Long Beach is a large port city located in the state of California south of Los Angeles. Long Beach is part of Los Angeles County and is actually one of the boroughs of "Greater Los Angeles". The settlement was originally named Willmore City, but because of its long, wide beaches, it was renamed Long Beach in 1888.
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| Long Beach California |
According to statistics for 2013, over 469 thousand people live in the city. At the same time, the population density is higher than in the surrounding areas of Los Angeles. Downtown Long Beach is located 40 km south of downtown Los Angeles.
Long Beach is a mixture of a wide variety of neighborhoods. Large industrial zones are combined with areas where the middle class lives, prestigious, as well as frankly marginal. Unsurprisingly, you can hear diametrically opposite things about Long Beach: both wonderful and terrible.
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| Long Beach California |
Long Beach is the second largest container port in the United States. It has a profound impact on the local economy, employing 30,000 people in the region. The cost of cargo transported annually through the port is estimated at $ 100 million. In addition, Boeing's enterprises are located in the city, the production of auto parts and other industries have been established.
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| Long Beach California |
Parts of Long Beach suffer from severe air pollution. It is believed to be one of the worst in Southern California. The prevailing westerly and southwesterly winds blow air from the industrial port areas directly into the city. The main source of pollution is exhaust from ships, railways and trucks. In addition, the wind brings air currents from nearby refineries. In addition to the air, the water quality in many places leaves much to be desired, which is natural for a larger port city. Dirty water and lack of waves (due to the presence of a breakwater) explain the typical absence of more people on the wide sandy beaches of Long Beach. For swimming, Alamitos Bay is usually chosen.
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| Long Beach California |
Since the 50s of the 20th century, the racial composition of the population has changed significantly. Until that time, most were white. Because of this, Long Beach was ironically called "Iowa by the sea" or "Iowa under the palm trees." But even now, by racial makeup, Long Beach is a bit more like a Midwest or East Coast city than a typical California coastal city.
Compared to other areas of Los Angeles (such as Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles), Long Beach loses out in terms of tourist attraction, but it also has interesting attractions.
Long Beach has a very pleasant climate (Mediterranean with signs of semi-desert). Due to the proximity of the ocean, the air temperature is significantly lower than in the interior of the United States of the same latitude. In summer there is always a small breeze, the average daily temperature in July is 23 C. Winters are mild, the average daily temperature in January is 14 C.
What to do in Long Beach
In addition to walking down town and excursions on a tourist shuttle, it is worth seeing the city panorama from a pleasure boat. The duration of the walk is 45 minutes, the price is $ 12 for an adult.
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| Long Beach California |
You can go on a 3-hour cruise to see whales, dolphins, killer whales and sea lions. This is the most famous entertainment in Long Beach. The cruises are organized by Harbor Breeze Cruises and they start right from the bay next to the Long Beach promenade.
The average cruise duration is 2.5 hours between November and May and 3-3.5 hours between June and October.
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| Long Beach California |
Tour price - $ 30- $ 35 for a 3 hour walk for an adult
Traditionally for California and the USA, NO FISHING is prohibited in yacht marinas.
Where to eat in Long Beach
It is possible and necessary to dine in Long Beach. The city has many restaurants of Californian, Mexican, Asian, Greek, Argentinean and even Hawaiian cuisine in which local chefs cook deliciously. Most of the establishments are located in downtown Long Beach, near the waterfront. Lunch price is $ 20- $ 40 per person and depends on the place.
There are also many cafes on the embankment itself, which are more designed for tourists and I do not recommend buying anything else there except ice cream and a cup of coffee.
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| Long Beach California |
Long Beach is located near Mexico, so it is worth trying the original Mexican cuisine. There are three good restaurants - all in downtown Long Beach.
Agaves Kitchen & tequila, address - 200, Pine Ave.Ste.A, Long Beach, California
Beachwood BBQ and Brewing, 210E, 3rd street, Long Beach, California - besides traditional grilled meats, great beer.
Taco Beach Cantina, 211 Pine Avenue Long Beach - Traditional Mexican Food