Before we shine a light on special spots to visit in Long Beach, let’s talk about how easy it is to find an RV campsite. From Golden Shores RV Resort, right on the water in downtown Long Beach, to Bolsa Chica State Beach, ten miles away in Huntington Beach, the campsites are both scenic and affordable.

Now that we’ve found a place to camp, let’s talk about how Long Beach RV travelers like to spend their time.

Long Beach Historic Sites

RV visitors to Long Beach will find historic treasures throughout the region. The rich history of the area encompasses Native American inhabitants, Spanish colonization, the years under Mexican rule and California’s entry into the United States.

There are two unique places that span hundreds of years of California’s history within the City of Long Beach. Rancho Los Alamitos, in the gated community of Bixby Hill, includes a nineteenth century adobe ranch house, beautifully landscaped gardens and educational programs that tell the story of the ranch since it was first settled in 1790.

RV camping history buffs will also enjoy a visit to Rancho Los Cerritos, another 19th century ranch that was part of the same enormous Spanish land grant in 1790. The two-story adobe, built in 1844, serves as a museum operated by the City of Long Beach. Both of these historic ranches are well worth spending time getting to know.

One more vintage attraction you’ll not find on any other RV camping journey is the Queen Mary, legendary ocean liner turned luxury hotel. Now in permanent residence at the Port of Long Beach, this magnificent vessel offers guided and self-guided tours as well as numerous special events throughout the year.

Long Beach Outdoors

Year-round pleasant weather combined with nearby beaches, trails and natural wonders provides the perfect environment for enjoying the great outdoors. Here are just a few of the outdoor recreation possibilities around Long Beach.

• Long Beach Bike Paths run throughout the city, each one showcasing interesting scenery along the way. The Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path starts in Shoreline Village (an exciting entertainment and outdoor recreation area you’ll also want to visit) and runs for three miles to Alamitos Bay. Another favorite trek is the San Gabriel River Bike Trail, a 28-mile journey that parallels the river, passes through El Dorado Regional Park and leads all the way to Alamitos Bay. Bring your bikes or rent two-wheeled transportation at one of the many area outfitters for a street level view of Long Beach.
• The Beaches of Long Beach. Who would come to Southern California and not visit the beach? Swimming, sea kayaking and people watching are three fun ways for RV vacationers to enjoy the shore. Here are a few beaches you should explore while RV camping in Long Beach:
• Bayshore Beachon Long Island Peninsula
• Seal Beach, just south of Alamitos Bay
• Sunset Beach between Long Beach and Huntington Beach
• Bolsa Chica State Beach, fifteen minutes south of Long Beach on Pacific Coast Highway
• Torrance Beach, thirty minutes west of Long Beach in Torrance
• Long Beach Area Cruises offer RV travelers a wide range of outdoor experiences. Take the hour-long cruise to Catalina Island to visit the many attractions on the enchanted isle. Many other charter cruise providers call the harbors of Long Beach home, taking passengers whale watching, deep sea fishing or just sight-seeing along the shore. You can even take a gondola cruise through the canals of Naples Island in Alamitos Bay. Don’t miss your chance to see Long Beach by water!

Here’s a bonus tip for RV campers traveling with kids — the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach will enchant young vacationers while teaching them about marine life around the world. It’s consistently rated a top Southern California attraction for families.

RV camping in Long Beach, California will be an experience you’ll long remember. Discover why parking your RV in Long Beach can be the beginning of a great California vacation.

The Aquarium of the Pacific features daily whale watching cruises, in partnership with Harbor Breeze Cruises, that launch from the dock right in front of the Aquarium. This past December whale watchers spotted a record number of gray whales passing through the waters off of Long Beach and the sightings continue. More than 169 gray whales were seen in December alone.

Gray whales make two passes along the California coast each year as they migrate south to the lagoons of Baja California in Mexico during winter for the mating season, then back up to the nutrient-rich waters of Alaska for the summer.

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Relax, have fun and find great presents for the holidays at the gifts shops of local attractions.

Everyone wants to give a thoughtful and special gift this time of year. If you want to find a few gifts that are uniquely “Long Beach,” check out the shops on this list! From local artisans to local history, the gift shops of attractions like El Dorado Nature Center or MoLAA offer an array of items that showcase Long Beach’s best.

