Los Angeles Cruise Port Guide: San Pedro vs Long Beach
There are two Los Angeles cruise ports, and they’re completely separate: San Pedro and Long Beach. If you’re cruising from LA, the first thing you need to confirm is which one your ship actually uses. They’re not close to each other, they serve different cruise lines, and showing up at the wrong port is easy to do.
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We’ve called Los Angeles home for 18+ years and have sailed from both homeports over that time. They sit in two different cities within LA County, and neither one is close to the Hollywood-and-studio side of the city or the well-known beaches on the west side. San Pedro is the main hub for several cruise lines, while Long Beach is home to Carnival, which operates its own terminal and waterfront area. Most cruises from Los Angeles head to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal ports, or Catalina Island.
This guide breaks down what you need to know about both ports, including where they’re located, how to get there, parking, nearby hotels, and things you can do before or after your cruise.
What You Need to Know About the Los Angeles Cruise Ports
- Los Angeles has two cruise ports: San Pedro and Long Beach, and they’re about 25–30 minutes apart.
- Each port serves different cruise lines, so always double-check your embarkation documents.
- San Pedro is the main port, used by Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC, and Cunard.
- Long Beach is used only by Carnival and sits directly across from the historic Queen Mary.
- The ports are located in two different cities within Los Angeles County, so the areas around them feel very different.
- Neither port is close to Hollywood, major studios, or the well-known west-side beaches like Santa Monica or Venice.
- LAX and Long Beach Airport are the most convenient airports, with drive times that vary widely depending on traffic.
- Parking, hotel options, and waterfront activities differ depending on the port you’re sailing from.
Where Cruise Ships Sail From in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has two cruise ports: San Pedro and Long Beach. They’re in different cities and work with different cruise lines, so make sure you know which one your ship uses before you head out on embarkation day.
WORLD CRUISE CENTER IN SAN PEDRO
- The San Pedro cruise terminal is the main Los Angeles cruise port.
- This port serves Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC, and Cunard.
- It sits along the LA Harbor waterfront with access to major freeways.
- Nearby spots include the USS Iowa and the waterfront promenade,
- Most ships use Berths 91, 92, and 93 at the World Cruise Center.
- Occasionally, a ship uses Berth 46 instead. The port sets up a temporary check-in area with shuttles from the regular drop-off spot.
LONG BEACH CRUISE TERMINAL
- The Long Beach Cruise Terminal is used exclusively by Carnival.
- It sits within the Queen Mary Seaport area, right next to the Queen Mary, which you’ll spot across the channel as you arrive.
- The terminal area is walkable and close to Shoreline Village and the Aquarium of the Pacific.
How Far Are the Airports From the Los Angeles Cruise Ports
The distance to each port depends on which Los Angeles airport you’re flying into, as well as the time of day. LA traffic can swing your travel time by quite a bit, so these are general estimates.
From LAX (Los Angeles International Airport)
- To San Pedro (World Cruise Center): 20 miles, usually a 30–45 minute drive
- To Long Beach Cruise Terminal: 22 miles, usually a 30–45 minute drive
From Long Beach Airport (LGB)
- To Long Beach Cruise Terminal: 10 miles, typically a 15–20 minute drive
- To San Pedro (World Cruise Center): 14 miles, typically a 20–25 minute drive
From Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
- To San Pedro (World Cruise Center): 35 miles, a 45–70 minute drive depending on traffic
- To Long Beach Cruise Terminal: 30 miles, a 40–60 minute drive
Getting to the Los Angeles Cruise Ports
The two Los Angeles cruise ports, San Pedro and Long Beach, are spread across different parts of LA County. Your transportation options will depend on which port you’re sailing from and which airport you’re flying into.
📝 LA Traffic Tip
Travel times can vary wildly in Los Angeles. A 20-mile drive might take 25 minutes… or an hour. Always allow extra time when heading to the port, especially on weekdays.
Parking at the Los Angeles Cruise Ports
Parking is available at both Los Angeles cruise ports, but each location has its own setup. San Pedro has large lots directly across from the terminal, while Long Beach uses a parking structure next to the dome.
Long-Term Cruise Terminal Parking
San Pedro – World Cruise Center Parking
- Capacity: Large on-site lots right at the cruise terminal.
- Rates: $22 per day; pay on-site.
- Accessibility: Park and walk straight to your berth; the lots sit directly across from the terminal.
- Reservations: Not required; parking is first-come, first-served.
Long Beach Cruise Terminal Parking
- Capacity: Multi-level covered parking structure next to the dome.
- Rates: $23 per day; oversized vehicles are $50 per day; pay upon exit.
