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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.

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.

Long Beach's proximity to the Pacific Ocean creates a natural setting for aquatic sports. One of the most popular is water polo. The city is actually the home of some of the world's best water polo players that all began playing for Wilson High School. Many have since gone on to play on nationally recognized water polo teams that include the Cadet to National teams.