Homeport Destination Guide: Los Angeles, California
Cruising from the Los Angeles area offers a variety of pre- and post-cruise options to extend a vacation. You can explore the city's rich history, visit theme parks such as Disneyland and Universal Studios, take in a sporting event, or a myriad of other options that offer a jam-packed vacation for travelers of all types.
There are two cruise ports in Los Angeles, one referred to as San Pedro or World Cruise Center, and the second, Long Beach, the terminal exclusively owned and used by Carnival. From these ports, cruise lines offer a variety of Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and California Coast cruises.
In preparation for your vacation, the following information will help you prepare for your cruise and make the most of your time in the Los Angeles area.
1. Fast Facts for Los Angeles
There are two cruise ports in the Log Angeles area, San Pedro World Cruise Center and Long Beach Passenger Terminal. The ports are a short drive from each other, only a few miles apart. Be sure to check your cruise documents for the port of departure information.
San Pedro Cruise Terminal also referred to as World Cruise Center, has two passenger cruise terminals located at 100 Swinford Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
Long Beach Cruise Terminal is owned and operated by Carnival Corporation; the passenger terminal is located at 231 Windsor Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, right next to the historical Queen Mary
AIRPORTS:
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 19 miles to the San Pedro Cruise Terminals and 22 miles to Long Beach Cruise Terminal
John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) - 33 miles to the San Pedro Cruise Terminals and 26 miles to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Long Beach Airport (LGB) - 14.5 miles to the San Pedro Cruise Terminals and 11 miles to Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Time Zone - Pacific Time Zone
Climate - year-round, mostly warm to hot and usually dry, but evenings can be nice and cool all year round.
Fun Facts - Palm trees, sunshine, and Hollywood are part of the fabric of the Los Angeles area. In 1892, oil was discovered near what is now LA’s Dodger Stadium. If Los Angeles were its own country, its economy would be bigger than that of Switzerland, Sweden, and Saudi Arabia!
2. How to Get Around the City
LA is one of the most driving-focused cities in all the country. If you travel by car in the area, be sure to factor in time for traffic delays. If you are coming to Los Angeles for your cruise without your own car (and do not plan on renting a car), there are several ways to get around:
- Cabs/Rideshare Options - Options like Uber and Lyft are inexpensive options for getting around the area. Several local cab companies service the area as well.
- Metro Rail - Six light rail lines in the LA Metro area service the following areas: Downtown LA, Hollywood, Koreatown, Culver City, East LA, El Monte, and Pasadena. Learn more about Metro Rail service here.
- Metro Bus - Services a wide reach of the Los Angeles area at a low cost. For stops and schedule information, visit here.
3. Staying in Los Angeles Before or After Your Trip?
Hotels
When selecting accommodations, you will want to consider the hotel’s proximity to your cruise port. If you are thinking of adding a day or two pre-or post-cruise to explore the greater Los Angeles area, you can also look for hotels in other areas that are near some of the sites you want to see. There is no shortage of things to see and do in Los Angles, with many hotel options nearby.
Following are recommended hotels near the cruise ports, airports, and popular area attractions in the greater Los Angeles area.
- Hotels in Long Beach Area:
See All Hotels near the Cruise Ports
- Hotels near Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
See All Hotels near Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
- Hotels near Disney Land
See All Hotels near Disneyland
See All Hotels for Los Angeles Area
4. Excursions
The Greater Los Angeles area, is filled with lots to do for foodies, outdoor adventurers, music and film-buffs, sports fanatics, and more. From Disney Land and Universal Studios to Rodeo Drive, Mann’s Chinese Theatre to the Dodgers and Rams sports team, it’s easy to fill a day, two or more pre or post-cruise.
- Amazing Los Angeles Race
- Stars and Bars of Historic Hollywood
- Private Total LA Tour
- Hollywood and Celebrity Home Open Air Bus Tour
- Whale Watching
- More LA Excursion Options from:
5. Member Tips
“So much to do here between hiking, food, concerts, amusement parks. There’s a little something for everyone. If you don’t like LA, there’s a lot to do in surrounding areas.” -katelynolson
“My family liked Cali., so many fun places to go to. They want to return back, that’s how much they love it. I have a few pictures on here. Cali. is always a great place to visit.” -Travelgoals
“Very nice port experience. Flew in the day before and stayed at the Crown Plaza in San Pedro with a very short shuttle ride to the pier. Embarkation was a snap and debarkation was just as east and relatively fast. All in all a very nice experience.” -cruz42
“Seeing all of the cargo containers was surreal. We stayed at the Doubletree in San Pedro. I cannot say enough good things about the staff at this property. They are an amazing team ready to help. We drove North on the coastal road; beautiful sights including Point Vicente lighthouse” -valper
“We enjoyed the port before and after sailing. The Queen Mary is steps away from the cruise terminal. Long Beach is very family friendly and scenic.” -mike255
Explore All Member Reviews of Los Angeles
Explore All Member Reviews of San Pedro
Explore All Member Reviews of Long Beach
6. Airport Information
There are three airports within an easy drive of the cruise terminals.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) - 19 miles to the San Pedro Cruise Terminals and 22 miles to Long Beach Cruise Terminal
John Wayne Orange County Airport (SNA) - 33 miles to the San Pedro Cruise Terminals and 26 miles to the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Long Beach Airport (LGB) - 14.5 miles to the San Pedro Cruise Terminals and 11 miles to Long Beach Cruise Terminal
These are the recommended options to get between the airports in Los Angeles and the cruise terminals:
- Use a pre-arranged transport service from the cruise line - This option must be pre-arranged with your cruise line before you travel. Generally, you will have a driver waiting for you at the airport with a sign in the baggage claim area.
- Independent Shuttle Services - There are several shuttle services between all LA-area airports and both cruise terminals.
- Rideshares - Using Lyft or Uber is an easy way to take a private ride between the airports and cruise terminals. Estimated rideshare costs between airports and ports (note, these prices may vary on timing/driver demand):
- LAX to San Pedro ~ $35
- LAX to Long Beach ~ $35
- LGB to San Pedro ~ $30
- LGA to Long Beach ~ $25
- SNA to San Pedro ~ $60
- SNA to Long Beach ~ $55
- Taxi - Taxis are available right at the airport to take you to the cruise ports. The Long Beach Airport offers a $45 flat fare to the Long Beach cruise terminal. There are no fixed prices between LAX/SNA airports and cruise terminals.
- Private Car Service - Pricing for this option will vary. Many travelers choose to arrange a private car service as there is a guarantee that they will be at the airport/port on time and will have help with luggage transport.
7. Parking Information
Driving right to the port for your cruise? Both the Los Angeles and Long Beach terminals operate on-site as well as independent parking options:
On-Site Parking Information:
- San Pedro World Cruise Center
- Secure lot offers over 2,500 parking spots right by the terminal
- Cost: $20 per day
- Official Port of Long Beach Parking
- Offers an on-site parking garage steps from the cruise ships
- Cost: $23 per day
Off-Site Parking Options:
In general, due to space restrictions, parking options outside the ports are limited at both Los Angeles San Pedro and Long Beach cruise terminals, and there are few off-site parking lots. Some hotels in the areas of both ports offer parking deals for cruise passengers staying at their properties. Contact your hotel when booking to consult about this option.
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Read More:
10 Best Things to do in Los Angeles
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