Located 25 miles south of Los Angeles, Long Beach is sometimes lost in the shadow of the megapolis. However, long before Los Angeles became the Mecca for stardom, there was Long Beach; a haven of luxury for the rich and famous. Long Beach is only 50 square miles, compared to 34,000 square miles in L.A. and that’s all right with the residents. Visitors to Long Beach also appreciate the more laid-back ambiance and beachfront escape from the crowds of Los Angeles.
Long Beach boasts over 26 miles of scenic coastline with the world’s longest breakwater, a nine-mile, man-made rock jetty creating a calm harbor. Planet Ocean, the world’s largest mural according to the Guinness Book of World Records, covers 116,000 square feet on the side of the Long Beach Arena. Long Beach THUMS off-shore drilling rigs are the only ones in the world disguised as islands with waterfalls, palms ad condo-style high rises.
Most visitors to Long Beach arrive by car for a weekend escape from the city or by air at Los Angeles International Airport or Orange Country John Wayne Airport. Long Beach Airport also offers limited service by Alaska Airlines, America West/US Airways, Delta Connection and Jet Blue’s non-stop flights to nine cities. Ground transportation from LAX is available by taxi and shuttles and rental cars. Driving is the best way to enjoy outlying area attractions; however, getting around Long Beach is a breeze with the red Passport Shuttle that runs between downtown and major Long Beach restaurants and attractions.
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