Cantrell Green Pekich Cruz

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.

Make an escape without having to go too far from home when you plan a visit to the Palos Verdes Portuguese Bend Trail. You will be immediately struck by the amazing views of the Pacific Ocean that you can enjoy as you make your way along this very well-maintained trail along the Palos Verdes Peninsula. The trail is popular with walkers, hikers, bikers and horseback riders. This is most definitely a great way to enjoy the outdoors and the area's natural beauty from a completely different perspective.

See Alamitos Bay from a truly unique (and romantic) perspective when you tour the area from an authentic Italian gondola. Gondola Getaway makes this special tour possible, as they offer you and your sweetheart a chance to see the harbor and the bayfront from a memorable vantage point. To add an even more authentic touch, the gondolier will croon upon request. The tour also includes complimentary appetizers to make your excursion even more relaxing.

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.