Adventures With Reptiles

Every August, the sounds of America's music – jazz – fills the Long Beach air. Fans of this historic musical genre gather at Rainbow Lagoon Park to hear some of the top artists on the scene performing during the Long Beach Jazz Festival. This popular three day event is staged on a beautiful grassy knoll in the park that makes for an experience that is as visually stunning as it is aurally pleasing. The festival also features a great selection of food, arts and crafts, as well as the wares of various vendors.

Art is born out of both inspiration and reflection. A specific geographic area can inspire the creation of some truly amazing art as well as reflect the attitudes and feelings of a particular point in time. Nowhere is that more obvious than at Long Beach's Museum of Latin American Art. These works seem to come alive with both a dimensionality and a spiciness that gives them a personality all their own. The facility was founded in 1996 and holds the distinction of being the only museum of its kind in the United States.

Sailing is a popular sport in Long Beach, and the Congressional Cup sailing event is held in Long Beach every April. The event which began in 1964 has grown into one of the world's most recognized sailing events. The one-on-one race is similar to the America's Cup competition, so it is not surprising that the winners of the Congressional race go on to win the America’s Cup as well.

When you need a pick-me-up, recharge in a unique way by grabbing a cup of coffee at Long Beach's Royal Cup Cafe. This shop specializes in gourmet coffee and tea as well as delicious panini sandwiches, sweet smoothies and much more. While stopping in and getting your caffeine fix on the go, you may want to make time to sit at one of the many tables and enjoy the artistically eclectic environment. Open for breakfast, lunch or a late night cup of tea, this quaint cafe gives you the chance to revitalize and recharge in a really royal way.