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weekend getaway long beach ca

5 Unusual Weekend Getaways in Long Beach CA

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Long Beach is a coastal California city, which is becoming more popular among tourists for its interesting attractions and mild weather. Its proximity to LA is also a plus and makes it a great option for a weekend getaway. No matter if you are a visitor in Long Beach CA or you live there, there are several ways to spend the weekend in the city, from walking in the parks to a family day on the beach. However, there are a few unusual getaways, that you need to consider if you are staying in Long Beach for the weekend. Here are five of the best weekend getaways that you can choose from:

Weekend Getaways in Long Beach CA

A Gondola Ride at the Canals of Naples Island

A Gondola Ride at the Canals of Naples Island

If you are looking for a romantic way to spend the weekend, think about sunset, gondolas, and serenades. Venice, Italy is the city usually associated with this type of experience; however, Long Beach, California offers a serene gondola ride that will make you feel you are hundreds of miles away from the hectic city. The cruise is offered from mid-day to midnight. One of the best times, however, is around sunset. It is perfect for those who are considering a marriage proposal. Rumor has it that the acceptance rate is almost 100%. On top of that, most of the gondoliers sing, but make sure to request for one in advance. The Gondola ride is fun for kids and teenagers as well, so you can make this a lovely family trip for an unforgettable weekend getaway. You can also bring snacks and drinks on board. A cruise with a gondola is especially popular during the holidays, so if you are planning one, make sure to book it in advance!

An Art Weekend

Long Beach CA is the East Village Arts District

If you love art, then spend the weekend surrounded by it. Give your friends or family a lovely gift in the form of an art walk getaway for the weekend. The best place for this kind of experience in Long Beach CA is the East Village Arts District. Here you can enjoy galleries, free events, and a true art walk. In addition to that, every first Friday of the month there is a First Fridays street fair. It is an event running from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, held at Atlantic Avenue from Bixby Road to San Antonio Dr. The aim of the fair is to support local artists and musicians. As part of your art weekend, you can also visit the Museum of Latin American Art, which allows you to enjoy contemporary art reflecting the culture of Latin America. It is worth visiting, especially given the fact that the museum has been open since 1945. So, if you are an art lover, here is your best weekend getaway in Long Beach!

A Day at the Aquarium

A Day at the Aquarium Long Beach CA

Spending even a few hours in the serene environment of sea life can help you relax and recharge after a busy week. Long Beach CA can offer you this experience at the Aquarium of the Pacific, which is considered the best in California. It is also the largest in Southern California and presents species from the north American Shore of the Pacific and the tropical South Pacific. It is fun both for kids and adults, as it offers a lot of interactive exhibits and the option to touch some of the animals. But if you want a truly unique and unusual experience, we recommend behind-the-scenes tour. It is intended for a small group of up to 10 people and offers a sneak peek into the everyday operations of the facilities. The tour takes you to places that are normally closed for the public and you can even feed the fish from the top of the Tropical Reef. The tour is perfect for anyone, kids of 7 years and up inclusive, who loves sea life and biology.

Waterfront Walk in Shoreline Village

Waterfront Walk in Shoreline Village

Would you like to visit a village within the restless Long Beach CA? If you are thrilled about going to a quieter place while enjoying the beautiful view of Rainbow Harbor, then Shoreline Village is the best place for your weekend getaway. The place features live entertainment, casual and fine places to eat and a lot of activities for the children with a carousel and special kids’ fun zone. The panoramic view of the sunset is surely not to be missed. If you want a more interesting way of exploring Shoreline village, you can hire a surrey bike and enjoy the ride with your family or friends.

