Where to stay for near the port of Los Angeles? Things to do?
January 9, 2025 6:14 PM Subscribe
This summer I will be flying to Los Angeles and joining extended family to go on a cruise. My immediate family and I will fly in a day earlier, so I wonder about a) accommodation and b) things to do in L.A. around the Port of Los Angeles.
We are flying from Japan, so the buffer day is mainly to get over jetlag before our cruise to Mexico. I've been to L.A. just once before and stayed about a week, but I'm kind of in the dark about where to stay and what to do. For people who take cruises but get a hotel a day beforehand, where is a good place? I don't need luxury--Holiday Inn or the like is fine.
Also, what can we do? We will have at most an entire day, but probably more like a morning and part of an afternoon, something like that. I can rent a car and drive to a destination, but I'm worried about traffic, especially the kind that prevents me from getting on that cruise. Are there kid-friendly places I can take my wife and boys, 15 and 10 years old? They have never been to L.A. and I'd like to take them to at least one iconic place (I've read how the Hollywood Walk of Fame is overrun with sketchy people that make it not worth it, so I've already scratched that off the list).
We are flying from Japan, so the buffer day is mainly to get over jetlag before our cruise to Mexico. I've been to L.A. just once before and stayed about a week, but I'm kind of in the dark about where to stay and what to do. For people who take cruises but get a hotel a day beforehand, where is a good place? I don't need luxury--Holiday Inn or the like is fine.
Also, what can we do? We will have at most an entire day, but probably more like a morning and part of an afternoon, something like that. I can rent a car and drive to a destination, but I'm worried about traffic, especially the kind that prevents me from getting on that cruise. Are there kid-friendly places I can take my wife and boys, 15 and 10 years old? They have never been to L.A. and I'd like to take them to at least one iconic place (I've read how the Hollywood Walk of Fame is overrun with sketchy people that make it not worth it, so I've already scratched that off the list).
Port of Los Angeles Map Here's a map of the area around the Port of Los Angeles with a number of cultural related things to do marked with little flags. You may be able to find lodging and activities of interest right there at the port.
posted by effluvia at 7:33 PM on January 9
posted by effluvia at 7:33 PM on January 9
The walk of fame is 2 km long, so you can find a non-creepy spot. The busy spot is usually by the TCL Chinese Theater and can be avoided. That is where the people in costumes hang out. I suggest that you look into hiring a private guide instead of renting a car - and make sure they can fit you 4 with your luggage. If you rent, you'll have to find a rental return spot near the port or worry about transportation between the two. That way you can make your own itinerary with their help and let them worry about getting you to the ship.
posted by soelo at 7:39 PM on January 9
posted by soelo at 7:39 PM on January 9
If you're flying into LAX I might do my "iconic" stop by heading north from the airport to take a walk on Venice Beach before heading south to the port. Hollywood is where a lot of the iconic stuff is, but it's really far from where you want to be. I would absolutely not bother with the Walk of Fame.
Much of the city is on fire right now and this natural disaster is going to require a long and as yet unpredictable recovery, since it's still very much in progress. But Venice Beach and the coast south of there is unaffected so far, so I might consider concentrating my efforts there.
posted by potrzebie at 10:30 PM on January 9 [1 favorite]
Much of the city is on fire right now and this natural disaster is going to require a long and as yet unpredictable recovery, since it's still very much in progress. But Venice Beach and the coast south of there is unaffected so far, so I might consider concentrating my efforts there.
posted by potrzebie at 10:30 PM on January 9 [1 favorite]
Seconding Aquarium of the Pacific. It's great fun, and has petting tanks that let you pet friendly "fish"! I.e., last time I was there, small gentle sharks and stingrays. Kids love it. I loved it!
If you or your kids are into industry/shipping/etc, the Port of LA and Port of Long Beach (adjacent) are together one of the biggest and most impressive shipping ports in the world. There are tour boats you can take that will drive you around near-ish to the big boats and teach you about it.
There is also whale watching from Long Beach by the aquarium. Summer is the time for blue whales.
I agree that Venice Beach is probably the most "iconic" thing you can easily and stress-free-ly manage in that time frame, but it can be filled with marijuana smoke smell, wackos and homeless, so it depends on whether or not you want to deal with that.
Maybe a surfing lesson if you plan it right? That's pretty iconic. They have them at Santa Monica beach for sure, and probably other places.
I would plan to stay right in Long Beach. Lots of hotels to choose from.
posted by bluesky78987 at 7:01 AM on January 10
If you or your kids are into industry/shipping/etc, the Port of LA and Port of Long Beach (adjacent) are together one of the biggest and most impressive shipping ports in the world. There are tour boats you can take that will drive you around near-ish to the big boats and teach you about it.
There is also whale watching from Long Beach by the aquarium. Summer is the time for blue whales.
I agree that Venice Beach is probably the most "iconic" thing you can easily and stress-free-ly manage in that time frame, but it can be filled with marijuana smoke smell, wackos and homeless, so it depends on whether or not you want to deal with that.
Maybe a surfing lesson if you plan it right? That's pretty iconic. They have them at Santa Monica beach for sure, and probably other places.
I would plan to stay right in Long Beach. Lots of hotels to choose from.
posted by bluesky78987 at 7:01 AM on January 10
Stay in Long Beach, visit the old town of San Pedro, visit Point Fermin Lighthouse, which is a city-owned museum and has killer views of the ocean. There's also a small maritime museum in San Pedro, which would avoid dealing with all the LA traffic etc.
posted by suelac at 10:22 AM on January 10
posted by suelac at 10:22 AM on January 10
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More iconic would be maybe Griffith Observatory, a good destination in itself, with nice views, but it's further away, and traffic may be prohibitive.
posted by 2N2222 at 7:12 PM on January 9 [1 favorite]