Port Guides
Los Angeles, California
The Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro is one of the most strategically positioned cruise homeports in North America, serving as the primary gateway for Pacific itineraries — Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Canada, Alaska, and the Panama Canal are among the many options you can reach from this convenient port.
Los Angeles itself needs little introduction. From Beverly Hills and Santa Monica to the Getty Museum and Griffith Observatory, the city offers one of the richest pre-cruise experiences in the country. Disneyland is another family favorite and a great way to combine Mickey’s home with your cruise vacation.
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
Los Angeles World Cruise Center is located at 100 Swinford Street, San Pedro, CA, 90731
NEAREST AIRPORTS
LAX – Los Angeles International Airport – 20 miles, 40-60 minutes
LGB – Long Beach Airport – 15 miles, 30-50 minutes
SNA – John Wayne Orange County Airport – 35 miles, 1-2 hours
AVERAGE TEMPS
Temperate year round, lows in 50s and highs in 80s
PARKING INFO
Open air parking at the cruise terminal with automated entry and exit. Parking can be limited during peak travel periods.
Getting to Los Angeles
Getting to the Los Angeles cruise port usually involves either flying to one of the area’s gateway airports, or driving if you live closer. LAX is the most prominent gateway to the city, but Long Beach (LGB) can be another very convenient option to consider. It’s a smaller airport that is closer to the cruise terminal.
 
Renting a Car
Renting a car is one of the most flexible options, especially if you're planning to spend a day or two exploring the area before your trip. Paid parking is available at the port.
LA traffic is not a suggestion, it’s a way of life – give yourself time to get around the city!
 