Spend the Weekend at a Hotel

Spend the Weekend at a Hotel

If you are a resident of Long Beach CA, we have quite an unusual idea for your weekend. Go to a hotel in your own city. There are million options where to stay depending on your budget. Allow yourself a luxury weekend at a fancy hotel, where you will feel pampered and can relax after a busy week. Get away from the routine without having to travel. This is a perfect option for families as well – most hotels offer additional attractions for kids – like playgrounds or pool parties and other fun stuff. Some of the businesses allow pets as well, so check that in advance if you are a pet owner. You should know that Long Beach was voted one of the most dog-friendly cities in the USA according to Dog Fancy magazine. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your suitcases and discover your hometown in a different way – like a tourist!

family-friendly cities in Southern California

Top 5 family-friendly cities in Southern California

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Southern California is a heavenly place and it’s no surprise why so many people come here to enjoy the beautiful weather, the ocean-side views, the sightseeing, and the local cuisine. But it is more than just a fine vacation place. It is also a perfect place to raise your family. If you are thinking of moving to Southern California for good and you wonder which city would be the best for your family, we have the answer.

Top 5 family-friendly cities in Southern California

What are the criteria for choosing a good place to raise a family?

People have different needs and desires, which means one place might seem good for some and not preferable for others. The main points most people take into consideration when choosing are:

  • Housing costs. Probably the first thing one would be looking at is the cost of housing in California. There are indeed places in Southern California where housing can be affordable for families.
  • Education. Any parent wants the best for their children and education is at the top of the list. Receiving a good education would come from the kindergarten and school the kid attends, (since for college the child can decide to move as far as the other side of the country or even go abroad).
  • Commute time. Transportation can be a hustle when living in a crowded area. No one likes spending hours in traffic on the way to work or taking the kids to school.
  • Surroundings and entertainment.This might not seem as an important factor in the beginning but if you don’t consider it you will start regretting it very soon. How you spend your free time is what makes the difference between having an exciting life and having a boring life. When choosing a place to spend the rest of your days, always think about the places you can go and the things you can do to have fun.

Top 5 family-friendly cities in Southern California

  1. Rancho Santa Margarita

Rancho Santa Margarita is located in Orange County -between Los Angeles and San Diego. It is home to almost 50,000 people. The city is mainly composed of planned residential neighborhoods. There are, however, many places to work, shop and dine. This smaller city prides itself on being beautiful and safe. There are plenty of parks for hiking or simply walking the dog. Compared to some of the other cities on this list, housing is more expensive; however, it is balanced out by local salary rate which is also higher.

  1. Poway

One of the best location for exploring the beaches along the coast as well as hiking trails. There are tons of parks for biking, hiking, and playing. The city is for families who enjoy spending time outdoors. The adults won’t have to worry about how early they would need to wake up and get going to work so that they are not late due to traffic. Homes are indeed more expensive, but the price tag is well worth it.

  1. Moorpark

Moorpark is considered to be one of the safest places to live-in as it has the lowest crime rates in Ventura County. This family-oriented city hosts a lot of small-town events such as the annual Apricot Festival and Country Days. It also has highly ranked schools. It is located close to the Happy Camp Canyon Park – the perfect place for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.

  1. Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach’s homes are among the priciest in the region. The School District ranks third overall in the state. The parents have the choice of enrolling their children either in public or private schools. In addition to the area’s stunning surroundings, The Manhattan Beach community values family. The experience will not disappoint.

  1. Long Beach

Long Beach CA, located in Los Angeles County is another destination favored by many outdoors-loving families. The options for activities do not end with the world’s biggest ocean at your finger tips. There are plenty of parks in and around the city that are perfect for biking, horse riding, and dog walking. The schools in the area are among the highest ranking for the district. The prices of the homes in this area do not differ much from the other places on this list.

With so many great looking cities in Southern California, it might be hard to decide which one you’d want to call “home”. Moving to a new place is a huge step. Carefully analyze the advantages and disadvantages of every city. Consider the needs and preferences of every family member, pets included. And once you settle in your new home – enjoy it!

Date Ideas in Long Beach CA

10 Budget-friendly date ideas in Long Beach CA

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Long Beach has it all – from scenic views and gorgeous weather to affordable places that you can visit with your family and kids. When it comes to date night ideas, Long Beach CA doesn’t disappoint either.

Date Ideas in Long Beach CA

Here are ten budget-friendly date ideas in the Long Beach area.

