Page 15 - Whole Magazine Jan 2021

On the Go... Long Beach has a Different Vibe

By: Ronnie Greenberg turn of the century Carousel and classic
Photos: Joe Hilbers Ferris Wheel, there are many popular
With the charm of a bustling restaurants that include: Pike Restaurant &
waterfront, with the upbeat ambience of Bar; Islands Restaurant & Bar; Gladstones;
urban chic, Long Beach is an inspiration Pier 76 Fresh Grill; and Tokyo Wako.
experience just 20 minutes south of Los The Harbor’s Shoreline Village has
Angeles. The city by the sea is the the look and feel of a seaside fishing village,
ultimate year-round playground for with a boardwalk dotted with specialty and
seafarers and landlubbers of all ages. souvenir shops and restaurants adding to the
Long Beach rolls out the red carpet for local flavor. This marina is home to boats
outdoor lovers. It’s perfect for strolling, of all types including fishing boats, tall
jogging, sprinting, rollerblading, or ships, and luxury charter yachts.
pedaling down the sprawling paths that Parker’s Lighthouse is a contemporary
wind along more than 5 ½ miles of sandy seafood restaurant and bar specializing in
beaches. It’s a great place to bask in the high quality fresh fish and serves as a
sun, take a dip in the gentle ocean waves, highlight in the village.
and get your feet wet with a round of History, art and culture
windsurfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, Rancho Los Cerritos is the ideal
kayaking, or just being indulgently place to delve into the lifestyle of 19th
relaxed. century Long Beach. This structure was once
Attractions part of an early Spanish land grant, the two
No trip to Long Beach is story adobe was built in 1844 by John
complete without a visit to the legendary Temple, as headquarters for his cattle
Queen Mary. Discover the historic ocean ranching operations. The home was
liner and World War II troopship with remodeled in 1930 in the Spanish Colonial
tours that begin in the lower decks with Revival style and is now a National, State
the engine room, and conclude atop the and local Historic landmark.
ship in the wheelhouse. Plan to spend the www.rancholoscerritos.org
night in one of the luxury liner’s 314 Art
Deco staterooms recently refreshed with The Neighborhoods
plush bedding, fine linens and modern Experience the sizzle of European
amenities. Enjoy an array of casual-to- flavored Pine Avenue, rimmed with cafes,
elegant waterfront restaurants including: lights and pulsating music. Saunter along the
Sir Winston’s the ship’s signature 8 block area nestled amid the high rises that
restaurant, casual and elegant with a form Long Beach’s metropolitan skyline.
romantic ambience, classic cuisine and Did someone say shopping! The
impeccable service. The Chelsea effervescent area of Belmont Shore is best
Chowder House restaurant serves the known as Second Street, an eclectic 15-block
freshest seafood in a New England stretch of trendy boutiques and bookstores.
ambience and the Queen’s Salon round Avant-garde “Funky Fourth” is a vintage
out the sumptuous dining selections. shoppers dream. In addition to clothing and
(800) 437-2934 furniture, antique shops are plentiful. The
The Aquarium of the Pacific whimsical East Village’s renovated lofts set
appeals to all ages. Discover more than in historic 1920 buildings and warehouses
12,500 sea creatures representing over have turned the area into an arts district. Art
550 species from three major regions- galleries featuring area artists, used book upscale eclectic boutiques. Unpack your
Southern California & Baja, Northern stores, cafes, tea and coffee houses dot the bags at: Westin Long Beach just blocks happy hour on the remarkable Rooftop
Pacific, and Tropical Pacific. It also has area. from shopping, restaurants and the Pool Terrace overlooking picturesque
numerous areas where you can touch the Downtown Long Beach is a perfect beach. There are 469 guest rooms Long Beach waterfront and Rainbow
animals of the ocean like sting rays, sea blend of a sophisticated urban center and a including 13 suites with many offering Harbor. (800)760-7718
cucumbers, starfish and more. The charming seaside community, filled with a panoramic ocean views. (800)495-3624 www.aviahotels.com
Explorer’s Cove features the Lorikeet myriad of entertainment choices. For more www.westinlongbeachhotel.com How to get around
Forest where these colorful and friendly international flavors discover the city’s Hotel Maya a luxury boutique hotel Long Beach’s Bikestation at the First
miniature parrots can be hand fed. Come historic Spanish roots in Bixby Knolls or with stunning Latin American design Street Transit Mall is the first full service
face to face with large sharks, and even experience Cambodia Town, the prevalent has 198 newly renovated guestrooms bike transit facility in the United States. It
touch gentle sharks at the Shark Lagoon community along Anaheim Street. and suites featuring balconies and opened as a transit-demonstration project
where nine species of shark can be Designed around an extensive canal patios. (800)495-3624 in 1996 and mimics the bicycle facilities
viewed from both above and below system, Naples Island has its own classic www.hotelmayalongbeach.com that are so popular in Europe. Since its
water. The Molina Animal Care Center character. Enjoy a romantic one hour cruise Renaissance Long Beach Hotel located opening it has parked more than 20,000
offers enhanced healthcare to animals as aboard a Venetian-style gondola, serenaded at the festive heart of Long Beach bikes. For bikers’ safety and convenience,
well as opportunities to view veterinary by traditionally costumed gondoliers, who provides a luxurious home away from bike friendly Long Beach boasts separated
medicine in action. may even croon an Italian love song for you. home with 374 newly renovated guest bikeways, bike friendly business districts,
www.aquariumofpacific.org Sip on your favorite beverages as you glide rooms. (855)499-6001 and custom bike racks.
Sites to see past the beautiful homes, boats and yachts, www.renaissancelongbeach.com AVIA
Rainbow Harbor is one of Long arched bridges and calm waters that create a set in the heart of the city’s waterfront For more information about coasting
Beach’s top waterfront destinations. The breathtaking landscape. dining and entertainment, has138 into Long Beach contact:
Pike at Rainbow Harbor & Marina Where to stay rooms and suites with McCartan- Long Beach Area Convention &
reflects the history, excitement, beauty There are many choices of designed furniture and lush beds. Enjoy Visitors Bureau (800) 452-7829
and heart of Long Beach. Along with its accommodations from full service hotels to www.visitlongbeach.com

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