Naples Island in Long Beach, located in the middle of Alamitos Bay, was the brainchild of Arthur Parson, who wanted to create a romantic spot that resembled Italy. He dug canals and built cozy cottage homes on the water. There is a park in the center of the island and a small beach encircling most of it. The most charming part of the island is the gondola rides that can be taken through the canals.
Inspired by Tokyo's Imperial Gardens, the Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden opened its doors in 1981 and is a part of the California State University. The donation of funds came from the namesake's widow, and her passion for gardens led to the creation of this space. A serene garden and a sight to behold, it is dotted with several trees, including Japanese black pines, pink cloud cherry, fern pines, saucer magnolias, and Chinese flame trees. A koi pond with a bridge and fish, garden art, a pagoda, a tea house, fountains, and a zig-zag bridge add to the beautiful landscape. The garden is a much-favored spot for weddings.
The Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA) is the place to come if you're interested in Latin American art. Established by Dr. Robert Gumbiner in 1996, it houses more than 1,500 works of art spanning various mediums. With a display of several interesting pieces, it provides a deeper insight into Latin American culture. In addition, the museum also offers a wide range of entertainment by hosting rotating exhibitions and cultural events on the premises. It is also prominent for its educational programs.
The perfect thing to do on a bright sunny day is to head to Rancho Los Alamitos. Admire the 19th Century ranch house that houses an interesting museum about local history, then explore the surrounding area. Make sure you stop by the barn and check out the livestock, which is often the highlight for children. You can also stroll through the beautiful garden. The gift shop has interesting things to take back home too. Overall, a historical place with lots of education, along with fun thrown in.
Visitors to El Dorado Nature Center can explore a diverse range of habitats, including serene lakes, lush woodlands, and meandering streams. The center boasts a network of well-maintained hiking trails that wind through these habitats, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of the local flora and fauna. El Dorado Nature Center also hosts educational programs and events, making it a great place for families and school groups to learn about the natural world. It's an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, hikers, birdwatchers, and anyone seeking a peaceful outdoor retreat.
Located on five acres (two hectares) of waterfront property along Long Beach harbor, the Aquarium of the Pacific presents marvels of the deep blue to locals and tourists alike. As its name implies, the aquarium features marine life from the Pacific and showcases more than 100 exhibits displaying around 500 species. The aquarium is beautifully designed, with each species shown according to the part of the Pacific it calls home. Also, the jellyfish exhibits are some of the best outside the famed Monterey Bay Aquarium and is a superb spot to see several comb and sea jellies.
With more than ten tours, Guideline Tours is perhaps the largest in the area. Specific destinations include downtown, Malibu, Santa Monica, the Getty Center, Universal Studios, Disneyland, Queen Mary Seaport and more. Its most unique tour is Nightlife L.A. which visits Griffith Observatory, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Century City, and Melrose Avenue. Tour prices sometimes include admission to major theme parks and other attractions. Internet discounts are available. Tour times vary, so call for specific times and to make reservations, which are required.
Downey History Center is an educational center that provides a wealth of historical information, preservation, education and research. Whether you are just curious about Downey's history or are a serious scholar, you will find everything you need. Resources include Downey newspapers dating from 1888, photographs dating from 1870, books and periodicals about Downey, Los Angeles County, California and more. There is also a lot of information on Downey's namesake, Governor John Gately Downey. Call ahead for varying days.
This museum presents wax figures of African American personalities. It also showcases the eras through authentic clothing, uniforms and artifacts. The museum has figures of Malcolm X, Muhammed Ali, Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Louis Armstrong and George Washington. It also presents cultural artifacts from the African world as well as black memorabilia from recent times.
Quick Culture conducts tours that cover various museums and galleries in Los Angeles County. The well-read guides take visitors through art periods, painters, territories, etc. to help them appreciate art. The kids' tours are highly popular. They make sure you enjoy the sightseeing and traveling experience in the city, Call to reserve.
This gallery is not only about beautiful displays. Adamm's Stained Glass & Art Glass Gallery also represents budding talent and is known around the world for its creations in glass. A visit to the gallery will bring you face to face with vessels, paperweights, lamps, plates, and sculptures of incredible design. What's more, Susan G/ott, Gavin Heath and other designers make their art affordable to the public.
National Comedy Theatre started during the 1920s and since then has been offering live entertainment for all age groups. The club also provides stand-up comedy workshops for aspiring artists. Its space was used as an audition ground for Warner Brothers Studio and HBO US comedy. The venue also hosts live musical events and talk shows. The rental space of the club can be booked for any private event or corporate meetings.