In early February, I headed to Long Beach, California for our annual corporate kick‑off—a three‑day stretch packed with travel, meetings, meals, and fun activities. These trips are always exciting, but they definitely keep you moving. Here’s a look at my experience, plus a few tips if you’re planning your own visit or cruising out of Long Beach soon.

Getting There: Early Flights & Uber Tips

I flew out of Sacramento early Monday morning and landed in Long Beach with plenty of time to settle in before the evening events. One thing I always recommend—especially for early flights or cities where rideshares can be hit‑or‑miss—is to schedule your Uber in advance.

For this trip, I scheduled four different Uber rides throughout my stay, and every single one was on time with fantastic drivers. It made the whole experience smoother and stress‑free.

Where I Stayed: Hilton Long Beach

Our team stayed at the Hilton Long Beach. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the location worked well for our schedule. The hotel itself is a bit outdated, and the food was just okay—not terrible, but nothing to rave about. Still, it served its purpose for a busy corporate trip.

Day 1: Arrivals, Recognition Dinner & Celebrating 2025

The first day was all about arrivals and reconnecting. That evening, we had a recognition dinner and a recap of a successful 2025. It’s always inspiring to hear how the company has grown and to celebrate the people who made it happen.

Day 2: 2026 Planning, Aquarium Fun & The Queen Mary

Day two was packed:

•  Breakfast & 2026 planning sessions

•  Lunch at the hotel

•  Group activity at the Long Beach Aquarium — and it was fantastic. The exhibits were beautiful, and it was a fun way to unwind with coworkers.

That evening, we headed to the Queen Mary, and this ended up being the highlight of the entire trip. We had dinner onboard and then had time to explore the ship. Even after wandering for quite a while, we only made it through half of it.

We found a bar with live music, and we just missed the haunted gift shop—which means I’ll have to go back. I enjoyed the ship so much that my wife and I decided we’ll stay there the night before our Carnival cruise in October. Since the Queen Mary and the Carnival terminal share the same parking area, it’s the perfect setup: enjoy a unique overnight stay, sleep in a bit, and then simply walk over to the terminal.

Day 3: Department Meetings & Heading Home

The final day was dedicated to department‑level meetings before heading back to the airport. It was a quick trip, but a fun and productive one.

Planning Your Own Long Beach Adventure

If you’re cruising out of Long Beach, I highly recommend arriving a day or two early. There’s so much to explore:

• Long Beach Aquarium
• The Queen Mary
• Magic Mountain
• Jet-Ski from Long Beach to Catalina Island
• Sporting events
• Concerts
• Museums
• Waterfront dining and shopping

It’s a great way to start your vacation relaxed instead of rushed.

Ready to Plan Your Next Getaway?

Whether you’re heading to Long Beach, setting sail on a cruise, or dreaming up your next big adventure, I’d love to help you plan it.

Contact Travels by Elijah for stress‑free, elevated travel planning.