Grace Lutheran Church

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.

Even though Belmont Shore tried to break away and establish itself as a city in its own right, it is still technically a part of Long Beach, California. No matter, really, because fans of this impressive district know that in addition to excellent shopping, dining and entertainment, there are plenty of great family fun attractions to enjoy here, too. There's free fishing off the Belmont Memorial Pier, beach volleyball, a dog beach, a jet ski ramp, a paved path for biking and skating, Belmont Pool and lots of other great amenities that make spending a day here fun for the whole family.

Jazz is the type of music that exudes class and style. So it stands to reason that a club that features this uniquely American musical genre would be just as appealing. And, Long Beach's Roscoe's Seabird Jazz Lounge most definitely is. Every Friday and Saturday night from 8 to midnight, enjoy live jazz music from the Dale Black Quartet, the venue's house band. They perform classic jazz from John Coltrane, Charlie Mingus and Miles Davis, just to name a few. In addition to a great atmosphere, a great bar selection and excellent service, the quartet also performs Sunday afternoons from 2:30 to 6:30.

Compton Creek Regional Garden Park is one of many naturally picturesque places in Long Beach that provides solace from the everyday hustle and bustle. The park has many excellent amenities, but one of the most popular is the winding walking trail that stretches out for approximately 2.5 miles. The recreation trail is marked and well maintained and promises a great aerobic workout any time of day.