Things to Do Near Port of Long Beach

Pacific marine-life exhibits, touch areas, and galleries on Long Beach's waterfront.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

2-3 hours

Cost

$44.95 adults, $34.95 ages 3-11, free under 3

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check reservations and ticket rules for your date; allow a separate visit for the aquarium.

Lagoon-side paths and open space along Shoreline Drive.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

30 min - 1 hour

Cost

Free

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check for event-related access changes and choose a short route around the lagoon.

A historic ocean liner open for visitor experiences beside Long Beach's cruise terminal.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

3 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Self-guided tours from $20. Kids 4 and under free.

Best for: Kids who love boats, ships, and anything that floats

Pro tip: Check the tour or admission product you want; access to the ship's different spaces varies by ticket and event.

A marina-side beach and play area at Long Beach's Marine Park.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

15 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check water quality, posted swimming conditions, and lifeguard coverage; calm water is not a safety guarantee.

Long Beach Transit's seasonal water-taxi service across the harbor.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

30 min

Cost

$1 per person

Best for: Boat-obsessed kids, families who want a quick unique experience

Pro tip: Check the current seasonal or event timetable and the return trip before heading to a dock.

Scheduled whale-watching cruises departing from Long Beach.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

2-3 hours

Cost

$45 adults

Best for: Nature lovers, anyone who wants to be on the water before being on a ship

Pro tip: Check the departure point, duration, and cancellation terms; wildlife sightings depend on conditions.

A Japanese-style garden with a koi pond on the Cal State Long Beach campus.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

12 min from port

Time needed

30 min - 1 hour

Cost

Free

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check reservations, campus access, and current garden opening days before visiting.

Nature trails and visitor exhibits in Long Beach's El Dorado park area.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

Check your route to the terminal

Time needed

Choose a visit length that fits your plans

Cost

Check current admission, reservations, and optional charges.

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check the trail and visitor-center schedules separately, along with vehicle-entry charges and closure notices.

A historic ranch house and gardens in eastern Long Beach.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

Check your route to the terminal

Time needed

Choose a visit length that fits your plans

Cost

Check current admission, reservations, and optional charges.

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check current afternoon visiting hours, tour arrangements, and the residential security-gate entrance before traveling.

Themed escape-room games for groups in Long Beach.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

10 min from port

Time needed

1-1.5 hours

Cost

$36-40 per person

Best for: Teens who love puzzles, group bonding, competitive families

Pro tip: Choose the game after checking its age guidance, group size, duration, and booking availability.

Shops and restaurants along Second Street in Belmont Shore.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

15 min from port

Time needed

1-3 hours

Cost

Free to explore (shopping costs vary)

Best for: Shopping-obsessed teens, boba addicts, anyone who wants a chill SoCal vibe

Pro tip: Choose the businesses you want from current hours and plan your return trip to the cruise terminal.

Carousel and arcade-style play at Shoreline Village.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free to explore. Arcade games: $1-5 each. Carousel: $3.

Best for: Teens who want laid-back boardwalk fun without a big commitment

Pro tip: Check which attractions are operating before promising a ride or a game session.

Waterfront shops and dining overlooking Long Beach's harbor.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free to explore (shopping/dining costs vary)

Best for: Couples, anyone wanting a relaxed pre-cruise stroll

Pro tip: Check individual business hours and choose a short waterfront section if you are fitting in a small stop.

A waterfront cycling outing starting from Shoreline Village's rental location.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Bike rentals from $10/hour

Best for: Active teens, anyone who wants fresh air before a week on a ship

Pro tip: Check the available cycles, route rules, rider requirements, and return deadline before renting.

A Ferris-wheel stop at downtown Long Beach's Pike district.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

30 min

Cost

$5 per ride

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check the wheel's current operating hours and conditions; shopping hours alone do not confirm the ride is running.

A designated dog-use beach along Long Beach's oceanfront.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

15 min from port

Time needed

1 hour

Cost

Free

Best for: Dog lovers, teens who need to burn energy, beach time

Pro tip: Check the current dog-zone rules and hours; keep the visit appropriate for your comfort around dogs.

A Long Beach museum presenting Latin American and Latino art.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

10 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

$15 adults. Free first Sunday of each month.

Best for: Art lovers, culture seekers, couples

Pro tip: Check current exhibitions and opening days before setting aside a museum visit.

An ocean-overlooking museum with art and a historic bluff-top setting.

Plan for the day before

Drive time

12 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

$12 adults. Free first Friday of each month.

Best for: Art enthusiasts, couples, architecture fans

Pro tip: Check which museum location, galleries, and dining spaces you intend to visit.

An open-air downtown Long Beach shopping and entertainment destination.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

8 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free to explore (shopping costs vary)

Best for: Consider your group's interests and available time

Pro tip: Check individual shop and attraction hours before visiting.

Canal-side paths and bridges in Long Beach's Naples neighborhood.

A shorter stop; check your timing

Drive time

15 min from port

Time needed

1-2 hours

Cost

Free to walk. Gondola rides from about $150 for 2.

Best for: Couples, romantic pre-cruise experience

Pro tip: Choose a small walking route and respect the residential setting; boat activities require separate arrangements.