Hi everyone, Longines Masters of Los Angeles special reporter Sophie St.Clair back again with 5 must do’s during your stay in Long Beach. California’s reputation for offering sand, surf and sun to its visitors in exemplified by the seaside city of Long Beach. With a vibrant arts community featuring combined with a growing reputation as a foodie mecca, the city is quickly becoming a cultural gem. From visits to the storied Queen Mary to walks along the scenic southern California beaches, Long Beach offers a host of attractions for visiting and local equestrians alike.

 

1. Immerse yourself in underwater life at the Aquarium of the Pacific home to over 11,000 animals in more than 50 exhibits. As the 4th most attended aquarium in the nation over 1.6 million people visit every year. The Aquarium of the Pacific will offer you an interactive experience that will have you swimming with the fishes, ogling otters, petting sharks and promenading with penguins.

 

2. Discover over 3200 American and European works of art at the Long Beach Museum of Art.  Enjoy breakfast on the bluffs overlooking the shore at Claire’s At The Museum. This museum restaurant offers unobstructed views of the Queen Mary that stretch beyond to Catalina Island. While you are there don't miss the featured exhibition Vitality and Verve in the Third Dimension. Creating installations from a variety of media including cardboard, ceramics, and reclaimed wood, the artists on display at "V&V 3-D" have put together a spectacular viewing experience.

 

3. The Queen Mary is an icon of the southern California coastline and a popular tourist destination docked in Long Beach Harbor. The former luxury Cunard Line trans-atlantic ship sailed for just 3 years before becoming a troop ship at the beginning of WWII. Guests can visit for the day to tour the historic ship and dine in one of the many onboard restaurants or opt to stay aboard in one of the ship’s comfortable staterooms.

 

4.  The number one Italian restaurant in LA county is in Long Beach. The Long Beach foodie community offers a host of spectacular restaurants for every food-lovers appetite. While you are there, check out Naples Island which boasts many of the city's best restaurants such as the famed Chianina Steakhouse and Michaels on Naples, ranked both number one Italian steakhouse and number one Italian restaurant! Whatever your heart (or stomach) desires, Long Beach eateries will be sure to satisfy your taste buds! 

 

5. Sail away to the “not so faraway” island of Catalina. Catalina Express has daily high-speed catamaran service to the City of Avalon on Catalina Island. See where the film stars of yesteryear vacationed and where many still do today. Don’t miss the Catalina Casino, home to former big name big bands and the Inn on Mount Ada, the former home of William Wrigley, Jr., the chewing gum magnet.