101 Things to do in (and around) Long Beach California

2 Groove to the smooth sounds of Blues greatest artists or enjoy up-and-coming, California-bred new acts. Blue Café, Long Beach’s popular nightclub and deli, also features plenty of pool tables for the billiards enthusiast. 983-7111.

3 Capture the romance of the Italian Renaissance with a moonlit gondola cruise through the canals of Naples Island. Gondola Getaway. 433-9595.

4 Spot a California gray version of "Free Willy" from January through March, California’s official whalewatch season. Landlubbers may observe these mighty migrating mammals by pulling up a beach chair at the Point Fermin Park on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The American Catacean Society, 548-6279. The seaworthy should contact: Catalina Cruises, 800/538-4554; Spirit Cruises, 548-8080; Star Party Cruises, 431-6833; or Long Beach Sport Fishing, 432-8993.

5 Did you miss whalewatch season? There are other fish in the sea. "Planet Ocean," covers the entire 116,000-square-foot surface of the Long Beach Arena. The mural, which depicts life-size whales and other marine life, required more than 3,000 gallons of paint. The mural, the world’s largest, will be included in the 1996 Guinness Book of World Records. Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Blvd.

6 The best view of the Long Beach coastline is from the water! Get wet on a rented personal watercraft. Yamaha Waverunners or family boats are available for rent at the Rainbow Marina in Shoreline Village. For information call OFFSHORE WATERSPORTS (562) 436-1996 or visit http://www.offshorewatersports.com

7 Go overboard on World War II history. The S.S. Lane Victory Memorial Museum, formerly an ammunition carrier during World War II, the Korean War and in Vietnam, is now a national historic landmark. The museum ship measures 455 feet long with a 70-foot beam. Open daily. 519-9545. Official web site

8 22 miles across the sea, Santa Catalina is waiting for me. Explore Avalon, spot a wild buffalo or snorkel in crystal clear waters. Catalina Island is just a one-hour boat trip away. For visitor information call 510-1520. For scheduled boat service call Catalina Express, 519-1212 or Catalina Cruises, 800/538-4554.

9  See the latest in Hollywood entertainment. From small "Art Houses", to huge Multi Screen complexes, movie theatres are available in every part of the city - it only makes sense, since so many movies have been filmed here. The cities newest movie complex is The Cinemark at Rainbow Harbor; 562-435-0353. For information regarding AMC’s Pine Square 16 complex, or their Marina Pacifica complex call 562- 435-4262. For the ART THEATRE at 2025 4th Street call 562-438-5435. Information for many of the other movie houses in the area can be found by calling 1-800 FANDANGO

10  Release the artist within and create personalized pottery at Color Me Mine in Belmont Shore. Pottery lovers select unfinished cups dishes and decorations and creatively decorate them any way they wish. 433-4177.

11  "Beer of the Month Club" members will not want to miss sampling Long Beach Crude, Long Beach’s own dark beer. Well-known for its microbrewery selection and for the quality food, the Belmont Brewing Company is also touted for its excellent ocean views. 433-3891.

12  Baywatch comes to life at Long Beach’s own Lifeguard Museum. The volunteer-run center honors the lifeguard legacy that began in Long Beach in 1908. Located at Marine Stadium, the museum is open one Saturday a month. 570-1360.

13  The waters of Long Beach Harbor heat up with the sizzling sounds of reggae and blues music. Dinner and party cruises are the perfect evening for boating enthusiasts. Star Party Cruises, 431-6833; Spirit Cruises, 495-5884.

14  Let your imagination take flight. Take an exclusive helicopter ride from downtown Long Beach to Catalina Island through Island Express Helicopter Service. Flights are just fifteen minutes from the Long Beach Heliport to the city of Avalon. Also available are night flights over scenic Los Angeles as well as dinner tours. 800/2-Avalon.

Yardhouse Bar

15  Tap into a world record: featuring the largest selection of draft beer in the world, The Yardhouse Bar & Restaurant is located in scenic Shoreline Village overlooking Rainbow Harbor and the new Aquarium. (562) 628-0455 or visit their website at www.yardhouse.com

16  Ole! Alegria, the authentic tapas bar and eatery on Pine Avenue offers "little bites from Spain." Live Flamenco dancing on Thursdays to Sundays augments your dining pleasure. 436-3388.

