows visitors to get up close and personal
with its aquatic residents by providing a touch pool where
you reach down and feel rays and sharks as they swim by.
There are also exhibits on Southern California/Baja, Northern
Pacific, and the Tropical Pacific.
Directly across the harbor and jutting out of the ocean
like a massive aquatic skyscraper, is the RMS
Queen Mary. This historic luxury passenger liner was
launched in 1934 and made 1,001 Atlantic crossings from
the US to Europe, including its time serving in World
War II as a troop transport ship called the Gray Ghost,
before being retired in 1967. Guests can tour this grand
old ship ---and even spend the night on it — a truly
unique way to experience what it must have been like for
the wealthy travelers who could afford to cruise the Atlantic
before cruising became more accessible to the middle class.
There are several tours, with the most popular being
a self-guided tour where guests are free to roam about
all of the ships main decks. There are 12 decks in all,
but some are only accessible with a guide. However, there
are plenty of places to explore on your own as you wonder
through grand salons with their decidedly British influenced
decorations. The ship is a masterpiece of art deco, with
its in-laid wood that gives many areas throughout a boardroom
feel, while original paintings and artwork help to complete
the mood.
Sitting in the water next to her Majesty’s Queen
Mary, is the de-commissioned 70's era Russian Attack Submarine
"SCORPION". Pre-recorded voice overs with heavy
Russian accents lead the way through a self-guided tour,
complete with torpedoes, periscope, and all the usual
cliché of the submariner world.
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Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach |
Rainbow Harbor Long Beach |
If you still have time
after exploring Rainbow Harbor and the surrounding area,
a side trip to nearby Belmont Shores should defiantly be
on your itinerary.
Located just 3.5 miles south on East Second Street, Belmont
Shores is a small district in Long Beach with a unique
blend of gourmet bistros, trendy clothing stores, and
some of the best nightlife in the entire South Bay. It’s
a great place to have diner and unwind after a busy day.
If you continue one mile east on Second Street over the
bridge, you will find yourself in one of Long Beach’s
finest neighborhoods–Naples.
Created in the image of its Italian namesake, the Naples
Canals offer visitors a taste of the old country, complete
with private gondola rides. A walking path also allows
visitors to stroll along some of the area’s most
magnificent homes, complete with their own private docks.
The entire walk takes 40 minutes, and is a perfect way
to spend a romantic evening with someone special.
As you can see, Long Beach has plenty to offer.
So if you’re thinking about an affordable and fun
day trip or even an overnight experience or vacation.
What better way to enjoy southern California, than playing
and staying on the water in one of the state's most interesting
ports?
Long Beach California is about an
hour's drive southwest of downtown Los Angeles and enjoys
easy access from all over Southern California.
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San
Pedro offers an experience like no
other. It’s a fantastic seaside destination. |
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Rainbow
Harbor multitude of activities that
are all within a short walk of the Aquarium.. |
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Queen
Mary Guests can
tour this grand old ship and even spend the night
for a unique experience. |
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