Along the waterfront, more than 12,000 marine animals welcome visitors to their new aquarium home. Whether it's a leisurely stroll along the beach, the roar of world-class stock cars racing under glittering skyrises, a picnic and concert under the moonlit sky, or serenading gondoliers poling a romantic cruise through local canals, Long Beach is the perfect vacation getaway. California's fifth largest city is located just 20 miles south of Los Angeles, at the southern end of Los Angeles County. Long Beach offers all the amenities of a sophisticated, cosmopolitan urban city, while retaining the charm and tranquillity of a seaside community. Visitors seeking the California dream of beach, sun and ocean need look no further.
Visitors can dive right into the beach scene's many watersports.
Sea kayaking, sailing, windsurfing and jet-skiing are popular year round. Early in the year, whalewatching tours observe the migrating California Gray Whale, and year-round harbor cruises entertain young and old. The city's sprawling beachside bike path is the perfect place for in-line skating, jogging, bicycling or even a quiet walk. And in June, ocean enthusiasts will be able to dive into the fascinating story of the Pacific Ocean, the largest body of water on earth, by visiting the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific. Across from the Aquarium, the historic Queen Mary ocean liner, which just celebrated its 30th anniversary in Long Beach, will soon share its Long Beach Harbor home with another maritime phenomenon.