Long Beach
Located in the heart of Southern California, Long Beach blends the urban sophistication of a big city with the relaxed atmosphere of a beach resort. Bordered by the Pacific Ocean with 5.5 miles of sandy beach front, plus miles of inland bays and waterways, it basks in the warm glow from year-round California Sun. Despite its reputation as a beach destination, the city is an ideal shopping destination for diamond jewelry.
Shopping in Long Beach is likened to a treasure hunt, where you never know what you will find from a cool gadget, exceptional artwork, or a perfect customized engagement ring with diamonds for that special person. The experience here goes to a whole new level, brimming with extraordinary specialty shops, colorful bazaars, trendy fashion and jewelry stores and hip furniture stops- the ultimate shopping paradise. From Fourth Street’s funky flair and Second Street’s boutique shops in Belmont Shore to serious outdoor shopping destinations all over the city, Long Beach offers everything under the sun.
The city is one giant playground. Here you can experience it all from a deep sea adventure at the Aquarium of the Pacific right on the bay and a voyage in time aboard the historic Queen Mary to the lively guided tours through downtown and the colorful East Village. At Long Beach, the ocean is music to the ears; literally. Here world class arts and cultural exhibitions complement a spectacular seaside locale.
Take a trip aboard the legendary Queen Mary. Book the Behind the Scenes guided tour of the historic ocean liner and World War II troopship, and see restored areas that have been under wraps since the final voyage in 1967 including the Isolation Wards and the Machine Rooms. Also enjoy a meal, shop and even plan to spend the night in an original First Class Stateroom. Board one of the Cold War’s hottest weapons- the Russian submarine, code name: Scorpion. It’s rugged, Spartan, cramped and shrouded in secrecy. Feel the chill of 300 feet of Cold War menace.
Another must visit site is the Carpenter Performing Arts Centre. Built in 1994, the Centre is a 1074 seat theatre located on the campus of California State University. Each season the Carpenter Center presents a variety of music, dance, family, comedy, and cabaret events, as well as commissions new works by some of the country’s leading artists and ensembles. With world premieres, Broadway favorites, and world-class artists, the Carpenter Center has something for everyone.
When the sun goes down, the nightlife in Long Beach comes alive in a world like no other. It is filled with scintillating salsa, sultry jazz, classic rock-n-roll, EDM, and hip hop. The city is also filled with Latin clubs, jazz, and cigar lounges to light up the night.
Over here, the great outdoors is right at your doorstep. Cruise down miles of breathtaking waterfront by bicycle, blade or foot and enjoy everything that makes the Southern California surf and sand famous. Jet skis, kayaks, boats, wind surfboards and more are all just a rental away to help you conquer the waterways and enjoy a relaxing afternoon on the coast. When you want to watch the pros in action, come and experience the heart-thumping roar of turbo-charged engines at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. If you’re looking for a bit of nature in the middle of the city, nestled between the San Gabriel River and the 605 Freeway, the El Dorado Nature Centre is your answer. The oasis of natural habitat is spread over 100 acres that provide sanctuary to over 150 species of birds, a wide variety of trees, and plants. It is also home to wildlife including turtles, frogs, rabbits, skunks, and squirrels. There are also two miles of dirt trails, and a quarter of a mile paved trail around the two lakes on the property and a stream with grasslands and wildflowers.
If Long Beach isn’t relaxing enough, Catalina Island is a mere hour away. Cruise on over to enjoy a crystal clear ocean, snorkeling, dining, shopping, and a 360 degree ocean view. Explore the oceanfront shops in Avalon, dine on local island cuisine, tour the island’s vast interior to see wild buffalo and dramatic coastline vistas. Hike trails to hidden harbors and inlets or discover the crystal blue waters teeming with colorful fish by kayak, sailboat or snorkel.
In a city with so much to see and do, we can’t think of a better place to be at.