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.
If you are looking to spend some time outdoors and on the beach but would rather steer away from the crowds and all that goes with it, opt to visit Alamitos Bay Marina. This area is quite beautiful, but it is nicely positioned away from all of the tourist attractions and resorts, which makes it a kind of hidden treasure for outdoor lovers. The views are absolutely amazing and the weather is agreeable nearly every day.
When you visit the Pacific Island Ethnic Art Museum, you will be astounded at the various works of art and exhibits that all go to tell the story of how the various cultures in this part of the world overlap. In fact, it is the mission of this exceptional facility to incorporate the diversity of the different cultures of the Pacific islands, with a special focus on Micronesia, to offer a compelling and panoramic view of what each of these groups contributes to the region's history and way of life.
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.