Beautiful places to visit for free with your date

If you like nature and walks, then one of these three options might be the best date idea for you and your partner.

One of the most romantic places to take your date in Long Beach CA is the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. You get an amazing, romantic experience, completely free! The garden has a Japanese motif and includes a pond with koi fish that you can feed. You can sit in the tea house and enjoy the tranquility around you. With a variety of gorgeous flowers to please your eyes, it’s no wonder the place is one of the most common locations for weddings.

The garden is located in the campus of California State University. It is open Tuesday-Friday, from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm and Sunday from noon to 4:00 pm. Unfortunately, it is closed on Saturdays and Mondays, so take this into account when planning your date.

El Dorado East Regional Park is another great option to spend time with your date. At daytime, the park offers many other attractions, in addition to the great landscape. You can call and reserve a picnic area, book a train ride or rent a pedal boat. The park stretches over 388.2 acres and includes playgrounds and fishing lakes as well. You can go cycling with your partner along the wonderful bike trails the park offers.

There’s an entrance fee you need to pay for your vehicle but it varies from $5 to $8 depending on the day.

Rancho Los Alamitos Ranch and Gardens is another free place you can take your date and learn some Long Beach CA area history while you are at it. It is one of the last working ranches, where you can enjoy beautiful gardens, old trees and escape from the hectic life of the city. You can also learn about the Bixby family who owned it. The ranch is open for visits Wednesday through Sunday 1-5 pm.

Best Long Beach street walks for dates

Another clever idea for a date is to visit some of the most interesting streets in Long Beach CA. Here is our selection of three unique places to visit:

If you don’t mind an unconventional date and you love flea markets, then the Long Beach Antique Market is the place to visit. More than 800 sellers gather together at the Long Beach Veteran’s Stadium every third Sunday. For an entrance fee of $6 from 6:30 am to 2:00 pm or $12 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm, you can find vintage furniture, toys, glassware and many more items.

If you like unique stuff like vintage clothing or furniture, then the area of East 4th Street centered around Cherry Avenue is the place to go with your date. The stretch is known as “Retro Row” because of the numerous vintage shops located on it. Most of them open at noon and close at 7:00 pm. If you get tired of walking, you can have a drink at Art du Vin or see a movie at the Art Theater.

Another great walk is along the Pine Avenue, especially at night. There are many restaurants and bars, where you can grab a drink. The night is anything but silent, since most of the restaurants turn into de-facto nightclubs, where you can dance. In other words, Pine Avenue is a great way both to start and end your date.

Great date ideas that are not for everyone

Here are a couple of *really unconventional date ideas.

  • Country Line Dancing at the Cowboy Country

If you love country music, the Cowboy Country is the right place for your date. This is a country music dance club that even offers lessons at 7:00 and 8:00 pm. The price for this entertainment is also quite affordable – only $3 on Wednesday and $5 on Friday and Saturday (the club works only on these three days). Besides, the entry is free from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

  • Battleship USS Iowa Museum

Located in neighboring San Pedro, the Battleship USS Iowa Museum is great for WWII artefact lovers. The fee is less than $20 and you can also enjoy several special events such as Movies Under the Guns, where they play free movies on board the battleships.

A fancier date within your budget

For those who can’t imagine a date without a restaurant, we offer two interesting options. They are a bit more expensive, but are still budget-friendly.

  • The Queen Mary

The Art Deco theme is a rather romantic suggestion for a date, as is a drink or dinner aboard a ship. Queen Mary and its Observation Bar are a great way to enjoy the view while listening to different styles of music on Fridays and Saturdays – jazz, blues, Latin, etc. In addition to that, one of the top 100 most romantic restaurants in the U.S. is also to be found aboard Queen Mary. That is Sir Winston and you won’t regret taking your date there. The good news is that parking is free with restaurant validation after 6PM.

To end the night, explore the decks of the ship and enjoy the great view of downtown Long Beach CA.

