. The Lincoln Memorial is located along the west-side walkway of the Lincoln skatepark…read more + So grateful to be able to find free parking amidst downtown Long Beach. Crowded, but you may find spots along W Ocean Blvd. Just pay attention to signs to avoid street sweeping (Tuesdays 5-8am). - Vagabond presence. - A whiff of weed. - A half basketball court seems to be the only official sports field there. + A 3min walk to the Pike Outlets and the LB Convention Center. + A giant penny is erected near the Ocean Blvd & Pacific Ave intersection.

"...a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created…read moreequal." Abraham Lincoln Memorial Statue Lincoln in Long Beach? As odd as it sounds here he proudly stands in California! Abraham Lincoln has to be my all-time favorite President, John F. Kennedy in second. So what's the story behind Abe creeping in SoCal? First, check this out about my two all-time favorite presidents... * Both presidents were elected to Congress in '46 (1846; 1946). * Both were elected to the U.S. presidency in '60 (1860; 1960). * "Lincoln" and "Kennedy" each have 7 letters. * Both were particularly concerned with civil rights. * Both wives lost a child while living in the White House. * Both Presidents were shot on a Friday. * Both were shot in the head. * Lincoln's secretary, "Kennedy", warned him not to go to the theatre. Kennedy's secretary, "Lincoln", warned him not to go to Dallas. * Both were assassinated by Southerners. * Both were succeeded by Southerners. * Both successors were named "Johnson". * Both successors were born in '08 (1809; 1909). * Both assassins, John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald, were born in '39 (1839; 1939). * Both assassins were known by their three names. * Each assassin's name is composed of fifteen letters. * Booth ran from the theater and was caught in a warehouse; Oswald ran from a warehouse and was caught in a theater. * Booth and Oswald were assassinated before their trials. Eerie prophecies or just coincidence? It's for you to decide. But one thing is certain is Abraham Lincoln stood nearly 6' 5" tall which made him the tallest president in American history. Tho his top hat made him look more like 10-feet tall and what's up with that stylish hipster beard? Damn cool! To see the Abraham Lincoln Memorial Statue today head towards the entrance of the Long Beach Downtown Library on Pacific Ave. So yes, you might have to hop over crackheads and the less fortunate to see him, but let's not forget the meaning of the Gettysburg Address... "all men are created equal". The statue is a century old replica of Augustus Saint-Gaudens' "Standing Lincoln," in Chicago. The Long Beach Lincoln was revealed at Lincoln Park in 1915 where he stood for six decades. Later finding a home on Pacific Ave. where he currently stands. In the end, it's an interesting site for those into history or the curious. Abe looks almost misplaced in Long Beach, but it's refreshing to know how he continues to inspire so many. I cringe about today's politics. In my eyes something spiritual resonated about this amazing man...

As a kid this place was so magical. I can remember the long lines of cars waiting to get to have…read moreSanta and his helpers handing out a candy cane for each person in the car. And all the amazing decorations that adorned each house. Everywhere you looked there was an awesome site to be seen. The island was always decked out with the city decorations. Sad to say now a days the city still holds up there part to an extent. They have the opening day parade which is still quite nice. But the home owners have somewhat let go over the years. I don't know if they just got old or if it's the new generation but for some reason it just seems that the Christmas spirit has kinda disappeared over the years. Makes me kinda sad. But none the less find opening day and see the parade and you will still enjoy. Guess it just part of life to grow up and see things change. Anyway happy holidays YELP.

This is such a fun time where the Wrigley community comes together to celebrate the holidays…read more Although we are not the most notable area of Long Beach, we are definitely noticed for this! This is a modest yet exciting parade that goes up and down Daisy aka Christmas Tree Lane. There are marching bands from locals high school, cheerleaders, and all sorts of local businesses and organizations. It is such a fun way to celebrate Christmas while also coming out to support the community. If you are planning on attending, make sure you remember how crazy parking will be! get there early, and be prepared to walk a few blocks. If you live close, WALK! We live about 3/4 blocks away, and all the parking on our street is taken during this time. But don't let this stop you from attending! Grab your family, some hot chocolate, and a warm coat, and enjoy this festive parade!

A Long Beach landmark and Los Angeles County, must!…read more The Lions Lighthouse is apart of the Shoreline Aquatic Park off the beaten path from Shoreline Drive by the Aquarium of the Pacific (where I had my high school prom) and a few nice skips away from the Pike Outlets. It's a big silo that is more lively at night as it glows/lights up. Built in the late 1850s, this tourist attraction is along the L.A. river and has a nice view of the Queen Mary and lots of Long Beach as it's slightly uphill. It's not a fully functional lighthouse so you aren't able to enter it, but can enjoy it's beauty day and night in the LBC. Lots of attractions, eateries, sitting spots, shops and fun nearby. It could use a little tlc, but I'm sure it's due to the weather and normal aging. Paid parking nearby. Make sure you grab some photo-worthy keepsakes of this iconic lighthouse.

This local attraction serves as a memorial for my girlfriend as for that weekend we spent on the…read morewater. Just enjoying the scenery we became curious and wandered jokingly onto its location

Dr. José Protasio Rizal Mercado y Alonso Realonda 1861 -…read more1896 Philippine National Hero. Born on 19 June 1861. Doctor, Poet, Writed, Educator, Linguist, Inventor. Authored novels Noli Me Tangere (1887) and El Filibusterismo (1891) which bared colonial oppression of Pilipinxs. He advocated nonviolent struggle for freedom but was charged with inciting dissent. The living soul of the 1896 Philippine Revolution, he was executed on 30 December 1896. His martyrdom inspired a sense of nationhood that eventually led to the Proclamation of Philippine Independence in 1898. Installed in Commemoration of Jose Rizal's 150th Birth Anniversary.

