American Experss Travel

As long as there are stars in the California night sky, the Griffith Observatory throws a star party every night. The venue offers these free get-togethers with a little help from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. Also with the facility is the Samuel Oschin Planetarium; this planetarium gets in on the fun by offering $7 tickets to three exciting shows that spotlight the wonders of the universe, of the sea, and of the ocean. The observatory is also the home of the new Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon presentation theater, so there is much to do here between the time you are peering heavenward.

So you've been going casual the last few times you've gone out to enjoy the Long Beach nightlife. Try something completely different by dressing up and experiencing a first-class treatment when you make the Sky Room your destination for the evening. You will feel like you are in a Hollywood movie the moment you step into this classic nightlife venue. Enjoy pre-dinner cocktails and appetizers before your main entree. Of course, you must leave room for a scrumptious dessert. Enjoy all of this while a pianist adds just the right musical touch every night of the week except Saturdays when a seven piece orchestra performs melodies to complement a perfectly classic evening.

The Long Beach Carnevale is a masquerade in the true fashion of the carnival of Venice Italy. The Masquerade Party promises an evening of "mischief, madness & mayhem" at this adults-only celebration. Dress up in exotic costumes for this colorful festival. This tribute to the famed carnevale in Venice, Italy, has undergone several moves these past years, including a move indoors in 2010.

Taking a tour is always an adventure, but take that experience to new heights when you see it all from a bird's eye view on board the Island Express Helicopter tour. See the Long Beach coastline, rugged scenery and calming Pacific Ocean waves, among many other sights, when you cruise over the area in a state-of-the-art helicopter. Your pilot's first priority is your safety, and he will also be able to answer any questions you may have along the way.