Long Beach
Long Beach is a city in the southern portion of Los Angeles County in California. Located on the Pacific coast, Long Beach is bordered by Orange County on the south and is only about 20 miles south of Los Angeles.
One of the biggest Long Beach attractions is the R.M.S. Queen Mary, which was retired in 1967 and made into a hotel and convention center on the beach. A major tourist attraction, many claim the ship to be haunted.
Another major Long Beach attraction is the Aquarium of the Pacific. This aquarium offers over 12,500 animals representing 1,000 different species. The facility offers three permanent galleries, these being the Northern Pacific, Southern California and Baja, and the Tropical Pacific. The aquarium is built on top of 1,800 cement pilings because of the fact it is located in an area that is prone to earthquakes.
Long Beach is also home to the largest marina owned by a municipality. From here, a number of cruises to Catalina Island are available. This island is actually a part of the Channel Islands of California archipelago and is visited by about 1 million tourists every year. It offers glass bottom boat tours of the shipwrecks and reefs in the area as well as snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities.
Restaurants and club nightlife are also important components of the Long Beach experience. Similarly, the area is well-known for its festival entertainment opportunities. The downtown area offers an art district, trendy shops, and a variety of ethnic and fine dining restaurants.
The Long Beach Museum of Art can also be found in the area, as is the Museum of Latin American Art. This museum, which was founded in 1996, is the only museum in the western United Stats that is devoted entirely to the work of Latin American artists. The University Art Museum of the Long Beach State campus is also in Long Beach and has garnered a reputation for its highly innovative programs.
Long Beach is also the home to other forms of fine art. The Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, for example, plays numerous concerts throughout the year. The Long Beach Opera has also been actively putting on shows since 1979.
Long Beach in California is the center of culture that offers beautiful views of nature as well as close up encounters with wildlife, making it a well-rounded destination for a beach vacation.