While going through one of the hardest moments in my life I found very little things that would…read morecomfort me. Generally speaking, most people and nurses would understand and have a sense of compassion, it is unfortunate that the few that are not would have to ability to take what little comfort I found while trying to support my husband after having a stroke. I would visit Monday through Sunday attempting to find any sense of normalcy. One particular nurse named Toshi came in an asked, "Do you need anything?" I was assuming he was speaking to my husband the patient (Jonathan) So I did not pay too much attention, he then said that I needed to have the mask on. I completely understood and I told ok I will, I noticed him staring at me so I told him I was going to finish a math problem I was working on really quick, and I will put it on. Within seconds he called the charge nurse, I told the charge nurse the same thing that I was going to put it on I just wanted to finish a math problem before I was timed out. I was confused because I agreed to put it on and I though that if I advised them why I didn't want to stop right away they would understand. I spoke with the doctor because she was advised of the problem, I did not feel a sense of understanding. I understand there are polices and I am also aware of the rise in covid cases, but the truth of the matter is that I kiss my husband and we are well over 6 feet from anyone. I was more than willing to put on a mask, but I guess I did not do it fast enough. As if that was not enough the nurse Toshi returned twice after that, after returning the first time my husband requested a charge nurse to speak to, Toshi failed to get the charge nurse but came back again to provide me with the hospital rules. All I am saying is that I feel these nurses should have some compassion, I agreed to put on the mask, but I felt like a child being scolded. Even after speaking with the doctor, she stated she would switch the nurse but didn't, our concerns fell on deaf ears. It's been hard, if Toshi would have just given me 5 minutes.

One of the best places for rehabilitation. I broke my hip and femur and the day after I was…read moreadmitted they had me up and walking. The staff is awesome and very caring. The therapists are top notch, very personable and very experienced. The improvement I saw during the time I was there was amazing. So glad I was there after my surgery and continue to go there for additional therapy.

For years I'd noticed a seriously chewed-up old bench on a street corner in the residential area of…read morelower Hollywood Riviera in Torrance. The wood was rotted in sections, the paint was chipped & I could see it needed help. On the bench, a plaque: "Betty's Bench, In Loving Memory, 1920-1998". How nice for walkers to have a spot to sit a spell as they exercise dogs or just meander around the sleepy neighborhood on foot, I thought. But how sad that the bench seems to be falling apart. When I see memorial benches in parks, I always pause to read the dedications. Someone cared enough to put them there, so I'll care enough to notice the heartfelt tributes. Eventually my curiosity led me to investigate Betty's Bench's purpose & origin: Betty was a school principal who apparently lived at the intersection where the bench is located. At that time a school bus would pick up kids on the corner (of Via La Circula & Camino del Campo). Kids would have to sit on the ground waiting for the bus....until Betty's husband built the bench, adding the plaque after she passed away. Finally I understood why the bench is so long - room for several kids. The bench is no longer in the deteriorating condition as I first saw it, thanks to volunteers who restored it (a police officer & a firefighter, both retirees). Obviously, Betty's Bench is more than just a bench. It speaks of human kindness, caring, consideration, appreciation. Love is expressed in many forms. "We never know how high we are Till we are called to rise; And then, if we are true to plan, Our statures touch the skies - " - Emily Dickinson

After 1.5 Billion dollars and many years of construction, Saturday, May 20th was finally the grand…read moreopening of the long awaited Mark Bixby Memorial Bicycle Pedestrian Path and hundreds came for the ribbon cutting ceremony. It was great to be there to witness this momentous event. Here is a great video of the entire bridge bicycle and walking path: https://youtu.be/XbAcOHqhEdw Speakers included a representative from the United States Department of Transportation, Caltrans, the Congressional Representative from Long Beach, and many Long Beach City officials. Of course, the family of late Mark Bixby was there. Mr. Bixby was instrumental in getting this path built years ago when it was in the planning stages. Unfortunately, he subsequently died in a plan crash and the Bridge Path is named after him. 100's of cyclist road the path over the bridge for the 1st time and I was there to capture this in many photos posted here. I will remember this event for a lifetime. If you are in the area on bicycle or on foot--you owe it to yourself to walk or ride this incredible path, a true testament of modern engineering and design. There are 3 cutout lookout bench sitting spots along the way. Views are remarkable--the port, the ocean, and the downtown Long Beach all from high up. I am proud to be able to bring this listing to YELP so that others in years to come visit and pay respect to Mark Bixby. Path is open 5 AM to 9 PM everyday and has a separate walking and cycling path. *It's approximately 3 miles Round-Trip from the start at Ocean Blvd and Golden Lantern (diagonally across the street from the Long Beach Hilton Hotel)--NOT the location above suggested by Yelp. The direction location Yelp is using is the Long Beach City Headquarters a half-mile from the entrance to the path. News Report Link: https://www.presstelegram.com/2023/05/20/mark-bixby-bike-path-on-long-beach-international-gateway-bridge-opens/

A few weeks ago, I went on this pathway for the first time and got an incredible work out. The…read morepathway itself is a little under 3 miles long but there were some rolling like hills on it which helped me to get a much better cardio workout. It's not the most beautiful bridge that I have ever been on, but it does allow you to experience some of the Long Beach atmosphere and I have always liked Long Beach a lot. The next time I am in Long Beach I will definitely go back to the pathway again.

Beautiful park Perfect place to take pictures…read more We had an amazing time making memories with the photos for my sons prom.

The tree is so much prettier in person ! Love old Southern California nature! They have small…read moreartifacts and pictures of old Anaheim.