California - Long Beach Area Attractions & Activities
Long Beach is the ultimate Southern California waterfront playground. Located just a half hour southeast of the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club, Long Beach has much to offer from dining, to golf courses, and sightseeing. Situated about 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, there are many ways to experience the scenic views from the Aquarium of the Pacific to the historic Queen Mary tours.
Aquarium of the Pacific
Take a journey of discovery through the world’s largest ocean at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Explore our exhibits, and discover sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the North Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific. Come face-to-face with, and even touch, the ocean’s ultimate predators in Shark Lagoon and hand feed lorikeet birds. With affordable prices and an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family, there is no better time to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific than now. Just a quick 25 minute drive to Long Beach from the Portofino Hotel. www.aquariumofpacific.org
Queen Mary
The HMS Queen Mary, a 1019-foot ocean liner, was once considered the most civilized way to cross the Atlantic. Now a floating hotel and museum, the ship is docked at Long Beach harbor and is available for daily tours. This elegant luxury liner, permanently docked on Long Beach since its last crossing in 1967, features a hotel, museum, restaurants, Art Deco salons for private parties, a wedding chapel and tours. Take a quick 30 minute drive east southeast from the Portofino to jump on board this historic ship. www.queenmary.com
V20
V2O is Long Beach's crown jewel of clubbing and special events just a 30 minute drive from the Portofino. With an award-winning sound system, praised design, and outstanding location, V2O draws in even the most skeptical and experienced night owls on a regular basis. This swanky, classy nightclub is known to serve strong drinks and a great sound system to get you in the party mood. www.v2onightclub.com
Sgt. Pepper’s Dueling Piano Show
The first thing you’ll see is the amazing indoor/outdoor bar. The first thing you’ll hear is the roar of song and laughter as two piano players lead a sing-along clap-along drink-along good time. Because the show is driven by your requests, each night is a new experience for everyone. Having a birthday? Just engaged? Surviving a divorce? Come celebrate everything and anything in the heart of Long Beach, just a half hour from the Portofino. We promise not to embarrass anyone, don’t worry it’s all in good fun! www.pepperspianos.com
The Sky Room
The prestigious Sky Room, located atop the historic Breakers of Long Beach Hotel, is continuing to create history as a preferred destination along the Pacific Coast. Since originally opening in 1926, The Sky Room has continued to draw an enthusiastic clientele of local guests, Hollywood Celebrities, Politicians and World-renowned Personalities of the time. While enjoying The Sky Room’s delicious food and magnificent 360-degree views overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the downtown Long Beach city skyline , be swept away by our spectacular live entertainment. The Sky Room’s philosophy of "Dining, Dancing and Romancing" is perfectly suited for all guests of all ages who enjoy fine dining, spirited dancing and the naturally contagious romance of the view. www.theskyroom.com
The Gondola Getaway Inc.
Take a relaxing cruise around the canals of Naples in the city of Long Beach, a half hour drive from the Portofino. Sit back, sip on a cool beverage and let our gondoliers row you and your guests back in time. Established in 1982, the Gondola Getaway is the gondola company that was first to offer Venetian style gondola cruises in the United States. Many have come on board since our beginning. www.gondo.net
Bixby Village Golf Course
This executive-sized course offers nine holes and a putting green. Its most challenging hazards are the numerous sand traps, the lake near the second hole and its slightly hilly terrain. Come and enjoy this intermediate-level course that attracts golfers of all ages. During the summer, many come here to take in the pleasant breeze that often sweeps over the greens. Early morning and afternoon tee times are most crowded, so be sure to get there early. Just a 30 minute drive southeast of the Portofino Hotel. www.thegolfcourses.net/golfcourses/CA/LongBeach.htm
Skylinks Golf Course
Feeling like a longer day out on the golf course? Skylinks Golf Course has been deemed the premiere golf course in Long Beach, California. We are a championship 18 hole links-style course with rolling bermuda fairways. With over 70 sand bunkers added to the golf course in 2004, Skylinks at Long Beach is now the total package for golfers of any level who are looking for a superior golfing experience. For weddings, Skylinks has a beautiful waterfall which provides a perfect backdrop for intimate ceremony's up to 200 guests. Utilizing a deluxe, spacious driving range or 1st fairway, Skylinks can accommodate weddings up to 500 attendees. Skylinks is also ideal for small corporate meetings with our SkyRoom, with patio's on both sides of the room and lot's of windows.http://www.americangolf.com/CA/long-beach-skylinks-at-long-beach
Long Beach Museum of Art
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. www.lbma.org
The Skin Spa Institute
The SkinSpa is the perfect place to get pampered as their treatments offer a variety of benefits. Some are designed to relax your mind as well as your muscles. Others serve to cleanse and purify your body through their detoxifying properties. Others will help firm, tone, and help reverse the aging process. Using Exclusive Guinot, Epicures and Jan Marini products we are able to cater to the special needs of clients searching for a noticeable difference in their skin and well-being. www.theskinspausa.com