Azteca Landscape

Her voice was unmistakable. The musical legacy of Karen Carpenter will never be forgotten. And, to remember her immeasurable contribution to popular music, the Carpenter Performing Arts Center in Long Beach bears her name as well as continues her tradition of excellence. This 1,074-seat entertainment venue presents a steady schedule of both large and small performing ensembles, film screenings, concerts, conferences and other special events. So from comedy to drama, from rock to ballet and everything in between, see it come to life on stage at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center.

The Dominguez Gap Trail is located in north Long Beach where the two side-channel wetlands parallel the Los Angeles River. Walking this recreation trail offers several stunning views, including the 30-acre east basin. The trail is somewhat difficult to access, and while walking any time of year is fine, the walk proves to be even more enjoyable during the wetter parts of the year.

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.