  • The Sky Room

One of the great restaurants in Long Beach CA is The Sky Room, located on 40 S. Locust Ave, near Pine Avenue, on top of Breakers Hotel. As you can guess from its name, the restaurant offers magnificent view of the city. In addition to great food, you can also dance to live music playing mainly Latin or Swing on weekends. Note that this is a fancy restaurant so avoid casual wear and dress up for your date.

Awesome hikes around Long Beach CA | Hiking Spots

8 Awesome hikes around Long Beach CA

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Long Beach CA offers a number of beautiful hikes. Whether you live here or are just visiting, take some time to take in the sights.

Awesome hikes around Long Beach CA | Hiking Spots

Dominguez Gap Wetlands

The Wetlands are situated in Long Beach along the LA River. The trails are great for hiking, biking, bird watching, and horseback riding. If you want to bring your dog with, you can. You don’t have to go to the zoo when you can find animals such as red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures at Wetlands.

This Dominguez Gap Wetlands is actually a 2008 river project. $7 million were invested with the aim to restore the important ecological functions of water quality improvement, wildlife habitat, and aquifer recharge to the urban lower Los Angeles River.

Forrestal Ecological Reserve

32201 Forrestal Dr Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Forrestal Ecological Reserve is located about 12 miles away from Long Beach CA. It is a 25-minute drive to get to the reserve by car and it takes about an hour and a half by bike. Rocky hills on one side and the ocean on the other, it is a great place to go hiking, enjoy nature, and even take some cool pictures.

Ocean Trails by Trump National Golf Course

1 Ocean Trails Dr Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

As the name suggests, it is located just by Trump National Golf Course. It is a coastal hiking destination with a breathtaking view. Hiking is not the only great activity you can enjoy. Other activities include paragliding and enjoying the beautiful picnic spots on the trail. Spring would be a great time to visit this place to enjoy more greenery and even see the whales if you are lucky.

Gum Grove Park

Crestview Ave & Avalon Dr. Seal Beach, CA 90740

Gum Grove Park has a relatively flat landscape and is pretty small (about a mile in length) so it is a great place for an easy hike. If you plan on going there with your dog, watch it closely as there is a chance of coming across coyotes. There are even signs all around the park asking to not feed the coyotes.

Bandini Canyon Trail Park

N Bandini St Los Angeles, CA 90731

This Park is another coastal hiking destination, located about 7 miles away from Long Beach CA. The trail and views are amazing.You can enjoy the view of the sea and cliffs, while hiking the sandy trail. There are some cactuses on the sides, so be careful, especially if you are hiking with kids.

The park dates back to1931, when Mr. George Peck, real estate developer and benefactor, donated most of the Park’s 4.8 acres. The land has been designated as open space since this time.

Willow Springs Park

2745 Orange Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA

If you do not have a way to get out of town or simply do not have the time to spare, this park is for you. The trails are great and the surroundings are rocky and sandy. Small animals such as rabbits can be seen. Plus, the park is open 24/7.

Admiral Kidd Park

2125 Santa Fe Ave, Long Beach, CA 90810, USA

If you are taking kids along on your hike, this is the perfect place. Admiral Kidd Park is situated between two schools. It offers sports fields & courts, a recreation center with youth programs and a playground.

The park is open everyday between 6AM-5PM.

Wrigley Heights Dog Park

3401 Golden Ave, Long Beach, CA 90806, USA

Bring your dog here for a run or simply let it play with other dogs.

Wrigley Heights is open every day between 6AM-10PM

If hiking isn’t your thing, there are lots to do and amazing places to visit in Long Beach, California.

Things to do in Long Beach CA

Things to do in Long Beach, CA

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If you plan on visiting Long Beach or if you just moved to the city but you are not sure what the city can offer you, take a look at our list of interesting activities in Long Beach, CA.

Things to do in Long Beach CA

Aquarium of the Pacific

Roughly 1.7 million people visit the Aquarium of the Pacific annually to see over 11,000 animals, watch the 150 sharks at the shark lagoon, and learn interesting facts about the different marine species during the lectures and educational programs held there. Besides observing the marine animals you will get to take part in art exhibitions, art shows, festivals, lectures and see real-time ocean data on a huge globe. The Aquarium of the Pacific is very environmental-friendly and has been awarded for being the nation’s most energy-efficient business for 2009.

