We just booked our trip to Southern California for March 2012, 4 days San Diego, 2 day in Long Beach staying onboard the Queen Mary. While I have a good grasp of what to do in San Diego, what about Long Beach??? Thanks!

Whale watching,trip to Catalina maybe.
I love staying on The Queen Mary,great Art deco lounge and real ghosts!

One day on Catalina and one day just exploring/enjoying the QM. There are several interesting tours of different aspects of the ship. Or maybe the Aquarium of the Pacific.

You can take a helicopter to Avalon on Catalina from very near the QM - basically across the parking lot. Only takes 15 mins and gives you a lot more time on the island than taking a cab to the ferry terminal and then sailing to Avalon.

We have heard from others about heading to Catalina also... I know nothing about it other than it comes highly recommended. Any input on that?

Are you renting a car?

When I have company we do some of these things
Belmont Shore stroll and dine
Signal Hilltop Park for an exercise walk and sunset view
Rancho Los Cerritos (especially if the wisteria is blooming)
www.rancholoscerritos.org and/or Rancho Los Alamitos
Earl Burns Miller Garden/Cal State Long Beach http://csulb.edu/~jgarden/
Long Beach Museum of Art/Claire's for brunch
http://www.lbma.org/ &/ or MOLAA http://www.molaa.org/

Sometimes if they don't have a Walmart they insist on going to the one in Lakewood.

I wouldnt spend a March day in Catalina(thats me)

the Aquarium in LB is nice and very close to the QM

Catalina could be nice in March or nasty,but a local weather report could help you decide. Sometimes the crossing can be rough in March due to wind.It's still safe,just call the Catalina Express and they'll give you the forecast.
I believe that The Express leaves directly from The Queen Mary pier.

When we went to Catalina the dock was right by the Queen Mary, so unless that has changed it will be very convenient for you, Jenny.

I also wanted to mention a restaurant that has always been fabulous. It is located in an old building that use to be a bank, back when banks were in beautiful buildings.

http://www.lopera.com/

"I believe that The Express leaves directly from The Queen Mary pier."

"When we went to Catalina the dock was right by the Queen Mary, so unless that has changed it will be very convenient for you, Jenny."

Nope -- that is why I suggested the helicopter. The Catalina Express no longer docks near the QM. It is over across the water not far from the Aquarium.

Thanks, janisj, it has been some time since I went to Catalina so I was not sure if the location was the same or not.

There is a water taxi at The Queen Mary that will take you The Express terminal for five bucks.

I think the water taxi only runs in the summer. It was not operating when I stayed on the QM last spring.

The red Passport C Bus runs year round between the QMary and the Aquarium.

March can be a little rough and cold for that crossing but you can check.

The restaurant in the bank is "L'Opera".

The upscale restaurant on the QM, Sir Winston's is good.

Yes, L'Opera, a personal favorite of mine. I can't be responsible for the website address.

My late FIL was on the board of directors when the building was a bank. Lots of good memories for the family.

Wow! Great replies!!!! I will definately keep an eye on the weather as March gets closer to see if it will cooperate with a trip to Catalina.... And I will also definately look into L'Opera!! We will be renting a car so getting around isn't an issue... well maybe it is due to traffic!! Not sure if we even want to try to venture into LA.... I don't want to spend most of our weekend driving.....

You win janisj.

While I understand your concerns about LA traffic, Long Beach is not that far from Anaheim, so you could do Disneyland if that idea appeals to you. In the other direction, taking the 405 up to the Getty Museum is do-able.

The trip took place a year ago.

Spamming old threads on the forum is not a good way to promote your business. Roxanne's was a neighborhood bar, but it now seems they are trying to promote it to a wider, hipper audience.

I will have to check you out and report back. I live about 4 blocks away. Best of luck. Hope the food matches they hype.