Attraction
The Queen Mary
Visit one of the world’s most renowned ocean liners now permanently docked in Long Beach and offering tours, dining, hotel accommodations and special events. Ticket prices vary and a range of packages is available. The Queen Mary performed a vital service in WW2 and Hitler promised a huge reward to any sub that could sink her. Many hauntings have been and still are, reported aboard ship and one of the favorite tours aboard is the Ghosts and Legends tour. Visitors can enjoy champagne Sunday brunch, spa treatments, dancing in the Observation bar, and strolling the historic decks with a view of Long Beach’s beautiful skyline. www.queenmary.com
Aquarium of the Pacific
Located at The Pike, California’s largest waterfront entertainment development, the Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the largest aquariums in the US with 1000 species. Habitats and exhibits educated visitors about the world’s largest ocean’s three major regions; Southern California/Baja, the Tropical Pacific, and the Northern Pacific. The mission of the Aquarium of the Pacific is to teach respect for the amazing animals of the Pacific Ocean and their habitats. www.aquariumofpacific.org
Catalina Island
26 miles off the coast is Catalina Island. Long Beach residents are lucky to have this beautiful outpost just 45 minutes away by ferry. Helicopter service is also available and provides a stunning look at both the California coast and the approach to the island. Ferry tickets are $38. roundtrip adult. Once there, enjoy a variety of accommodations for all budgets, including camping. Shopping, dining, golf and spa facilities are all available or you can simply relax on the beach. The island has a Nature Center and boat rentals as well as scuba, snorkeling, rafting and kayak. www.catalina.com
Rancho Los Alamitos
This historic ranch and gardens takes visitors back to Southern California’s agricultural past with the original ranch house dating to 1800 and other buildings including a blacksmithing shop. The gardens, designed in the 1920’s provide a series of outdoor rooms surrounding the house and are representative of the landscaping design of the region in the early century. Rancho Los Alamitos is owned by the city of Long Beach, admission is free, and visitors are welcome to join guided tours every 30 minutes between 1-5pm. Wednesday through Sunday. www.rancholosalamitos.com
The El Dorado Nature Center
An urban oasis, the nature center is 102 acres of green space including two lakes, streams and plenty of picnic and relaxing areas. Meadows and forested areas have trails for walking and the entire area is a wildlife preserve. The center offers a wide variety of educational programs, workshops, volunteering opportunities and special events including live concert series. Check out the interactive, hands-on exhibits available in the museum before you walk the trails. www.longbeach.gov/park