Relax, have fun and find great gifts for the holidays while supporting the programs and places that make Long Beach special.

Read the rest of Think Outside the Mall for Unique Holiday Gifts in Long Beach

Councilmember Patrick O'Donnell

Fourth District Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell is inviting residents to join him for a free evening at the Aquarium of the Pacific. On Thursday, Oct. 27 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. all are invited to enjoy the Aquarium’s numerous attractions highlighting the mysteries and beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

O’Donnell will be on hand to meet with residents, answer questions and discuss issues of interest to the community. Guest will be encouraged to explore the Aquarium’s displays which include more than 19 major habitats and 32 focus exhibits

“It is my great pleasure to host a free night at the Aquarium for all residents to enjoy the more than 11,000 ocean animals on display,” O’Donnell said. “The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of our City’s greatest assets and I look forward to meeting everyone who comes by to take part in this great opportunity to get to know our neighbors in the sea.”

Councilmember O’Donnell’s Free Night at the Aquarium will take place from 6:30 p.m.   to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. Admission is completely free and there will be a Halloween costume contest for kids of all ages.

Parking for the evening is $8.00 at the Aquarium parking structure. The Aquarium of the Pacific is located at 100 Aquarium Way in Downtown Long Beach. For more information, contact the Office of Councilmember Patrick O’Donnell at (562) 570-6918.

Photo by Anchored by Flight

A multitude of teams are expected to bring out their inner child at the 79th annual “Great Sand Sculpture Contest” in Long Beach. On August 13th, Granada Beach in Belmont Shore will be hosting the 79th Great Sand Sculpture Contest. One of the signature events of Long Beach Sea Festival, the Contest has been attracting thousands of people from Southern California and beyond every summer to enjoy sculptures created by professionals and amateurs alike. It provides a great opportunity for businesses, non-profits, and community groups to have a friendly competition while raising awareness about their organization and cause.

Read the rest of Great Sand Sculpture Contest Returns Saturday

2010 Celebrity Winner Brian Austin Green Returns to Compete with the Pros

For the 35th year, the Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race will bring together a star-studded field of Hollywood’s elite to race for charity. On Saturday, April 16, stars from film, television, music, sports and fashion will showcase their newly earned racing chops in identically prepared, race-ready Scion tCs on the historic 10-lap, 1.97-mile street circuit through the downtown streets of Long Beach in Southern California.

This year’s anticipated field of 20 drivers, competing in what has become the world’s longest-running, most prestigious celebrity racing event, includes the following assortment of beloved entertainment and media personalities:

Read the rest of Celebrity Drivers Announced For 2011 Toyota Pro/Celebrity Race

The East Village has installed 52 more pedestrian-friendly street lights.

Mayor Bob Foster, Councilmember Robert Garcia, the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency, and the East Village Association will host a ceremony tomorrow, Thursday February 10, at 430 pm, to celebrate the installation of 52 new streetlights on East Fourth Street from Alamitos to Long Beach Blvd. The ceremony takes place at the offices of the East Village Creative Offices, 425 East Fourth Street, between Elm and Linden. The new lights are part of many improvements and enhancements being made in the neighborhood.

“There are great things happening in the East Village,” said Mayor Foster. “I commend the community and the Redevelopment Agency for their work as it really makes a difference to Long Beach.”

Other recent or planned enhancements to the neighborhood include new businesses like Fingerprints & Portfolio on 4th Street, new facade projects, new trees, bus stops and public art.

Read the rest of Street Lighting Ceremony Highlights Improvements in the East Village

Union Bank is the proud to sponsor the Lowrider Band, the original composers and singers of Grammy Award winning songs “Lowrider”, “Cisco Kid”, AND “Why Can’t We Be Friends”. Since 1969, members of Lowrider Band have compiled a tapestry of quintessential songs and live performances so musically infectious that its moniker traces from Los Angeles to Mexico City and from London to Copenhagen. And the genius of this Southern California troupe is captured in the musical medley of Hispanic, African-American and mainstream cultures. “As part of our commitment to the communities we serve, Union Bank is honored to support such an important community event,” said Union Bank Regional Executive Leticia Aguilar. “We are delighted to be part of Long Beach’s 23rd Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration.”