Shuttle Services & Car Services
Depending where you are staying before heading to embarkation, there are shuttles and car share (Uber, Lyft) and taxis available. Hotels close to the cruise port often offer shuttle services for a small fee, but if you are traveling from the larger LA area you will want to plan for your trip.
​​
Staying Overnight
We always recommend arriving at least the day before your cruise. Doing so ensures you don't risk missing embarkation for your long-awaited vacation, and also gives you time to explore the world in a bit more depth. You have many options for accommodations in Los Angeles.
​
Guest Recommendations
A selection of our guest's favorite hotels:
-
San Pedro/Port of Los Angeles:
-
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel San Pedro
-
Crowne Plaza Los Angeles Harbor Hotel
-
-
Long Beach:
-
Fairmont Breakers Long Beach
-
Hyatt Centric The Pike Long Beach
-
-
Beverly Hills:
-
The Beverly Hills Hotel
-
The Peninsula Beverly Hills
-
Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel
-
-
Los Angeles Airport (LAX):
-
The Westin Los Angeles Airport
-
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
-
Things to do near Los Angeles
Spending an extra day or two in Los Angeles means options – lots of them, and we suggest you choose wisely! Below are a few of our guest’s favorite areas.
​
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Santa Monica's iconic pier, the Third Street Promenade, and the boardwalk leading south to Venice Beach represent some of the most quintessentially Southern California experiences you can have. Rent a bike and cruise the oceanfront path, watch the street performers at Venice, grab a breakfast burrito, and let the Pacific breeze remind you why people move to California.
​
Getty Center
Perched in the Santa Monica Mountains with stunning views of Los Angeles, the Getty Center is one of the finest free museums in the country. The architecture alone is worth the visit, and the collection spans European paintings, sculpture, manuscripts, and photography. Allow at least 3 hours and reserve a tram ticket in advance.
​
San Pedro & the Waterfront
San Pedro, where the port is located, has its own distinct character worth exploring. The recently developed West Harbor development has brought new restaurants and entertainment to the waterfront. The nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and Point Fermin Park offer beautiful coastal scenery just minutes from the terminal.
Danny's Insider Tips
A Note on Packing for a Pacific Departure
"Cruising from Los Angeles means you will experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean — and it’s a different experience than cruising from Florida! Whether you are heading to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, or Alaska, pack thin layers. Your relaxing days at sea can be breezy on the open decks."
​
Foodie Experience: The LA Dining Scene
"Los Angeles is one of the great food cities on Earth — the diversity, the quality, and the sheer range of what’s available is extraordinary. From world-class Italian in Hollywood to outstanding sushi, tacos, and everything in between, this city rewards the curious eater at every price point. If you’re staying in LA before your cruise, make a dinner reservation. You will not regret it.
History & Culture: Hollywood + Movie Star Homes Tour
A classic Hollywood experience is one of the most fun ways to spend an afternoon in LA. The guided tours of movie star homes through the hills of Beverly Hills and Bel Air are a genuinely entertaining window into a world most people only see on screen. Pair it with a walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a stop at the TCL Chinese Theatre, and a drive down Sunset Boulevard. For a city built on storytelling, the history layered into these streets is remarkable — and your guide will make sure you don’t miss any of it."
​
Browse all Los Angeles tours & experiences through our partner Project Expedition: Explore Los Angeles Tours & Experiences
​
Danny’s Pick: Osteria Mozza
"I’ve eaten at a lot of restaurants around the world and Osteria Mozza remains one of my absolute favorites. Nancy Silverton is a legend, and this place is a masterclass in Italian cooking done at the highest level. The mozzarella bar alone is worth making a reservation for. If you have one special dinner in LA before your cruise, this is where I’d send you. Hollywood, North Highland Avenue — make the reservation early."
Danny’s Pick: Long Beach Shoreline Village & Aquarium of the Pacific
"If you’re staying near the port and want to make the most of your time, Long Beach is genuinely worth exploring. Shoreline Village is a charming waterfront district with great restaurants, shops, and views of the Queen Mary and the harbor. And the Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the finest aquariums in the country — a full morning or afternoon destination, especially if you’re traveling with family. It sits right on the water with exhibits focused on the Pacific Ocean ecosystem, which feels like the perfect preview of the voyage ahead."
Danny’s Pick: Santa Monica Pier
"Santa Monica Pier is one of those iconic California experiences that never gets old. The Pacific Park amusement rides, the solar-powered Ferris wheel, the seafood shacks, and the view back toward the Santa Monica Mountains make this a genuinely joyful place to spend a few hours. Walk south along the bike path toward Venice Beach, grab breakfast at one of the Ocean Avenue cafes, and soak in that Southern California energy before you board. It’s the quintessential pre-cruise LA morning."
Danny’s Pick: The Getty Center
"The Getty Center is one of the great museum experiences in America — and it’s free. Perched in the Santa Monica Mountains with sweeping views over LA and out to the Pacific, the architecture and gardens alone are worth the trip. Inside, the collection is extraordinary: European paintings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, and photography spanning centuries. As a history lover, I find something new every time I visit. Allow at least half a day, book your timed arrival in advance, and don’t skip the garden."
ACCESSIBILITY
Accessible handicap parking is available on a first-come basis. Note that the parking entry is automated, but there may be attendants to direct you to the accessible parking. Off-site parking through third parties is another option. If you wish mobility or wheelchair assistance in the terminal, please notify your Harr Travel advisor or the cruise line.
JUMP TO
What to expect when embarking at
Los Angeles
Arrive with your travel documents ready: passport, cruise booking confirmation or barcode, and any health or other documentation your cruise line requires. Porters are available to take your checked luggage right at the curb, so you won't need to haul bags all the way to check-in. Give your porters a couple of dollars per bag as a tip — it's appreciated and a customary gesture.
 
You will go through port security after dropping off your bags, then check in with the cruise line in the terminal building. From there, you board and start your adventure!
Disembarking at Los Angeles
Disembarkation in Los Angeles follows the same general rhythm as most major cruise ports. You'll be assigned a disembarkation number or color, and you'll be called off the ship in waves. Self-assist disembarkation — where you carry all your own bags off — typically gets you off the ship earliest and is a great option if you have an early flight out of one of the region’s airports.
If you have arranged for transportation, confirm with the transportation provider your pickup location and time. On-demand shuttles, taxis and Uber are also available in port.
Cruise lines sailing from Los Angeles
​
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Norwegian operates seasonally from Los Angeles, primarily on the Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss. These offer 4-7 night Baja Mexico and Mexican Riviera voyages.
Ready to book your next voyage from
Los Angeles?
You have many options for the perfect cruise vacation from beautiful Los Angeles. We can't wait to explore them with you!