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

So whether you plan on taking a day or two to relax in this city by the sea, or can only spare a single afternoon, Long Beach has activities for everyone.

WPPS Schedule

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 6
18th Annual Founders Memorial Golf Tournament
Cascades Golf Club, Sylmar, Calif.
Registration, 7:30 a.m.; shotgun start, 9 a.m.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7
Seminars, 2-6 p.m.
Exhibits open, 6-9 p.m.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8
Seminars, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Exhibits open, 1-7 p.m.

"2002 Two-Step" Dinner Party & Design
Awards Presentation
Renaissance Long Beach Hotel
7:30 p.m.-midnight, ticket required

SATURDAY, FEB. 9
Seminars, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Exhibits open, 1-6 p.m.

IPSSA Water Chemistry Test
Long Beach Convention Center, 3 p.m.

Truck Drawing
Exhibit Hall, Afternoon

Attractions

Businesses and organizations mentioned in this Long Beach guide:

* Biplane Rides: Two people ride side by side in the front cockpit. 3355 E. Spring St. #10, Long Beach; toll-free (866) 331-3333; www.biplanefun.com.

* Harbor Breeze Charters and Cruises: 45-minute cruises leave every hour from docks 2 and 6 in Rainbow Harbor. (562) 432-4900.

* Spirit Cruises: Cruises of varying lengths, plus a Guaranteed Whale Watch, departing from Rainbow Harbor dock 6 and Pine Avenue dock. (562) 495-5885; www.spiritmarine.com.

* Gondola Getaways: Reservations are needed for this popular excursion. 5437 East Ocean Blvd.; (562) 433-9595; www.gondolagetawayinc.com.

* Aquarium of the Pacific: This spectacular aquarium currently features a major exhibit, "Jellies: Phantoms of the Deep," which has been extended by popular demand. Guests will enjoy learning about these mysterious creatures that have no heart, brain or eyes. The Weedy Sea Dragon Exhibit showcases delicate creatures native to Australia, which resemble the plants found in their local waters. The Aquarium of the Pacific is the first aquarium in the world to successfully breed weedy sea dragons. Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Call for admission fees. 100 Aquarium Way; (562) 590-3100; www.aquariumofpacific.org.

* Mei Wen Ti: This 53-foot Chinese junk seats eight on its spacious aft deck and four in its fully equipped galley. The master stateroom features a queen-size bed, walk-in closet and an adjoining bathroom with shower. It is one of the four seaworthy accommodations offered by Dockside Boat and Bed, (562) 436-3111; www.boatandbed.com.

* The Yard House: The Yard House in Shoreline Village is open for lunch, dinner and late-night dining. (562) 628-0455.

* Tequila Jack's: This is a great Shoreline Village stop for lunch, dinner or late-night fun. (562) 628-0454.

* Shoreline Village Bicycle Rentals: Bicycles and skates are available from 10 a.m. until sunset on weekends, or may be reserved in advance for parties. (805) 964-1234.

* Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden: The garden is open Tuesday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon-4 p.m. 1250 Bellflower Blvd.; (562) 985-8885; www.csulb.edu/~jgarden.> Karen Bitterman is a free-lance writer based in Los Angeles.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Hanley-Wood, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning