Mission Gate Kennels

Ever wonder how California assimilated the cultures of the Native Americans, the Mexicans and the Spanish? Connect all of the individual influences and learn about how they helped shape the California that we know today when you visit the Rancho Los Alamitos. This attraction has earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places not just for its cultural significance, but also for maintaining its historic ranch, ranch house and gardens that date all the way back to 1800.

Pyramids hold a kind of mysterious allure. Satisfy your kids' curiosity (and your own) when you pay a visit to the Walter Pyramid on the campus of California State University in Long Beach. This architectural attraction is hard to miss as its pyramid shaped structure creates a truly arresting image on the area's skyline. It is only one of three pyramid-shaped buildings in the country and is used for various functions on campus that include sporting events and conferences as well as weddings and even a backdrop for filming commercials and movies.

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.

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.