Tour the Long Beach Arts District
You’re in Long Beach. You’ve seen the aquarium, you’ve toured the Queen Mary, you’ve eaten too much and taken in more of the nightlife than you'd expected. Now that you’re overwhelmed, what can you do at a more leisurely pace? I recommend a tour of the city’s art scene. And because you’ve blown a sizable portion of your spending cash at the clubs and attractions, you’ll appreciate the Village Tour D’art bus tours through the historical and artistic parts of town – the fare is only one dollar.
Once aboard, the bus line will usher you through engaging and historical neighborhoods, museums, and all the sites that make Long Beach one of the most unique cities in the state. The bus stops are minutes away from most downtown hotels, and the line allows you to get on and off as often as you like during the operating hours.
During the tour, plan on stopping by the Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA), the only museum in the western United States dedicated to showcasing the work and cultural beauty of Latin artists. Among the most fascinating and intriguing aspects of the permanent collection are the religious icons, the irrepressibly alluring figures and altars from the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), mythological creatures, and the surrealistic themes honoring the traditions of Dali. The museum also offers culturally specific craft workshops, films, and dancing classes.
The bus line will also deliver passengers to the East Village, Long Beach’s landmark and ever-growing arts district. Here you’ll find an abundance of art galleries, shops, cafes, ethnic dining experiences and some examples of the defining architecture of California, including St. Anthony’s Church, the Lafayette Building and entire neighborhoods of perfectly preserved Craftsman style homes.
After taking it easy in the arts districts, head back to the beach for mellow fun. All along the generous stretch of shoreline, you’ll find suppliers of rollerblades, wind-surfing equipment, bicycles, beach toys, and even jet-skis.
When the day is done, be sure to drop in on one of Pine Avenue’s many distinctive lounges for a nightcap. My recommendation is L’Opera Ristorante at 101 Pine Avenue. This is an elegant restaurant featuring classic and modern Italian cuisine, with some very innovative drink and dessert menus. But for your money, you won’t find a smoother or tastier martini in all of Long Beach. Call 562-491-0066 for more information.