- Accessibility: The structure is right next to the terminal, making it an easy walk.
- Oversized Vehicles: Height restrictions apply; oversized vehicles must use a separate lot.
- Busy Days: The garage can fill on peak sailings, and overflow parking may be used.
- Reservations: Not required; parking is first-come, first-served.
Tip: Drop your luggage at the cruise terminal with a porter before parking. Both San Pedro and Long Beach have nearby lots, but this saves you from hauling bags through the structure or across the lot.
Hotels Near the Los Angeles Cruise Ports
Where you stay before your cruise depends on which Los Angeles cruise port you’re sailing from. San Pedro and Long Beach are in different cities within LA County, and each area has its own hotel options. San Pedro hotels are closest to the World Cruise Center, while Long Beach offers a more walkable waterfront with plenty of restaurants and activities.
If you’re only in town for a night or two before your cruise, staying near your departure port is the easiest option. Los Angeles is huge, though, and if you’re arriving early to explore the city, you may want to stay in an area that’s closer to the attractions on your list instead of near the port.
Tip: Staying near the port is great for convenience, but not for sightseeing. Everything in LA is spread out, so choose your hotel based on what you want to do before and-or after your cruise.
Hotels Near the San Pedro Cruise Port (World Cruise Center)
Hotels Near the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Read more: Prep for a Cruise like a Pro
Disembarkation at the Los Angeles Cruise Ports
Disembarkation in Los Angeles is straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Both San Pedro and Long Beach can get busy in the morning, and getting a rideshare may take longer during peak times. Rideshare and taxi pickup is just outside the terminal exit, so once you have your luggage, you’ll head directly to the marked pickup area.
Most cruisers head straight to LAX or Long Beach Airport, so give yourself plenty of time for traffic. LA mornings can be unpredictable, and even a short drive can stretch longer than expected on a weekday. Cruise line transfers are available to both airports and can help you avoid the guesswork of timing your ride.
At the Long Beach Cruise Terminal, porters handle luggage drop-off and pickup right outside the dome, which makes disembarkation smooth if you’re heading to the airport or catching a rideshare. If you’re staying in the area after your cruise, some terminals offer short-term luggage storage, which helps if you’re waiting for a later hotel check-in.
Read more: How to Handle Disembarkation Day Like a Pro
Things to Do Near the San Pedro Cruise Port (World Cruise Center)
USS Iowa Battleship Museum
The USS Iowa is a retired World War II battleship parked along the San Pedro waterfront, just a short walk from the cruise berths. You can wander through the decks, peek into the living quarters, and get a feel for what life was like on board. It works well if you’re staying in the area before your cruise and want something close to the terminal.
Tour Idea: Battleship Iowa Museum Entry and Guided Tour [book now]
San Pedro Coastal Highlights: Point Fermin, Cabrillo Beach & the Korean Friendship Bell
This stretch of coastline pulls in some of the best views in San Pedro. Cabrillo Beach has both a calm harbor area and a windier ocean-facing side, and the coastal path between here and Point Fermin is a favorite with locals for walking or biking. There are usually places near the beach that rent bikes if you want one.
Point Fermin sits just up the road with its bluffside lookout and small lighthouse, and the Korean Friendship Bell is a few minutes beyond that with wide-open views over the water. All three spots are close together, so you can plan to explore one or make a loop through the whole area while you’re staying nearby.
Crafted at the Port of LA
Crafted is a weekend-only marketplace inside a huge warehouse filled with local makers, artists, and food vendors. It’s fun if you’re in town on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday and want something relaxed and nearby. Not everyone will have the time for it, but if you do, it’s a great way to spend an hour or two without leaving the port area.
Harbor Cruises & Whale Watching
Several small operators run harbor tours and seasonal whale-watching trips directly from San Pedro. Harbor cruises run year-round and are a simple way to get out on the water without driving to another beach town. Whale watching is more seasonal — gray whales pass through in the winter, and blue whales show up in the summer — so availability depends on when you’re visiting. The harbor tours are quick and scenic, while the whale-watching trips take more time and are better if you want a fuller outing.
Tour Ideas:
San Pedro: West Harbor LA Dolphin & Whale Watching Cruise [book now]
City Tour of LA from San Pedro [book now]
Things to Do Near the Long Beach Cruise Terminal
If you’re staying in Long Beach for a night or two before your cruise, the area has plenty to keep you busy. Some spots are walkable, others are a quick Uber away, but everything here works well for a relaxed day of exploring before embarkation.
