Sod Long Beach

Long Beach is known as the Aquatic Capital of America, and with a multitude of water-related attractions and activities, it lives up to that name. 

The British ocean liner, RMS Queen Mary, which was in active use from 1936 – 1967, is permanently moored in the Long Beach Harbor. The ship, which was once the fastest in the world, has been converted into a tourist destination, with restaurants, museum space. It now serves as a hotel with an Art Deco style, unique staterooms, operable portholes, and artwork including murals, sculptures, paintings, and wood carvings. 

Visitors can take guided tours of the historic ship, including Haunted Encounters Tours, where they can learn about the large amount of paranormal activity that has been reported on the ship over the years. 

While Long Beach is known for its sandy beaches, Aquarium of the Pacific, and other waterfront attractions, there are also many opportunities to experience the community’s arts and culture scene. The city is home to the Long Beach Museum of Art, the Museum of Latin American Art, the East Village Arts District, the Bob Cole Conservatory of Music, and the Carpenter Performing Arts Center. 

The city also hosts several music festivals, such as the Bob Marley Reggae Festival, the Aloha Concert Jam, Long Beach Blues Festival, Brazilian Street Carnival, and others. 

While there are no professional sports teams in the area, Long Beach has ample opportunities for sports enthusiasts to experience. The largest event in the city is the annual Grand Prix of Long Beach, which is an IndyCar race through the downtown area. The Long Beach Motorsports Walk of Fame is next to the Grand Prix circuit and highlights the accomplishments of those who have contributed to motorsports. 

In addition to the Grand Prix, residents and visitors can also enjoy sailing, water skiing, surfing, and archery. 

The city’s economic strength is built around industries, such as aviation and aerospace, tourism, oil, technology and trade, financial services, and health care. 

Major employers in Long Beach include the Long Beach Unified School District, City of Long Beach, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Veterans Health Administration, California State University Long Beach, Long Beach City College, Molina Healthcare, CSULB Research Foundation, and Boeing, which is the largest private employer in the city.  

Originally home to the indigenous Tongva people, the area was settled by Spanish Explorers. The city became officially incorporated in 1897. In 2010, the population of Long Beach reached 462,257. 

Long Beach has a Mediterranean-type climate that provides warm summers, mild winters, and days that are mostly sunny. Most of the city’s rainfall occurs during the winter.