International Motorcycle Show at Long Beach, CA

Long Beach City Guide

Average temperatures are from 50° to 73°F in December.

Things to Do

Shoreline Village at Rainbow Harbor is full of restaurants, entertainment and shopping — and it's right across the street from the convention center. Below are a few other area attractions. shorelinevillage.com

Aquarium of the Pacific: With a shark lagoon, films and various kid-friendly wildlife exhibits about the creatures of the Pacific Ocean. 110 Aquarium Way. 562-590-3100. aquariumofthepacific.org

Catalina Island: If you've got a day or two to spare, hitch a ride on one of the hourly boat rides departing Long Beach harbor to this neighboring island. There are lots of tours, adventure sports and other recreational activities from which to choose. visitcatalinaisland.com

The Queen Mary: You can stay at this floating hotel during the show, or do some exploring in your free time. Popular attractions include the "Ghosts and Legends" walk-through show, which takes you through the most haunted parts of the ship. 1126 Queens Highway. 800-437-2934. queenmary.com

Where to Ride

Pacific Coast Highway: Riding along Highway 1 is a great way to get your fill of Southern California's beach cities. Ride it south to San Diego or north to Santa Monica.

Restaurants

High-end
L'Opera Ristorante: Italian dishes like beef and gorgonzola pasta, roasted chicken ravioli and martinis are what make South Bay residents come back for more. It's often touted as one of the best date spots in Long Beach. 101 Pine Ave. 562-491-0066. lopera.com

Frenchy's Bistro: This wine bar received a 27 out of 30 rating from the Zagat guides. Expect menu items like braised lamb shanks, duck confit and wild boar pate. Wines offered are primarily from California and France. 4137 E. Anaheim St. 562-494-8787. frenchysbistro.com

Mid-range
Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles: The famous Los Angeles southern eatery has a Long Beach outpost with an almost identical look and feel. If you haven't tried any of the cheeky-named chicken and waffle combos, you don't know what you're missing. 730 E. Broadway. 562-437-8355. roscoeschickenandwaffles.com

Cheap eats
At Last Café: Gourmet food (its chef is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in New York) at rock-bottom prices. Brick-roasted chicken with smashed potatoes, veggies and gravy will run you a mere $10. There's always a wait, so reservations are recommended. 204 Orange Ave. 562-437-4837.

Where the locals go:
Enrique's Mexican Restaurant: This restaurant has been around for longer than locals can remember. Pork chops with chili verde sauce are cooked to medium-rare perfection; it and all other dishes are made using locally grown and raised ingredients. 6210 E. Pacific Coast Highway. 562-498-3622.

Helpful Links for Travelers: