Warm Up This Winter in Long Beach

Looking to trade snow banks for sand dunes? Escape the winter chill and soak up the sun in the coastal city of Long Beach, California.

Nestled along the Pacific Coast just 20 miles south of Los Angeles, Long Beach is home to many thriving districts, the East Village Arts District, brimming with galleries, coffee houses and eateries, to the charming seaside community of Belmont Shore where you can find a number of family-owned boutiques, restaurants and businesses. Steps away from the coastal town sit miles of beaches, perfect for families or sunbathers seeking relaxation and solitude.

Adventure seekers will appreciate Long Beach’s endless array of recreational outdoor and water-sport activities. From bike stations to various paths, avid cyclists will find enjoyment in one of the nation’s most bike-friendly cities. Water sport enthusiasts will delight in aqua-activities such as hydro-biking, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking. Sightseers can enjoy whale watching year-round, exploring the coast on a cruise, sailing or power boating. With just enough options for everyone, Long Beach is the perfect warm winter getaway.

Below are just a few ways to visit Long Beach this winter:

The Ultimate Biking Guide to Long Beach
Ranked as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the nation, Long Beach is the perfect location for cyclists to escape the cold. Whether biking alone or with family or friends, Long Beach offers a multitude of amenities for bikers while they bask in the warm rays of California sunshine.

Biking at its Best:

• Bike Nation will enhance cyclists’ overall experience of Long Beach and great waterfront attractions with its newly instated bike share program. Individuals can rent one of 2,500 bicycles at 250 kiosks throughout the city. http://wp.bikenationusa.com/
• Shoreline Bike Path is linked to the 29.1-mile Los Angeles River Bikeway, and gives riders a more intimate view of the Pacific Ocean as they cruise from Belmont Shores through Downtown Long Beach with plenty of places to stop, refuel, or rehydrate along the way. http://www.longbeach.gov/park/recreation/sports/bike_paths.asp
• Wheel Fun Rentals has a wide selection of cycles for the whole family to enjoy. From multi-seated bikes to tandems and cruisers, Wheel Fun Rentals has something for everyone. Provided with maps and helmets, riders can experience a self-guided bicycle tour around Shoreline Village, Naples and Seal Beach. http://www.wheelfunrentals.com/Locations/Long-Beach  

Warm Up to Water Sports:

• Kayaks on the Water provides kayakers and paddle-boarders the perfect water adventure experience with very little boat traffic, calm waters, and beautiful views of waterfront homes. Located directly across from the famous Naples Island Canals, visitors can also visit the moon jelly cove. http://www.kayakrentals.net/
• Long Beach Hydrobikes offers visitors views of Long Beach from a whole different perspective. View picturesque homes and wildlife, or stop for a bite to eat during a hydro-biking experience in Naples. Families can peddle their way to fun on double bikes http://www.lbhydrobikes.com/

Seaside Sightseeing:
Long Beach is the ideal place for some R&R. Its warm winter winds and sunny skies are the perfect conditions for some offshore sight seeing and boating.

Whale Watching, Boating and More:

• Catalina Express provides visitors with an hour boat ride off the coast of Long Beach to Santa Catalina Island and its picturesque town of Avalon. Catalina Island has long been a favorite getaway spot for Californians and a must-visit destination for visitors around the world. The island’s Mediterranean climates, laid back lifestyle and abundance of activities draw in guests year after year. http://www.CatalinaExpress.com
• Harbor Breeze Yacht Charters and Cruises provides daily harbor tours and whale watching tours that offer voyagers an up-close look at California Gray Whales as they make their way into the warm waters of Baja California. Dolphins and other sea life can also be seen during the off-season. Whale Watching Cruises include informative commentary, provided by an experienced staff. http://www.longbeachcruises.com/
• Long Beach Boat Rentals at Shoreline Village allows boaters to be their own skippers. Whether visitors are interested in riding runabout powerboats or enjoying a quiet day on the water aboard an electric Duffy boat cruising through Long Beach’s historic waterfront, they can find it here. http://www.boats4rent.com/
• Pelican Joe’s Bay Boat Rental commands a fleet of well-maintained Duffy, Electracraft and fishing boats for guest’s enjoyment. Equipped with iPod hook ups for listening to music and gourmet catering, Pelican Joe’s is perfect for a relaxing day on the water with friends. http://www.pelicanjoeboatrentals.com/