A solo traveler's guide to the best that Long Beach has to offer in terms of attractions, museums, and after dark dining and entertainment.
For as long as I can remember, I've always enjoyed venues that are parked next door to oceans. Long Beach, California is no exception""close enough to Los Angeles to be part of civilization's hubbub and yet offering opportunities for seaside serenity to reflect on the past or daydream about the future. The following attractions will recharge your senses whether you are traveling alone or accompanying a spouse on a business trip and want to fill up your time apart with interesting adventures to chat about when you reconvene over dinner.
THE QUEEN MARY
All is fair in love and war. For many, the Queen Mary represents the fairest of all for her double duty as an elegant luxury liner during the 1930's and her alter ego as the Grey Ghost, a converted troop ship during World War II. Now in retirement at the Long Beach Harbor, this icon of another era provides its daily visitors with a glimpse of a time when the accouterments of a journey itself were as important as arriving at one's planned destination. Take a peek into well appointed staterooms and dining halls where society's elite sipped martinis and engaged in smart conversation about politics and fashion. There is even a Ghosts and Legends component of the docent led tours; as one might imagine, its popularity seems to soar every October right around Halloween. Feel like staying overnight and fantasizing how the other half lived? The Queen Mary is also a floating hotel that will keep you entertained with live music and theater performances and well fed with onboard eateries that range from casual snacks to fine dining.
EARL JAMES MILLER JAPANESE GARDENS
Located on State University Drive, this botanical respite from the cares of the world is a peaceful place to stroll amongst waterfalls, beautiful landscaping, Japanese koi ponds and lily pads worthy of Monet's brush. The atmosphere is completely unhurried and is a favorite for those who want to collect their thoughts, commune with nature, practice their photography skills, or just sit in the shade and people-watch. The Bonsai collection here is truly amazing, too. End your visit with a trip to the tea house. The gardens are open Sundays from noon until 4, and Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 to 3:30.
AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC
If you thought it was relaxing to have a sea life screensaver on your computer or an aquarium in your office, imagine how blissful you feel at one of the largest aquariums in the U.S. Nearly 13,000 species of marine critters can be found here in expansive habitats representing the northern and southern regions of the Pacific as well as the tropics. My own favorites, of course, are the otters, seals and sea lions who always seem to be putting on a show whether anyone is watching or not. Sharks, giant squid, stingrays and eels tend to draw a large crowd as well. The Aquarium isn't just limited to the wet stuff, though; it also has a misty, walk-through aviary where you can not only get up close and personal with its resident flock of Australian lorikeets but feed them, too. With the exception of Christmas Day and the second week of April, the Aquarium's doors are open daily from 9 to 6.
EL DORADO NATURE CENTER
Still thirsting for more of Mother Nature? The El Dorado Nature Center, part of the U.S. parks system, contains several miles of meandering trails, spectacular flora, and a lot of opportunities for shutterbugs and bird-watchers. It does get a little toasty during the summer months, though. If you're planning to cover a lot of ground, make sure to put on sunscreen, wear comfortable shoes and bring some bottled water with you.
MUSEUM OF ART
The Long Beach Museum of Art, located at 2300 E. Ocean Blvd. is one of those places that always has something fun in the works. In addition to its permanent gallery collections, it regularly brings in traveling exhibits that are an eclectic mix of old and new. Take time to browse in the gift shop for cards, great art books and reproductions or enjoy a leisurely lunch in the onsite café. The grounds themselves are worthy of an afternoon stroll, especially in the spring. The Museum is open from 11 to 5 every day except Monday.
ANTIQUE AND COLLECTIBLE MARKET
If your travels bring you to Long Beach on the third Sunday of the month""and if you have a good eye for bargains""the Veterans Stadium on Lakewood Blvd. is where you'll want to be at the crack of dawn. This outdoor market becomes an antique lovers' mecca where several hundred vendors display wares that range from political campaign buttons and Victorian jewelry to spinning wheels and armoires. It's easy to lose all track of time here, not to mention lose all track of your budget as you're drawn from the bargains of one booth to the next. Admission price is $5 and it's recommended that you bring cash or your check book for those occasional sellers who don't take plastic.
CITY PLACE
If your shopping tastes lean more toward the modern than the vintage, City Place at 5th and Pine has all of the major retailers and discount outlets as well as specialty boutiques and plenty of eateries to recharge your batteries. You'll need your energy for this one""City Place consumes a whopping eight blocks.
AFTER DARK
When the sun goes down on another great day in Long Beach, there's no shortage of places where you can kick up your heels and find a dance partner or simply sip a martini and enjoy a solo dinner. Vault 350 at 350 Pine Avenue offers fine dining as well as a diversified palette of live music. Reservations are recommended if you plan to go there on a Friday or Saturday night.
In the mood for a cigar? Cohiba is an upscale lounge and nightclub at 110 Broadway that allows you to either bring your own cigars or purchase one from their humidor. Onsite recreation includes dancing and pool, as well as the potential to engage in scintillating conversation with other guests.
Sometimes your taste buds will start screaming out for pizza and it's a call you have to heed. Fortunately, there's Extreme Pizza at Rainbow Harbor. They make everything from scratch here and could never be accused of being skimpy on the portions. Whether it's a Dagwood-style sandwich, a plump calzone, or any number of specialty topping pizzas, you definitely won't go home hungry. In fact, you may not have to eat again for the duration of the trip.
Last but not least, the Sky Room at the Breakers is for anyone who has a fondness for swank supper clubs and Hollywood glitz. Located on 40 South Locust, this 1930's establishment once catered to the likes of Clark Gable, Elizabeth Taylor and the debonair but devilish Errol Flynn. On weeknights, guests can enjoy a program of jazz and sultry vocals. On Saturday night, tap your toes to the sound of swing with a Big Band orchestra that you'd swear had just traveled through time to entertain you.
