Long Beach – Things to do with your Team
Long Beach has everything needed for the perfect vacation: warm sun, bright blue sky, and so much to see and do. So, when your team isn’t busy competing, you’re all going to want to be busy taking in all that Long Beach has to offer. Located on the Pacific Coast, Long Beach is home to the second busiest container port in the United States and its tourism industry is just as bustling. Offering visitors unique attractions that everyone is sure to enjoy like the Queen Mary and the Aquarium of the Pacific, along with world-class dining and shopping, a trip to Long Beach is one that you and your team won’t soon forget.
Aquarium of the Pacific
It makes perfect sense that one of the most-attended aquariums in the nation would be located just off of the shore of the Pacific Ocean, on Long Beach’s Rainbow Harbor. The Aquarium of the Pacific is a great place for you and your team to learn more about the aquatic wildlife that inhabits the nearby Pacific Ocean. There, they display over 11,000 animals representing more than 500 different species in various exhibits representing the diverse seascapes of the Pacific. The aquarium’s three central galleries consist of the Southern California & Baja Gallery, the Northern Pacific Gallery, and the Tropical Pacific Gallery, each highlighting the major regions of the Pacific Ocean. In addition to these three galleries, the aquarium features outdoor exhibits as well, including Shark Lagoon, a 10,000-square-foot exhibit area housing over 150 sharks and rays in a main tank as well as three smaller touch pools; Lorikeet Forest, a walk-through aviary where guests can get purchase a small cup of nectar to feed to the over 100 dazzling lorikeets living in the trees above; and Our Water Future, an exhibit that gives guests the opportunity to learn more about where our water comes from, major water uses, and simple ways to conserve water in our daily lives. Discounted admission is available for children age 11 and under. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802
Downtown Long Beach
Venture to the heart of Long Beach for fantastic dining, shopping, and entertainment options all in one place. Downtown Long Beach makes up 1.38 “un-square” miles packed with lots to see and do. There your group can get some of the best pizza this side of Naples if they’re feeling hungry or browse specialty boutiques that you can’t find anywhere else. With approximately 1,500 businesses in Downtown Long Beach and over 150 restaurants, this vibrant neighborhood is a tourist attraction all its own that is sure to surprise. Pine Ave & Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
El Dorado Nature Center
If your group is looking for a bit of nature in the middle of the city, El Dorado Nature Center is the place to be. Located on the banks of the San Gabriel River, El Dorado Nature Center is an oasis that will offer you and your team a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy trip for an afternoon in the great outdoors. The El Dorado Nature Center encompasses 105 acres, providing sanctuary for animals and plant life. While there, everyone can stretch their legs as they walk two miles of dirt trails and a quarter mile paved trial, both winding around two lakes, a stream, and forested areas. Before exploring or as you’re leaving, cross over the bridge that spans the lake. On the other side you find a small island that houses the Visitor Center, which contains educational displays, an art gallery, and a gift shop. 7550 E Spring St, Long Beach, CA 90815
Shoreline Village
Shoreline Village is a waterfront boardwalk that’s full of character. If you’re looking to bring a piece of Long Beach back home with you look no further than Shoreline Village’s extensive selection of specialty stores and quirky souvenir shops. If your team would rather play than shop, Shoreline Village has got just what they’re looking for. They’ll find an arcade as well as a carousel, and if they’re feeling even more adventurous they can rent a bicycle and bike down Long Beach’s coastline bike path. When it’s time to eat, choose from dining options ranging from casual to sophisticated for a quick lunch or delicious dinner. Many of these restaurants offer outdoor seating options so you and your team can continue to enjoy the beautiful California weather while you eat. Make sure to stick around until later for unforgettable views of the sunset over the Pacific. 401-435 Shoreline Village Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802
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Belmont Shore
For a shopping and dining experience that is undeniably Californian, take a stroll with your group through the neighborhood of Belmont Shore. 2nd Street and its 15 intersecting side streets make up this charming business district that’s home to more than 250 businesses. Belmont Shore, or as it’s affectionately referred to by locals as “The Shore,” is a great place to grab a bite to eat with the team or pick up a one of a kind souvenir to bring back home. 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803
Cinemark at The Pike Outlets and XD
Grab your bag of popcorn and find your seat; the show’s about to start at Cinemark at The Pike Outlets and XD! Whether your group goes to see the latest action-packed blockbuster, a mind-bending thriller, a chilling horror flick, or a wacky animated comedy, you’ll be seeing it in comfort. The Cinemark Luxury Loungers seating is second to none, featuring plush cushioning, electric-powered reclining, cup holders, and extendable footrests. Best of all, you can reserve your seat ahead of time, letting you make sure that everyone can sit exactly where they want to. For a truly immersive theatergoing experience, you’ll definitely want to upgrade to a showing in the Cinemark’s amazing XD auditorium, which features a wall-to-wall projection screen, a state-of-the-art projector, and a custom surround sound speaker system. Seeing a movie in XD will have you at the edge of your Luxury Lounger, no matter how comfortable it may be! 99 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
The Queen Mary
Set sail on a voyage back in time as you take a tour through one of Long Beach’s most iconic historical landmarks, the Queen Mary. On the tour your group will get an up close and personal look at this retired ocean liner that once sailed the Atlantic in an era when steamships were regarded as the most regal way to travel. You’ll get an opportunity to explore the Queen Mary from bow to stern, inside and out, while you hear unique stories, facts, and insights from expert guides. If your group has a penchant for the paranormal, you’ll want to visit the Queen Mary at night. According to some, when the sun goes down, the spirits aboard the ship come out to play. You just might get to meet some of these restless souls on one of the nighttime tours that explore the haunted past and paranormal activity that the Queen Mary is known for. If you’re planning on touring the Queen Mary with a group of 15 or more, call ahead to inquire about discounted group rates. 1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden
Take a trip to Japan without ever leaving Long Beach at the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. This one acre garden is located on the campus of California State University and will offer you and your team a chance to unwind in a picturesque natural setting. With a design inspired by the Imperial Gardens in Tokyo, this eastern-themed oasis features a zen garden, a koi pond, and of course, plenty of ornamental trees and flowers. The garden is closed to the public on Mondays and Saturdays. Admission is free. 1250 N Bellflower Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90840
Every day your team spends in Long Beach is bound to be a great one. This Southern California waterfront playground brings together the best that California has to offer: a variety of things to see and places to be, paired with sunny weather that just can’t be beat. No matter how many days you spend there, your group is going to wish your stay in Long Beach was just a little bit longer.