Things to Do Near Port of Long Beach

California's largest aquarium, with sea otters, penguins, touch pools and a million things to point at.

Best for: Toddlers through elementary age, families who want an easy half-day activity

Pro tip: The shark touch pool and tide pool tanks are where kids lose their minds. The Lorikeet Forest lets kids hand-feed brightly colored birds — bring a camera. Stroller-friendly throughout. There's a cafe inside so you don't have to leave for lunch. Go early before the school groups arrive. The shark lagoon touch pool is the highlight for most teens — you can actually pet a shark. The Pacific Visions immersive theater is wild. Lorikeet Forest lets you hand-feed colorful birds. Budget 2-3 hours minimum — there's a lot to see.

A classic carousel, candy shops and a waterfront boardwalk, all at toddler speed.

Best for: Toddlers and preschoolers, families who want a mellow morning

Pro tip: The carousel is the centerpiece — painted horses, bells, the whole nine yards. After that, walk the boardwalk and count the boats. There are candy stores, ice cream shops, and usually a guy making balloon animals on weekends. Low-key and zero stress. The arcade has old-school games plus newer stuff. Grab ice cream and walk the boardwalk — there are telescopes for harbor views and usually street performers on weekends. Low-key and fun without eating up your whole morning. Walk the boardwalk from Parkers' Lighthouse all the way around to the harbor entrance. The views of the city skyline, the Queen Mary, and your cruise ship in the distance are great for photos. Multiple restaurants and ice cream shops line the path. The AquaBus water taxi runs from here over to the Queen Mary area for pocket change.

Tiny waterfront park with ducks, fountains and a grassy lawn. Ideal for burning off toddler energy.

Best for: Families with toddlers who need to run around before being confined to a ship

Pro tip: This little park sits between the convention center and Shoreline Village. The ducks and fountains keep little ones entertained. It's flat, safe, and enclosed enough that you're not chasing kids toward traffic. Combine with a Shoreline Village walk for a full morning.

Walk the outer decks of a legendary 1930s ocean liner that kids will read as a pirate ship.

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

Pro tip: Little kids don't need the full tour — just walking the decks and looking at the massive anchor, funnels, and lifeboats is thrilling for them. The ship is enormous and they'll feel like explorers. It's right next to the cruise terminal so timing is easy. The Haunted Encounters tour is the one teens want — it covers the ship's reportedly haunted spots including the first-class swimming pool and engine room. The Queen Mary has been featured on multiple paranormal TV shows. Even skeptical teens will be entertained. You're literally walking past this ship on the way to board your Carnival cruise. The Glory Days tour covers the ship's WWII history and art deco interiors. Even if you skip the paid tour, walk the outer decks for free views of the harbor and your cruise ship. The Observation Bar inside is worth a cocktail.

Sheltered beach with no waves and shallow water — basically a giant toddler pool with sand

Best for: Families with toddlers and young swimmers who want beach time without waves

Pro tip: This beach is inside the Alamitos Bay marina, so the water is calm, shallow and warm. No waves, no rip currents, and parents can actually relax. There's a playground adjacent and public restrooms. Pack a towel and sunscreen, rinse off, and head to the port. It can get busy on weekends.

A pocket-change water taxi across the harbor, and a mini boat ride that feels enormous to little kids.

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

Pro tip: The AquaBus shuttles between Shoreline Village, the Aquarium and the Queen Mary on a short loop. For pocket change, your kid gets a boat ride across the harbor with views of everything. It is the cheapest fun in Long Beach. Check the current schedule before you build your morning around it.

Sail out of Rainbow Harbor looking for blue whales, grays and dolphins in the channel.

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

Pro tip: Gray whale season runs December through April — perfect timing for winter cruisers. Blue whales show up in summer. The boats depart from Shoreline Village and take you out past the breakwater. Morning trips tend to have calmer seas. Bring layers — it's always cooler on the water.

