Long Beach California, credit-Wikipedia
Spurred by the development of its waterfront harbor and downtown areas, Long Beach has created an eclectic mix of urban sophistication with the atmosphere of a beach resort. The seventh largest city in California, Long Beach offers big city amenities alongside the visitor friendly charm of a beachfront town.
Long Beach’s downtown waterfront sets a new standard for “walk-ability.” Within conveniently close proximity, visitors find first-class accommodations, shopping, dining, attractions, seaside sightseeing along picturesque bays and more than five miles of sandy beachfront. With more than 100 quality restaurants within an 8-block area in downtown, it’s no wonder WalkScore.com rates Long Beach among its “Most Walkable Neighborhoods in America.”
Centrally located in Southern California, Long Beach is just 40 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood and Universal Studios and only 30 minutes from Disneyland. Long Beach boasts its own world class attractions. The Queen Mary, once the largest, fastest, most luxurious ocean liner, offers unique accommodations in her first class hotel cabins, plus fine restaurants, a shopping arcade and lavish art deco banquet rooms.
The Queen Mary
The world famous Aquarium of the Pacific features undersea galleries, shark touch tanks, live shows and audio-visual presentations. Long Beach is home to four distinctive museums; Long Beach Museum of Art, Museum of Latin American Art, Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum and the University Art Museum. The city’s East Village Arts District features art galleries, shops and restaurants. Belmont Shore, three miles from downtown, is the quintessential beachfront community, adjacent to Alamitos Bay and the Naples Islands where visitors can swim, sail, kayak or even take a romantic cruise through the picturesque canals in an authentic Venetian gondola.
Three airports provide easy air access to Long Beach. Los Angeles International Airport is 30 minutes north, Orange County’s John Wayne Airport is 40 minutes south and Long Beach Airport is just 10 minutes from downtown. Served by JetBlue, Alaska Airlines, America West and Delta, Long Beach has direct flights between many major cities and connecting flights from over 300 cities nationwide. Long Beach Airport is known as the “easy-in—easy-out” airport for its convenient central location, quick freeway access and ease of boarding.
Long Beach is the perfect urban, waterfront, playground. 345 days of sunshine each year means year-round on-the-water fun and seldom is an outdoor activity marred by bad weather. Long Beach visitors will return home happy with unforgettable memories of their experience!
Article by-Bob Maguglin: www.VisitLongBeach.com
