San pedro and long beach are the maritime muscles fueling LA’s reputation as a great trading city. San Pedro supplies much of the manpower that operates the cranes, derricks, tugs, and railway systems in one of the most awesome seaports in the world. Through here pass the goods – automobiles, electronics, and foods – that will make their way to virtually every city in the Americas and Asia. Long Beach, on the other hand, is a city in metamorphosis. Shedding its working-class past, it has become a sophisticated cultural and financial hub. Long Beach’s pulse beats strongest along Pine Avenue where indulgences range from Italian Barolo wines to music by Berlioz and belly dance. The grand ocean liner Queen Mary and a defining aquarium are the area’s flagship sights.
Tours at the Banning Residence Museum start at 12:30pm, 1:30pm, & 2:30pm Tue–Thu & Sat–Sun, & 3:30pm Sat–Sun Log on to www.aquariumofthepacific.org for more information on the Aquarium of the Pacific-
Morning
Begin your day at the Los Angeles Maritime Museum in San Pedro where you’ll find interesting nuggets of information about the city’s nautical heritage. A short stroll north through the little park takes you to a modern fire station building at the bottom of 5th Street. It houses a still functional 1925 fire boat capable of pumping over 10,000 gallons (45,000 liters) of water a minute. Historic boat buffs could continue north another half mile (800 m) for a tour of the SS Lane Victory at Berth 94, an immaculately restored WWII cargo ship.
Backtrack on foot or take the electric trolley to Ports O’ Call Village to browse the souvenir shops and have lunch.
Afternoon
Once fortified, join a one-hour narrated cruise for close-ups of the amazing operations of the Los Angeles Harbor, the nation’s largest.
Head back to your car and drive south on Harbor Boulevard to Pacific Avenue, then left to get to the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for a look at aquatic life in California’s waters. For great sunset views, head west on Shepard Street, then north on South Gaffey Street to the bluff-top Angels Gate Park. A nice feature here is the Korean Friendship Bell, a replica of an 8th-century original built for a Korean king. Conclude the day with dinner in Pine Avenue in Long Beach.
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Spanish and Latin American food and a hip crowd make it a popular bistro. Live entertainment on weekends.
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One of Long Beach’s flagship attractions, this high-tech zoo teems with 12,000 fish, birds, and mammals that make their home in the Pacific Ocean. A full-scale model of a blue whale greets visitors in the Great Hall. You’ll come face to face with exotic giant spider crabs, playful sea otters, and even get to pet a shark. For a look at what it takes to keep the aquarium afloat, take a Behind-the-Scenes-Tour.
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The Greek Revival style home of Phineas Banning (1830–85), the “Father of Los Angeles Harbor,” offers a glimpse into the life of one of the most influential of the city’s pioneers. Tours take in the office, parlor, family and dining rooms, kitchen, and nursery, all filled with late 19th-century period furniture.
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The tables on the huge deck overlooking the Belmont Pier are the most coveted. Wash down the tasty pizza with the homemade beers.
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Housed in a modern building designed by Frank Gehry, this aquarium offers plenty to do apart from viewing marine life in its 34 saltwater tanks. Memorable experiences include observing newborn jellyfish in the aquatic nursery, listening to whale sounds, and viewing prickly urchins and sea stars in tidepools accessed through the short Cabrillo Coastal Park Trail.
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Pick your favorites from 11 culinary stations serving everything from roast beef to salads while a harpist serenades you. It’s all set up in the glorious Grand Salon, the original First Class dining room. Reservations are recommended.
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One of the fastest ocean liners of its time, the Queen Mary had a cruising speed of 28.5 knots (34 mph or 55 km/h) and was driven by four steam turbine engines each turning its own propeller.
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The large lavish pool was once filled with salt water but is empty now and said to be a vortex of ghostly activity.
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This special effects walking tour is hokey and takes you deep into the ship’s bowels, including the vast boiler room and the First Class Swimming Pool.
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Restaurant price categories
Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
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