17  High seas adventure await you aboard the Tallship Californian, docked at Shoreline Village. Hands-on sailing programs are available for one-day, weekly, and 11-day trips. Nautical Heritage Society, 800/432-2201.

18  Start your engines. The Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach is held every April on the streets of downtown. The race draws worldclass drivers and racing fans from around the world. A week of activities preceding the weekend of racing includes the annual Celebrity Race. 562-436-9953.

19  Keep your eye on the ball. California State University, Long Beach’s Pyramid sports complex offers a variety of exciting and nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics, including basketball, baseball and volleyball. 985-4655.

20  Step back in time. The Historical Society of Long Beach has recently moved into a new facility, located at 110 Pine Avenue Suite 1200. Visitors will get a sense of Long Beach’s place in history at their Gallery and Research Center. Hours are Tuesday - Friday, from 1 to 5 pm. Calll 562-495-1210, or visit their Website: http://www.historicalsocietylb.org

21  Meet me in … downtown Los Angeles. Long Beach is end of the line for the Metro Blue Line light rail service Visitors may easily travel from Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles in less than one hour. For schedule information, call213/626-4455.

22  Shout the blues. The Best Western Golden Sails Hotel, 596-1631 and the Sea Port Marina Hotel, 434-8451 feature weekly blues and reggae concerts.

23  Go fishing just for the halibut. Several 55-foot sportfishing boat outings are available from Seal Beach or Belmont Piers. 434-6781.

24  Tennis anyone? If your serve is one only a mother could love, try practicing at the Billy Jean King Tennis Court, 438-8509.

25  Sail the crystal blue seas. Sail Catalina’s sailing excursions to Catalina Island with top speeds faster than America’s Cup, take just 70 minutes. 714/969-3492.

26  The newly expanded Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center features the best sailboats, new cars, stamp collections and even Disney on Ice. For event information, check out the marquis at 300 East Ocean Blvd. Or call the box office at 436-3636.

27  Tantalizing California Cuisine is served at Mum’s on Pine Avenue. After dinner on Fridays and Saturday’s, dance off the extra calories fat the adjacent Cohiba,, one of Long Beach’s new night spots. 437-7700.

28  Shop until you drop. Nestled around a duck pond and colorful gardens, explore the specialty shops, boutiques, multi-cinema theater complex and fine restaurants at The Marketplace. 431-6282.

29  You may not get a free lunch, but why pay to get there? Take a ride in the free Long Beach Runabout Shuttle. The shuttle runs throughout downtown and stops at all major hotels, shops and attractions, including the Queen Mary Seaport. 591-2301.

Blimp Watching

30  HOW ABOUT BLIMP WATCHING ? Unlike "Watching the Submarine Races", there really are plenty of Blimps to be spotted over Long Beach. Numerous Lighter-than-Air Ships are often operated from the Long Beach Airport, and Goodyear's famous Airship has a base nearby too. Everyone, especially the kids, enjoy watching these vessels drift along the shoreline. A locally based Blimp pilot has written a series of children's books which you may enjoy. For details, visit http://www.BuddyTheBlimp.com.

31  Planning a picnic? The freshest produce as well as arts, crafts and entertainment are available at the afternoon Downtown Marketplace, held Fridays from 10 am to 4pm along the downtown Promenade.
1-866-GOOD-VEG.

Skinniest House

32  The nation’s skinniest house, according to Guinness World of Records, makes its home on Gladys Avenue in Long Beach. Built on a lot measuring 10 feet by 50 feet by Nelson Rummond, who bet that he could build a habitable residence on the lot. The Skinny House is located a 708 Gladys Avenue. 436-3645

33  Take a meditative pause in the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Gardens at Cal State University Long Beach 985-8885.

