International waters: whether it's by land, by sea or by air, Long Beach offers visitors a dazzling array of activities—from its world-famous aquarium to bird's-eye view biplane tours of the Southern California coast

Pool & Spa News, Jan 25, 2002 by Karen Bitterman

In Long Beach, life revolves around the beaches, harbors and canals that make up this truly international city. The Long Beach Convention Center is adjacent to miles of scenic waterfront, including one of the largest and most eye-catching harbors in Southern California. The sights of Long Beach, and the surrounding area, can be explored by air, sea or land.

If you've ever wondered how it feels to be a World War I flying ace, you can get firsthand experience by taking to the skies in an open cockpit biplane. Passengers wear the classic--style cap and goggles, and are treated to a bird's-eye view of Orange County from the Pacific coastline to Disneyland, courtesy Of Biplane Rides.

If you prefer to tour by sea, Harbor Breeze Charters and Cruises offers a 45-minute guided cruise through Long Beach and Los Angeles harbors aboard the 85-foot Kristina. Spirit Cruises also offers bay tours as well as a Guaranteed Whale Watch cruise. For those who want a taste of Italy, Gondola Getaways through Long Beach's canals offers authentic Venetian gondolas piloted by cheerful gondoliers. Passengers are provided with a basket of bread, salami and cheeses, an ice buckets and glasses. All you need to bring is a fine beverage to make this unique cruise complete.

The convention center could not be more conveniently located for those looking for land-based fun. Tourists and locals bicycle, skate or merely admire the scenery in the expansive Shoreline Park, which runs along Shoreline Drive. One end of Shoreline Park is devoted to the Aquarium of the Pacific, where visitors can view the coastal life that lies just offshore in the Pacific Ocean. This aquarium is home to more than 12,000 ocean animals, representing species from the northern Pacific to Australia. Don't miss the new Lorikeet Forest Exhibit, where guests are surrounded by colorful, friendly birds. The 5,200-square-foot aviary features four subspecies of these birds and recreates the environment of coastal Australia--native habitat of the rainbow lorikeet. Although they are only 10 inches tall, these small, brilliantly colored, birds are virtually fearless. Visitors can purchase a cup of nectar, the lorikeet's favorite food, and they will readily perch on your hand, arm or head to get a sip.

Docked along the Rainbow Harbor adjacent to the aquarium is a wide variety of beautiful boats, including a trio of magnificent American tallships. The waterfront also houses an authentic Chinese junk, the Mei Wen Ti. This boat offers unusual accommodations--call it the "boat and breakfast" option. Guests can watch the sunset from the spacious deck and later, feel the waves lull them gently to sleep in the fully appointed master stateroom.

Farther along the harbor, the picturesque New England-style Shoreline Village has a number of souvenir shops and an old-fashioned carousel. Take a break and enjoy the view from the harbor-side restaurants Parker's Lighthouse, the Yard House and Tequila Jack's. Parker's Lighthouse features exquisite seafood for lunch and dinner, with a harbor view to match. The Yard House pours the world's largest selection of draft beers (they have 250 tap handles), ranging alphabetically from the Belgian brew Abbey de Leffe to Young's Oatmeal Stout, a British favorite. They also offer a number of unusual martinis. You can enjoy the brew of your choice on the patio and sample the extensive menu of Pacific Rim cuisine. For those desiring a south-of-the border experience, Tequila Jack's features 145 different tequilas and a full menu of Mexican favorites in a casual cantina atmosphere.

Those who want to work off calories can enjoy the bicycle paths along the Long Beach waterway. Shoreline Bicycle Rentals offers everything, from a canvas-topped pedal surrey that seats up to six adults to three-wheeled chopper bicycles. You can even rent a quad-wheeled sport bike with a steering wheel and challenge your friends to a pedal-powered grand prix.

Just across the bay, the Queen Mary Seaport is home to the Queen Mary and the Russian submarine Scorpion. The Seaport has a British theme, with winding lanes, quaint red phone booths and small shops reminiscent of Old England.

The Queen Mary, a permanently moored ocean liner, evokes the long-ago glamour of transatlantic voyaging. Visitors can wander parts of the ship on their own or take the Royal Historic Guided Tour and see staterooms and salons. Or check out "Ghosts and Legends of the Queen Mary," a spooky sound-and-light extravaganza that dramatizes the paranormal events reported aboard the ship over the last half-century. Guides will take you to the lower pool, the engine room and other areas of the ship where these ghost sightings have occurred.

Docked next to the Queen Mary is an authentic Russian submarine, code name Scorpion, which cruised the Pacific Ocean during the Cold War. Tours of the crew's quarters, torpedo bays and "top secret" radio room are available.

To experience the influence the Japanese have had on the area, visit the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden. Styled in classical Japanese manner, the garden surrounds a lake. The koi ponds, teahouse, bonsai and lovely landscaping are all designed to encourage contemplation and relaxation. Wander the meandering paths and wooden bridges and enjoy the beauty of this earthly paradise.