The Queen Mary
Even if you’re not staying on board, it’s worth the trip to visit this historic cruise ship. To go inside, you’ll need tickets, and the ship offers several tours that dive into its history, design, and all the well-known ghost stories. The exact tours vary throughout the year, but they’re a fun way to explore the ship beyond the public decks.
Aquarium of the Pacific
This is one of the top aquariums on the West Coast and a great option if you want something indoors while staying in Long Beach. The exhibits are well done, with sea otters, penguins, touch tanks, and large outdoor habitats that are fun to wander through. It’s close to the harbor and most downtown hotels, making for a great way to spend a full pre-cruise day in the area.
Shoreline Village
A waterfront stretch with colorful shops, casual restaurants, and marina views. It’s nice for wandering around before dinner or grabbing an ice cream and walking along the marina. Locals love the bike and pedestrian path here too, so you’ll see a mix of visitors and residents.
Tour Ideas: Long Beach Self-Guided Bike Tour [book now]
Harbor Cruises
Boats leave from Rainbow Harbor for short sightseeing trips year-round. It’s a fun pre-cruise activity if you want to get out on the water without committing a whole afternoon. Whale watching depends on the season — gray whales in the winter and blue whales in summer, but the regular harbor tours are always running.
Tour Idea: Long Beach Harbor 45-Minute Boat Tour [book now]
Naples Canals & Gondola Rides
The canals in Naples are quieter than the busy downtown waterfront. You can walk the neighborhood on your own or book a gondola ride if you’re looking for a unique thing to do in Long Beach. It’s a beautiful area worth exploring that gives you a break from the more touristy spots.
If you need ideas, I have a full breakdown of things to do in Los Angeles and a one-day Los Angeles itinerary that’s helpful if you only have a short window before your cruise.
🚢 Book a cruise Sailing from Los Angeles
Find cruises from Los Angeles heading to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal ports, and other West Coast itineraries.
Common Questions Answered About the Los Angeles Cruise Ports
Most cruises leave from either San Pedro or Long Beach in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has two cruise ports, and your ship will depart from one of them. San Pedro is the main cruise port for most lines, while Long Beach is used exclusively by Carnival. Your cruise documents will tell you which one you’re sailing from, but it’s worth double-checking because the ports are in different cities.
Cruises from Los Angeles usually sail to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Pacific Coastal ports, and Catalina Island
Most Los Angeles sailings include routes to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, and Pacific Coastal ports. Many shorter itineraries also stop at Catalina Island, which is a quick hop from the Southern California coast. You’ll find Baja Mexico trips and the occasional Panama Canal or seasonal repositioning cruise mixed in as well. These are the main routes travelers can expect from LA throughout the year.
Cruise lines use different ports depending on their terminal agreements
San Pedro hosts Norwegian, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Cunard, and MSC. Carnival uses only the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. If your itinerary says “Los Angeles,” it doesn’t specify which port, so always confirm before planning your transportation or hotel.
Walking to the cruise terminal is only realistic from the Queen Mary Hotel
Long Beach is the only port where you can walk to the terminal, and that’s mainly if you’re staying on the Queen Mary. Hotels in San Pedro are a short drive away, and even the ones close by aren’t in comfortable walking distance with luggage.
Only a couple of San Pedro hotels offer shuttles to the cruise terminal
In San Pedro, the Crowne Plaza and sometimes the DoubleTree offer shuttle service to the World Cruise Center. Long Beach hotels don’t provide cruise shuttles, so if you’re sailing from the Carnival terminal, plan on a short taxi or rideshare. Most hotels in both areas offer only airport shuttles, and cruise lines also provide transfers from LAX to either port.
Parking is available at both ports, but Long Beach’s garage can fill up
San Pedro has large lots right at the terminal so that you can park and walk right to your ship’s berth. Long Beach uses a multi-level garage that’s convenient but can fill on busy sailing days, leading to overflow parking. Rates and setup differ, so check the details for your specific port before arrival.
Both cruise ports feel safe, but Long Beach is more walkable than San Pedro
Cruisers usually feel comfortable around the terminals themselves, where there’s steady traffic and port security. Long Beach has a more visitor-friendly waterfront, with hotels, restaurants, and the aquarium all within walking distance.
San Pedro is different. The areas closest to the port and waterfront feel fine during the day, but it’s not a place most visitors choose to walk around beyond that, especially with luggage or after dark. It’s a working port city with some blocks that feel more industrial or local than tourist-ready. Use the same basic caution you would in any big city, and rely on rideshares or hotel shuttles if you need to go beyond the immediate port area.
Before you set sail, here are some related articles you don’t want to miss:
Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she’s become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She’s always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.
