My imagination gets away from me sometimes, but when I think about heaping mounds of delicious Maine lobster, I can’t help but add the unsightly details: murky gray skies, a crusty old fishing boat ribbed with barnacles, and a peg-legged fisherman long in the grips of aqua-dementia. What the heck, let’s give’em a cyborg arm too!
That’s my idea of Maine lobster festival, but thankfully for all of us, come September, Southern California has another idea entirely. September is officially “Lobster Month” in South Cali, and they’re celebrating in grand style with three lobster-packed festivals from Long Beach to Redondo. Here’s our sneak peek at them all:

Long Beach Lobster Festival
Dates: September 10-12, 2010
Location: Rainbow Lagoon, Shoreline Village Drive, Long Beach, CA
Admission: $13 General Admission, $25-50 with Lobster Feast
Declaring itself the largest lobster festival outside of Maine, the Long Beach Lobster Festival certainly isn’t short on things to see and do. Along with the signature Lobster Feast (paid in advance by your choice of ticket), the fest boasts loads of additional concessions, live concert stages, dancing and an entertainment stage just for the little ones. Stroll up to a bar … right on the beach!
2070 Newport Blvd., | Costa Mesa, CA, 92627
Phone: 949-631-6000 | Website: http://www.hiecostamesa.com/
One of our favorite hotels near Orange County Airport, the Holiday Inn Express Costa Mesa Hotel is great for flying in to the area and enjoying a peaceful, scenic stay not too far from the festival. A perfect in-and-out hotel with a stopover in Long Beach.

Port of Los Angeles Lobster Festival
Dates: September 17-19, 2010
Location: Ports ‘O Call Village, San Pedro, CA
Admission: $9 at the gate, free for children under $12
Boasting a Guinness world record for the most seafood served at an outdoor event, you can bet that San Pedro’s “Lobsterfest” is the inclusive choice. This festival has loads of style, notable attractions like live music and pirates, and at only $18 for the 1¼-lb. plate, a good value to the guest as well. Adventurers of all ages will love Pirate Camp.
9901 La Cienega Blvd. | Los Angeles, CA, 90045
Phone: 310-649-5151 | Website: http://www.hilax.com/
No matter what you’re doing in the Los Angeles area, the Holiday Inn LAX Airport hotel can be a convenient choice. A home base, if you will, the hotel is centrally located, offers a free airport shuttle, has free high-speed Internet and an on-site Tour & Attractions concierge to help you get the most of your time. We always have a rewarding stay.

Redondo Beach Lobster Festival
Dates: September 24-26, 2010
Location: Seaside Lagoon, Redondo Beach, CA
Admission: $6-10 General Admission, $30-50 Meal
From the spirited people to the sunny ambiance of beautiful Redondo Beach, this “Lobster Month” finale always manages to be our favorite. The Redondo Beach Lobster Festival continues the tradition of fresh Maine lobster, endless choices, live music, and fun for the kids. Setting itself apart, the festival plays up the turf to go along with the surf, and with a different theme every day, it’s always a whole new festival. (And, in our opinion, Redondo Beach has the best food, too!)
300 N. Harbor Drive | Redondo Beach, CA, 90277
Phone: 1-310-318-8888 | Website: http://www.cpredondobeachhotel.com/
You definitely won’t find a better hotel in Redondo Beach for visiting the Lobster Festival. The Crowne Plaza Redondo Beach Hotel is located across the street from the Seaside Lagoon. No driving, no parking, no hassles – plus, it’s just a great hotel. Comfortable and decked out with all the expected amenities. The hotel is actually featuring a Lobster Festival Package, which scores you a fun lobster plush doll and several other cool perks.
Lobster-ed out yet? No worries. “Lobster Month” is just getting started!
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