A Rainy Day in ....Long Beach, CA
story and photos by Kayte Deioma
Everyone knows it doesn’t rain in Southern California. At least not between May and October. Not until last year when it actually sprinkled a few drops in July. Rain in July? Not possible. But I’m a witness. It happened. So you never know when you might just need some rainy day alternatives.
Many people come to Long Beach from far away places to sun 
themselves on the beach. With only 32 days of rain per year, you have a reasonably good chance of visiting Long Beach on a day when it’s not raining. One might expect the other 333 days to be sunny. They usually are…eventually…after the infamous “marine layer” burns off. But if you happen to arrive in the middle of June gloom – which, despite the nomenclature, can last from May through September – and you’ve had enough of lying on the beach under your beach towel to keep warm, you might want to check out some of the great indoor alternatives Long Beach can offer.
There are more Long Beach rainy day options on the Southern California Links page.
Secrets of the Queen Mary Revealed
Long Beach ’s most familiar attraction is also a great rainy day destination. The RMS Queen Mary, the former luxury ocean liner and WWII military transport, is now a Hotel, museum and constantly evolving attraction. The Queen can keep you occupied indoors for a couple days, and you still may not have time to discover all her secrets. Guides expert in the illustrious lady’s bipolar past can introduce you to both of her historic personalities. Others will expose the skeletons in her closets, boilers and guest rooms.
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Getting in the Game: Gameworks at the Pike has something for everyone
According to manager Jeff Walker, Gameworks at the Pike is more of an adult playground and bar than a kid zone, but I found a good mix of business people, families with kids and teens on dates out for fun on a Thursday evening. Matt Landers was adding the professional touch to the Watson Land Company team bowling in a necktie, while in the next lane Michael Sr. was bowling with his sons Michael, 11, and Denzel, 9.
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Cozy up to an East Village Cafe
The Long Beach East Village Arts District is starting to be known for its art activities, but it is also becoming a Mecca for coffee lovers and a good place to find a cozy shelter from the rain. Bring your guidebook, journal, or laptop, and spend a few hours on a comfy sofa or leather easy chair imbibing your favorite hot or cold coffee, tea or healthy alternative beverage. Five unique independent coffee houses within three blocks give the caffeine addict ample opportunities to find the perfect fix. They’re also a great place to meet the locals and learn about what else is happening in the neighborhood.
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