Koi ponds, waterfalls and footbridges in a tranquil Japanese garden that lands surprisingly well with kids.

Best for: Families who want a calm, beautiful experience without crowds

Pro tip: Located on the Cal State Long Beach campus. The koi fish are the star attraction for kids, swarming whenever people approach. Footbridges, waterfalls and a tea house make it feel like stepping into another world. Paths are stroller-accessible. Check the garden's open days before you drive over.

Themed escape rooms downtown, running Pirates of Tortuga, Haunted Manor and Wizard Trials for groups.

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

Pro tip: The Wizard Trials room is the most popular with teens, Harry Potter vibes without the trademark. Book online in advance, since time slots can fill up. Groups of 4-6 work best. The Pine Avenue location is easy to find.

Skate shops, vintage stores and boba tea on every corner of Long Beach's coolest shopping strip.

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

Pro tip: 2nd Street has a totally different energy from the touristy waterfront — this is where actual Long Beach teens hang out. Polly's Gourmet Coffee for a caffeine stop, plus plenty of vintage and surf shops to browse. The beach is one block south if you want to dip your toes. 2nd Street is Long Beach's Main Street — about a mile of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. Start at PCH and walk east. Polly's Gourmet Coffee is a local institution. The beach is one block south if you want sand between your toes before a week at sea.

Rent bikes at Shoreline Village and cruise the flat, scenic waterfront path down to Belmont Shore.

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

Pro tip: The Long Beach bike path is one of the best in SoCal — flat, wide, and gorgeous. Rent from one of the shops near Shoreline Village and ride east along the beach toward Belmont Shore. It's about 3 miles one way with ocean views the entire route. Electric bikes available if your teen wants to go farther.

A quick ride on the waterfront Ferris wheel at The Pike, with panoramic harbor and skyline views.

Best for: Quick activity, photo ops, anyone with 30 minutes to kill

Pro tip: It's small but the views from the top are solid — you can see the Queen Mary, your cruise ship, and the Long Beach skyline. Great for photos. Located right at The Pike Outlets so you can combine it with shopping.

The only off-leash dog beach in LA County. You don't need a dog of your own to be entertained.

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

Pro tip: Dozens of dogs running, swimming, and playing fetch make this the most entertaining free activity in Long Beach. Even without a dog, it's a blast to watch. The beach itself is wide and clean. Bring a towel — you might get splashed.

The only museum in the US dedicated solely to Latin American art, tucked into Long Beach's East Village and easy to miss.

Best for: Art lovers, culture seekers, couples

Pro tip: The outdoor sculpture garden is and free to visit even without museum admission. The East Village Arts District surrounding the museum has murals, galleries, and coffee shops worth exploring. Free admission on the first Sunday of each month makes this an easy add-on.

An oceanfront art museum in a 1912 estate, where the views and the setting outshine the galleries.

Best for: Art enthusiasts, couples, architecture fans

Pro tip: The museum itself is a converted Craftsman estate on a bluff overlooking the ocean. The on-site Claire's restaurant has one of the best ocean-view patios in Long Beach. Even if you skip the galleries, the grounds alone are worth the visit.

Open-air waterfront shopping center with chain stores and restaurants. Good for killing an hour near the port.

Best for: Shoppers, anyone who needs last-minute cruise supplies

Pro tip: Not the most exciting shopping, but it's close to the port and has everything from Nike to H&M. There's a Restoration Hardware and a few decent restaurants. The Ferris wheel nearby is a fun quick stop. Good backup plan if the weather turns.

Venice Beach meets actual Venice — a tiny neighborhood of canals, gondolas, and million-dollar homes

Best for: Couples, romantic pre-cruise experience

Pro tip: Walk the canal paths and footbridges to see the Italianate homes and waterways. Gondola Getaway offers authentic Venetian gondola rides through the canals — wildly romantic and a perfect pre-cruise splurge. Book in advance, especially weekends.