Long Beach is an eclectic mix of urban sophistication and sunny beach resort, with numerous hotels, entertainment options, and restaurants within walking distance of the Convention Center. By the end of your trip you’ll know why it was voted as one of America’s “Most Walkable Cities.”

More than 120 restaurants exist within an eight-block radius, so you’re sure to find something that pleases the palate – fresh seafood, Asian fusion, hearty burgers, and so much more. Eat in a casual café or dine in a beautiful, oceanfront restaurant. Have a relaxing drink by the pool, try a specialty cocktail, or enjoy a local craft brew. If you like live music you can find it on every corner in Long Beach. Just let your ears lead the way. Or, shake your groove thing at one of the many dance clubs. You can also shop ‘til you drop at retail centers, antique stores, and souvenir shops, or go vintage on midtown’s funky Fourth Street.

Stroll under the stars while you feel the Pacific Ocean breeze in your hair, or get some sand between your toes on the 5 ½ miles of beach. If you feel energetic you can try one of the many water sports including jet skiing and windsurfing, or go bike riding on one of the many scenic trails. With 345 days of sunshine each year and average temps of 74 degrees, you’ll want to get outside.

This “Urban Waterfront Playground” also boasts more than 40 attractions.

• Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific, home to 1,000 animals in more than 50 exhibits. Learn about the future of our planet and see real-time ocean and weather data on a six-foot diameter globe.
• Have a drink or spend the night on a luxury ocean liner. The historic Queen Mary is docked here, now serving as a hotel, restaurant, and one of the best haunted houses on the west coast during the Halloween season.
• The Museum of Latin American Art is the only museum in the country dedicated to the contemporary art of Mexico, the Americas and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.

Fun Facts

• Long Beach was the site of four events during the Los Angeles Olympics — yachting, volleyball, fencing and archery
• Since it’s only 25 miles south of Los Angeles, it’s a popular shooting location for TV shows and movies, including Star Trek, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Criminal Minds
• The shipping port in Long Beach adjoins the Port of Los Angeles, the nation’s top container port and global model for sustainability

There’s no doubt you’ll have a great time in Long Beach. So the only question left to ask is, how will you fit it all in?

Stay tuned. In future posts we’ll provide more information about all the fantastic amenities Long Beach has to offer.