I thought it might be interesting to do one more photo array from our California trip, this one from Long Beach.

Neither Pete nor I had ever been there, even though it is a big part of the LA Megalopolis, and we were particularly interested in what they had done to their waterfront area, and could we glean any lessons for our goals for Buffalo.

The answer is a resounding yes!

Like Buffalo Long Beach actually has a long and colorful history - the city was a gateway to European immigrants in the late 1800s, many working in the port and shipping industries. In the early 1900s the largest amusement park on the west coast took shape on the waterfront. Much of it is gone now, but historical markers and period murals mark the locations. In its stead is a very vibrant and colorful waterfront, with marinas, parks, shopping centers, restaurants, wharf style buildings hugging the water, and even chains like PF Changs and Outback (noooooooooooo! say the hipsters!). Separating the waterfront from downtown is an at grade boulevard (yeah had to get that in).

Check out the pics. You like? We did!

The main boulevard separating downtown from the waterfront. Check out that pedestrian bridge designed like a roller coaster

That building in the right foreground is actually a parking ramp. Nice.

Replica period buildings hugging the shoreline.

One of the pretty walking paths

Chain eateries! Oh the horror the horror!

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