luvlondon

My husband and I will be going to Long Beach in February 2006. We are actually going for pleasure and relaxation...this will be our 4th trip and we love feeling like we are at home. We will be staying at the Hyatt by the convention center and don't really need a car to get around. What would be the best or any way to get to Universal Studios. We haven't made it there yet. We will have 2 free days when we arrive in Long Beach. We love Long Beach so much that if it were practical we would love to live there. Thanks in advance for any advice.

microdol

No matter how you go, plan an hour and 25 minutes each way, even though it's about 30 miles away.

I'd love to line anywhere from Manhattan Beach to Newport Beach, but as you said: if it was practical.

Tiff

Hi luvlondon ~ microdol hit it dead on with the timing, so I won't comment on that, however...

During any of your previous stays in Long Beach have you ever ventured down to the area of Long Beach called Belmont Shore?

It is a quaint area, and I believe there is still a trolley that takes you from downtown, it is only about 5 -10 minutes.

Good for strolling, shopping, eating.

I lived there for one very lovely year in a fantastic home built in the 1930's and I literally thanked God every day when I got home that I had the experience of living somewhere so wonderful.

Enjoy!

mlgb

You can get from LB to Universal via the Blue to Red line (light rail), but be aware that it will take a while. Check www.mta.net for schedules, and I would not want to travel back late at night. The only other reasonable alternative would be a tour.

rjw_lgb_ca

To add to mlgb's suggestion of MTA: The Blue Line terminus in downtown Long Beach is First Street and Pine, so it's a quick walk back to the Hyatt. I used to ride it quite a bit, and safety was never a worry for me (but I'm a mean-looking guy). Still, I'd strive to time my return to downtown LB for before 7 PM (5 PM to allow time for dinner back in LB!).

I absolutely love Long Beach too, but it's still funny to hear outsiders rave about it. It really is much more than the Port, Boeing/McDonnell Douglas and the LB Dub All-Stars!

rjw_lgb_ca

Oh yeah-- getting to Belmont Shore. LB Transit runs their Passport service between downtown and Belmont Shore. Quick and easy.

mlgb

Rjw, my friends have a fit when I ride the red/blue back from Hollywood after dark. Although nothing has every happened, it can be a bit "entertaining" at times and I wouldn't want to scare our tourists.

If you have not been to Rancho Los Alamitos or Rancho Los Cerritos, they are worth a visit. Most people in LB have never been to them, either. They are generally open Weds-Sun 1 to 5.

Tiff

Hi again luvlondon ~ I thought this Belmont Shore site may be of interest to you:
http://www.belmontshore.org/

Have fun!

rjw_lgb_ca

mlgb: RE: Safety on the Red/Blue Lines: I hear ya! The riders do get a bit more interesting after sundown. But it's still quite safe. Like I said, I'd aim for arriving in downtown LB between 5 PM and 6 PM to give myself time to clean up and find some dinner.

Great call on visiting the Ranchos. Always nice to have someone point out that there IS history here in southern California more than 100 years back!

luvlondon

Thanks to everyone for your helpful replies. We have been to Belmont Shores on each of the previous trips. Loved it and will go back again to eat and shop there. We'll be there in February 2006 for a longer stay which is why we'd like to go the Universal. We do enjoy the relaxing atmosphere in LB since it seems like we never have that type of quality time at home. We live on the lower right side of Texas next to the lower left side of Louisiana. Yes we were hit hard by Hurricane Rita and had extensive damage but we were one of lucky ones that had fantastic insurance and a great crew that worked every day for 2-2 1/2 months it took to get our house back together. Actually everything is better than before...just don't want to go through it again. Anyway, even though we've been lots of places...London, Spain, Hawaii, Brazil, etc. it so nice to have that special place like Long Beach to go to. I didn't mean to ramble. rjw_lgb_ca We Love Your City!

IamBooth

rjw_lgb_ca...You always give us some great information about Southern California. But I read a post of yours one time where you advised against Long Beach for a romantic getaway, I think it was. You live "too close" to what the gem of Long Beach is! LOL

The shoreline, the Queen Mary, the great restaurants, the convention center, the free shuttle service makes Long Beach a wonderful tourist place for a few nights.

I would not expect a local resident to visit these places much. I live in Las Vegas and hardly ever venture out to the tourists areas! I am always amazed why they come here when it is so hot. I would rather hop a Jet Blue and spend a few nights at the Coast Hotel in Long Beach. Eat dinner on the Queen Mary and stroll around the shoreline.

rjw_lgb_ca

luvlondon: I'm from Lake Charles, so I understand what you've gone through (my godmother still lives there, but got through Rita unscathed)...!! I'm glad you enjoy your time here in California (and note: we carefully make sure no earthquakes happen! ).

rjw_lgb_ca

IamBooth: Romance can be found anywhere. I've always associated the QM with "fun" (my first times on it were to attend huge dance parties put on by famous DJs) more than "romance". But I could see it. The Coast Long Beach Hotel is quite nice, I agree.

You're probably right: I've been in LB too long to appreciate it fully. Maybe it's time to have a Romantic Weekend Night in downtown!!

IamBooth

Take your bride out to dinner at the Promanade (sp) Cafe this weekend! Listen to the backgroud music of the swing bands from the 40's as the excellent waiters serve you a delicious romantic dinner. Enjoy! We love you town.

Booth

mlgb

Speaking of swing, two free concerts on the lawn at Rancho Los Cerritos this month: 8/24 "Peter Jacob's Wartime Radio Review" from 6-7:30 pm, and 8/13 "Steel Parade" (Jamaican and steel drum) from 5:30-7pm. Gates open about 30 minutes before. The adobe home is open until 5pm, self guided W-F and guided tours only on the hour on weekends.

LoveItaly

Taking the boat from LG to Catalina Island is a nice way to spend the day also luvlondon. You buy the tickets and catch the boat right down from the Queen Mary. My late husband basically grew up in LB and he had family there for years so LB has always been fun for me too. And like Tiff I love Belmont Shores. Thanks for the website Tiff! Luv, how relieved you must be to have your house back in order. Yes, no more hurricanes!

Tiff

Hey luvlondon ~ Ok, I know, it's me again, ha.

Seeing as you love the area so much, I wanted to take it a step further and ask you if you have been right next door to Belmont Shore to an area called Naples?

http://www.beachcalifornia.com/naples.html

Precious canals, lovely homes, little bridges. Very, very romantic. A great strolling place. It is exquisite during the Christmas holiday if you are ever there in December.

It is a lovely area. I once knew a fella there...

Tiff

p.s. Hi dear LoveItaly, just saw your post, how we do love Belmont, huh?

I wonder if we were ever there strolling at the same time and didn't know it!

luvlondon

rjw_lgb_ca and Tiff...you both have great suggestions. We are planning on more time in Belmont Shores. I purchased some gifts that I probably would never find where I live. I do like the idea from Tiff along with the link to Naples. My husband will like that idea also. Is it easy to get to from the area we'll be staying in? Hyatt Regency next to the convention center. We both like the easy transportation around LB and also the idea of not really needing to drive everywhere. rjw_lgb_ca it is always a small world we live in...Lake Charles is about 45-50 minutes from where we live. Thanks again everyone!

luvlondon

PS I forgot to ask... what is the weather like in LB in February?