This Southern California beach city is a treasure trove of diverse, one-of-a-kind experiences for meeting groups, especially when it comes to art and culture.
DAY 1: TAKE IT TO THE STREETS
11:00 AM
Begin your day with a satisfying brunch -- and breathtaking views of the Pacific at Claire's at the Museum Restaurant at the Long Beach Museum of Art. Afterward, head straight to the new "Vitality and Verve: Transforming the Urban Landscape" exhibit (open through Sept. 27) to view some truly stunning -- and powerful -- urban contemporary mural art.
5:00 PM
In June, Long Beach hosted its first ever Pow! Wow! Long Beach art festival, and now you can enjoy the murals created by more than 15 renowned artists. Organize a walking tour, or set up a driving tour. Just make sure you end your evening at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, which is home to three different murals from Pow! Wow! Two are located in newly transformed porte cochere area, which can be used for street party-style events with food trucks, music, and incredible lighting.
DAY 2: ON THE WATER
10:00 AM
When you meet on board the Queen Mary, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time. The majestic ship, which first sailed in 1936, offers more than 80,000 square feet of meeting and event space in 14 authentic Art Deco salons. She's called Long Beach home for the past 48 years since retiring back in 1967.
6:30 PM
Another water-based activity unique to Long Beach is a scenic gondola ride with Gondola Getaway. Located in Belmont Shore, Gondola Getaway whisks you away on authentic Venetian watercrafts, cruising past the spectacular homes and canals of Naples Island. Go just before sunset, and bring a few bottles of wine and some snacks. Groups ranging in size from 10 to 50 are easily accommodated.
8:00 PM
In Belmont Heights, not far from Gondola Getaway, The Attic on Broadway serves up Southern comfort food with a twist. Housed within a renovated craftsman-style home, this all-day dining venue serves up rib-sticking dishes like its decadent Mac 'N' Cheetos.
DAY 3: YOU CAN ALWAYS GO DOWNTOWN
12:00 PM
Take advantage of the sunny weather by hosting an outdoor lunch reception at the Museum of Latin American Art. The Sculpture Garden has an outdoor theater, state-of-the-art A/V equipment, and a 30-foot projection screen. It accommodates anywhere from 375 to 1,000.
6:00 PM
Cap off your meeting with a gala at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Its unique event spaces include the Great Hall of the Pacific, which can accommodate up to 500. You can also dine in various galleries throughout the aquarium, and feel as though you're actually dining under the sea.
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This article appears in the August 2015 issue of Successful Meetings.