  • Address: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802-8126
  • Opening hours: from Sunday to Saturday from 9 am to 6 pm
  • Prices: $29.95 for adults, $17.95 for children, and $26.95 for seniors

Long Beach Waterfront

Here you can enjoy a beautiful view, have a delectable meal at the many modern restaurants, do some shopping at The Pike shop located at Rainbow Harbor, do some cycling or just take a walk and enjoy the view. You can visit the Yard House, the luxurious ship Queen Mary, or Parker’s Lighthouse which is on three levels, offers a two-story wine cellar and delicious seafood.

  • Address: 54th Place and Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA

Catalina Express

Up to 1 million people annually take part in the Catalina Express tours because they offer an unforgettable experience for the visitors and residents of Long Beach. The boat offers many benefits like panoramic viewing windows for you to take beautiful photographs and on-deck seating for a full experience. The fleet has eight vessels with Catalina Jet being the biggest having the capacity to carry roughly 500 people.

  • Address: 320 Golden Shr, Long Beach, CA 90802-4243
  • Prices: starting from $30 to $160

Shoreline Village

This place has so much charm and beauty that it is a must to visit it at least once. Here you can rent a fishing boat, yacht, or catamarans; in case you are new at sailing, you can enroll in some of the sailing lessons.

When you go to Shoreline Village, make sure to visit the Pelican Pier Pavilion where you can ride a carousel, play video games, air hockey, skeeball and more. The Pavilion is open Monday to Sunday from 12 pm to 11 pm. You can have your family photograph taken at Smile for the Birdie where you can pet, hold and learn more about their exotic birds. Working hours are Saturdays and Sunday from 12 pm to 7 pm.

  • Address: 401-435 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802-4549

Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

Events hit this magical place every week! There will be an Imprinted Sportswear Show this January 18th, International Salon & Spa Expo on January 27th, and the list goes on through the year. The center is 400,000 square feet big and in addition to its three multi-faceted exhibition halls – where conventions, trade shows, meetings or special events take place –there are a number of other facilities, including the Terrace Theater, the Rainbow Bridge, The Cove (Southern California’s premier street party venue), and a beautiful ballroom.

  • Address: 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802-4825

Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden

You can enjoy the beautiful weather and nature around you in this peaceful and relaxing 1.3-acre garden. If you need a short break from the busy city, this oasis is one of the best places to do just that.

  • Address: 1250 N Bellflower Blvd, California State University, Long Beach, CA 90840-0004
  • Working Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 8 am to 3:30 pm
  • Prices: free of charge

The Walter Pyramid

This is an iconic image of Long Beach and you must visit it, be it to watch a game or just to take a picture of the building. It is a multipurpose arena, currently, home to the state’s men and women’s basketball and volleyball programs. Seminars and other are also held here often. You could be one of the 200,000 annual visitors at Walter Pyramid. Those who have visited this place say the atmosphere is phenomenal.

  • Address: 1250 N Bellflower Blvd, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach, CA 90840-0004
  • Tickets: prices start from as little as $7 to $35

Long Beach Playhouse

If all the walking, cycling, and sightseeing have made you a bit tired and you need a calm night out with friends or family you can visit Long Beach Playhouse. Here you can watch plays like Mark Twain Tonight, Pack of Lies, Peter and the Star catcher, Flight, My Fair Lady, among many others. In near proximity, you will find good places to grab something to eat as well for a perfect end of the night.

  • Address: 5021 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804-3214
  • Tickets: prices start from $14 to $27

There are so many memorable events and places to visit in Long Beach, CA! Honorable mentions are Naples Island, El Dorado Nature Center, Rosie’s Dog Beach, Belmont Shore, Pike and Rainbow Harbor, Museum of Latin American arts, Long Beach Museum of Arts, Bluff Park, Marine Park.