
City’s History in Brief in Long Beach, California, United States
1. Queen Mary
A vintage ocean liner permanently moored as a hotel and attraction, offering a glimpse into the glamour of ocean travel in the 1930s.
- Historical Artifact: One of only 4 remaining ocean liners built pre-World War II
- Hotel and Attraction: Unique combination of a historical artifact and a hotel, offering overnight stays on a ship
- Ghost Tours: Famous for its ghost stories and haunted tours, adding an intriguing layer to its history
2. Rossmoor
An architecturally significant neighborhood built in the early 1960s with mid-century modern homes and community facilities.
- Architectural Style: Well-preserved collection of mid-century modern architecture
- Community Facilities: Inclusive community facilities designed for recreation and socialization
- Historical Significance: Designated as a historic neighborhood by the City of Long Beach
3. RMS City of Long Beach
A sunken ocean liner that served as the foundation for the development of Long Beach's waterfront area.
- Sunken Ship: One of the largest wrecks in California and a popular dive site
- Waterfront Development: Catalyst for the development of Long Beach's waterfront area
- Historical Marker: Commemorated by a historical marker in Shoreline Village
4. Aquarium of the Pacific
A world-class aquarium showcasing the diverse marine habitats of the Pacific Ocean and focusing on local Southern California species.
- Marine Education: Offers educational programs for visitors of all ages
- Local Species Focus: Highlights local Southern California marine life and habitats
- Research and Conservation: Involved in research and conservation efforts for various marine species
5. Pike Block
A historic district with a collection of well-preserved Victorian homes, built between the 1880s and early 1900s.
- Victorian Architecture: One of the most concentrated collections of Victorian architecture in Southern California
- Historic District: Designated as a historic district by the City of Long Beach
- Self-Guided Tours: Features self-guided walking tours for visitors
6. The Promenade
A coastal pathway along Long Beach's waterfront, offering scenic views and access to popular attractions.
- Coastal Pathway: Provides a continuous pathway for walking, jogging, or biking along the coast
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the ocean, the Queen Mary, and the Long Beach skyline
- Access to Attractions: Serves as a convenient link between popular attractions along the waterfront
7. The Art Theatre
A historic theater that opened in 1924 and has since become a cultural landmark for Long Beach.
- Historic Theater: One of the oldest continually operating movie theaters in the United States
- Cultural Landmark: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- Indie Film and Live Performances: Screens indie films, foreign films, and hosts live performances
8. Cabrillo Beach
A popular beach with a marina, fishing pier, and picnic areas, named after explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo.
- Historical Name: Named after the first European to explore the California coast
- Marina and Fishing Pier: Offers a marina for boat rentals and fishing from the pier
- Scuba Diving and Snorkeling: Known as one of Long Beach's best spots for scuba diving and snorkeling
9. Elsinore Theatre
A historic theater that opened in 1926 and hosts live performances, concerts, and movies.
- Historic Theater: Designated as a City of Long Beach Historic Landmark
- Live Performances: Offers live performances, including plays, concerts, and comedy shows
- Art Deco Architecture: Features stunning Art Deco architecture and interior design
10. Naples Island Canal Homes
A unique neighborhood built on man-made islands connected by canals, featuring charming canal homes.
- Man-Made Islands: One of the first and oldest man-made island developments in California
- Canal Homes: Distinctive homes with private boat docks on their backyards
- Community Spirit: Strong sense of community among residents, hosting annual events and gatherings
11. Rancho Los Alamitos
A historic ranch house museum, showcasing the history of Southern California's rancho period.
- Historic Ranch House: One of the few surviving adobe ranch houses in Long Beach
- Gardens and Exhibits: Features beautiful gardens, exhibits, and historic artifacts
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for visitors of all ages
12. Bixby Knolls
A neighborhood with a mix of residential, commercial, and cultural attractions, designed in the 1940s to create a self-contained community.
- Mid-Century Modern Design: Features mid-century modern architecture and design
- Self-Contained Community: Designed to provide residents with easy access to essential services and amenities
- Cultural Attractions: Home to the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) and the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum (PIEAM)
13. Signal Hill
A hilltop city surrounded by Long Beach, offering panoramic views of the city and the ocean.
- Panoramic Views: Offers stunning views of Long Beach, the ocean, and the Los Angeles skyline
- Petroleum History: Rich in petroleum history with numerous oil wells and a museum dedicated to its history
- Residential Community: A primarily residential city, known for its quiet neighborhoods and beautiful homes
14. Royal Birkdale Country Club
An exclusive country club designed by golf course architect George C. Thomas Jr., offering a challenging golf experience.
- Historic Golf Course: One of the oldest golf courses in Southern California
- George C. Thomas Jr. Design: Designed by renowned golf course architect George C. Thomas Jr.
- Exclusive Membership: Limited membership, offering an exclusive golf experience
15. Long Beach Veterans Memorial
A memorial dedicated to the men and women who served in the United States Armed Forces, featuring a reflecting pool and sculptures.
- Honoring Veterans: Dedicated to honoring veterans from all branches of the U.S. military
- Reflecting Pool and Sculptures: Features a serene reflecting pool and moving sculptures depicting various service members
- Community Gathering Place: Serves as a gathering place for community events, such as Memorial Day ceremonies