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Long Beach is, as it sounds, a beach-filled port city in Southern California. The city itself is situated on what is known as Queensway Bay, and everything in the city and surrounding area takes full advantage of its seaport heritage. You’ll find plenty to do with waterside activities, arts, and museums, as well as shops and businesses.
The host of things to do in Long Beach includes a bunch of different maritime-themed museums and exhibits, as well as boat tours, fishing, and, of course, excellent food. If you’re looking for a sunny place to throw a birthday party, plan a wedding reception, or just spend a day on the beach, then Long Beach is definitely the place to be.
As far as the weather, you can expect typical sunny California days with a bit of a twist. A brisk Pacific Ocean breeze and the added humidity make it a bit less dry than other areas of Southern California, so if you’re looking to explore and get away from the desert, then Long Beach is the place to be.
Being on the water, Long Beach draws a crowd. Besides the views and sea air, there are several attractions that make it a fun destination.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Something fun and enjoyable for the entire family in Long Beach is the Aquarium of the Pacific. This 5-acre aquarium features some of the largest exhibits of its kind and you’ll be able to get up close and personal with many of the biggest undersea creatures on the planet. As if that weren’t enough, the Aquarium itself is situated just across the street from a whole host of other attractions that are worth visiting while you’re in downtown Long Beach.
Naple Canals
The Naple Canals area is a large man-made walking trail that visitors can traverse, located on Seal Beach in Long Beach. They offer stunning views of the waterfront in these Italian-inspired canals, and the entire walking trail is pet-friendly as well. There is no excuse not to bring the entire family, pets, and all and enjoy the city, the water, and the beach all at the same time.
The Queen Mary
If you want to experience luxury and a past blast, visiting The Queen Mary while in Long Beach is an absolute imperative. This ship, which is a steamliner just a bit larger than the iconic Titanic, has been turned into a fully functional hotel with impressive staterooms, a restaurant, and numerous other attractions, all while keeping that early 1900s steamship appeal. It is now one of the most famous historic landmarks in Long Beach, and thousands of tourists flock to it every year. Additionally, the ship is not far from the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, making it a perfect addition to your itinerary if you attend sporting events or conferences.
El Dorado Nature Center
The El Dorado Nature Center gives you an up-close experience with nature in the Long Beach area. The 105-acre park features a visitors center where you can learn about different features of the area and exhibits many of the different flora and fauna found around Long Beach. It also has some lakes, streams, and walking trails that you can explore. It’s a true gem in Los Angeles County.
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
If you’d like a bit of nature with some heritage on the side, then visit the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. Situated on the campus of CSU Long Beach, this authentic Japanese garden is a treasure to behold with regular new exhibits, arts and cultural exchanges, and learning opportunities that are fun for locals and tourists alike.
When organizing any event, it's essential to ensure all arrangements are perfect. Finding the right crew, instruments, and equipment is only part of the puzzle. The next step is to find the right event space to put on whatever type of production you have in mind. Long Beach is the perfect spot to find concert venues, filming spaces, studios, and more.
Iconic Homes
If you’re looking for a place with all the amenities to film or record in, Long Beach gives you your pick of time periods and styles to choose from. For instance, you could pick an updated Spanish villa as a perfect venue to write and record music or to hold an intimate interview for a TV show or podcast. The possibilities for using spaces like these are almost endless.
Warehouse Spaces
Another option for a space to produce something is to choose a large open warehouse space. Long Beach has several to choose from so that you can find the size of space you need to suit your desires. With that much open space, you could film just about anything. A warehouse is essentially a blank canvas.
Shipyards
If you want something unique, you could locate your production on the water at an actual shipyard. This would make for an exciting backdrop for any movie or television show and give the entire production a feeling of authenticity. Shipyards are also ideal for hosting large-scale outdoor events, offering a distinctive maritime atmosphere.
From wedding venues to brainstorming locations, Long Beach can provide just the right space for your next event. Both indoor and outdoor locales have a lot to offer.
Shopping Malls
If you need a large area to conduct business or to hold a large event like say a wedding reception, then you might consider renting out one of the many modern shopping mall spaces in Long Beach. They are ideal for birthday parties or even a festive holiday celebration. These event spaces give you enough room for a large guest list and to host whatever type of event you want without having to worry about feeling cramped.
Studio Spaces
Another option if you’re having a sales seminar or need another type of large corporate event venue would be to rent out one of the large studio spaces that are available. You can discover spacious, well-lit event venues perfect for hosting conventions and similar gatherings, which can be customized to suit your specific requirements. Many of these studios are located in the East Village area, which is known for its vibrant atmosphere and convenience.
Motels
Lastly, if you think you might need a lot of space with amenities and possible catering, you might consider renting out a motel as an event venue for a business meeting or private event. Many motels come equipped with modern amenities and can be transformed into a versatile events center. They are perfect for hosting events ranging from intimate gatherings to larger corporate meetings.