34  A la carte items include french fries, salad or cyber chat. Featuring an extensive menu that caters to vegetarians, Almost Paradise also offers seven computer terminals for the use of their patrons. Diners may sign up on a credit account so that they may stay in touch with the World Wide Web while they dine. 429-3066.

35  Shoot bull’s eye at the El Dorado Park archery range, site of the 1984 Olympic competition. 213/ARCHERY.

36  Rack’em up. The mammoth game room at Yankee Doodles features billiards tables, ping pong, shuffleboard and dart boards. A full-service restaurant is also on hand to feed the hungriest person in your group. 439-9777. Utopia, the newest nightclub and restaurant on Broadway also offers billiards, dining and nightly entertainment. 432-7202. Experience Jillian’s, housed in a historic bank building, that features billiards, dining and dancing. 628-8866.

37  Has hockey gone to the dogs? The IHL’s Long Beach Ice Dogs, 1997-1998 Western Conference Champions. The Ice Dogs play at the Long Beach Arena, 310/423-3647.

38  Nine times the sports action, nine times the commercials. Legends features up-to-the-minute sports action on its nine wide-screen TVs. 433-5743.

39  Blend into the California beach scene along Belmont Shore’s lively Second Street. Stroll the boutiques, galleries, book stores and coffeehouses; indulges in the many restaurants and pubs; and be sure to peruse the "shadow art" along the walls and sidewalks. Belmont Shore Business Association. 434-3066

40  Good for a laugh - and more. Hollywood's world famous "Laugh Factory" comedy club has opened their newest Laugh Factory club at The Pike in Long Beach. This location will also become the home of The Stand-Up Comedy Hall of Fame, the largest collection of comedy memorabilia ever assembled. 151 S. Pine Avenue, Long Beach (562) 495-2844. http://www.LaughFactory.com

41  Submerse yourself amid Catalina Island’s magnificent marine preserve. This first-of-its-kind semi-submersible vessel made its California debut in the summer of 1994. The 60-foot, 50-ton, U.S. Coast Guard-approved vessel carries 36 passengers and makes a 40-minute tour of Catalina’s panoramic Undersea Gardens. Santa Catalina Island Company/Discovery Tours, 510-2500, 800/322-3434.

42  Street voices of Long Beach. The city’s Mural and Cultural Arts Program has been the guiding hand in the creation of dozens of murals throughout the city. To receive a copy of A Showcase of Neighborhood Murals, call the Long Beach Area CVB, 436-3645.

43  Souvenir shopping has never been so easy. Artscape offers an eclectic display of functional art exclusively crafted by regional artists, includes cards, journals, gift items and jewelry. 434-3224.

44  Why travel to the wine country, when Morry’s of Naples offers wine tastings every Friday? Morry’s, Long Beach’s oldest liquor store, also offers beer tastings on Thursdays. 433-0405.

45  Pack an extra roll of film for this Kodak moment. Panoramic views of the port of Long Beach, the west coast’s busiest port, are available atop the Port Administration building. The public is welcome to the roof and exhibit galleries. 590-4123.

46  Long Beach is home to the largest Cambodian population in the United States. More than 400 businesses line the Anaheim Street corridor offering a variety of authentic Cambodian restaurants, shops and professional services. United Cambodian Community Inc. 433-2490.

47  Don’t squeeze the starfish. The tidepool touch tank at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium offers a hands-on view of starfish and sea urchins. Other exhibits include live sea animals and plants native to Southern California. 548-7562.

48  Root, root, root for the home team! The Long Beach Riptide, a new professional minor league baseball team, play their home games at the Blair Field. The minor league season runs from May through Labor Day.

49  Immerse yourself in Southern California’s ranching history by touring Long Beach’s two historic ranchos and their gardens. Rancho Los Alamitos, with an area that spans 1,500 years, is reminiscent of a 1930’s working ranch. 431-3541. Rancho Los Cerritos, a Monterey colonial-style adobe built in 1844, originally functioned as a headquarters for a 27,000-acre cattle ranch. 570-1755.

50  Practice your drive at Skylinks Golf Course driving range. 421-3388. For golf course information, contact Long Beach Parks and Recreation. 570-1520.

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