Enjoy the ocean breezes when you get on board the Catalina Express as you escape to Catalina Island. All of the boats that depart from Long Beach, Dana Point or San Pedro are the most advanced watercraft available and are all part of an impressive fleet of high-speed vessels. The Catalina Express has proudly transported over one million passengers a year and offers year round service with up to 30 departures daily, so there is no excuse for missing any of the fun that the Pacific Ocean offers.
Get an unexpectedly close look at the whales off the coast when you enjoy the Harbor Breeze Whale Watching Cruises . It is offered in association with the Aquarium of the Pacific; the friendly and knowledgeable staff offer informative narrations on your journey. They also are available to answer any questions you may have. Some individuals on this tour have claimed to see up to eleven whales on one trip, so make sure you have your camera on hand!
Her voice was unmistakable. The musical legacy of Karen Carpenter will never be forgotten. And, to remember her immeasurable contribution to popular music, the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach bears her name as well as continues her tradition of excellence. This 1,074-seat entertainment venue presents a steady schedule of both large and small performing ensembles, film screenings, concerts, conferences and other special events. So from comedy to drama, from rock to ballet and everything in between, see it come to life on stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.
Every August, the sounds of America's music – jazz – fills the Long Beach air. Fans of this historic musical genre gather at Rainbow Lagoon Park to hear some of the top artists on the scene performing during the Long Beach Jazz Festival. This popular three day event is staged on a beautiful grassy knoll in the park that makes for an experience that is as visually stunning as it is aurally pleasing. The festival also features a great selection of food, arts and crafts, as well as the wares of various vendors.