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.
The Robinson Memorial is fittingly located a few blocks from where the legendary athlete and trailblazer was born. After facing constant scrutiny by the community for being part of the only black family living in the area, Jackie Robinson went on to become a star athlete at Pasadena City College and UCLA. He eventually became the first African American in major league baseball and the rest, as they say is history. The memorial depicts the visages of both Jackie and his older brother Mack, who also contributed to the civil rights movement.
Considered by the Greene brothers as their best architectural achievement, the Robert R. Blacker House is a grand bungalow which was built in 1907 for 100,000 USD. In adjusted figures, that sum is even more impressive, especially since the owner of the house provided the lumber from his own company. In the 1980s, a Texan purchased the house and sold off a number of the furniture and other interior accoutrements designed by the Greene brothers, causing a scandal among Pasadena's preservationists. Although the home is a private residence, no tour of historic L.A. structures would be complete without catching at least a glimpse of it.
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.
Located on South Lake Avenue, The Commons can be better described as a meeting point for locals on the east of the Playhouse District. The charming venue offers a good range of unique services, stores and eateries like the Green Street Restaurant and more that are lined along its shady courtyard. It's a spot where you can combine work with a fine dining experience. Besides, the California Institute of Technology and the famous Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens lie a short distance away.