With one of the second-busiest ports in the world and a population of more than a half-million, Long Beach is one of the West Coast's most important cities. It's proximity to L.A. and San Diego is a mixed blessing - it's easy to get to but somewhat overlooked by many tourists. There's much to see and do here, however, and a prominent GLBT community that convenes each May for one of the country's largest Pride Festivals. Here's a photo tour of Long Beach, from gay bars to historic neighborhoods.
 The Queen Mary oceanliner, which is today a hotel and popular attraction |  The Falcon, a hipster-infested gay dive bar on East Broadway |  Art Theatre, a classic art deco indie moviehouse on East 4th Street |  The Center, an LGBT community space along the funky 4th Street Retro Row |
 Hot Java Community Coffeehouse, a GLBT-popular cafe on East Broadway |  Belmont Shore beach (the gay-popular section across from Club Ripples) |  Hamburger Mary's gay bar and restaurant, on East Broadway just east of downtown |  The Silver Fox, a gay neighborhood bar just off the 4th Street Corridor |
 Retro Row, a stretch of E. 4th Street rife with vintage design shops |  Turret House B&B, in downtown Long Beach |  Lola's Mexican Cuisine, a Guadalajara-inspired restaurant on East 4th Street |  Paradise piano bar and restaurant, a favorite GLBT hangout on East Broadway |
