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Let's go to Long Beach

Downtown is a thriving cultural and entertainment center.

By Susan BelknappPublished: January, 2009

Do you want to get away with the kids but dread an endless ride of “Are we there yets?” If you’ve been to Long Beach to visit the Queen Mary or the Aquarium of the Pacific, but haven’t stayed for a weekend or longer, you probably haven’t explored all that the city has to offer families.
   
Downtown Long Beach is just 40 minutes from Central O.C. (and a stone’s throw from the North County beach cities). This revamped vicinity is now where urban chic meets beachfront cool and historic ambience meets modern luxury. The diverse city has overcome its past urban issues to develop a hip, historic, artsy, resort vibe all its own.
   
You’ll find a fun assortment of great restaurants, night spots, fun tourist haunts, an emerging arts and music culture and quaint New England-style shops dotting the waterfront in Shoreline Village.
   
But there’s lots of family fun, too, with affordable activities, adventure and educational options.

The Aquarium of the Pacific
The Aquarium of the Pacific is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and this stellar venue has more to see than ever. Its continually evolving exhibits and offerings, such as behind-the-scenes tours, wine dinners, Shark Lagoon Nights or the 3D film “Monsters of the Abyss,” make the aquarium a world-class destination for fans of all ages. aquariumofthepacific.org
   
Port of Long Beach
Enormous ships, trucks, cranes and railroad cars – what more could a young boy ask for? But this port, which is the second-busiest seaport in the U.S., moves more than $100 billion in trade every year. Take a harbor cruise to get the history, logistics and stunning facts about this crucial world-shipping hub. The port recently implemented a Green Port Policy, which is one of the most aggressive environmental seaport programs in the world. polb.com

Museum of Latin American Art
MoLAA is an emerging art museum and the only one in the U.S. to feature only contemporary Latin American art. Searing political statements are juxtaposed with lush works of beauty. It is a glimpse into a world culture rich in diversity and history, expressed through multiple media. Fridays are free to all. molaa.com

Segway tours
If you haven’t yet been on a Segway individual transport vehicle, you’re missing out. These two-wheeled upright cruisers are one of the best ways to glide in and around the streets, parks and bays. The standard tour will take you to visit all the major landmarks and scenic points, including the Queen Mary, Rainbow Harbor, The Pike, Shoreline Village and much, much more. The tour starts with a 20-minute training session. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, and they should weigh at least 100 pounds. segwaylb.com

ArtPEACE
ArtPEACE is an eight-month campaign that launched Oct. 1 to help provide an artistic outlet for young people to express their vision of peace and their dreams for themselves and their community. It is co-sponsored by the Long Beach Human
Dignity Program.

Dining/shopping/entertainment
Shoreline Village and The Pike, located on the waterfront at Rainbow Harbor, offer an abundance of entertainment options.
   
Shoreline Village is awash in decadent dining options. In addition to historic Parker’s Lighthouse and the Yard House, you’ll find Candy Baron, Funnel House, Ice Cream on the Boardwalk and the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Rent a pedal-powered surrey for the whole family at Wheel Fun Rentals and work off some of those oh-so-sweet calories.
   
The Pike is a 369,000-square-foot entertainment district, which is home to several hip restaurants and pubs. Have a tropical drink and appetizer at sunset on the patio of the Mai Tai Bar before laughing or singing the night away at the Laugh Factory or Sgt. Peppers Dueling Piano Café.

Nightlife
Once the kids are tucked in, Mom and Dad can hit Pine Avenue. This street and the surrounding blocks are the metropolitan club hub of the downtown scene.


•> What to do and see in Long Beach
The city boasts a wealth of entertainment options. For more information about these and other possibilities, go to visitlongbeach.com

> Theater: California Repertory (CalRep), Carpenter Performing Arts, International City Theatre, Musical Theatre West and Long Beach Playhouse, to name a few.
>  Long Beach Symphony Orchestra – Established in 1935, this symphony orchestra draws full houses for its diverse programs, ranging from classical to Pops, at the Long Beach Arena.
> The Queen Mary, where tours range from historic to haunted, is a legendary hotel, event and dining venue. Sunday Brunch is not to be missed.
> Grand Prix Association of Long Beach – The racing tradition celebrates its 35th year this spring.
> Pierpoint Landing offers daily fishing excursions, diving and seasonal whale watching trips.
 





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