Read the rest of Councilman Dee Andrews Announces the Musical Headliners For the 23rd Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration

Read the rest of Queen Mary expands sales, finance and culinary team

Touring

Segway tours are literally and figuratively a step up from walking tours, and there is nothing better than having the ability to glide around and take in all the sights at a comfortable pace without being rushed or getting winded. The guided tours of  that are offered by Segway of Long Beach promise that visitors to this beautiful city will get to see all of its famous attractions including the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Russian Scorpion submarine, The Pike at Rainbow Harbor, as well as many others.

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Allegiant Travel Company

Known for its great travel deals, the low-cost airline is offering an extremely limited number of today only fares as low as $9.99* one-way, between Long Beach and Bellingham.   The company will also offer fares as low as $49.99** one-way between the two cities when purchased by June 2.

“We are pleased to bring our unique brand of low-cost and nonstop jet service to the Long Beach community,” Andrew C. Levy, Allegiant president, said. “We believe the simple facility design and easy customer experience at Long Beach Airport is a perfect fit for the Allegiant customer. We look forward to offering affordable and convenient access to the greater Bellingham and Southern British Columbia communities.”

Read the rest of Allegiant announces new service at Long Beach Airport with flights to Vancouver

Although the area on which Rancho Los Alamitos is situated has been inhabited for some 1,500 years, the current ranch house dates back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Built on the foundations of an earlier adobe structure, the ranch house was owned by various members of the Bixby family from 1881 through 1967, and it was during this period that the ranch was developed into the imposing and elegant structure that is seen today. The early 20th century also saw Florence Green Bixby design, layout and plant the ranch’s beautiful garden areas.

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“The City of Long Beach welcomes Frontier Airlines as the Long Beach Airport’s newest business partner,” said Mayor Bob Foster.  ”The Denver connection will open Long Beach to more leisure and business travelers looking for the perfect escape or ideal business location.”

Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske noted that, “it’s wonderful that after 87-years of service, Daugherty Field is still connecting passengers to exciting Southern California attractions and all Long Beach has to offer.”

The Long Beach Airport (LGB) invites the public to attend a celebration this Friday commemorating the inaugural flight of Frontier Airlines.  

Read the rest of Frontier Airlines prepares for Inaugural flight from LGB

“The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best in the world because it has met the highest standards in the world,” said AZA President and CEO Jim Maddy. “It takes hard work and dedication to meet Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation Standards.”

Home to more than 12,500 animals from large sharks to colorful tropical fish, the Aquarium of the Pacific has 50 indoor and outdoor exhibits. The nonprofit is dedicated to instilling a sense of wonder, respect, and stewardship for the Pacific Ocean, its inhabitants, and ecosystems.

Read the rest of AZA accreditation shows that Aquarium of the Pacific meets the ‘highest standards’

The Queen Mary made 1,001 transatlantic crossings before locating permanently in the Port of Long Beach. Today, her guests can experience the bygone era of transatlantic steamship travel as well as enjoy one of the world’s largest authentic Art Deco collections, a variety of onboard dining choices, unique shopping and tours from the historic to the paranormal.

“It’s an excellent time to revisit the Queen Mary,” said Uwe Roggenthien, general manager. “Our restaurants, many staterooms and several meeting salons have been recently renovated. There are new shopping opportunities to check out as well as our popular Ghosts & Legends Show and more.”

Read the rest of March onto the Queen Mary with buy one, board two discount tickets

This list of places to see the sunset in Long Beach is by no means complete, but we’ve attempted to include ideas in a variety of price levels from free to once-in-a-lifetime. Some spots offer dinner and drinks, for others it’s strictly BYOB. Read on, so you can plan ahead and know if you need to pack a picnic or a credit card.

Read the rest of Romantic Light: 7 Places to See the Sunset in Long Beach

Skidmore’s background includes over 20 years in the hospitality management industry, most recently as Director of Sales at the Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau, where he worked with 224 accommodation partners representing over 12,000 hotel rooms.

