Settled by the Spaniards in 1784, Long Beach is today California’s fifth largest city. Located just 20 miles south of Los Angeles, Long Beach offers all the amenities of a sophisticated, cosmopolitan urban area while retaining the charm and tranquility of a seaside community. Its five and a half miles of sandy beaches offer access to numerous water sports, while its sprawling beachside bike path is an ideal place for biking, jogging, or just taking a leisurely stroll at sunset Long Beach is a city of unique neighborhoods and a mix of cultures. The two most popular centers for visitors are Downtown and the Belmont Shore/Naples area. We will be staying Downtown, within walking distance or a free, short "Passport" trolley ride of the Queen Mary; the recently opened, highly acclaimed Aquarium of the Americas; the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center, which hosts plays, concerts, and sporting events; and Shoreline Village, a scenic boardwalk lined with shops and restaurants. Also just a few blocks from the hotel is Pine Avenue, where you will find the greatest concentration of dining spots and clubs. Not far away are the Center for Performing Arts, the Long Beach Museum of Art, and the East Village Arts District, home to antique stores, coffeehouses, and galleries including the Museum of Latin American Art, where we will be hosted by the SALALM Libreros for an evening of fine cuisine, music, and dance. A mile and a half down Ocean Boulevard and a $1.00 trolley ride from the hotel is Belmont Shore. Second Street is the heart of this 15-block district with its colorful shops and many ethnic restaurants. Behind Belmont Shore at the end of Second Street is Naples Island, where Italian-style gondolas cruise through narrow canals surrounded by picturesque, affluent homes. The city is also home to California State University, Long Beach, which regularly offers cultural events open to the public. Romantic Catalina Island is just 22 miles across the sea. Ferries depart frequently from docks near the hotel for a scenic day trip or overnight visit to Avalon, the island’s primary port. In one hour and for about $2, the Blue Line light rail system will take you to the heart of downtown Los Angeles. From the station, you can walk to historic Olvera Street, heart of the original Pueblo de los Angeles; tour the architecturally renowned Bradbury Building; climb Bunker Hill on the reconstructed Angel Flight funicular to the Museum of Contemporary Art; catch a play or concert at the Music Center; visit the magnificent new Los Angeles Public Library; or catch a bite at the Central Market. You can take the Red Line MetroRail from downtown to Hollywood, where you will find the historic Mann’s Chinese Theater, the Walk of Fame, Pantages Theater, and many other attractions. If you have a car, you may want to drive up the coast to check out the world-renowned beach communities of Venice, Santa Monica, and Malibu, or visit chic Beverly Hills or Old Town Pasadena. Plan to stay a few extra days after the conference to visit nearby Disneyland, Universal Studios, or San Diego. Yosemite Valley, Palm Springs, Death Valley, and Las Vegas are each within an easy day’s drive to the east, as are Santa Barbara, the Danish community of Solvang, and the Santa Ynez Valley wine-growing area to the north. There is so much to do and see in southern California; these are but a few suggestions. < --- back to About Long Beach links
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