At the Beach - Part One

Long Beach is definitely a beach city. It lacks the waves of some beaches because of the break water that was completed in 1949 to provide a secure harbor for the Navy Fleet. (A picture of the Navy fleet off of Rainbow Pier in 1938 http://content.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/kt8q2nc7nv/ ) At one time (well into my life time, actually), Long Beach was home to the notorious Pike Amusement Park with its incredible Cyclone Racer roller coaster, sailors and arcade games. (http://longbeachheritagemuseum.com/pikepix.htm) The Navy has since left Long Beach for San Diego and the Pike was shut down in 1979 but it is still a beach city. There is a new area called the Pike now. It is home to cinemas, restaurants and shopping.

Queen Mary
http://www.queenmary.com

The Queen offers shopping, dining, the Ghosts and Legends tour where the ship’s past is brought to life and special events.

General Admission -- Adult: $22.95, Senior/Military: $19.95, Child (5-11): $11.95 Admission with Ghost and Legends tour -- Adult: $25.95, Senior/Military: $22.95, Child (5-11): $14.95

In October, the Queen Mary will present Shipwrecked 2007 – 13th Annual Queen Mary Halloween Terrorfest. Approximate cost: $30.00. Time 7:00 p.m. to Midnight.

Check the website for more information

Champagne Sunday Brunch in the Grand Salon, the ship’s original first-Class Dining Room

Approximate cost: $37.50
Guests are seated from 9:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

The Long Beach Transport’s Aqua Link or Aqua Bus will get you there (but service on these lines ends at 6:00 pm)


Scorpion Submarine
Next to the Queen Mary
www.russiansublongbeach.com

Admission can be combined with the Queen Mary (the All Aboard option - Adult: $29.95, Senior/Military: $26.95, Children: $18.95

10:00 am – 6:00 pm

(Not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs. Not recommended for those, like me, with claustrophobia)

Gondola Rides in Naples (near Belmont Shore)
http://www.gondolagetawayinc.com/
(562) 433-9595

Cost -- $75.00 for two - $20 for each additional up to 4 additional
Previous booking is necessary!!

Take the Long Beach transport’s Passport A or D line


Harbor Breeze Yacht Charters and Cruises
http://www.2seewhales.com/
100 Aquarium Way – Dock 2 in Rainbow Harbor
225 E. Broadway Ave, Suite 610
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 432-4900

Adults: $25
Seniors (over 62): $20
Children (11 and under): $15
Children (2 and under): FREE!

2 ½ hour cruise

Monday - Friday: 2 whale watch trips at 12 noon and 3pm.
Saturday and Sunday: 3 whale watch trips at 9am, 12noon and 3pm.

Long Beach Transit’s Aqua Bus and Aqua Link

Shoreline Pedestrian/Bike Path
http://www.labikepaths.com/LongBeach.html

Along the water's edge on the main beach from Alamitos Bay to Shoreline Village. 3.1-mile. Two six foot lanes for bicycle traffic; one five foot lane for pedestrians.

A map of other bike paths in Long Beach: http://www.bikestation.org/longbeach/images/LB_bike_map_06.pdf