Guest Activities and Tours
Welcome to Long Beach, a beautiful city by the sea!
There are many wonderful activities for you and your family to enjoy during your time in Long Beach. Shop Pine Avenue, Shoreline Village or The Pike. Pine Avenue has a wide variety of restaurants: Italian, Greek and classic seafood along with plenty of shopping. Shoreline Village offers the ambiance of an early California seaport with an eclectic array of shops featuring gifts, souvenirs and gourmet chocolates for the chocolate lover. The Pike at Rainbow Harbor is one of the most unique waterfront locations on the West Coast and the place to go if you want trendy retail shops and exciting entertainment.
Don’t forget the Queen Mary is just around the corner and is available for tours. The world-class Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific is virtually next door to the convention hotels. ACE registrants are eligible for a discounted Aquarium admission rate of only $7.00. Just visit the Aquarium’s ticket window after 2:00 p.m. and show your official Conventioneer Badge during your convention dates, or the weekend before and after. Limit one $7.00 admission per person, per badge.
Guest Hospitality Room
Registered guests are welcome to visit the Guest Hospitality Room during the day to greet old friends, meet new friends, enjoy refreshments and check out other activities.
Location: Beacon Ballroom, Hyatt Regency Long Beach
Hours:
| Monday, 23 April | 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday, 24 April | 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday, 25 April | 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. |
You may register as a guest if you are neither a geoscience professional nor involved in the petroleum industry. Guest registrations must be accompanied by a professional registration.
Enrichment Program
Learn the Basics of Wine Tasting and California Wine
SOLD OUT
Date: Tuesday, 24 April
Time: 1:00 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Hotel
Fee: $10
Includes: Guided tasting tour through Arroyo Robles Winery selections led by the winery owner.
Limit: 20 people
Learning how to taste wines is a straightforward adventure that will deepen your appreciation for both wines and winemakers. Look, smell, taste — start with your basic senses and expand from there; you will be tasting wines like the pros in no time. If you already enjoy wines, come and experience special blends from a unique California winery. The tasting will be conducted by the winery owner.
Guest tours
All guest tours will depart from and return to the Hyatt Regency Long Beach.
Participants should plan to arrive in the lobby 15 minutes prior to departure times.
1. Catalina Island Adventure
Date: Monday, 23 April
Time: 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Fee: $160
Includes: Transportation, boat passage and guide
Limit: Minimum 30 people
It may be only “26 Miles Across the Sea…” but with the feeling of being in a small village in the Mediterranean, Catalina Island is the perfect place to escape!
The adventure begins in Long Beach Harbor where you will board a high-speed catamaran. On board, take in ocean breezes while keeping your eyes peeled for glimpses of white-sided dolphins from the seats on the upper deck. Alternatively, you can head inside to enjoy snacks and a refreshing soda or cocktail while relaxing in airline-style seats.
Once on Catalina, you can explore the rustic city of Avalon and its surrounding wilderness areas. Favorite activities are the glass-bottom boat rides and the inland motor tour. Savor the catch of the day in the fine seafood restaurants, shop in quaint boutiques, or simply lie on the beach and sip a cool drink while the waves roll in.
The beauty of Avalon and the surrounding Pacific Ocean will be an adventure you won’t soon forget!
Optional Activities: Ticket offices are available upon arrival on the island for arranging additional excursions. Fees for additional excursions are not included in the fee for this tour.
2. Lights! Camera! Los Angeles!
Date: Tuesday, 24 April
Time: 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Fee: $95
Includes: Transportation, driving and walking tours, wireless audio headsets and guide
Limit: Minimum 30 people
With its sunny climate, magnificent coastline, tranquil deserts and snow-capped mountains, Los Angeles is a cosmopolitan, international city.
The expedition begins in downtown Los Angeles with a driving tour of the city and a stop at Olvera Street, the birthplace of Los Angeles. Enjoy the lively music of Mariachis and the vibrant colors of Mexican handicrafts while strolling back in time through this re-created Mexican pueblo.
The Los Angeles Entertainment District takes center stage as you visit the Music Center, which features broad plazas, animated water fountains, concert halls and famous theaters including the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Next, travel back in time to the golden era of Hollywood visiting famous Hollywood landmarks and attractions such as the Egyptian Theater, Hollywood & Highland and other famous Downtown Hollywood areas. A one-hour walking tour will take you down the three-block-radius path of the “Greats in Show Business.” Other highlights include: The Walk of Fame, Masonic Temple, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Kodak Theatre and Hollywood & Highland Retail and Entertainment Complex, where you will have free time to shop and grab lunch.
Then it is off to the land of the rich and famous. Beverly Hills boasts some of the world’s most luxurious shopping on the infamous Rodeo Drive at stores including Tiffany, Cartier, Christian Dior, Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel and Prada. There is also an extensive array of restaurants and cafes for an afternoon snack.
3. Getty Center and Santa Monica
Date: Tuesday, 24 April
Time: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Fee: $70
Includes: Transportation, audio headset and guide
Limit: Minimum 30 people
Set high on a hilltop overlooking Los Angeles, The Getty Center unites the J. Paul Getty Museum with the Institutes and Grant Program. Here you’ll enjoy the Getty’s collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
What you’ll see:
- European paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts, and European and American photographs
- A selection from the special collections of the Research Library at the Getty Research Institute
- Modern architecture and gardens
You will then depart for Santa Monica with free time to explore the city. Third Street Promenade is a European-style pedestrian avenue buzzing with hundreds of boutiques, nationally known retail stores and more than 75 restaurants.
Or check out the Santa Monica Pier, which offers invigorating attractions at Pacific Park. This amusement park features an assortment of carnival rides, eateries and countless boardwalk game booths and more.
