Location: Long Beach
Top Things to do in Long Beach
Countries
Top 5 Art Museums in Long Beach, California (CA)
For some, a tour of the Queen Mary, docked here since its retirement in 1967, evokes waves of nostalgia for the days of the huge ocean liner with its opulent rooms, 1930s deco décor and teakwood decks. Others, particularly the younger set, are entranced by the spine-tingling haunted ship stories on the nighttime ghost tour. But for everyone, a visit to this floating hotel and museum is a must on any trip to Long Beach. At one time a less-than-appealing place to visit, Long Beach has transformed itself into an upscale tourist resort, with many waterfront attractions, including a new, state-of-the-art aquarium with a fabulous shark exhibit, two excellent art museums, charming shops, public golf courses, the annual April Grand Prix international auto race and lots of recreational activities along its eight-mile stretch of beach. Take the kids to the waterfront entertainment complex with rides and live performances or to the farming demonstrations at Rancho Los Alamitos. Feeling romantic? Cruise the canals of Naples (that's right, Naples Island in Long Beach) in a genuine Venetian gondola. One thing is for sure: tensions and stresses dissolve in this laid-back, friendly city.
Restaurants in Long Beach
1. Museum of Latin American Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 114 reviews
Known as MOLAA, this combination museum and cultural center is devoted exclusively to contemporary Latin American and Latino art, including paintings, lithographs and sculptures, and also offers gift shop.
Reviewed By GlobalGypsy_13 - San Diego, United States
The cutting edge Latin American art at MOLAA never disappoints. Special exhibits are changed regularly. Currently (Nov., 2019), you'll find an exhibit on an American artist in Mexico (Stein/Estano), a Mexican born artist who created the logo for the LA Olympics as well as the doors to the Catholic cathedral in LA, and short films in Spanish with the minature sets. There's a large gift shop, free parking, and sometimes the outdoor sculpture garden and cafe are open. .
2. Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
The museum is closed during the summer, and will re-open with regular hours on September 9 for the exhibition "B.A.T. State III: Women Artists in Conversation with El Nopal Press," on view through November 15, 2019. The Carolyn Campagna Kleefeld Contemporary Art Museum at California State University, Long Beach creates exhibitions and programs that provide space for critical interpretation of contemporary and modern art and culture.
3. Long Beach Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 122 reviews
Located high on a cliff overlooking the Pacific, this museum complex features the historic Elizabeth Milbank Anderson summer home and carriage house, both built in 1912, plus magnificent gardens, a permanent collection of European and California art and a two-story gallery with changing exhibitions.
Reviewed By JLFERG - Long Beach, United States
The Long Beach Museum of Art is a great place to spend an hour or two on a sunny or a rainy day. It is a small place and looks out over the water. The exhibits are a bit seasonal (think photos celebrating gay life for Pride Month) sometimes. But they have three shows going on at all times in addition to a few permanent pieces. A kids art space is in the basement and is lots of fun to stroll (this month it is art made by 2nd and 3rd graders). The staff is quite nice and knowledgable. The museum shop is small but is packed with stuff. Their restaurant is outdoors and first-rate with views of the LB harbor and the beach.
4. Lbma Downtown
Located in the heart of the East Village Arts District in Downtown Long Beach, LBMA Downtown is a newly renovated, dynamic art space complete with 35-foot ceilings, exposed brick walls, polished concrete floors, and sweeping natural light. The gallery is currently open by advance ticket only, including for LBMA Members. Please visit lbma.org for tickets and information.
5. Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By GlobalGypsy_13 - San Diego, United States
This small museum is the only place in the US where I've seen YAP money displayed. So check out the adjacent garden that's included with admission and where you'll also find rare ancestral figures as many were incorrectly seen as idols and thus destroyed. Inside there is one room with rotating exhibits that includes at least one heritage item per section. On site, usually on weekends, is an artist in residence. There's a small gift corner where we bought an unique handloomed textile very reasonably. Enjoy!
