Gateway to SoCal Adventures: The Ultimate Los Angeles Cruise Port Guide

Arriving at the San Pedro Cruise Terminal

The Port of Los Angeles Cruise Terminal is located in the San Pedro district of Los Angeles, about 19 miles south of downtown LA. The terminal is the primary departure point for most west coast cruises. t offers services for major cruise lines including Princess Cruises, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, Virgin VoyagesI and many more. Address: 100 Swinford St, San Pedro, CA 90731

Getting there:

• By car: The cruise terminal is easily accessible by car, and parking is available at the terminal itself. There are both short- and long-term parking options, including an open-air lot for daily or extended parking. Expect parking fees to range from $20 to $25 per day.

• By public transport: The San Pedro area is served by the LA Metro. These bus routes connect the cruise terminal to downtown Los Angeles and surrounding neighborhoods. However, public transport may be less convenient if you have large luggage or are in a hurry.

• By shuttle: Many hotels in the area offer shuttle services to the cruise terminal, so it’s worth checking with your hotel to see if this is an option.

What to expect at the San Pedro Cruise Terminal

The San Pedro Cruise Terminal is a well-equipped facility designed to accommodate the needs of cruise passengers. It's a modern terminal offering convenient services to make your embarkation process smooth and stress-free.

Terminal amenities: Inside, you’ll find spacious waiting areas, check-in counters for cruise lines, restrooms and places to grab a quick bite or a coffee. The terminal staff is friendly and efficient. It typically takes about 1–2 hours to get through check-in and boarding, depending on your cruise line and the time of day.

Wi-fi and charging stations: Free Wi-Fi is available in the terminal for passengers to use before boarding, along with charging stations for your devices.

Luggage handling: Cruise porters are available to assist with luggage, so you don’t have to worry about hauling your bags to the ship yourself.

Things to Do in San Pedro and Surrounding Areas

While the Port of Los Angeles is primarily known for its shipping and cruise operations, San Pedro itself is a historic waterfront neighborhood. There are a variety of attractions worth checking out before or after your cruise.

• USS Iowa Battleship Museum: Located just a short drive or walk from the cruise terminal, the USS Iowa is a retired battleship-turned museum. It’s a fascinating stop for history buffs. The tours include ship decks, weapons systems and engine rooms, as well as exhibits that highlight its role in US naval history.

• Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: Perfect for families or anyone interested in marine life, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium focuses on the local marine ecosystem of Southern California. Located in Cabrillo Beach, it offers interactive exhibits, tide pool exploration and educational programs.

• San Pedro waterfront and Ports O' Call Village: The San Pedro waterfront offers beautiful views of the harbor and the ocean, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the sea breeze. You can stroll through the Ports O’ Call Village, a charming waterfront shopping and dining area that has a range of restaurants, shops and attractions. Although the village has undergone some renovations, it remains a lovely spot to enjoy local seafood or browse for souvenirs.

• Point Fermin Park and Lighthouse: Point Fermin Park is a scenic spot offering spectacular views of the ocean and coastline. The historic Point Fermin Lighthouse, located within the park, dates back to 1874 and is open for tours. It's an excellent spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk along the cliffs.

• Korean Friendship Bell: A beautiful and peaceful landmark located in Angel’s Gate Park, the Korean Friendship Bell was a gift from South Korea in 1976. The bell sits on a hill with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and is a popular spot for photography and reflection.

Exploring the Greater Los Angeles Area

If you have a longer layover or some time to explore Los Angeles before or after your cruise, there are several popular attractions within driving distance of the San Pedro Cruise Terminal.

• Long Beach: Just a short drive north, Long Beach is home to attractions like the Queen Mary, an iconic retired ocean liner now serving as a hotel and museum. You can also check out the Aquarium of the Pacific, or simply enjoy the vibrant waterfront area with dining, shopping and entertainment options. (20–30 minutes away)

• Downtown Los Angeles: The heart of Los Angeles is packed with world-famous landmarks, including the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Broad Museum, and, of course, Hollywood. If you're a first-time visitor to LA, consider taking a day trip to explore the city's most famous spots. (30–40 minutes away)

• Venice Beach and Santa Monica: If you’re looking to hit the beach, head up the coast to Venice Beach or Santa Monica. Venice is famous for its quirky boardwalk, street performers and skate park, while Santa Monica boasts a beautiful pier and upscale shopping and dining. (45 minutes to 1 hour away)

Day Trips

• Ports O' Call Village: The waterfront shopping area offers a range of stores selling gifts, souvenirs and local crafts. It’s a great spot to pick up last-minute cruise essentials or gifts.

• The Warehouse Marketplace: A large shopping complex located near the harbor, featuring a variety of retail stores, from fashion to electronics.

Dining and shopping near the cruise port

Before embarking on your cruise, you might want to grab a bite to eat or do some last-minute shopping.

• The Crusty Crab: A casual seafood restaurant known for its fresh fish and excellent clam chowder. It’s just a short walk from the cruise terminal.

• San Pedro Fish Market: A long-standing favorite for locals, this seafood market and restaurant offers fantastic fish dishes with a scenic view of the harbor.

• Raffaello's: A cozy Italian spot serving fresh pasta, seafood and wood-fired pizzas.