Longbeach, California, is more than just a pretty face. This place has tons to offer visitors from delicious food and drink to boat cruises, historic ranches and amazing aquariums. Longbeach is steeped in a history more vibrant and vivid that the picturesque city you see before you today. Visit, stay for awhile and walk down a colourful memory lane.

Spice it up

When you visit Longbeach, California, there is so much to do and to see that not a single moment here need be boring or dull. Sure, you can watch the sun set, possibly the touristiest, clichéd thing to do on a visit. Touristy is all good and well but you need to get a real feel for the place and there is no better way to do that than to get out there and experience the sights, sounds and the fine dining.

For an experience of Longbeach that will completely bowl you over, take a scenic helicopter flight over the city for a bird’s eye view. Perhaps you would like a more creative experience; sit back, relax and create your own personalised pottery. Listen to catchy reggae or take the plunge and experience the beautiful beaches and blue waters that make Longbeach what it is. Dry off and visit the historic Queen Mary Seaport and take a trip down memory lane. These are but a few of the activities and experiences that you can have when visiting Longbeach, California.

Attractions

Located in the heart of Southern California, Longbeach is like a huge playground for residents and visitors alike and it offers you every experience possible. The Aquarium of the Pacific is right on the bay and offers visitors an underwater and deep-sea adventure like none other. The historic Queen Mary is always a gem, reflecting days of old. Take a guided tour through the East Village and downtown or take an hour’s drive to Universal Studios Hollywood, Disney’s California Adventure or Disneyland. These are but a few of the many attractions that Longbeach, California, holds in store, not to mention the restaurants and nightlife.

A bit of history

Longbeach was originally known as the ‘Bay of Smokes’. This name came about in the 1500’s when smoke signals were observed from atop what is called Signal Hill today. Native Americans occupied the area in that time and used smoke signals to communicate with the people living across the Santa Catalina Island.

Longbeach saw a boom in growth in the early 1900’s, growing a reputation as a popular seaside destination as well as port of call. Then it was also home to one of the most famous beachside amusement parks the world has ever seen, ‘The Pike’.

1933 was an unfortunate year for Longbeach; an earthquake struck and caused a large amount of damage, loss of property and loss of life. Because of the major damage caused by the earthquake, the Field Act of 1933 was brought in, stipulating that earthquake resistant design was mandatory for all schools.