Specializing in group sales and marketing, high-quality customer service, conference and event planning, food and beverage and front office management; Skidmore will use his well-rounded knowledge and diverse skill set to drive awareness, sales and group bookings for the historic ship.

“The Queen Mary has so much to offer, and overseeing her sales and marketing is a special opportunity,” said Skidmore. “I’m looking forward to working with the team assembled here to produce positive results for the ship and exceptional experiences for our guests.”

Read the rest of Skidmore will lead Sales and Marketing at Queen Mary

Midnight Star alum Reginald and Vincent Calloway will perform Saturday in Martin Luther King Jr. Park at the Peace & Unity festival.

The Long Beach 22nd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace & Unity Celebration this weekend will feature musical guests “The Calloway Brothers, formerly known as Midnight Star”, performing live on Saturday, January 16, at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park, 1550 Lemon Avenue.

Brothers Reginald and Vincent Calloway were born in the 1950s in Cincinnati, Ohio. They grew up around music with a father who played the trumpet, an uncle who played keyboards, and an aunt who sang opera. As teenagers, they began writing songs and forming bands, and in college they formed the synth-funk outfit Midnight Star. The year was 1976.

The group’s passion and love of the music and their strong desire to keep their fans ultimately satisfied, has shown up in Platinum and Gold as they’ve poured out streams of top 10 and No. 1 hits. It began in 1983 with dance-floor smashes like “Freak-a-Zoid”, “No Parking on the Dance Floor”, “Wet My Whistle” and the lovers ballad of the mid-80’s, “Slow Jam”, that to date no one can get enough of.

Read the rest of MLK Peace & Unity Celebration: Calloway brothers take the main stage

The ship’s last few visits were sell-out events, so Airship Ventures plans to fly the Zeppelin to Long Beach monthly through June 2010 to give adventurous guests a birds-eye view of the California coast.

The local tour dates will include many weekends and several holidays, including Valentine’s Day, Memorial Day and Grand Prix weekend. Mark your calendar and call early for tickets — especially if you’re angling for a holiday flight. LA travel dates and flightseeing tours are as follows:

Read the rest of Zeppelin soars over Long Beach with new tours for 2010

Partygoers in each salon will celebrate midnight in a blizzard of confetti before heading to the Verandah Deck for a spectacular fireworks display to light up Long Beach.

New Year’s Eve celebrations at the Queen Mary include five parties and a gigantic fireworks display for one low ticket price of $89 as well as deluxe dining and room packages to ensure a New Year’s Eve spent in style.

Read the rest of Reservations start now for New Year’s on the Queen Mary

It’s no secret that Long Beach loves their dogs. Travel down any street and you’re likely to pass several pups out for a stroll with their people. But, what’s an urban dog to do when walking just isn’t enough? Where can your city dog run free?

For years, Long Beach dogs were limited to a section of Recreation Park. But, now there is a dog beach, four dog parks, and more on the way. Here is a list of places to take your lucky dog in Long Beach.

Read the rest of Long Beach Dog Parks: 5 Places to Run Free

The Aquarium of the Pacific located at 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach opens it’s doors this weekend October 24-25, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for it’s 10th annual Scarium of the Pacific. Children under 12 dressed in Halloween attire can get in for free 

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Over the next five years, the Queen Mary management team plans to continue restoring the stately Long Beach icon. It will also focus on enhancing the Queen Mary’s powerful draw as an attraction supporting events such as this year’s Halloween Terrorfest, SHIPWRECK!, its elegant traditions such as fine dining at Sir Winston’s, and its unique and impressive amenities as a popular conference venue and hotel.

Read the rest of Queen Mary gets a new captain: Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts

This month the art walk, which includes outdoor music and gallery receptions, will take place November 14.

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The airship will also lift the spirits of Edson, a 29 year-old resident of Hollywood, who is battling bone cancer. Edson, his wife Janet, and two young sons will be treated to a once-in-a-lifetime flight aboard Eureka on September 3, departing from Long Beach Airport and soaring over area coastlines, spectacular scenery, and homes of the rich and famous.

Read the rest of Eureka Zeppelin returns September 3 for Labor Day Flights