Author: Kevin

Junipero Beach

While there are miles of shoreline in the Long Beach area, not all beaches are made equal. There’s Alamitos, which is easily accessed from the downtown area and close to hotels. There’s Rosie’s Dog Beach, which is a great place to bring your furry friends. However, a crowd favorite is Junipero Beach – also called Cherry Beach – which stretches along the Bluff Park area.

This strip of coastline begins where Alamitos Beach ends. At Junipero, the high rises that back Alamitos are replaced with the more residential communities of Bluff Park. Here, the sand is soft and waves are calm, making it an ideal place for families. Because the sand area is wide, there’s plenty of space for visitors to spread out and you’re sure to get a solid spot. The beach has many convenient amenities, such as showers, lifeguards on duty during peak months and bike paths. This is also one of the only areas in Bluff Park with handicap accessible beach entrance. Many people enjoy participating in the free yoga classes that take place on Junipero as well.

No dogs are permitted on the sand, but the street behind the beach is a popular dog walking spot. Bixby Park is located near Junipero and provides great picnic areas, playgrounds and space for activity with views of the sea. Visitors say there are many places to relax on a blanket, and there are a variety of restaurants nearby to grab a bite.

Behind Junipero Beach there are many metered parking spots, street parking and parking lots. The beach is also easily accessible via public transportation. It’s also close to attractions like the Long Beach Museum of Art, so it’s a convenient place to stop on your tour of Long Beach.

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The Queen Mary

One of the most popular attractions in Long Beach is the Queen Mary, a retired British cruise ship that operated numerous transatlantic voyages throughout the early 1900s. Once known for its classy atmosphere and high profile guests like Winston Churchill, the ship is now frequented by travelers looking to learn about its history and get a glimpse into the luxury of the past.

Aboard the ship, travelers can take guided tours and explore different themed exhibits. There are different tours to choose from, including a Steam and Steel tour that brings you deep into the bowels of the ship to the boiler rooms and generators. Exhibits include the Shipyard and the Ship Model Gallery, where you can admire replicas of the Queen Mary in its prime. For those exploring independently, there’s a scavenger hunt to follow. There are also nighttime dining experiences, in addition to more unique activities, such as illusion performances and paranormal walks through the supposedly haunted parts of the ship. Previous travelers highly recommended the Haunted Encounters tour but warn it may run a bit longer than other tours.

There is also a hotel on board where guests can stay in one of the 347 refurbished rooms and suites. Prices vary based on room size and season but a one-night stay may cost between $100 and $550. Previous guests shared positive experiences and recommend dining at Sir Winston’s restaurant onboard despite the high price tag.

Visitors can book tours on the Queen Mary website or in person. If you’d rather tour these exhibits on your own rather than with a guide, you’ll just need to purchase a general admission ticket. Most guided tours fall between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. unless you signed up for a night tour in which case it will start between 8 and 11 p.m. The main restaurant on deck, Sir Winston’s Lounge, is open from 5 until 9 p.m. (although it’s closed on Mondays and Tuesdays). The hours extend until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. You’ll find the Queen Mary at the end of Queens Highway, docked alongside commercial cruise ships in the port. For more information, visit the official website.

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East Village Arts District

While most trips to Long Beach center on beach adventures and waterfront dining, the East Village Arts District gives the city a cultural edge that’s worth exploring. This district is chock full of diverse home designs, eclectic eateries, vintage clothing stores and art galleries. Some of the most popular galleries include Hellada Gallery, The Liberty and C Gallery Fine Art, but there are plenty of others to explore as well.

Many businesses are built into restored buildings, which gives the area a historic yet funky vibe. Murals and mosaics will brighten up your walk as you explore the streets. Previous visitors said the district is a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee and pick up unique pieces from boutique stores. They enjoyed the lack of chain stores but do advise others to pay attention to store hours before planning a shopping trip as many have limited hours.

East Village Arts District also hosts many outdoor festivals throughout the year. On the second Saturday of every month, visitors can partake in the Long Beach Artwalk by meandering down the district’s streets to check out art, sculptures, performances and more from local artists. Not to mention, there are food and beverage stands for your enjoyment.

This district is roughly located in the eastern downtown area, just southwest of the Museum of Latin American Art. It’s best to explore on foot rather than driving, so you can admire the art that lines the streets.

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Catalina Island

An hourlong boat ride will bring you from Long Beach to Catalina Island. This island is popular among California residents and visitors alike for its wildlife, scenic town and beaches, and its prime dining experiences. There are plenty of activities to fill your day on Catalina Island.

Beach lovers can stake out a spot in the sun at South Beach or Middle Beach, which are covered in white sand and located conveniently near shops and restaurants. You can also opt to relax on a private strip of shore at Descanso Beach, where you’ll pay a $2 fee to enter the beach club. The club, which is located near the island’s casino, offers amenities like private cabana rental, food and drink services, and outdoor showers.

Adventurers may have more fun hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail, which spans 38.5 miles across the island with many camping stops along the way. There are also opportunities for water sports at the beaches as well as a popular zip line route that starts above Descanso Beach and traverses through the unique Catalina landscape.

Catalina Island is also a golfer’s paradise as it boasts the oldest course in the state – the Catalina Island Golf Course – which was built in 1892 and is open for nine- or 18-hole play.

The island makes for an ideal daytrip from Long Beach, but there are also an array of upscale hotels in Catalina in case you want to turn your excursion into an overnight. For more information on accommodations, visit the island’s tourism website.

To catch the ferry to Catalina Island, buy tickets for the Catalina Express ferry online or in person at the Long Beach Port. The Catalina Express area is located near the Aquarium of the Pacific, and there is a parking lot to keep your car during your Catalina trip. A roundtrip general ticket costs $37.25 for adults, $29.50 for children 11 and younger, $3 for infants and $33.75 for seniors. The boat leaves at many points throughout the day, and you can check the Catalina Express’ website for exact times.

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Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum

The Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum may be small, but it offers a wealth of information about the people of the Pacific. In fact, it’s the only museum in the continental United States that is primarily focused on showcasing the various cultures of Oceania. Here, you’ll find both permanent and revolving exhibits featuring Pacific artists. There are sometimes living arts exhibits that include traditional dance and musical performances among other shows. The museum also holds educational programs for visitors to learn about the culture of the people living in the Pacific islands.

The exterior of the PIEAM resembles a traditional island house. There is an outdoor garden area at the museum that holds a koi pond and some artifacts collected by the museum’s creator as well. Previous visitors heaped praise on the well-rounded representation of Pacific Islanders and enjoyed the museum because of its niche subject.

General admission costs $5. Admission is discounted to $3 for seniors and students, and it’s free for children 11 and younger. If you’re traveling with a group, there are discounts available as well. You can purchase tickets online or at the door. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Visit the museum’s website for more information.

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