Trees in the Bay, Long Beach, CA

A Christmastime tradition in Long Beach, CA, Trees in the Bay, surround the island of Naples, in the Alamitos Bay. Above, a tree under a full moon.

Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, CA

If you're driving the California Coast and staying as close to the water as possible, you will travel the length of the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles via the Vincent Thomas Bridge and a stretch of highway that connects Long Beach and San Pedro. Locals use this route to avoid congestion on the 405 freeway. September and October are the busiest months for the port as all of the Christmas merchandise arrives from overseas. Take an educational and somewhat scenic tour of the harbor with Harbor Cruises.

View of the Harbor from the waterfront in San Pedro, CA

Heavy lifting equipment.

Update on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 07:40PM by Karin Jeske

The Vincent Thomas Bridge connects San Pedro, CA and the Port of Los Angeles.

Harbor lights at dusk.