Long Beach Firefighter's Museum is a tribute to firefighting in the city. This museum has an interesting collection of ancient firefighting engines and other vehicles, old technology and equipment, leather buckets, hoses, ladders, and other items that date back to the early 20th century. The museum is run by local firefighters and volunteers who are very friendly and are responsible for maintaining it. The museum is open on Wednesdays and every second Saturday and is definitely worth a visit when in the city.
The Hilbert Museum of California Art is one of the best places in the country for California Art. Named after Mark and Janet Hilbert who endowed some of their collections to the museum and also donated a sizable amount to build it, this repository is indeed a must for art lovers. Showcasing 247 works including watercolors, lithographs, oils, animation and movie art, the collection takes you through the varying scenes of California from the 1920s to the 1970s. Notable Californian masters from the 20th Century like Emil Kosa Jr, Joan Irving, Milford Zornes, Francis Caldwell and Ruth Peabody feature in their collection.
Set along the beaches of South California, San Clemente Beach Trail begins at North Beach and ends at Calafia Beach Park. Walk along this pedestrian path and enjoy the stunning views of the beaches and the ocean. With several cafés and restrooms along the way, this trail is an easy hike.
Take a boat tour of Newport Harbor and make your trip to Orange County complete. You can take a variety of tours inside the harbor or venture out into the ocean where you'll be shown playful sea lions, and depending upon the season, whales (January through March). It's a great way to fill your lungs with some salty sea air and learn why so many Southern Californians have decided to call Newport Beach home.
A small but beautifully landscaped park hidden behind an upscale neighborhood, Crescent Bay Point Park is a breath of fresh air. With staggering ocean and beach views, a secluded beach, and some of the cleanest water on the Pacific Coast, it is a delight for locals and tourists, particularly nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the frequent visitors of the bay are sea birds, sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales between December and March, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to witness these majestic creatures in action.
Balboa Island Ferry has been running between Balboa Island and Balboa Peninsula since 1919. The quarter-mile ride across Newport Harbor takes about five minutes and saves passengers up to a half-hour drive around the harbor and bridge. Aside from convenience, the ferry also provides a kind of affordable luxury to those who otherwise wouldn't have a chance to be in the most picturesque scene of Newport Beach and cruises on luxury yachts and sail boats. The vintage ferryboats, double-ended wooden boats built in the 1950s, also add unexpected uniqueness to the experience. The service runs every five minutes and each boat takes up to three vehicles and 75 passengers.