Be prepared for sun and fun when you hit the Long Beach Port on your cruise itinerary. That's because this Southern California waterfront community is famous for its year-round balmy temps, world-class arts, steamy nightlife and varied dining options. And, who could forget its beaches? Your Long Beach port of call will present to you a city known not just for its pretty beaches and recreational activities but also for its innovative culture. From the Long Beach cruise terminal, you can take a taxi into the downtown area or to surrounding areas, depending on your plans.
Shopping
Long Beach is a shopping mecca of bazaars, specialty shops and trendy boutiques, all offering deals on fashion, antiques, furniture, art and gifts. For vintage clothing and furniture, make your way to East 4th Street between Cherry and Junipero, featuring funky shops and coffee houses, along with an old-style art movie house called the Art Theatre. The Long Beach Antique Market is held every month and features hundreds of antiques and collectibles. And if you're looking for bargains, check out City Place Shopping Center, located downtown.
Things to Do
Long Beach offers plenty of culture and arts to go along with its hip, trendy lifestyle. Take the Museum of Latin American Art, for example. This museum showcases bold European/American art, in the form of photography, sculpture and painting. Other recreational options for your Long Beach port of call include whale watching, day trips to Catalina Island, harbor cruises or a tour of the legendary Queen Mary.
Marine lovers will enjoy a visit to the famed Aquarium of the Pacific to feed a shark or ray, explore the rainbow reefs of the Tropical Pacific and check out more than 30 exhibits highlighting nearly 20 major habitats. If you're more inclined to sun yourself, you're in luck with the many surrounding area beaches that cater to sun, surf and sand.
Restaurants and Bars
When it's time for a respite from the sun, take comfort in one of the many eateries in and around Long Beach. Feast on local and international cuisines, with varying menus and budgets to match. You don't have to go far to sample all the best Long Beach has to offer, as there are about 100 dining establishments within an eight block radius in the downtown area. Whether you crave a burger or something a bit more sophisticated, you'll find many restaurants to suit your tastes. For elegant dining, head to The Sky Room on South Locust Avenue or Utopia on East First Street. If casual is more your style, try the Rock Bottom Brewery and Restaurant at One Pine Ave for its handcrafted, award-winning beer. It serves up anything from tasty mahi tacos to smoked salmon fish 'n chips.
Nightlife is smokin' in Long Beach, so if you have the privilege of staying at port throughout the evening, you'll want to put on your dancing shoes and step out on the town. The Vault 350 on Pine Ave, a live music venue, features a full stage and dance floor, tables and booths, open for scheduled concerts and events only. Also on Pine Ave is the Rhythm Lounge, featuring two clubs: one for live music and one with a DJ.
The Long Beach cruise port is a great stop on your cruise itinerary, featuring all the finer things a big city has to offer, from culture and history to nightlife and entertainment.