Long Beach, California is a marvelous place for a holiday. Explore the many creative options of choosing Long Beach as your holiday destination, apart from understanding its rich cultural and historical legacy right here.
Image Courtesy Hoang Khai Nhan at Panoramio.com
History of Long Beach
Long Beach City was initially formed as a ranching community in the 1800s and with the establishment of rail and port links, it has become a booming urban hub. Land constituting Long Beach was part of the land grant to Spaniard Manuel Nieto. It included Ranch Los Alamitos along with Rancho Los Cerritos. When the latter ranch was sold to the Bixby family, Long Beach began to develop. In the year 1882, Long Beach initially planned as Wilmore City by William Willmore, a developer, was forming alongside the coastline. In the 1880s, this area experienced a boost as far as its real estate industry was concerned. In 1888, residents renamed Willmore City in light of its long beaches as Long Beach and incorporated it. Introduction of the Pacific Electric trolley enabled the city to grow as a tourist and commercial centre. This was among the most rapidly growing cities in the US in the 1900s. In the year 1911, Port of Long Beach was set up. With the discovery of oil in the 1920s, Long Beach flourished in a building boom downtown. In 1949, the California State University Long Beach became operational and the arena opened in the 1960s.
Important Locations in Long Beach
Long Beach has some of the most amazing sights and sounds for travelers across an entire gamut. Known as Long Beach on account of its massive and wide beaches, this city has several interesting experiences to offer to the seasoned tourist as well as the first time traveler.
Aquarium of Pacific
Located in Long Beach, CA, this is one of the most mesmerizing experiences a tourist can have. This is a massive indoor ocean where you get to see everything from sharks and jellyfishes to more than 12,000 creatures in the 4 re-created habitats in this aquarium. The aquarium also offers free ocean trips and behind the scenes tours for additional fee. For adults, a fee of USD 29 is charged while seniors can gain admittance for USD 26 and children for USD 15. This is the world’s largest indoor ocean with more than 50 exhibits and 11,000 animals on display from the new shark to the ray and the horseshoe crab. There are over 150 sharks in the lagoon. To find out more, click
here.
Aquarium of Pacific
Address- 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA
Telephone Number- 15625903100
Queen Mary
This is the flagship attraction of Long Beach. This is a supposedly haunted luxury liner which offers a thrilling glimpse into the past between the 1930s and 1960s. Combination tickets with the aquarium are offered at USD 42 per adult and 19 per child. The Queen Mary is open for public viewing from 10:30 in the morning to 6:30 in the evening. To get more on this, visit this
link.
Address- 1126, Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA
Telephone- 5624353511
Fax- 5624374531
Art Theatre of Long Beach
This is a hallmark of the Golden Age of Cinema and was constructed in the 1920s. This art theatre has restored interiors and everything from vintage food to sights and sounds. Get to know more right
here.
Address - 2025 East 4th Street, Long Beach CA-90804
Telephone Number - 5624383723
Email - events@arttheatrelongbeach.com
California State University Long Beach
This is a comprehensive, urban university with close to 300 undergraduate and graduate programs and numerous opportunities for sports and intellectual pursuits. Tour this amazing university and get a feel of it’s vibrancy. Excited to know more? Click this
link.
Address- 1250, Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach CA- 90840
Telephone Number- 5629855358
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
This garden was created by Mrs. Lorraine Miller Collins in memory of her late husband after whom it is named. This 1.3 acre garden was selected by her and designed by famous architect Edward R. Lovell. This garden reflects the aesthetic and cultural beauty of Long Beach.
Address- 1250, Bellflower Boulevard, Long Beach CA-90840
Telephone Number - 5629855930
Fax Number- 5629855362
People and Culture of Long Beach
Long Beach is a city well known for its history and diversity apart from being the well known residence of Queen Mary, Long Beach Grand Prix and many other famous sights and souths. Located on San Pedro Bay, just south of LA, it is the fifth largest city in California with a population exceeding 500,000. This city was developed as a beachside resort and incorporated in 1888. It is currently the second busiest port in the nation with numerous companies such as Gulfstream, Raytheon and Boeing established here. Oil and tourism industry also thrive in Long Beach. Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center has a Long Beach Arena while Long Beach Performing Arts Center hosts the Long Beach Symphony Orchestra, the International City Theater and numerous musical acts. Notable museums in the city include the Museum of Latin American Art and one of the massive aquariums of the country. Long Beach is also home to many cultural festivals such as Bayou Festival, Sea Festival and many more.
Time Zone and Phone Codes of Long Beach
Long Beach is in Pacific Time Zone (UTC-8). The Summer Daylight Saving Time (DST) is Pacific Daylight Time (UTC−7).
Standard Time Zone: UTC/GMT -7 hours
Daylight saving time: 1 hour
Current time zone offset: UTC/GMT -7 hour
Time zone abbreviation: PDT
Phone Codes of Long Beach
Long Beach Area Code: 562
International Country Code: 1
Best Time to Visit Long Beach
Long Beach is one of the most charming spots for a holiday and there is an amazing amount of festivals to enjoy, especially during the spring and autumn seasons. Interestingly, the best time to visit, weather wise is also spring and fall.
March to May
June to August
September to November
December to February
Map Showing Important Locations in Long Beach
