LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA is a beautiful city that includes one of the nation's busiest ports and largest marina docking everything from the tiny sabot sailboat invented here, to the historic Queen Mary Ship and huge freighters from around the world! 

As you visit downtown Long Beach with its deco style architecture, Convention Center, Aquarium and Performing Arts Center, walk around the building to view a mural that made the Guinness Book of World Records for its size. Whaling Wall XXXIII: Planet Ocean, pictured above, was a gift to the City of Long Beach from marine artist, Wyland, who painted a stunning 116,000 square foot testament to the Pacific Ocean on the outer walls of the Long Beach Arena.

Bikinis and business suits mix along a beach that a world trade center overlooks. Standing next to elegant buildings where commerce takes place, is the Pacific Ocean, sparkling like diamonds in the afternoon sun.  Beautiful and busy, yet somewhat unknown as a travel destination, we are attracted to Long Beach and never tire of visiting a jewel that offers some new facet on each look. Period architecture, beach expanses, unique communities such as Naples with canals, historic adobes, ethnic restaurants and a Bohemian feel provide an allure and give us lots to explore. 

Outranked in population by only four other California cities,  Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco and San Jose, you'll notice downtown  Long Beach has a "bohemian" feel. High-rise buildings with gargoyles and art deco architecture date back to 1933. That's when a destructive earthquake knocked down many structures, and required building a whole new city out of the ashes of devastation.   Take a drive along Ocean Boulevard, the main street in downtown Long Beach to view neatly painted and appointed residential and commercial buildings constructed during that era. Long Beach has an active historical society with lots of photos from that time, books documenting the big earthquake and docents who recall the event as children. 

If you are staying in Long Beach and want to enjoy a round of golf at one of the Orange County Golf Trail courses, Strawberry Farms is your closest option. Strawberry Farms Golf Course is South of the Airport off the 405 (Exit University Ave, head West to the first light and left into the course). Strawberry Farms was Built by  Doug DeCinces, former California Angel third baseman. The Golf Course is a true test of your skill with demanding fairways and small greens.